DEXTERITY DEVICE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS

Abstract

A handheld dexterity device comprising an internal member wherein the internal member has at least one protruding member having a finger toggle. A first portion and a second portion having at least one interconnecting channel wherein the first portion and the second portion are removably connected to each other encapsulating the internal member and forming an inner surface for the internal member to rotate smoothly around in wherein the finger toggle protrudes through the channel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/084,371 filed Sep. 28, 2020. The U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/084,371 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sensory stimulation device more particularly a device for improving tactile sensation and dexterity for a human also known as a fidget device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current products vary in function with different shapes and tactile features. These products may incorporate a spinning mechanism or some other tactile feature. Stress balls, spinning devices and other tactile movement devices allow a person to keep their hands busy by manipulating the device which could be therapeutic leading the person to feeling less stressed. Some people even used these devices as tools to help them concentrate and focus during a lesson at school or on a homework assignment. Individuals with ADD and ADHD often seek sensory stimulation in a distractive manner such as clicking pens, excessive talking or fidgeting with something. This type of behavior can be disruptive, and it is non-conducive to an effective learning or professional environment. Fidget toys have been developed to help these types of individuals to fidget with something without distracting others. For example, the fidget spinner allows the user to hold the device in one hand by an inner ring while spinning the outer arms around the inner ring.

Other fidget devices include fidget cubes which encompass fidget tools including buttons, ball bearings, clickers, and a joystick on a six-sided cube. This type of device allows the user to operate the fidget tool by, for example, pushing on the buttons, rotating the joystick, and rotating the cube within the user's hand. Devices with tactile features may contain different types of surfaces but lack the ability to change components.

Therefore, there is need for an alternate or more modular design for a fidget device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments a dexterity device comprises an internal member that is integral with or coupled to at least one protrusion that is itself coupled to a finger toggle. A casing comprising at least two detachably coupled portions may be assembled about the internal member in a manner that allows the internal member to move freely in at least two dimension relative to the casing. A first channel pattern in one of the portions is configured to allow the protrusion to pass through the casing and move within the first channel.

A plurality of the portions may each have their own channel pattern, which may be a maze, a design, or a figure, and the patterns of two adjacent portions may be continuous when the portions are coupled together. Portions may have an outer surface that is textured or smooth. In a particular embodiment, the portions are two hemispheres and the internal member is substantially spherical.

The detachably coupled portions may be coupled together by giving the first portion an inner lip having at least one tab, the second portion an outer lip having at least one slot and aligning the tab with the slot and rotating the tab within the slot to lock the first portion to the second portion. The casing when assembled may be configured to fit comfortably within the hand of the user. In some embodiments, the casing is substantially spherical and sized to fit in the palm of the user.

In embodiments, a method for providing a dexterity device to a user comprises providing an internal member with at least one protrusion coupled to a finger toggle and forming a channel pattern in at least two detachably coupled portions. The toggle is situated in the channel pattern to allow the protrusion to be moved within the channel by the toggle. The portions can be attached to form a casing that encompasses the internal member and allows the internal member to move freely in at least two dimension relative to the casing. The user can then move the protrusion within the channel pattern by the toggle. The channel pattern of one portion may be formed to be continuous with the channel pattern of another portion when the portions are coupled together.

The portions may be attached by having a first portion with an inner lip having at least one tab and a second portion with an outer lip that has at least one slot. The first portion is coupled to the second potion by aligning the tab with the slot and rotating the tab within the slot to lock the first portion to the second portion.

A modular dexterity device may also be provided, the dexterity device comprising an internal member with at least one protrusion coupled to a finger toggle. A casing comprising at least two detachably coupled portions substantially encompasses the internal member and has a channel pattern shaped to allow the protrusion to move relative to the casing within the channel. A fidget tool is provided in the second portion and different second portion s may be interchanged to allow the user to use multiple fidget tools on demand with the same device. The fidget tool may be a second channel pattern or may be selected from the list comprising spinners, buttons, ball bearings, clickers, and a joystick.

The first channel pattern may be continuous with the second channel pattern when the portions are attached. The channel pattern(s) may include a dampener to control the rate of rotation of the internal member within the casing and the first portion may be interchangeable with alternate first portions wherein the resistance of the dampener varies between the alternate first portions.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for” and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . , without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of molding a . . . , step for performing the function of molding a . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

Additional features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the dexterity device with interchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a isometric exploded view of the dexterity device with interchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional font view of the dexterity device with interchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a exploded front view of the dexterity device with interchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the dexterity device with interchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the dexterity device with interchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the dexterity device with interchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of the dexterity device with interchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments.

Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

Referring initially to FIG. 1-8, a dexterity device with interchangeable components is shown generally at 10. The dexterity device 10 can comprise an internal member 30 having at least one protrusion 34 having a finger toggle 32. The internal member 30 can be any shape or size, but in one embodiment the internal member is spherical. The protruding member 34 can extend from the body of the internal member and have a finger toggle 32 integral to it or permanently or removably attached to it. The finger toggle 32 can be such as, for example, circular, square, a loop for a user's finger, an oval, or the like. In certain embodiments, the protruding member 34 can extend into the internal member 30 wherein the internal member can have a tensioning plate (not shown) within it wherein the protruding member 34 can have a spring attached to it and a clicking mechanism that allows the user to push the protruding member in and out of the internal member. The protruding member 34 can be removably attached to the internal member 30 wherein the user can push the protruding member into the internal member allowing for a clicking sound and another mechanism for the user to fidget. The protruding member 34 can be on a bearing in the internal member 30 wherein the protruding member and the finger toggle can rotate as the finger toggle is moved through the channels.

In other embodiments, the protruding member can have threads on its end allowing the user to change out the finger toggle 32 to other shapes, sizes, and configurations of finger toggles. The finger toggle 32, the protruding member 34, and the internal member 30 can be one piece, or separate pieces connected by, for example, a fastener, glue, press fit, or the like. In embodiments, the internal member 30 can be made from, for example, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, or plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, rubber or the like.

The dexterity device 10 can further comprise a casing comprising at least two detachably coupled portions 12, 20 wherein the casing can substantially encompass the internal member and can be shaped to allow the internal member to move freely in at least two dimensions relate to the casing. The at least two detachably couple portions can be a first portion 12 and a second portion 20 having at least one channel pattern 14, 26 wherein the channel patterns can be in one of the portions to allow the protrusion to pass through the casing and move within the first channel. The plurality of the portions can comprise a channel pattern. The first portion 12 and the second portion 20 can be removably connected to each other encapsulating the internal member 30 and forming an inner surface 19 for the internal member to rotate smoothly around in, wherein the protrusion 34 can pass through the channel allowing the user access to the finger toggle 32.

The first portion 12 can comprise an inner lip 16 having at least one tab 18, the second portion 20 can comprises an outer lip 24 having at least one slot 22 and wherein the first portion and the second portion may be coupled by aligning the tab with the slot wherein the slot is shaped to allow the tab to rotate within the slot locking the first portion to the second portion as shown in FIG. 2. The first portion 12 and the second portion 20 can have an outer surface that can be smooth or textured.

In other embodiments, the first portion 12 can be screwed onto the second portion 20, the first portion can be press fitted onto the second portion, the first portion can be locked onto the second portion with ball bearings, or the like. The finger toggle 32 is intended for the user to utilize their fingertips to manipulate the internal member 30 within the first and second portion.

The first portion's channel 14 can align with the second portion's channel 26 wherein when the two portions are connected, they form a complete path. The at least two of the channel patterns 14, 26 can comprise a channel that connects the channel patterns from one portion to another portion when the first and second portions are coupled together.

In certain embodiments the channels 14, 26 can be localized to either the first portion 12 or the second portion 20, or it can encompass both the first portion and the second portion. The channel 14, 26 can be a set pattern such as, for example a maze, a design, a figure, or the like which can be transposed onto the first portion 12 and the second portion 20 as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. In the preferred embodiment the first portion 12 can have one pattern within the first channel 14 and the second portion 20 can have pattern in second channel 26 wherein the user can have multiple first portions with different patterns within the first channel and the user can multiple second portions wherein the user can interchange the first and second portion allowing the user to choose the types of patterns within each portion. The first portion 12 and the second portion 20 can be two hemispheres and wherein the internal member 30 is substantially spherical. The casing of the first portion 12 and the second portion 20 can be substantially sized to fit within the hand of the user. The hand has a palm, and wherein the casing is substantially spherical and sized to fit in the palm of the user.

In embodiments, the finger toggle 32 can manipulate the internal member 30 by moving the protruding member 34 through the channel 14, 26 by the user. The first portion 12 and the second portion 20 can be made from such as, for example, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, or plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, rubber, or the like. In other embodiments the first portion 12 and the second portion 20 can be one complete piece and can be formed around the internal member 30.

A method for providing a dexterity device to a user having a hand, the method comprising providing an internal member 30 comprising at least one protrusion that is coupled to a finger toggle 32. Forming a channel pattern 14, 26 in at least two detachably coupled portions 12, 20. Situating the toggle 32 in the channel 14, 26 and attaching the portions to form a casing that encompasses the internal member and allows the internal member to move freely in at least two dimension relative to the casing. The dexterity device can allow the user to rotate the internal member 30 by the finger toggle 32 within the at least one channel 14, 26.

The at least two detachably coupled portions comprise a first portion 12 and a second portion 20, and wherein the first portion comprises an inner lip 16 having at least one tab 18, the second portion comprises an outer lip 24 having at least one slot 22, the method further comprising coupling the first portion to the second potion by aligning the tab with the slot and rotating the tab within the slot to lock the first portion to the second portion. Forming the channel pattern 14, 26 of one portion 12, 20 to be continuous with the channel pattern of another portion when the portions are coupled together.

The dexterity device 10 can comprise an internal member 30 wherein the internal member comprises at least one protrusion 34 coupled to a finger toggle 32. A casing comprising at least two detachably coupled portions including at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the casing substantially encompasses the internal member and is shaped to allow the internal member to move freely in at least two dimension relative to the casing, a first channel pattern 14 in the first portion to allow the protrusion to pass through the casing and move within the first channel pattern. A fidget tool in the second portion 20, wherein different second portion may be interchanged to allow the user to use multiple fidget tools with the same device.

The fidget tool can be a second channel pattern 26. The first channel pattern 14 is continuous with the second channel 26 pattern when the portions are attached. The fidget tool is selected from the list comprising spinners, buttons, ball bearings, clickers, and a joystick. The first channel pattern 14 includes a dampener to control the rate of rotation of the internal member within the casing. The first portion 12 is interchangeable with alternate first portion wherein the resistance of the dampener varies between the alternate first portions.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A dexterity device for a user having a hand, the dexterity device comprising:

an internal member wherein the internal member comprises at least one protrusion coupled to a finger toggle;

a casing comprising at least two detachably coupled portions, wherein the casing substantially encompasses the internal member and is shaped to allow the internal member to move freely in at least two dimension relative to the casing; and

a first channel pattern in one of the portions configured to allow the protrusion to pass through the casing and move within the first channel.

2. The dexterity device according to claim 1, wherein the at least two detachably coupled portions comprise a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion comprises an inner lip having at least one tab, the second portion comprises an outer lip having at least one slot and wherein the first portion and the second portion may be coupled by aligning the tab with the slot and wherein the slot is shaped to allow the tab to rotate within the slot locking the first portion to the second portion.

3. The dexterity device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the portions comprise a channel pattern.

4. The dexterity device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of portions have different channel patterns and are interchangeable.

5. The dexterity device according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is a maze, design, or figure.

6. The dexterity device according to claim 1, wherein the portions each have an outer surface that is textured or smooth.

7. The dexterity device according to claim 3, wherein at least two of the channel patterns comprise a channel that connects the channel patterns from one portion to another portion when the portions are coupled together.

8. The dexterity device according to claim 1, wherein the portions are two hemispheres and wherein the internal member is substantially spherical.

9. The dexterity device according to claim 1, wherein the casing is shaped to fit comfortably within the hand of the user.

10. The dexterity device according to claim 9, wherein the hand has a palm, and wherein the casing is substantially spherical and sized to fit in the palm of the user.

11. A method for providing a dexterity device to a user having a hand, the method comprising:

providing an internal member comprising at least one protrusion that is coupled to a finger toggle;

forming a channel pattern in at least two detachably coupled portions;

situating the toggle in the channel; and

attaching the portions to form a casing that encompasses the internal member and allows the internal member to move freely in at least two dimension relative to the casing.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising allowing the user to rotate the internal member by the finger toggle within the channel

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least two detachably coupled portions comprise a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion comprises an inner lip having at least one tab, the second portion comprises an outer lip having at least one slot, the method further comprising coupling the first portion to the second potion by aligning the tab with the slot and rotating the tab within the slot to lock the first portion to the second portion.

14. The method of claim 11 further comprising forming the channel pattern of one portion to be continuous with the channel pattern of another portion when the portions are coupled together.

15. A modular dexterity device for a user having a hand, the dexterity device comprising:

an internal member wherein the internal member comprises at least one protrusion coupled to a finger toggle;

a casing comprising at least two detachably coupled portion s including at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the casing substantially encompasses the internal member and is shaped to allow the internal member to move freely in at least two dimension relative to the casing;

a first channel pattern in the first portion to allow the protrusion to pass through the casing and move within the first channel pattern; and

a fidget tool in the second portion, wherein different second portion s may be interchanged to allow the user to use multiple fidget tools with the same device.

16. The modular dexterity device of claim 15 wherein the fidget tool is a second channel pattern.

17. The modular dexterity device of claim 16 wherein the first channel pattern is continuous with the second channel pattern when the portions are attached.

18. The modular dexterity device of claim 1, wherein the fidget tool is selected from the list comprising spinners, buttons, ball bearings, clickers, and a joystick.

19. The modular dexterity device of claim 15 wherein the first channel pattern includes a dampener to control the rate of rotation of the internal member within the casing.

20. The modular dexterity device of claim 19 wherein the first portion is interchangeable with alternate first portion wherein the resistance of the dampener varies between the alternate first portions.