Modular gripping assistive device

• US 7,278,668 B1
• Filed: 08/03/2006
• Issued: 10/09/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Francesca E. Simmons
• Original Assignee: Francesca E. Simmons
• Inventors: Simmons, Francesca E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kramer; Dean J
• Application Number:
  US11/498,551
• Time in Patent Office: 432 Days
• Field of Search: 294/25, 294/58, 164/22, 164/26, 164/27, 164/30, 151/45, 224/218, 403/205, 401 6- 8
• US Class Current: 294/25
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 17/02 Devices for holding brushes in use
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 21/08 Serving devices for one-handed persons
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/102 the shape being specially adapted to facilitate handling or improve grip

Abstract

A gripping assistive device which can be used by an individual to utilize various utensils. The device generally includes a handle with a bore passing through the interior. An appendage attaches to the handle and extends outwardly from the handle transversely from the bore. A fastening device such as a screw clamp is employed on the appendage so that the various utensils can be attached to the appendage. A second screw clamp may optionally be employed on one end of the handle so that utensils can be attached directly to the handle. An optional strap for fastening the device to the individual'"'"'s hand and an optional extension can be provided for individuals with limited arm range mobility.

Claims

1. A gripping assistive device for a user having a hand comprising:

a. a handle having a first end, a second end, a medial section therebetween, an interior, an exterior, and a bore opening into said interior of said handle and passing from said first end to said second end;

b. an appendage having a first end and a second end, said first end of said appendage connected to said medial section of said handle and said second end of said appendage extending transversely from said handle with respect to said bore, said second end of said appendage opening into a hollow interior, said hollow interior extending throughout said appendage;

c. a first fastening device for fastening a utensil to said gripping assistive device, said first fastening device positioned on said appendage and adapted to fasten said utensil to said appendage; and

d. a strap, said strap passing through said bore of said handle and adapted to wrap around said hand of said user thereby attaching said gripping assistive device to said hand.

2. The gripping assistive device of claim 1, further comprising a second fastening device for fastening said utensil to said gripping assistive device, said second fastening device positioned on said handle proximal to said second end and adapted to fasten said utensil to said handle.

3. The gripping assistive device of claim 2, said second fastening device comprising a screw clamp.

4. The gripping assistive device of claim 2, further comprising an extension, said extension having a first end and a second end, said first end of said extension adapted to removably attach to said first end of said handle.

5. The gripping assistive device of claim 1, said first fastening device comprising a screw clamp.

6. The gripping assistive device of claim 5, further comprising an extension, said extension having a first end and a second end, said first end of said extension adapted to removably attach to said first end of said handle.

7. The gripping assistive device of claim 1, further comprising an extension, said extension having a first end and a second end, said first end of said extension adapted to removably attach to said first end of said handle.

8. A gripping assistive device for a user having a hand comprising:

a. a handle having a first end, a second end, a medial section therebetween, an interior, an exterior, and a bore opening into said interior of said handle and passing from said first end to said second end;

b. an appendage having a first end and a second end, said first end of said appendage connected to said medial section of said handle and said second end of said appendage extending transversely from said handle with respect to said bore, said second end of said appendage opening into a hollow interior, said hollow interior extending throughout said appendage;

c. a first fastening device for fastening a utensil to said gripping assistive device, said first fastening device positioned on said handle proximal to said second end and adapted to fasten said utensil to said handle; and

d. a strap, said strap passing through said bore of said handle and adapted to wrap around said hand of said user thereby attaching said gripping assistive device to said hand.

9. The gripping assistive device of claim 8, said first fastening device comprising a screw clamp.

10. The gripping assistive device of claim 8, further comprising an extension, said extension having a first end and a second end, said first end of said extension adapted to removably attach to said first end of said handle.