Therapeutic hand toys
First Claim
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1. A therapeutic hand toy comprising:
- a plurality of serially connected rigid segments having a first end pivotally secured to one of two adjacent segments, and a second end pivotally secured to the other one of the two adjacent segments, permitting each segment to be twisted relative to the two adjacent segments causing the hand toy to assume any one of an infinite number of configurations, wherein each segment further comprises a shaft extending between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends extend radially away from the shaft; and
at least one therapeutic element disposed about the shaft of at least some of the segments to provide a therapeutic treatment to a user;
wherein each of the first and second ends has a diameter and defines a plane perpendicular to a centerline of the segment, respectively;
wherein the shaft has a diameter that is smaller than the first and second end diameters; and
wherein the therapeutic element comprises an elastomer material, abuts the first and second end planes, and is held in place by the first end and the second end.
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Abstract
The invention provides systems and methods for a textured therapeutic toy that can be manipulated into an infinite number of shapes and configurations. The invention is best applied to relieve minor stress as well as strengthen hand muscles, rehabilitate finger and joint movement and improve overall range of hand motion. In one exemplary embodiment, a textured coating is applied to the surface of each segment that gives the therapeutic toy a unique feel, thereby creating a pleasant sensation and feel to the hands and fingers.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A therapeutic hand toy comprising:
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a plurality of serially connected rigid segments having a first end pivotally secured to one of two adjacent segments, and a second end pivotally secured to the other one of the two adjacent segments, permitting each segment to be twisted relative to the two adjacent segments causing the hand toy to assume any one of an infinite number of configurations, wherein each segment further comprises a shaft extending between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends extend radially away from the shaft; and at least one therapeutic element disposed about the shaft of at least some of the segments to provide a therapeutic treatment to a user; wherein each of the first and second ends has a diameter and defines a plane perpendicular to a centerline of the segment, respectively; wherein the shaft has a diameter that is smaller than the first and second end diameters; and wherein the therapeutic element comprises an elastomer material, abuts the first and second end planes, and is held in place by the first end and the second end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12)
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8. A therapeutic hand toy comprising:
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a plurality of rigid segments that each comprise a shaft, a first end, and a second end, wherein the first and second ends extend radially outward from the shaft, and wherein the first end is pivotally secured to one of two adjacent segments, and the second end is pivotally secured to the other one of the two adjacent segments, permitting each segment to be twisted relative to the two adjacent segments causing the hand toy to assume any one of an infinite number of configurations; and a flexible elastomer material disposed about the shaft of a segment so as to be generally flush with the first and second ends, wherein the flexible material is held in place by the first and second ends of the segment, wherein each of the first and second ends has a diameter and defines a plane perpendicular to a centerline of the segment, respectively; wherein the shaft has a diameter that is smaller than the first and second end diameters; and wherein the flexible elastomer material abuts the first and second end planes. - View Dependent Claims (9, 11, 13)
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Specification