AU2021103542B4

AU2021103542B4 - Dual-digit sheath for starting, turning and/or driving fasteners

Info

Publication number: AU2021103542B4
Application number: AU2021103542A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shan Chen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-11-06
Filing date: 2021-06-22
Publication date: 2022-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-22
Also published as: AU2021103542A4

Abstract

FINGER DRIVER: A DUAL-DIGIT SHEATH FOR STARTING, TURNING AND/OR DRIVING FASTENERS ABSTRACT Described is a dual-digit sheath unit for substantially covering only two digits of a hand, the sheath including: a first sheath portion for substantially covering an end region of a first digit; a second sheath portion for substantially covering an end region of a second digit; and a connecting link between the first and second sheath portions so that the first and second sheath portions are connected.

Description

FINGER-DRIVER: DUAL-DIGIT SHEATH FOR STARTING, TURNING AND/OR DRIVING FASTENERS

Technical Field 1. The present technology relates generally to dual-digit sheaths for facilitating man ual operations such as for example starting and turning, pushing or driving fasten ers until finger tight.

Background 2. Manual operations such as assembly of furniture can be difficult to perform, for reasons unrelated to the indecipherability of the associated instruction booklets, and difficulty in identifying and locating the correct parts to fit them together. 3. Rather, it is the fastener apertures, in any location, including those that can be lo cated in difficult to access areas - in corners, behind other obstructions, and the like. Even though tools are provided, it can be difficult to insert and tighten the fas teners in those awkward locations. The tools can be difficult to turn through a full rotation, and even if it is possible, then it takes a long time. 4. Without giving a fastener a good start in a hole or a cooperating element, a driving tool such as an Allen key or a screwdriver, or even an impact driver or drill, can be a waste of time. 5. The instructions, when able to be understood, often call for a fastener to be turned with the fingers to a point where the fastener approaches a level of insertion known as "finger tight". For various reasons, this turning, even though most conveniently achieved with the fingers, can be difficult and time consuming. For example, there can be sharp points, edges and/or barbs on the fasteners. There can also be splin ters on the furniture pieces, and in other instances, the area around the fastener is crowded with other components. The finger(s) and thumb of the person doing the assembly are often bumped, pierced, torn and otherwise damaged. 6. Furthermore, after starting or pushing or driving several tight fasteners up to finger tight, finger(s) and thumb and other supporting hand muscles can tire. 7. In addition, even when merely handling the furniture pieces, there are sharp edges, corners, barbs and splinters, which can bruise, pierce, tear and otherwise damage the hands and fingers. 8. Furthermore, when assembling any kind of multi-part assembly in a high volume line or cellular production setting, wearing gloves which cover an entire hand for an entire shift can make tasks difficult. While gloves can provide protection, the skin of the hand can sweat, and find it hard to breathe when confined in the glove for long periods of time. Also, the full-hand gloves can make it difficult to make fine-motor adjustments to certain fasteners or parts when required.

9. It is also the case that often, gloves are not entirely well-fitted to an index finger and thumb.

10. The present inventor seeks to provide a dual-digit protector or sheath for use dur ing furniture assembly to start or push or drive fasteners, and/or which at least pro vides a useful alternative to known gloves and finger protectors.

Summary

11. Broadly, the present technology provides a dual-digit sheath for protecting two dig its of a hand during manual operations.

12. Broadly, the present technology provides a sheath which is configured to substan tially cover only two digits of a hand. In one embodiment the two digits are the in dex finger and thumb. In alternative embodiments, the two digits are the index and middle finger. In still other embodiments, the two digits are the middle and ring fin gers. In yet other embodiments, the two digits are the ring and pinky fingers.

13. In further still embodiments, the two digits substantially covered by the sheath are a thumb and one other digit of the fingers that is not the index finger. For example, the thumb and the middle finger may be substantially covered by the sheath. In another example, the thumb and the ring finger may be substantially covered by the sheath.

14. The arrangement may be such that in use the wearer can improve their grip on a piece of furniture to handle it for operations such as removal from a bag or box, or to hold the piece in a position so that it can be fastened to another piece of furni ture.

15. The arrangement may be also such that in use the wearer can improve their grip on a fastener such as for example, a bolt, to tighten it up to finger tight, into a co operating fastener element such as for example, a nut.

16. In accordance with one aspect of the present technology there is provided a sheath unit for substantially covering only two digits of a hand, the sheath includ ing: a first sheath portion for substantially covering an end region of a first digit; a second sheath portion for substantially covering an end region of a sec ond digit; and a connecting link between the first and second sheath portions so that the first and second sheath portions are connected.

17. In one embodiment the first and second sheath portions include an opening at a proximal end for receiving the end region of the first or second digit.

18. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion includes a blind distal end to receive the end region of the first or second digit.

19. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion includes one or more apertures in a portion of the distal end to facilitate breathing of the distal end of the first or second digits and to increase sensitivity of haptic response of the end re gion of the first or second digits.

20. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion is configured to extend from the distal end to the opening at the proximal end a distance at least approxi mately one-third of the length of the first or second digits.

21. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion is lightweight and thin.

22. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion is substantially formed of material that is high in friction to facilitate turning metal screws, usually steel or steel alloy such as stainless steel, to finger tight.

23. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion is at least partially formed of a flexible material.

24. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion is at least partially formed of a resilient material so that it fits tightly on the end regions of the first and/ or second digits.

25. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion is formed at least partial ly of silicone rubber.

26. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion is formed of breathable material such as for example leather, silk or cotton.

27. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion is formed of a breath able, non-woven material.

28. In one embodiment the first and/or second sheath portion include one or more holes disposed between the opening and the distal end.

29. In one embodiment the holes may be 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10mm or thereabouts in size. The holes are provided to facilitate breathing of the portions of the fingers covered by the first and second sheaths.

30. In one embodiment the connecting link is disposed at the opening at the proximal ends to facilitate donning the first and second sheaths onto the digits of the hand.

31. In one embodiment the connecting link is fastened to the opening of the first and second sheath portions.

32. In one embodiment the connecting link is of a different material from that of the first and second sheath portions.

33. In one embodiment the connecting link is a string, or a cable, or a tie to reduce ma terial.

34. In one embodiment the connecting link is integral with the opening of the first and second sheaths so that the three elements are all one material.

35. In one embodiment the connecting link is a web constructed from the same mater ial as the first and second sheaths.

36. In one embodiment the connecting link includes a downwardly-depending skirt to protect the palm and/or the back of the hand.

37. In one embodiment the first and second sheath portions include thickened regions disposed on the distal regions.

38. In one embodiment the thickened regions include a grip material deposited on the sheath portion.

39. In one embodiment the grip material includes rubber or like material.

40. In one embodiment the grip material is deposited on the sheath portion to cover substantially the whole end region.

41. In one embodiment the grip material is deposited in bands to facilitate better grip on a fastener head.

42. In one embodiment the grip material is deposited in whorls and loops to mimic fin ger prints for increased grip. Much like a tyre for a car which draws road water or fluid away from the contact patch, the whorls and loops may draw fluid or grease or oil or water on the surface of the fastener or furniture piece away from that sur face for increased grip.

43. In one embodiment the first and second digits covered are the index finger and thumb.

44. In one embodiment the first and second digits covered are the middle finger and thumb. In that embodiment the connector may include a hole or allowance for the index finger. Alternatively, the connector may stretch to cover the middle finger and thumb rather than the index finger. This option is provided or contemplated be cause some users may feel more comfortable or may be faster tightening a fas tener with the thumb and middle finger.

45. In one embodiment the first and second digits covered are the thumb and ring fin ger to provide fine adjustments of fasteners or other difficult movements.

46. In alternative embodiments, the two digits covered are the index and middle finger for facilitating pushing or poking manual movements.

47. In one embodiment the connector may include thickened regions to provide extra protection for the webbing of the hand.

48. In one embodiment the thickened regions on the webbing may include rubber dipped onto the connecting portion. The thickened regions may also be deposited onto the webbing in the form of whorls and loops for increased grip and drainage of sweat or water or oil or grease or other fluid on the surface of the fastener.

49. The skirt may also be thickened with rubber or deposited other material, or thick ened by being printed or moulded on the skirt material.

50. The two materials may be moulded together by injection moulding in a two stage or over moulding process.

Advantages

51. Advantageously, embodiments of the sheath unit provide increased grip on materi als and fasteners, protection for skin for longer periods of time when working in repeated assembly tasks or merely one assembly task. The reduction in mass by only covering two digits provides efficient use of material, providing it only where it is required for grip on a fastener and for protection during manual handling of small items. It also does not encumber the skin on most of the hand, which is not cov ered.

Clarifications

52. In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date: (a) part of common general knowledge; or

(b) known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

53. It is to be noted that, throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word 'comprise'and variations of the word, such as 'comprising' and 'comprises', is not intended to exclude other variants or additional components, integers or steps.

Brief Description of the drawings

54. In order to enable a clearer understanding of the technology, a preferred embodi ment of the technology will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying photographs, in which:

55. Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a sheath unit in use, being disposed on thumb and forefinger of a right hand;

56. Figure 2 is a perspective view from underneath of the sheath unit in use;

57. Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the sheath unit in use;

58. Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the sheath unit in use; and

59. Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the sheath unit in use.

Detailed description of an example embodiment

60. Referring to the drawings there is shown a dual-digit sheath unit generally indicat ed at 10 for substantially covering only two digits of a hand 7. The dual-digit sheath 10 includes two sheath portions 12 and 14 and a connecting link 16 connecting them.

61. A first sheath portion 12 is for substantially covering an end region of a first digit 1 and a second sheath portion 14 for substantially covering an end region of a sec ond digit 2. As mentioned, the sheath unit 10 also includes a connecting link 16 extending between the first and second sheath portions 12, 14, so that the first and second sheath portions 12, 14 are connected.

62. The embodiment of the sheath unit 10 shown in the Figures has the sheath por tions 12 and 14 and the connecting link 16, all in one integral piece of material, which is a silicone substrate, to facilitate simple manufacture and simple donning and doffing.

63. There are grip regions 30 printed on, or moulded on, or dipped on, as thicker por tions on the ends 32 or sides 34 of the distal ends of the first and second sheaths 12,14.

64. To promote breathability, holes 40 may be formed in the first and second sheath portions 12, 14, and connecting link 16, by piercing or by being moulded on, or by some other suitable process. The holes may be small, or large - and of sizes dis cussed above in the summary section. To further promote breathability, the silicone substrate may be woven, or non-woven and fibrous, depending on suitability of application. There may be a cotton substrate, woolen, kevlar, spectra, and the like.

65. To fit onto a digit 1 and 2, the first and second sheath portions 12, 14 include an opening 13, 15 at a proximal end 17, 18 for receiving the end region 3, 4 of the first or second digits 1, 2. The substrate material of 12, 14 and 16 is stretchable so that it slips less over the digits when turning a fastener or handling a part of an assem bly that needs to fit into a cooperating part of the assembly. There is a blind distal end 19 to receive the end region of the first or second digit, but some embodi ments may have an open distal end to promote sensitivity of touch at the end of the digits.

66. It can be seen that the first and/or second sheath portions 12, 14 is configured to extend from the distal end to the opening at the proximal end a distance at least approximately one-third of the length of the first or second digits. In the figures, the sheath portions extend the full length of the digits 1, 2.

67. The substrate material of the first and/or second sheath portions 12, 14 is light weight and thin - about 0.5mm thick - and stretchy so that the material does not slip on the finger when it is donned, and is being called on to turn a fastener to fin ger tight. The substrate material itself may be tear resistant and high in grip, and therefore may be enough on its own to produce enough grip to turn the fasteners during assembly. But in some embodiments there are thickened portions moulded, dipped, or simply printed, or they may be pads, glued or heat-welded, onto the substrate.

68. The connecting link 16 and/or the proximal ends of the sheath portions 12, 14, may include a downwardly-depending skirt 60 to protect the palm and/or the back of the hand or provide the palm with some additional grip to turn a fastener.

69. The grip regions 30, on the sheath portions 12, 14 or connecting link 16, are built up with rubber or like material. The grip material may be deposited substantially on the whole of the end of the sheath portion, or may be deposited in bands to facili tate better grip on a fastener head, or in whorls and loops to mimic finger prints for increased grip. Much like a tyre for a car which draws road water or fluid away from the contact patch, the whorls and loops may draw fluid or grease or oil or wa ter on the surface of the fastener or furniture piece away from that surface for in creased grip.

70. It can be seen that the first and second digits covered are the index finger 2 and thumb 1.

Operation

71. The user dons the dual-digit sheath unit 10 by inserting their thumb 1 and index finger 2 in the holes 13, 15 in proximal ends 17, 18 until the ends of the thumb 1 and index finger 2 reach the blind distal end 19. It is intended that the dual-digit sheath be a snug fit so that the two digits can provide increased grip on the fas tener when compared with skin alone. Using the grip regions 30 the user then can have confidence to tighten fasteners to finger tight, quickly and efficiently, and if the user sweats during the process, there is breathability provided by the holes 40 along the sheath portions 12, 14, or by the efficient nature of the design, in which almost the only areas of the hand covered are the fingers involved in the manual operations.

Clarifications

72. Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Advantages

73. Advantageously, embodiments of the sheath unit 10 provide increased grip on ma terials and fasteners, protection for skin for longer periods of time when working in repeated assembly tasks or merely one assembly task. The reduction in mass by only covering two digits provides efficient use of material, providing it only where it is required for grip on a fastener and for protection during manual handling of small items. It also does not encumber the skin on most of the hand, which is not cov ered.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A sheath unit for substantially covering only two digits of a hand, the sheath including: a first sheath portion for substantially covering an end region of a first digit; a second sheath portion for substantially covering an end region of a second digit; and a connecting link between the first and second sheath portions so that the first and second sheath portions are connected, the connecting link being a web of con necting material disposed at the opening of a proximal end of the first and second sheath portions, to facilitate donning the first and second sheaths onto the digits of the hand, and the connecting web is integral with the opening of the first and second sheaths so that the three elements are all one material, wherein the first and second sheath portions are formed of a first thickness of resilient material, and there are also provided grip regions of a greater thickness than the first thickness, for additional grip during manual operations, the grip regions being disposed on end regions of the first and/or second sheath portions, and the grip re gions are formed from a grip material that is deposited in whorls and loops to mimic finger prints for increased grip.

2. The sheath unit in accordance with claim 1 wherein the connecting link and/or the proximal end of the first and second sheath portions includes a downwardly-depend ing skirt to protect the palm and/or the back of the hand.