GB2324459A - Finger protection device and tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A finger protection device and tool e.g. for use in hairdressing or gardening includes a former or skeleton like structure (10) which comprises a plurality of laterally spaced apart elongate stiffening elements (12, 13, 14) connected at a distal end (20). The former (10) provides a stiffening action to resist but not prevent bending of the finger. A protective fabric (22, 23, 24) is stretched between each element (12, 13, 14) of the former (10) and adapted to closely surround a user's finger. The fabric portions (22, 23, 24) are each selected to provide protection and/or assist a specific task. Two finger protection may be provided by connecting two formers at the proximal ends (21). In one embodiment, a glove is formed from a plurality of formers that further comprises a webbing material stretched between each former (10). In other embodiments, cutting guides or blades may be provided along the outside edge of a former (10).

Description

FINGER PROTECTION DEVICE AND TOOL The present invention relates to finger protection devices, and in particular, to finger protection devices which are adapted to, or customized for, the carrying out of specific tasks.

There are well known finger protection devices for protection against the weather or climatic conditions, chemicals, mechanical damage or injury, for example, ordinary domestic gloves, gardening gloves, industrial-type rubber gloves and the like. Such gloves are generally adapted for protection of the whole hand including the fingers against general or specific physical or chemical hazards such as extremes of temperature, water, chemicals, rough objects or dirty objects.

In addition, separate finger protection devices are known in a number of fields, such as sewing thimbles.

Such finger protection devices are directed towards the provision of a necessary degree of toughness to afford the necessary protection of the fingers and, in doing so, generally compromise both sensitivity of the fingers, and ability to manipulate objects with the hands and fingers.

Where dexterity is compromised too far, there is a general tendency for persons to discard the finger protection device, and end up without protection at all.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a finger protection device which is not only adapted to provide physical or other protection to a finger or fingers, but which is adapted to enhance the normal functioning of the fingers or hands in carrying out specific tasks, thereby also acting as a "tool".

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a finger protection device and tool including: a former comprising a plurality of elongate stiffening elements mutually connected at a distal end of each element and each extending longitudinally in a generally common direction, but laterally spaced apart from one another, to a respective proximal end thereof; a protective fabric extending between each element of said former and adapted to closely surround a user's finger.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a triangulated former for a single finger protection device and tool according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the former of figure 1 with covering materials; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a two-finger protective tool according to another aspect of the present invention; Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a two-finger protective tool specially adapted for use in hairdressing activities, in an open condition; figures 4b and 4c respectively show a cross-sectional end view (on line A-A) and a plan view thereof, in closed condition; and figure 4d shows a cross-sectional end view thereof, with the fingers in an open condition, and only the right finger in cross section; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a glove according to a further aspect of the present invention.

With reference to figure 1 there is shown a three element former 10 according to a preferred embodiment. The former 10 is defined in this specification as a skeleton-type stiffening structure of suitable stiffening elements 12, 13 and 14 which are mutually connected at a distal end 20 of each element. In the preferred arrangement shown in the figures, the former comprises three stiffening elements 12, 13, 14, but it is possible to use two or more elements.

Preferably, the elements are arranged in a triangular configuration, as shown, with the elements 12, 13 and 14 separating from one another at the distal end 20 and then extending generally parallel to one another toward a proximal end 21 where at least two of the elements 12, 13 are mutually connected.

The elements 12, 13 and 14 are preferably formed from a resilient material such as spring steel or stiff plastics material of sufficient stiffness to resist, but not preclude bending along the longitudinal axis of the former 10 by a normal person's finger strength. The stiffness of the elements 12, 13 and 14 may also be determined, in part, having regard to the intended function of the finger protection device, as will be discussed later. The elements may also have a longitudinal stretch capability.

The elements 12, 13 and 14 are spaced from one another sufficiently so as to allow a person's finger to fit into the former 10 between the three elements by insertion at the proximal end 21 such that the finger tip extends to the distal end 20.

With reference to figure 2, the former 10 provides structural support for a covering material or protective fabric portions 22, 23, 24 which are stretched between each element 12, 13, 14 to form an envelope in which the finger may reside. The protective fabric (or parts thereof) is preferably slightly elastic in order to assist the former 10 in allowing ingress of a user's finger while providing a closely fitting structure against the finger. The protective fabric 22, 23, 24 is attached to the former 10 using known techniques such as stitching and the like.

The protective fabric 22, 23, 24 is formed from one or more of a number of different fabrics, which are selected according to the intended use of the finger protection device, to be discussed later.

The proximal end 21 may include a tag portion as shown in figure 2 which may be bent upwards slightly to cover the knuckle and also to provide a tag for convenience in pulling the finger protection device onto the finger.

With reference to figure 3, a two-fingered protection device 18 is shown, which illustrates how two or more of the structures of figures 1 and 2 may be mutually connected at the proximal ends 21 thereof. In this arrangement, not only are the elements 12 and 13 in each former 10 connected to one another by a proximal end link 30 which is positioned to cover the knuckle of a user's hand, but also adjacent formers 10 and 11 are coupled by joints or flexible connections 31 between the respective elements 13 and 14. The fabric portions 23 and 24 are extended along to the proximal end links 30.

With reference to figures 4a to 4d, an illustrative embodiment of a protection device and tool 28 according to a further aspect of the present invention which is adapted specifically for use as a hair dressing tool is described. As best seen in figure 4b, the elements 12, 13, 14 of the triangular former 10 are positioned so as to provide corresponding elements 13 and 14 on corresponding inside edges of adjacent fingers.

Extending between elements 13 and 14 to provide an "inside" surface when the adjacent fingers are brought together is a fabric portion 22 which provides an enhanced grip of, for example, human hair. A preferred material for this application would be a siliconized or rubberized material. The material may be ribbed to provide upstanding ridges of material on the outer surface of the fabric portion 22.

Extending between elements 12 and 13 to form a "top" surface is a fabric portion 23 which provides protection against injury from scissors, eg. a suitable material for minimising the risk of scissor points or cutting edges piercing the fabric. Preferred materials would be a metallized fabric, plastics covering or polyamide fibre such as Kevlar.A Extending between elements 12 and 14 is a fabric portion 24 which is very thin and is adapted to minimize loss of "feel" of the fingers through the fabric. A preferred material would be a fine latex material. It will be understood that the fabric elasticity and former 10 configuration are arranged such that the cross-sectional profile as shown in figure 4b is achieved once the finger is inserted.

The stiffening elements 13 may each include a elongate metal corner piece 40 which extends wholly or partly along the outside edge of the former 10 and fabric portions 22 and 23 to provide a cutting guide.

The element 13 may include an elongate rubberized mount 41 in the shape of a triangular wedge which serves as a mounting surface for the corner piece 40. Alternatively, the element 13 may be integrally formed with the necessary cross-sectional shape to provide for direct mounting of the cutting guide corner piece 40. Alternatively, the metal corner piece 41 and element 13 may be of a unitary construction.

At least one of the stiffening elements 12 may also be provided with an outer corner piece 42, if required. The stiffening elements 14 may also be provided with cutting guides if required.

In use, the two-finger protection device 28 provides a gripping surface for holding hair between the inside surfaces 22; a thin, touch sensitive surface 24 on the underside (palm side); and a reinforced cutting guide or track 40 on the top (knuckle side) against which the scissors may be safely placed. The stiffness of the former 10 provides assistance in maintaining a straight cut by virtue of its bias toward a straight line, thereby reducing the risk of user muscle fatigue when continually maintaining stiff, straight fingers for cutting. The former 10 does, however, allow the overcoming of its natural bias to bend the fingers when required.

In addition, when the user's finger is bent, the natural resilience of the spring steel or plastic stiffeners 12-14 will tend to result in a smooth curve, rather than the normal profile of a bent finger which comprises three straight sections linked at the finger joints. Thus, a better cutting guide is provided when a curved cut is required.

Not only do the finger protection devices 18, 28 offer protection against mechanical damage to the fingers by scissors, but may also offer protection against, for example, hot instruments for perming hair, or chemicals from the colour conditioning of hair.

By appropriate design of the joints 31 and end links 30, the twofingered protection device and tool 28 may also be biassed in a closed position (ie. as illustrated in figure 4c, if required, assisting in the grip of varying quantities of hair therebetween. It will also be observed, particularly from figure 4a, that the end links 30 may provide a raised end which affords additional protection for the knuckles from inadvertent injury from the cutting scissors.

The embodiments of the finger protection device described in connection with figures 3 and 4 show a two-fingered device in which adjacent fingers have opposed configuration formers 10 and 11 which provide a pair of corresponding and opposing inside gripping surfaces 22.

However, the adjacent fingers need not be so opposed. In another arrangement, the lower elements 14 might be omitted, relying on the elasticity of the fabric portion 24 to maintain the finger protection device on the finger.

The embodiments of the finger protection device described in connection with figures 1 to 4 may also be adapted for use, for example, as a gardening tool. The stiffening action of the formers 10 or 11 in the finger protection device assists in the working of soil and the like eg.

when using the fingers or hand in a trowelling action or when dibbling with the fingers.

It will be understood that the use in a gardening application will require the use of different materials for any or all of the fabric portions 22, 23 and 24. Preferably, the fabric will be of a waterproof or water resistant material and may be adapted to provide a greater degree of protection to the palm side of the fingers. In a gardening application, it may be advantageous to provide the dual stiffening elements 12, 13 and any corner pieces 40 on the palm-side of the finger protection device.

In a further arrangement as shown in figure 5, a number of formers 10 and protective fabric coverings are linked to provide a full glove configuration 48. The embodiment illustrated is particularly adapted for diving and provides additional webbing material 50 between the fingers of the hand. In a preferred arrangement, the webbing material 50 is elastane or latex. The webbing material forms an elastic membrane stretched between the fingers and corresponding formers when the fingers are separated.

The palm side surface fabric portion 24 may be provided with a non-slip rubberized fabric to enhance grip in wet conditions. Again, the stiffening action of the formers 10 is of assistance in maintaining an appropriate extension of the user's fingers. The glove 48 may also be provided with full hand protection by a hand protection portion 51 and be sealable at the wrist with a fastening 52 as well known in the art.

Further modifications may be made to optimize the finger protection device to other applications.

The stiffening elements 12-14 of the former 10 could provide the basis for a heating element used in the crimping or other styling of hair, or separate heating elements could be incorporated.

The formers 10, 11 have been shown with direct connections between the elements 12, 13 and 14 at both the proximal and distal ends 20 and 21. However, an intermediate connection structure, eg. a plastic connector, or even the fabric portions 22, 23 and 24 themselves may provide the necessary connection.

In other applications, it may be desirable to provide a cutting blade or pair of cutting blades in place of cutting guides 40, for example.

Claims (12)

1. A finger protection device and tool including: a former comprising a plurality of elongate stiffening elements mutually connected at a distal end of each element and each extending longitudinally in a generally common direction, but laterally spaced apart from one another, to a respective proximal end thereof; a protective fabric extending between each element of said former and adapted to closely surround a user's finger.

2. A finger protection device and tool according to claim 1 in which the number of elongate stiffening elements is at least three, spaced apart so as to define a volume in which a user's finger may be inserted.

3. A finger protection device and tool according to claim 2 in which the number of elements is three, the elements being arranged in a triangular configuration with two of said elements being mutually connected at the proximal ends thereof.

4. A finger protection device and tool according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which a fabric portion stretched between a first and a second element is different from a fabric portion stretched between the second and a third one of said elements.

5. A finger protection device and tool according to any preceding claim further comprising a second, adjacent former and protective fabric coupled to the first former and protective fabric at the proximal ends thereof, adapted to receive an adjacent finger of the user.

6. A finger protective device and tool according to claim 5 in which the respectively opposing fabric portions of the first and second formers are of co-operating type.

7. A finger protective device and tool according to claim 6 in which the first and second formers are coupled at the proximal ends thereof by a flexible joint.

8. A finger protective device and tool according to claim 7 in which the flexible joint is adapted to bias the first and second formers to a parallel positions.

9. A finger protective device and tool according to claim 5 further comprising an outer metal guide extending along the outer edge of at least one of the stiffening elements.

10. A finger protection device and tool further wherein the outer metal guide is provided adjacent to an element adapted to correspond to the back of a users hand on an inside edge of the finger.

11. A finger protection device according to any preceding claim wherein the stiffening elements are formed from sprung steel.

12. A finger protection device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 comprising four or five adjacent formers with respective protective fabric for each finger of a user's hand, further including webbing material stretched between each former.