GB2448133A

GB2448133A - Cleaning or grooming device with finger-receiving channels

Info

Publication number: GB2448133A
Application number: GB0706332A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Jason Tyler
Original assignee: CATALYST DEVELOPMENTS; Brother Max Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Max Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-31
Filing date: 2007-03-31
Publication date: 2008-10-08
Also published as: EP2131711B1; US20100037413A1; GB0706332D0; WO2008119946A2; WO2008119946A3; EP2131711A2; ATE536791T1

Abstract

There is provided a hand-utility interface 201 for cleaning and grooming purposes comprises a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels 214 defined therein arranged to receive the fingers of a user's hand such as to at least partly secure the interface to the hand. At least one of the finger-receiving channels is provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture 220 such that in use at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into said finger tip-receiving aperture. In use, the hand-utility device allows for more dextrous bathing or cleaning than conventional cloth or sponge devices.

Description

-

Hand-utility interface

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hand-utility interface that is wearable on the hand of a user. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved foamed block form interface suitable for use in cleaning and grooming applications.

Background to the invention

Most of the bathing or cleaning tools presently available rely on a user directly holding an independent interface, such as a cloth, sponge or handle of the common bristle brush. In such cases, much of the innate dexterity of the user's hand, in particular, the user's fingers, is lost.

Published PCI Patent Application Nos. W02004/098,365 and W02006/000,762 describe wearable hand-utility interfaces that are descnbed to protect the hand of a user during the undertaking of various utility tasks (e.g. cleaning, grooming) and to afford the user more of the dexterity of the user's hand, such that an interface can form itself to meet any surface, regardless of its complexity. These wearable hand-utility interfaces comprise a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein. The finger-receiving channels of the foamed block body snugly receive the fingers of the user's hand such as to secure the interface to the user's hand.

Applicant has now found that the securing of the interface to the user's hand may be improved if at least one of the finger-receiving channels is provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture. In use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into the finger tip-receiving aperture, thereby aflowing more optimal locating of the user's fingers as received by the finger-receiving channels such as to enhance the securing of the interface to the user's fingers, and hence to the user's hand as a whole. The presence of such aperture additionally allows for such optimal receipt even for user's fingers of different dimensional characteristics (e.g. finger length or thickness).

Summary of invention

According to the present invention there is provided a hand-utility interface for use in utility tasks comprising a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein, wherein in use, each finger-receiving channel is arranged to receive a finger of said user's hand such as to at least partly secure the interface to the user's hand, and wherein at least one finger-receiving channel is provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into said finger tip-receiving aperture.

There is provided a hand-utility interface, which is arranged for use in the undertaking of various utility tasks (e.g. grooming or bathing). In aspects, the hand-utility interface is adaptable for use with user's hands of varying sizes. In aspects, the interface only part-encloses the user's hand (i.e. at least part of the hand and fingers are not enclosable thereby).

The hand-utility interface comprises a foamed block body, which has a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein. In use, each finger-receiving channel is arranged to receive a finger of said user's hand such as to at least partly secure the interface to the user's hand. In aspects, each finger-receiving channel snugly receives a finger of the user's hand.

In accord with the improvement provided herein, at least one of the finger-receiving channels is provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes (e.g. pokes or fits) into, and optionally partly or in particular aspects wholly, through a duct or channel whose finger-tip receiving entrance is defined by said finger tip-receiving aperture (e.g. to an external surface of the block form body). The or each such aperture is generally bounded by a periphery, which defines the finger tip-receiving entrance of the aperture.

The provision of a finger tip-receiving aperture to a finger-receiving channel is designed to allow for more optimal receipt of the relevant user's finger by the finger-receiving channel such as to enhance the securing of the interface to the user's finger, and hence to the user's hand as a whole. The presence of such aperture is designed to allow for such optimal receipt even for user's fingers of different dimensional characteristics (e.g. finger length or thickness). In general terms, this works by enabling at least part of some or all finger tips of the received fingers of the user to protrude to a greater or lesser extent into the apertures, thereby allowing the fingers to be moved to locate at an optimal finger receipt (e.g. finger gripped) part of the finger-receiving channels.

It will be appreciated that since a finger-tip receiving aperture is arranged for receipt of at least portion of a finger tip of a user that it locates at the finger tip end of a finger-receiving channel.

In one aspect, the finger-tip receiving aperture is an open aperture that defines a through hole (i.e. open channel or duct) from the (e.g. base or end wall of) the finger-receiving channel to an outer surface (e.g. base or front wall) of the block form body.

In use, the finger tip of a user may therefore be poked' partly or in particular aspects wholly, through the through hole to an outer surface of the block form body.

In another aspect, the finger-tip receiving aperture is a closed aperture that defines a non-through hole (i.e. cavity or closed duct) from the (e.g. base or end wall of) the finger-receiving channel, but not reaching through to an outer surface (e.g. base or front wall) of the block form body. The finger tip of a user may therefore not be poked' through the non-through hole to an outer surface of the block form body. Li

In one aspect, the finger-tip receiving aperture locates at the base (i.e. bottom) of the finger-receiving channel such that in use, where the aperture is an open aperture the finger of the user may partly or in particular aspects wholly, protrude through towards the base of the foamed block body, which typically defines a work surface thereof.

In one aspect, the finger-tip receiving aperture Jocates at the far end wafl of the finger-receiving channel such that in use, where the aperture is an open aperture the finger of the user may partly or in particular aspects wholly, protrude through towards the front part of the foamed block body.

In general use aspects, the user's finger tip protrudes into the aperture, and where applicable partly through the through hole' towards an external surface of the interface. The user's finger tip does not however, protrude out from the end of that through hole' (i.e. out from that part of the through hole' that locates on the external surface of the block form body). The user's finger tips does not therefore interfere' with the work surface defined by that external surface, and the user's finger tip is therefore protected in use, from any work function being carried out by that work surface.

In particular aspects however, the protrusion of the user's finger fully through the aperture (i.e. through to an external surface of the interface) has been found to provide user benefits in that it may be configured to allow the user at least some tactile contact with surface being worked on by the interface. In particular, where that surface is skin (e.g. of the user or another human. subject or indeed, or an animal) that tactile contact of finger on skin' allows for greater tactile intimacy during for example, a bathing, massaging or other grooming application.

In use, the finger tip is not necessarily gripped by the periphery of the finger-tip receiving aperture. Indeed, such gripping is generally undesirable in that it may impede the ability of the user's finger tip to be received by the aperture and hence -...-impede optimal positioning of the user's finger within the relevant finger-receiving channel.

In aspects, the foamed block body herein comprises at least two finger-channels of equal length for receipt of two different fingers of the user's hand. In aspects, these two finger channels have identical shape, form and/or dimension. The two finger channels of equal length may also be arranged to be a mirror image, one of the other, typically arranged about the centre line of the foamed block body.

In aspects, the finger-receiving channels are arranged in fanned out configuration.

That is to say the channels fan out towards the finger tip end, thereby mirroring the natural fanned out configuration of the fingers of a user's hand.

In aspects, each finger-receiving channel narrows progressively along its length. It will be appreciated that the narrowing is towards the finger tip end of each channel.

Such narrowing has been found to assist in retaining a user's fingers and hence in use, in retaining the interface to a user's hand. In aspects, the height of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. In aspects, the width of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. In aspects, the cross-section of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length.

In other aspects, the width of each finger-receiving channel is constant along its length.

In aspects, the depth of each finger-receiving channel is greater than that of the user's finger. Accordingly, in use the foam walls defining each finger-receiving channel surround the full height of a user's finger. In aspects, the foam above each received finger of the user partially overlaps the upper surface of that received finger.

Again, this better assists finger retention. b

In aspects, each finger-receiving channel has a curving under profile. Preferably, that curving under profile is such as to match the curved under profile of a user's finger when at rest (i.e. when in an untensed state). The finger-receiving channel may also be provided with a curving top line profile and/or and angled under profile. In other aspects, each finger-receiving channel has a flat under finger profile.

In aspects, the foamed block body is provided with a first cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation, but not snug receipt, of the user's thumb. In aspects, the foamed block body is provided with a second cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation, but not snug receipt, of the user's little finger. In aspects, the first and for second cutaway portions define a planar aspect (e.g. arranged for rested receipt of the user's thumb or little finger) and in aspects, that plane is co-planar with any palm-receiving portion.

In aspects, the foamed block body has three finger-receiving channels for receipt of the user's index, second and third fingers respectively, but no finger-receiving channel for receipt of the user's little finger.

In aspects, the finger-receiving channels are defined by continuous walls of the foamed block body. In another aspect, the finger-receiving channels are defined by intermittent walls of the foamed block body.

In aspects, the foamed block body is provided with a palm-receiving portion shaped to receive a user's palm. In aspects, the palm-receiving portion has a flat profile. In aspects, the palm-receiving portion has a domed profile.

Preferably in use, the hand-utility interface covers the users' fingers and at least part of the user's palm but leaves the top part of the user's hand and fingers uncovered.

This embodiment provides enhanced user utility in terms of ease of hand and finger movements.

In aspects, the hand-utility interface is designed such that it covers only that part of the palm that can be comfortably reached by the fingers. When the interface comprises absorbent media, this provides the function that the interface can be efficiently wrung out by a simple clenching of the fist.

The hand-utility interface comprises a block form body. The body has essentially two functions. Firstly, it provides a degree of protection to the user's hand whilst conducting utility tasks. Secondly it provides a support for the application of utility media by the hand.

In aspects, the body provides a support for suitable utility media, but flexes to allow movement of the hand.

Preferably, the body is shaped to provide a uniform, e.g. fiat work surface (i.e. utility surface) at its base that typically takes the form of a continuous pad in use, locating under the hand of the user. This contrasts with the non-uniform, rounded form, work surface provided by the un-gloved palm and underside of fingers of a user's hand.

The body is generally comprised of a foamed or sponge-like material. The material in aspects comprises a synthetic polymer material that has a foamed structure (i.e. comprising foamed bubble features). In essence, suitable foam materials are those that offer the characteristics of sponge' such as its natural give and crushability, resilience and ability to absorb and carry liquid media. Suitable materials include open foam', where the individual bubbles are incomplete spheres, and closed foam', where the spheres are complete, this latter type having considerably less water absorption ability.

The body has a block form. That is to say, overall it has a generally block-like three-dimensional form. The body has plural (generally, three or four) finger-receiving channels defined therein. The finger-receiving channels may be provided to the block form body in any suitable manner including cutting out the channels or by injection-moulding the form of the body with the finger-receiving channels defined therein.

In one particular aspect, the block form body is produced by reaction moulding using viscoelastic foam (e.g. slow recovery foam). In another particular aspect, the block form body is produced by injection moulding.

In a variation herein, the block form foamed body is injected with viscoelastic foam.

This variation allows that the side walls of the finger-receiving channels may in use, close over the top surface of a user's finger a little and significantly aid retention, It also renders the form of the body more flexible still and expandable, so better to deal with a greater variety of hand sizes and give great comfort to the wearer.

Any surface of the body that in use, contacts the palm of the user (the palm piece') might be flat, or it might be domed better to locate it under the hand for added user comfort.

In aspects, the palm piece' extends back to equal the extent that the fingers of the user's hand reach when closed against the user's palm. This aspect is particularly suitable for versions of the interface designed to enable a wringing out action.

In another aspect, the palm piece' is longer and extends further towards the wrist so that it covers the whole of the palm of the user's hand, and potentially extends further still, depending upon the resilience of the foam and its ability effectively to carry media for useful work. This aspect is particularly suitable for versions of the interface that are designed to carry a disposable wipe.

In aspects, the block form body is split between the finger-receiving channels to provide that each finger of a user can move independently of the others (i.e. each finger has its own foam channel).

In another aspect, moisture and fluids in general can be prevented from rising up through the foamed block body (e.g. through the open cells of the foam) and reaching the user's hand by the addition of a waterproof barrier layer to the block form body (e.g. running horizontally through the body).

In aspects, the block form body is produced by a process known as "deformation cutting" or "form profile cutting", which is a known process of manufacture for three dimensional cutting of block form bodies such as upholstery parts, automobile seat elements, packaging and other profiled parts out of flexible foams. In such a process the block form body is subjected to a compressive force (e.g. by downward force applied by a plate or roller) and cutting takes place whilst the body is in a compressed state. The advantages of using such a process are high speed and economic production.

In the process, the block-forming machine operates according to the compression system using templates (e.g. made out of aluminium). The template has a cavity of the desired shape of the block. The template is screwed onto table of the machine.

The foam blank is placed onto the template. By means of a conveyor belt and a pressure roller, the foam blank is pressed into the template's cavity. The pressed foam is cut directly above the template during the automatic forward movement of the table. The cutting tool is a rotating band knife.

In aspects, the hand-utility interface herein is made by a hand cutting process.

In aspects, the hand-utility interface herein is arranged to cooperate with those elements common to all sizes of user hands. It is in aspects configured to offer a fit for the majority (e.g. 90%+) of all adult hand sizes. Traditional glove forms account for this variable by offering different sizes of product or by use of stretch fabrics, whereas the present interface does so by providing means for securing the interface to a user's hand. -Lu

In aspects, the interface is adapted to have ambidextrous form. That is to say, a universal fit form where it is configured to work for either left or right hand.

Each finger-receiving channel is sized and shaped to receive (e.g. snugly) a finger of a user. Receipt is assisted by the resilience characteristics of the material comprising the body, which mean that the walls of each finger-receiving channel tend to give as the finger is inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to maintain the finger-receipt. Optimal receipt is assisted by the presence of a finger tip-receiving aperture.

In aspects, the finger-receiving channels fan out (i.e. diverge or taper outwardly) from each other moving towards the finger tip end. This divergence may be enabled, at least in part, by increasing the thickness of the inner dividing walls between each the finger-receiving channel on proceeding from palm piece to finger tip end. The fanned out profile matches that of the natural fanned out profile of fingers from a user's hand.

In aspects, to assist suitable finger-receipt, each finger-receiving channel is shaped such that it narrows towards the fingertip end. In other aspects, such narrowing is not present.

In aspects, to assist suitable finger-receipt, each finger-receiving channel is shaped such that the channel narrows (e.g. tapers inwardly) on moving towards the bottom surface of the channel (i.e. towards that surface found closest to the base of the body and deepest within the channel). This narrowing of finger-receiving channel is in aspects achieved by inwardly tapering the profile of the walls that define each finger-receiving channel.

In aspects, to assist suitable finger-receipt, each finger-receiving channel is shaped such as to define a part-circular inner cross-sectional profile. 1.1.

In aspects, the depth of each finger-receiving channel is selected such that on receipt of a user's finger therein the walls defining the channel extend at least 0.6mm, preferably at least 0.8mm above the top of the user's finger.

In aspects, the finger-receiving channels are too narrow towards their bottom surface to accommodate the fingers of a user without compression of the walls that define each channel. Such compression is readily enabled by forming the walls of a foam that readily gives but also has a memory (i.e. is resilient) such that it returns to its original form on withdrawal of the user's finger. Overall, the desired effect is that the foam above the top of each user's finger tends to regain its memory position, partially closing over the finger, so acting to secure the body to the user's hand.

When the foamed body is loaded with liquid, the liquid tends to promote this retention, by serving to resist its being crushed. Where the foam is forced to give (i.e. by the finger's presence within the channel) it does so, causing the displaced liquid to flood the adjacent "partial cells" of the foamed body and walls, including those above the finger line.

In aspects, to assist suitable finger-receipt, each finger-receiving channel is shaped such that its bottom surface has a curved profile that mirrors that curved profile of the underside of the relevant user's finger in an outstretched but untensed configuration.

Each finger-receiving channel defines opposing side walls to at least partially encase a snugly received finger. Each side wall may either be a divider wall' that acts to divide a particular finger-receiving channel off from its adjacent neighbour(s) or a perimeter wall' that in use, locates adjacent to the outside of the first or fourth user fingers. The side walls may provide a finger support function, as a result of their resilient character. The sidewalls may however, also enable (and e.g. be shaped for) in use, grip by the fingers of the user. Thus, for example for any two adjacent finger-receiving channels (e.g. between the first and second, second and third or third and fourth fingers) the user may apply gripping force between his /her relevant fingers to I, ---the divider wall between the adjacent finger-receiving channels thereby gripping onto that divider wall.

The finger channels in general, have an elongate U' shape or an elongate square or rectangular trough shape. In one, the finger channels are tapered along the channel.

This tapering form is designed to assist user insertion of his/her fingers into each channel. In another aspect, the uppermost portion of the U' shaped channels closes in a little, better to close over the top part of the finger. Generally, the divider walls only extend back from the finger tip towards the palm so far as is allowed by the junction between fingers of a small, ladies hand.

Where the finger channels have an elongate square or rectangular trough shape, the walls defining the finger channels typically project vertically upwards from the base (i.e. the walls project up perpendicular from the plane defined by the base).

Generally, the walls of the finger channels need to be sufficiently high that the fingers of the small, ladies hand are completely concealed in side elevation. The wall height is generally also sufficient that at least two thirds of the big male finger depth is concealed in side elevation. In aspects, the walls rise high enough so that the users' fingers may crimp together' to grip the walls and so support the entire interface that is under the relevant fingers.

In aspects, the walls of any or each finger channel are higher in one or more places and lower in one or more other places.

In aspects, the walls of any or each finger channel are higher at a second finger joint-receiving part thereof. That is to say, the walls are higher at the part of the finger channel that in use, receives the second finger joint of the user. By second finger joint' it is meant that finger joint that is closest to the knuckle, which finger joint is sometimes referred to in medical texts as the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) *1* ii locating between the first (also called proximal) and second (intermediate) phalanges of the finger.

In aspects, the walls of any or each finger channel are higher from a second finger joint-receiving part thereof to a knuckle-receiving part thereof. That is to say, the walls are higher at the part of the finger channel that in use, receives from the second finger joint to the knuckle of the user.

In aspects, the foamed body is provided with four finger-receiving channels.

In another aspect, the foamed body is provided with three finger-receiving channels arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand.

In one three finger-receiving channel embodiment, the foamed body is also provided (adjacent to the first and third finger-receiving channels) with two cut-away portions arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.

In another three finger-receiving channel embodiment, the foamed body is also provided (adjacent to the first and third finger-receiving channels) with two cut-away portions arranged in use to provide space for the user's thumb and little finger.

The three finger-channel (and optionally two cut-away or cut-out portion) form of the interface provides ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of the user.

The cut-away or cut-out portions' may either be provided by physically cutting away part of the body or may be provided as an integral (e.g. moulded or otherwise formed) part of the structure of the body.

Embodiments are envisaged in which one or more finger-channels are arranged to receive plural, particularly two, fingers of a user. In such embodiments it will be appreciated that the number of walls is necessarily fewer than in the standard four finger, three dividing walls, two perimeter walls embodiment.

In one embodiment, each finger channel is arranged to receive two fingers. That is to say, a first finger channel receives the first and second fingers and a second finger channel receives third and fourth fingers. A single divider wall separates the first and second finger channels.

In another embodiment, one finger channel is arranged to receive two fingers and two finger channels are arranged to receive a single finger. Divider walls separate each of the finger channels from its neighbour(s). Each of the 112, 121 and 211 permutations is envisaged.

In another embodiment, a single finger channel is arranged to receive all four fingers.

The single finger channel has perimeter walls but no divider walls are present. In further embodiments, one or more finger channel divider walls are present together with either one or no perimeter walls.

In a particular aspect, the block form body is arranged for ambidextrous use. That is to say, it is arranged such that it is readily use-able with either the left or right hand of the user. The benefit of ambidextrous product form is that one product meets all needs, so no need to make a choice at the point of sale.

In one form, particularly suitable for ambidextrous use, the block form body has four finger channels, and the two middle channels are produced the same length (i.e. both will accommodate the first and second longest fingers of a user). The two outer finger channels are also produced the same length (i.e. they are both produced long enough to accommodate the index finger of a user). It will be appreciated that in this form, the effect is that, the third and fourth finger channels are longer than need be for both left and right handed users.

Suitable purposes for the hand-utility interface herein include personal cleaning and bathing; health and beauty purposes such as ex-foliation, massage, application of oils/lotions; and grooming of humans and of animals.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a plan view from above of a first hand-utility interface in accord with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view from below of the first hand-utility interface of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front view of the first hand-utility interface of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a rear view of the first hand-utility interface of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side view of the first hand-utility interface of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly displaced) of the first hand-utility interface of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a perspective view from the back (slightly displaced) of the first hand-utility interface of Figure 1; lb Figure 8 shows a plan view from above of a second hand-utility interface in accord with the present invention; Figure 9 shows a side view of the second hand-utility interface of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a perspectiveview from the front (slightly displaced) of the second hand-utility interface of Figure 8; Figure 11 shows a plan view from above with apertures shown by dotted lines of a third hand-utility interface in accord with the present invention; Figure 12 shows a front view of the third hand-utility interface of Figure 11; Figure 13 shows a side view of the third hand-utility interface of Figure 11; Figure 14 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly displaced) of the third hand-utility interface of Figure 11; Figure 15 shows a plan view from above with apertures shown by dotted lines of a fourth hand-utility interface in accord with the present invention; Figure 16 shows a front view of the fourth hand-utility interface of Figure 15; Figure 17 shows a side view of the fourth hand-utility interface of Figure 15; Figure 18 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly displaced) of the fourth hand-utility interface of Figure 15; Figure 19 shows a plan view from above with apertures shown by dotted lines of a fifth hand-utility interface in accord with the present invention;

--

Figure 20 shows a front view of the fifth hand-utility interface of Figure 19; Figure 21 shows a side view of the fifth hand-utility interface of Figure 19; Figure 22 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly displaced) with cut-outs shown as dotted lines of the fifth hand-utility interface of Figure 11; Figure 23 shows a plan view from above with apertures shown by dotted lines of a sixth hand-utility interface in accord with the present invention; Figure 24 shows a front view of the sixth hand-utility interface of Figure 23; Figure 25 shows a side view of the sixth hand-utility interface of Figure 23; and Figure 26 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly displaced) with cut- outs shown as dotted lines of the sixth hand-utility interface of Figure 23.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1 to 7 illustrate different views of a first hand-utility interface 1 herein comprising a block form body 10 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell foam). The body 10 is shaped to receive in use, the palm and fingers of a user and is provided with a palm-receiving portion 12 shaped to receive a user's palm and three elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 14a-c arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 14a-c may be seen to be defined by two outer walls 1 Ba-b and two inner dividing walls 1 7a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 1. It may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 14a-c fan out (i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 17a-b increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each finger-receiving channel is also provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture 20a-c having a periphery 22a-c and arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving lb aperture 20a-c. Each finger tip-receiving aperture 20a-c may be seen to be provided to the base (i.e. bottom) of its finger-receiving channel 14a-c such that in use, the finger of the user may protrude through towards, but typically not fully through to the base 2 of the foamed block body, which defines a work surface thereof. The interface I may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions I 9a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.

The three finger-channel 14a-c and two cut-away portion 19a-b form of the interface 1 of Figures 1 to 7 provides ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of the user.

In use, the finger channels 14a-c and the finger tip-receiving apertures 20a-c provide the means to retain the interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel 14a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received, and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to protrude through each respective finger tip-receiving aperture 20a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 20a-c assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving channels 14a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material comprising the body 10 which mean that the relevant walls 1 6a-b, 1 7a-b of each fingerreceiving channel and optionally that of each periphery 22a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give as a finger / finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.

In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers grip the divider walls 1 7a-b of the finger-receiving channels 14a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 10 adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures 20a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger receiving-channels 14a-c.

* hi fl I I * I -.1.9 In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to Figure 5, the walls 16a-b, 17a-b of the finger-receiving channels 14a-c are higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 22 thereof. That is to say, the walls 16a-b, 17a-b are higher at the part 22 of the finger channels 1 4a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint of the user.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 10 there are shown different views of a second hand- utility interface 101 herein that may be appreciated to be a variation of the first hand-utility interface of Figures 1 to 7.

The second hand-utility interface 101 comprises a block form body 110 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell foam). The body 110 is shaped to receive in use, the fingers and knuckle underside of a user and is provided with a flat portion 112 shaped to receive the underside of the user's knuckles and three elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels I 14a-c arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand. The fingerreceiving channels 1 14a-c may be seen to be defined by two outer walls I 16a-b and two inner dividing walls 11 7a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 101. It may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 114a-c fan out (i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 117a-b increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each finger- receiving channel is also provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture 120a-c having a periphery 122a-c and arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 120a-c. Each finger tip-receiving aperture 120a-c may be seen to be provided to the base (i.e. bottom) of its finger-receiving channel 1 14a-c such that in use, the finger of the user may protrude through towards (but typically not fully through to) the base 102 of the foamed block body, which defines a work surface thereof. The interface 101 may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions 11 9a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.

The three finger-channel 1 14a-c and two cut-away portion 119a-b form of the second interlace 101 of Figures 8 to 10 provides ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of the user.

In use, the finger channels I 14a-c and the finger tip-receiving apertures 120a-c provide the means to retain the interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel 1 14a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received, and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to protrude into each respective finger tip-receiving aperture 120a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 120ac assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving channels I 14a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material comprising the body 110 which mean that the relevant walls 11 6a-b, 11 7a-b of each finger-receiving channel and optionally that of each periphery I 22a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give as a finger I finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.

In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers grip the divider walls I 17a-b of the finger-receiving channels I 14a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 110 adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger tips protrude through each of the finger tip-receiving apertures 120a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger receiving-channels I 14a-c.

In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to Figure 9, the waIls 11 6a-b, 11 7a-b of the finger-receiving channels I 14a-c are higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 122 thereof. That is to say, the walls 11 6a-b, 11 7a-b are higher at the part 122 of the finger channels 114a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint of the user.

The underside base of the interface 101 has a uniform flat work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).

Referring now to Figures 11 to 14 there are shown different views of a third hand-utility interface 201 herein that may be appreciated to also be a variation of the first hand-utility interface of Figures 1 to 7.

The third hand-utility interface 201 comprises a block form body 210 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell foam). The body 210 is shaped to receive in use, the palm and fingers of a user and is provided with a palm-receiving portion 212 shaped to receive the user's palm and three elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 214a-c arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 214a-c may be seen to be defined by two outer walls 216a-b and two inner dividing walls 217a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 201. It may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 214a-c fan out (i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 217a-b increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each finger-receiving channel is also provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture 220a-c having a periphery 222a-c and arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 220a-c. Each finger tip-receiving aperture 220a-c may be seen to be provided to end wall of its finger-receiving channel 214a-c such that in use, the finger of the user may protrude towards (but typically not fully through to) the curved front wall 226 of the foamed block body, which defines a work surface thereof. The interface 201 may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions 219a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.

The three finger-channel 214a-c and two cut-away portion 21 ga-b form of the third interface 201 of Figures 11 to 14 provides ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of the user.

In use, the finger channels 214a-c and the finger tip-receiving apertures 220a-c provide the means to retain the interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel 214a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received, and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to protrude through each respective finger tipreceiving aperture 220a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 220a- c assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving channels 214a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material comprising the body 210 which mean that the relevant walls 216a-b, 21 7a-b of each finger-receiving channel and optionally that of each periphery 222a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give as a finger I finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.

In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers grip the divider walls 217a-b of the finger-receiving channels 214a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 210 adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures 220a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger receiving-channels 214a-c.

In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to Figure 13, the walls 216a-b, 217a-b of the finger-receiving channels 214a-c are higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 222 thereof. That is to say, the walls 216a-b, 217a-b are higher at the part 222 of the finger channels 214a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint of the user.

The underside base of the interface 201 has a uniform flat work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).

Referring now to Figures 15 to 18 there are shown different views of a fourth hand-utility interface 301 herein that may be appreciated to also be a variation of the second hand-utility interface of Figures 8 to 10.

The fourth hand-utility interface 301 comprises a block form body 310 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell foam). The body 310 is shaped to receive in use, the fingers and knuckle undersides of a user and is provided with a flat portion 312 shaped to receive the underside of the user's knuckles and three elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 314a-c arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 314a-c may be seen to be defined by two outer walls 316a-b and two inner dividing walls 31 7a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 301. It may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 314a-c fan out (i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 317a-b increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each fingerreceiving channel is also provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture 320a-c having a periphery 322a-c and arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 320a-c. Each finger tip- receiving aperture 320a-c may be seen to be provided to end wall of its finger-receiving channel 314a-c such that in use, the finger of the user may protrude towards (but typically not fully through to) the curved front wall 326 of the foamed block body, which defines a work surface thereof. The interface 301 may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions 31 9a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.

The three finger-channel 314a-c and two cut-away portion 319a-b form of the fourth interface 301 of Figures 15 to 18 provides ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of the user.

In use, the finger channels 314a-c and the finger tip-receiving apertures 320a-c provide the means to retain the interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel 314a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received, and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to protrude through each respective finger tipreceiving aperture 320a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 320a- c assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving channels 314a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material comprising the body 310 which mean that the relevant walls 316a-b, 317a-b of each finger- receiving channel and optionally that of each periphery 322a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give as a finger I finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.

In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers grip the divider walls 31 7a-b of the finger-receiving channels 314a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 310 adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures 320a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger receiving-channels 314a-c.

In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to Figure 17, the walls 316a-b, 317a-b of the finger-receiving channels 314a-c are higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 322 thereof. That is to say, the walls 316a-b, 317a-b are higher at the part 322 of the finger channels 314a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint of the user.

The underside base of the interface 301 has a uniform flat work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).

Referring now to Figures 19 to 22 there are shown different views of a fifth hand-utility interface 401 herein that may be appreciated to also be a variation of the first hand-utility interface of Figures 1 to 7.

The fifth hand-utility interface 401 comprises a block form body 410 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell foam). The body 410 is shaped to receive in use, the palm and fingers of a user and is provided with a palm-receiving portion 412 shaped to receive the user's palm and three elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 414a-c arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 414a-c may be seen to be defined by two outer walls 416a-b and two inner dividing walls 417a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 401. It may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 414a-c fan out (i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 417a-b increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each finger-receiving channel is also provided with a closed finger tip-receiving aperture 420a-c having a periphery 422a-c and arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 420a-c. Each finger tip-receiving aperture 420a-c may be seen to be provided to end wall of its finger-receiving channel 414a-c such that in use, the finger of the user may protrude into the aperture 420a-c, but cannot protrude through to the curved front wall 426 of the foamed block body. The interface 401 may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions 419a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger. 2b

The three finger-channel 414a-c and two cut-away portion 419a-b form of the fifth interface 401 of Figures 19 to 22 provides ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of the user.

In use, the finger channels 414a-c and the finger tip-receiving apertures 420a-c provide the means to retain the interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel 414a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received, and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to protrude into each respective finger tip-receiving aperture 420a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 420ac assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving channels 414a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material comprising the body 410 which mean that the relevant walls 41 6a-b, 41 7a-b of each finger-receiving channel and optionally that of each periphery 422a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give as a finger / finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.

In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers grip the divider walls 417a-b of the finger-receiving channels 414a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 410 adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures 420a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger receiving-channels 414a-c.

In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to Figure 21, the walls 416a-b, 417a-b of the finger-receiving channels 414a-c are higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 422 thereof. That is to say, the walls 416a-b, 417a-b are higher at the part 422 of the finger channels 414a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint of the user.

The underside base of the interface 401 has a uniform flat work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).

Referring now to Figures 23 to 26 there are shown different views of a sixth hand-uthity interface 501 herein that may be appreciated to also be a variation of the second hand-utility interface of Figures 8 to 10.

The sixth hand-utility interface 501 comprises a block form body 510 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell foam). The body 510 is shaped to receive in use, the fingers and knuckle undersides of a user and is provided with a flat portion 512 shaped to receive the underside of the user's knuckles and three elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 514a-c arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 514a-c may be seen to be defined by two outer walls 516a-b and two inner dividing walls 51 7a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 501. It may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 514a-c fan out (i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 517a-b increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each finger- receiving channel is also provided with a closed finger tip-receiving aperture 520a-c having a periphery 522a-c and arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 520a-c. Each finger tip- receiving aperture 520a-c may be seen to be provided to end wall of its finger-receiving channel 514a-c such that in use, the finger of the user may protrude into the aperture 520a-c, but not through to the curved front wall 526 of the foamed block body, which defines a work surface thereof. The interface 501 may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions 519a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.

The three finger-channel 514a-c and two cut-away portion 519a-b form of the sixth interface 501 of Figures 23 to 26 provides ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of the user.

In use, the finger channels 514a-c and the finger tip-receiving apertures 520a-c provide the means to retain the interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel 514a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received, and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to protrude into each respective finger tip-receiving aperture 520a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 520ac assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving channels 514a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material comprising the body 510 which mean that the relevant walls 51 6a-b, 51 7a-b of each finger-receiving channel and optionally that of each periphery 522a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give as a finger I finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.

In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers grip the divider walls 517a-b of the finger-receiving channels 514a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 510 adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures 520a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger receiving-channels 514a-c.

In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to Figure 25, the walls 516a-b, 517a-b of the finger-receiving channels 514a-c are higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 522 thereof. That is to say, the walls 516a-b, 517a-b are higher at the part 522 of the finger channels 514a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint of the user.

The underside base of the interface 501 has a uniform flat work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).

Claims

Claims 1. A hand-utility interface for use in utility tasks comprising

a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein, wherein in use, each finger-receiving channel is arranged to receive a finger of said user's hand such as to at least partly secure the interface to the user's hand, and wherein at least one finger-receiving channel is provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into said finger tip-receiving aperture.
2. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein all of said plurality of finger-receiving channels are provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture.
3. A hand utility interface according to either claims I or 2, wherein the finger-tip receiving aperture locates at the base of a finger-receiving channel.
4. A hand utility interface according to either claims I or 2, wherein the finger-tip receiving aperture locates at the far end wall of the finger-receiving channel.
5. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims I to 4, wherein in use, the finger tip of the user is not gripped by the finger-tip receiving aperture.
6. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the finger-receiving channels are arranged in a fanned out configuration.
7. A hand-utility interface according to claim 6, wherein the width of each finger-receiving channel is constant along its length.
8. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the walls of the finger-receiving channels are higher at a second finger joint-receiving part thereof. i-i
9. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the walls of the finger-receiving channels are higher from a second finger joint-receiving part thereof to a knuckle-receiving part thereof.
10. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims I to 9, wherein the depth of each finger-receiving channel is greater than that of the user's finger.
11. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims I to 10, wherein each finger-receiving channel has a flat under finger profile.
12. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims I to 11, wherein the foamed block body is provided with a first cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation of the user's thumb.
13. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims ito 12, wherein the foamed block body is provided with a second cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation of the user's little finger.
14. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims I to 12, wherein the foamed block body has three finger-receiving channels for receipt of the user's index, second and third fingers respectively, but no finger-receiving channel for receipt of the user's little finger.
15. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims I to 14, wherein the finger-receiving channels are defined by continuous walls of the foamed block body.
16. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the foamed block body is provided with a palm-receiving portion shaped to receive a user's palm.
17. A hand-utility interface according to claim 16, wherein the palm-receiving portion has a domed profile.
18. A hand-utility interface according to claim 16, wherein the palm-receiving portion has a flat profile.
19. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the finger-tip receiving aperture defines a through hole from a finger-receiving channel to an outer surface of the foamed block body.
20. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the finger-tip receiving aperture defines a non-through hole from a finger-receiving channel, but not reaching through to an outer surface of the foamed block body.
21. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the finger-receiving channels define an elongate square or rectangular trough shape.
22. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims 1 to 21, made by a hand cutting process.
23. A hand-utility interface according to any of claims I to 21, made by an injection or reaction moulding process.