US20220030989A1

US20220030989A1 - Non-contact grasping mitt

Info

Publication number: US20220030989A1
Application number: US17/345,978
Authority: US
Inventors: Addison Young Frederic Raymond
Original assignee: Zencap
Current assignee: Zencap
Priority date: 2020-04-13
Filing date: 2021-06-11
Publication date: 2022-02-03

Abstract

Protective devices have first and second members and an integral hinge joining the members together. The first and second members have external pockets along an outside surface that accommodate placement of a user's fingers therein from the same hand. The first and second members include opposed inside surfaces that are opposite the respective outside surfaces. The device is opened by the user moving their thumb and fingers in the pockets away from each other to move the inside surfaces outwardly to accept an object or surface. The device inside surfaces and inside surface of the hinge is the only surface contacting the object or surface during use. The device is closed by the user moving their thumb and fingers toward each other, causing the inside surfaces to move toward each other. An attachment mechanism us used to keep the inside surfaces contained to avoid unwanted cross-contamination during storage and/or transport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/009,115 filed Apr. 13, 2020, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Devices as disclosed herein relate to devices that may be used by a user to protect a portion of their hand from directly contacting an object or surface that the user wishes to temporarily contact, e.g., touch, pull, push, lift, hold, grasp, or the like, for some intended purpose and, more specifically, relate to devices that may be easily accessible and easily wearable by a user to protect a portion of their hand from direct contact while perform such a task.

BACKGROUND

The use of articles such as gloves or the like are well known for the intended purpose of protecting the hands of a user while performing some task where the user is required to handle or grasp an object during performance of the task. While such use of gloves, e.g., made from synthetic or other materials, by a user may be practical for those potentially complex use applications where a user will be in contact with an object for some defined or extended period, such as over the course of working where the user will be making repeated contact with the object over the course of the work shift and/or in use applications calling for the dexterity of all fingers, the donning and use of gloves is not practical for situations where user contact with an object may be very temporary.
Examples of such temporary user object contact may involve activities that routinely occur such as opening a door using a doorknob, or touching any other device or surface for a fleeting moment. Unwanted temporary user contacts with objects or surfaces have become even more relevant in view of disease and/or virus transmission that may occur by such temporary user contacts through cross-contamination to vulnerable areas such as the user's face. In such circumstances, the use of gloves and carrying used gloves around for such temporary object or surface use may not practical or desired.
It is, therefore, desired that a device be developed that is configured in a manner that makes it practical and easy for a user to both carry (or otherwise have such device readily available when necessary), and use the device to protect a portion of a user's hand from unwanted contact (and subsequent cross-contamination, as would be the case with a used glove) with an object or surface to be contacted, e.g., touched, pulled, pushed, lifted, held, or the like, grasped by a user on a such temporary basis.

SUMMARY

Protective devices as disclosed herein for protecting a portion of a user's hand from contact with an article to be handled when the device is worn are constructed comprising a first member and a second member. The first member has a pocket projecting outwardly from an outside surface of the first member. The first member pocket is sized to accommodate placement of one or more fingers of a user therein. The first member has an inside surface opposite the outside surface. The second member has a pocket projecting outwardly from an outside surface of the second member. The second member pocket is sized to accommodate placement of one more of the user's fingers therein. In an example, the first member pocket and second member pocket may be sized the same or differently. In an example, the first member pocket is sized larger than the second member pocket. In an example, the first member pocket is configured to accommodate placement of one or more of the user's fingers therein. In an example the second member pocket is configured to accommodate placement of one or more of the user's fingers therein that are opposed from the user's one or more fingers disposed in the first member pocket. In an example, the first pocket member is sized to accommodate placement of at least a user's forefinger therein, and the second pocket is sized to accommodate placement of a user's thumb therein. The second member has an inside surface that is oriented opposite the second member outside surface.
The first and second member are connected with one another along top edges by an integral resilient hinge. In an example, the hinge is configured to enable the first and second members to move inwardly and outwardly away from one another as useful for permitting a user to open the device grasp an object between the first and second member inside surfaces, and enabling closing of the device after use is completed. In an example, the resilient hinge comprises one or more integral folded elements configured to enable movement of the first and second member's top edges away from another so as to enable the device to increase its effective grasping dimension between the first and second member inside surfaces. In an example, the resilient hinge comprises a single folded element that is interposed between the first member and second member top edges and that extends downwardly between the first and second member inside surfaces towards bottom edges of the first and second members. In as example, the first member, second member, and hinge are an integral one-piece construction with one another. In an example, the protective device is formed from formed from an elastomeric material.
In an example, the protective device comprises a connecting element positioned adjacent a bottom edge of each of the first and second members. In an example, the connecting element is configured to enable the first and second members to be placed into a closed state with the inside surfaces contained to prevent unwanted contact with an external object or surface to avoid cross-contamination when the device is not in use, e.g., during storage and/or transport. In an example, the connecting element is configured to provide a releasable connection between the first and second members. In an example, the connecting element is located along the inside surfaces of the first and second members in an opposed position from one another. In an example, the connecting element is a magnetic element that is configured to provide a releasable magnetic connection between the first and second members.
Protective devices as disclosed herein are configured to enable a user to grasp an object without directly touching the object by placing one or more of the user's fingers within a pocket extending from an outside surface of a device first member. The user then places one or more fingers within a pocket extending from an outside surface of the device second member. The user's fingers disposed in the pockets of the first and second members are on the user's same hand, and the one or more user's fingers disposed in the first member pocket are opposed from the one or more fingers disposed in the second member pocket. The device is placed into an opened position by the user moving their fingers in the first and second member pockets outwardly away from each other, thereby exposing opposed first member and second member inside surfaces. The user then places the device's exposed inside surfaces over the object and contacts, e.g., touches, pulls, pushes, lifts, holds, grasps, or the like, the object by the user then moving their fingers in the first and second member pockets towards each other, thereby causing the inside surfaces to move toward one another. In an example, during the process of using the device, e.g., opening and closing the device to contact an object or surface, the first and second members remain attached to one another along a hinge that is connected with, e.g., integral with, top edges of the first and second members. In an example, after the device is used, the device is removed from the object, and the first and second members are releasably connected together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of non-contact grasping mitts or protective devices as disclosed herein will be appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of an example non-contact grasping mitt as disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is top schematic view of the example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back schematic view of the example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front schematic view of the example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a second side perspective view of the example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 1 illustrating the mitt standing upright on an object surface;

FIG. 7 is a first side perspective view of another example non-contact grasping mitt as disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 is a second side perspective view of another example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top schematic view of another example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of another example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of another example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 7 in an opened or expanded state;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of another example non-contact grasping mitt of FIG. 7 as worn by a user to grasp an intended object; and

FIG. 13 is a number of views showing the non-contact grasping mitt as disclosed herein being used to grasp a number of different intended objects.

DESCRIPTION

Protective devices as disclosed herein are specially configured to protect a portion of a user's hand from directly contacting an object or surface when performing a task calling for the user to contact, e.g., touch, pull, push, lift, hold, grasp, or the like, such an object or surface. Such protective devices may be interchangeably referred to as non-contact grasping mitts, and are generally configured (instead of fitting over the user's entire hand like a glove) to accommodate immediate attachment with a user's fingers and thumb to enable easy and convenient use of the device to protect the portion of the user's hand (otherwise coming into direct contact with an object) from directly contacting an object or surface that the user will be grasping or touching.
Such protective devices in the form of partial hand coverings as disclosed herein may be made of sturdy/durable/reusable, impermeable material such as silicone, rubber, elastomeric materials, or the like. Such protective devices may be configured to be worn over the users thumb and opposed fingertips and are designed primarily to prevent direct contact with object surfaces (e.g., door knobs/handles, safety rails, elevator buttons, ATM/card number pads) which could be contaminated with infectious microbes such as COVID-19 (or even dirt/grime). Such surfaces may be public or private surfaces. As the immediate need arises, the protective device is configured to enable the user to easily fit the ends of their fingers and thumb (from left or right hand) into the protective device before making contact (touch/lift/hold/push/pull) with any contaminated physical surface, and the protective device or mitt functions to provide a protective barrier for the skin from all contaminants, flowing and nonflowing alike. Users need only to wear the protective device briefly while performing a task, then may easily remove the protective device immediately after use. Protective devices as disclosed herein also include an attachment mechanism that is designed to enable the device to be placed into a closed position when not being used that conceals and protects surfaces of the device that were in contact with an object from the external environment, thereby preventing cross-contamination from the device with external surfaces when not being used, e.g., during storage and/or transportation.
FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example embodiment of the protective device or non-contact grasping mitt 10 as disclosed herein. In an example, the mitt 10 comprises a first member 12 and a second member 14 that are oriented adjacent one another. The first member 12 has an outer or outside surface 16 and an inside surface 18 located opposite the outside surface. The second member 14 has an outer or outside surface 20 and an inside surface 22 located opposite the outside surface.
In an example, the first member 12 has a compartment or pocket 24 that projects outwardly a distance from the outside surface 16, and the second member 14 has a compartment or pocket 26 that project outwardly distance from the outside surface 20. The pockets 24 and 26 are each configured having an opening 28 that is generally perpendicular to the outside surface 16 and 20 and that is oriented extending towards a top edge 30 and 32 of each respective first and second member 12 and 14. The pockets 24 and 26 each have a closed end 34 that is oriented extending towards a bottom edge 36 and 38 of each respective first and second member 12 and 14. Configured in this matter, the pockets 24 and 26 each form an internal cavity 40 therein.
In an example, the pockets are configured to accommodate placement therein of one or more of the user's fingers (e.g., however many fingers function to yield a secure fit) in a manner that enables the user to move the first and second members between open and closed positions, e.g., away from and towards one another. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in an example, the first member pocket 24 is configured to accommodate at least one of the user's fingers therein. In a preferred embodiment, the first member pocket 24 is configured to include more than one of the user's fingers, e.g., the user's forefinger and middle finger. It is to be understood that the first member pocket 24 may be configured to accommodate two or more of the user's fingers, and the fingers may be selected from the group of fingers that are opposed from the user's thumb. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket is configured to accommodate placement of a user's three fingers including the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger. However, it is to be understood that the number of fingers accommodated by the pocket 24 may vary depending on the size of the user's fingers.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, in an example, the second member pocket 26 is configured to accommodate the user's thumb, i.e., the user's finger that is opposed the finger or fingers placed in the first member pocket 24. Ideally, each of the pockets 24 and 26 are configured having an internal cavity 40 that decreases in size, by the use of inwardly converging pocket sidewall surfaces (as best shown in FIG. 2) and/or the use of an inwardly directed outer wall moving towards the respective first and second member bottom edges 36 and 38 (as shown in FIG. 1). Thus, configured in this manner, the first member pocket 24 is sized different, e.g., larger, than that of the second member pocket 26. Additionally, in an example, the pockets 24 and 26 are configured having a tapered shape with decreasing internal cavity volume moving towards the closed end to thereby form a tight fit adjacent the user's fingers/fingertips to facilitate efficient operation (opening and closing) of the device without finger slippage relative to the pockets. In an example, the pockets 24 and 26 are formed from the same materials as the first and second members. In a preferred embodiment, the pockets 24 and 26 are integral with the first and second members forming a one-piece construction that can be made by molding process.
The first and second members 12 and 14 are connected together along respective top edges 30 and 32 by a flap or hinge 42 as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In an example, the hinge 42 is formed from the same type of material as the first and second members. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge 42 is integral with the first and second members forming a one-piece construction. In an example, the hinge 42 is a folded member that extends between the first and second members, having a degree of inwardly measured radius of curvature of about 120 to 180 degrees. In an example, the radius of curvature is about 180 degrees or less such that, in a relaxed state, connecting elements (as described below) on the first and second member inside surfaces contact one another or come very close to contacting one another (as best shown in FIG. 1). In an example, the hinge is formed from a resilient material that facilitates opening and closing of the device during use, i.e., moving the first and second members away and towards one another), and doing so for many repeated cycles without failure.
FIG. 5 illustrates the protective device 10 from an underside perspective view showing the first and second member inside surfaces 18 and 22 that are opposed a distance apart from one another, wherein the first and second members are connected together by the hinge 42. The device inside surfaces are the portion of the device that actually make direct contact with an object or surface when the device is worn by a user. The user's fingers within the pockets 24 and 26 enables the device to be opened (where the inside surfaces are moved away from one another) to make room for accommodating placement onto an object or surface by or between the inside surfaces 18 and 22 to enable grasping the object, and closed (where the inside surfaces are moved towards each other until the securing clasps 44 and 46 engage as described below) to prevent the potentially contaminated inside surfaces from inadvertently cross-contaminating onto other areas in between device uses.
In an example, the protective device has a first member length that is sized the same as the second member length as measured from respective top and bottom edges. In an example, the length may be from about 1 to 6 inches, from about 1.5 to 4 inches, and in a preferred embodiment is approximately 2.5 inches. In an example, the protective device first and second member width is sized the same as measured perpendicular to the length. In an example, the width varies moving from the top edge to the bottom edge, and in a preferred embodiment the width decreases, e.g., in a tapered manner, moving from the top edge to the bottom edge to provide a greater degree of control near the bottom edge and fingertips disposed in the pockets for using the device to pick up small objects or the like. In an example, the width at the top edge is from about 1 to 4 inches, from about 1.5 to 3 inches, and in a preferred embodiment is approximately 2.5 inches. The width at the bottom edge is from about 0.5 to 3 inches, 1 to 2 inches, and in a preferred embodiment is approximately 1.5 inches.
In an example, the protective device first and second members have a thickness measured between the inside and outside surfaces that is the same. In an example, the thickness may be from about 0.1 to 0.5 inches, from about 0.2 to 0.4 inches, and in a preferred embodiment is approximately 0.25 inches. While certain dimensions have been provided, it is to be understood that protective devices as disclosed herein may be configured having dimensions different than that disclosed depending on such factors as sizing for accommodating use with differently sized user hands and/or the particular end-use application, and that all such differently dimensioned protective devices are intended to be within the scope of protective devices as disclosed herein.
In an example, it may be desired that the protective device 10 be configured having a securing mechanism or connecting element configured to connect the first and second members 12 and 14 together when the device is not being used, e.g., to facilitate storage and/or transport of the device, to thereby ensure minimal contact with contaminated inside surfaces of the device after use during storage and/or transport. In an example, the connecting element may be any type of mechanism capable of releasably securing the first and second members together without impairing the ability of the protective device to perform its task of grasping and holding an object or surface as described above (e.g., magnetic clasp, hook-and-loop, snap button, or the like). The connecting element may be a single element located on one of the first or second members, or may be two elements that are located on each of the first and second members. In an example, a suitable connecting element useful for releasably joining the first and second members together may be one that is magnetic, e.g., a magnetic clasp.
With reference to FIG. 5, in an example, the connecting element comprises a first magnetic connecting element 44 or button that is positioned adjacent the bottom edge 36 of the first member inside surface 18, and a second metal connecting element 46 or button that is positioned adjacent the bottom edge 38 of the second member inside surface 22. The first and second connecting elements 44 and 46 are positioned to make contact and magnetic attachment with one another when the inside surfaces 18 and 22 are closed together. The first and second connecting elements 44 and 46 are disposed though holes in the first and second members that extend from the outside surfaces within the pockets to the inside surfaces. In an example, the first connecting element 44 is configured having a female connecting feature along its connecting surface, and the second connecting element 46 is configured having a male connecting feature along its connecting surface to thereby ensure registration and alignment with one another when brought together, thereby providing a secure releasable magnetic coupling therebetween. In an example, the female connecting feature may be sized having a larger recess than a nub of the male connecting feature to facilitate registration and engagement between the clasp members.
An additional feature of the connecting element is that it may provide an additional surface feature, in addition to the opposed inside surfaces, that can be used to grasp an object or surface than may enhance the grasping or holding ability of the device. While a particular type of connecting element has been disclosed, it is to be understood that other types of connecting elements using different types of attachment mechanisms capable of providing a releasable attachment between the first and second member are to be within the scope of the protective devices as disclosed herein. Additionally, the connecting element may be configured to additionally provide another function with an object or surface being contacted by the user. In one example, the connecting element may be configured to enable operation of a touchscreen, e.g., to function as a stylus or the like. While this is one example of how the connecting element may be configured to perform additional functions, it is to be understood that all such configurations for additional functionality of the connecting element is intended to be within the scope of protective devices as disclosed herein.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example protective device 10 as disclosed herein shown in a standing position with the bottom edges 36 and 38 resting on top of a surface 47 such as a table surface or the like. Thus, this illustrates how the device may be placed when not in use for easy engagement for use by a user placing their fingers in the pockets and picking up the device. Additionally, the protective device 10 may be configured to accommodate attachment or connection with another device, that may be useful for keeping the device close by and handy for use by a user. In an example, protective device 10 may be configured having an attachment feature located on the first and/or second member. In an example, the attachment feature may be provided in the form of a tab 48 that extends from a pocket 26, which tab includes an opening 50 therethrough to facilitate attachment with another device, such as a key chain 51 or the like. If desired, the tab may be thicker or otherwise of a reinforced construction to thereby provide increased service life. While a particular type and location of the attachment feature has been disclosed, it is understood that this is only one example of many different types of attachment features and placement location on the device, and that all such different types of attachment features and placement locations for such attachment features are understood to be within the scope of the protective device as disclosed herein.
FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate another example embodiment of a protective device 50 as disclosed herein. The device 50 comprises the first and second members 12 and 14 having outside surfaces 16 and 20 and inside surfaces 18 and 22 and pockets 24 and 26, and having a connecting element as described above for the protective device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6. A difference is that the protective device 50 comprises a hinge 52 that is configured differently than the single-fold type hinge described above for the protective device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6. Specifically, the protective device 50 comprises a hinge 52 having a bellow construction comprising a first fold or flap element 54 extending from the first member top edge 30 downwardly a distance between the inside surfaces, and a second fold or flap element 56 extending from the second member top edge 32 downwardly a distance between the inside surfaces. The first and second fold elements 54 and 56 are joined together along a common edge 58 thereby forming bellow construction that is interposed between the first and second member inside surfaces. The fold or flap elements forming the hinge 52 are formed from the same material and are integral with the first and second members forming a one-piece construction.
A feature of the hinge 52 configured in such manner, i.e., having the fold elements disposed between the inside surfaces, is that both the overall height of the device is reduced (thereby facilitating easy storage and/or transport of the device) and the flap element surfaces than may come into contact with an object or surface grasped by the device are retained between the device inside surfaces when the device is in a closed position (thereby minimizing the chance of cross-contamination, i.e., user contact or contact with an object or surface that is external to the device with a contaminated surface of the device during storage and/or transport of the device).
In an example, the protective device 50 is formed from a resilient material as noted above, and the hinge 52 constructed in this manner (having a bellow configuration) enables the first and second members 12 and 14 to be moved further away from one another (with the unfolding of the hinge) when placed into an open position by a user moving their fingers disposed in the pockets away from one another, thereby enabling the protective device to accommodate and be used to grasp objects or surfaces having a relatively greater thickness. FIG. 11 best shows the protective device 50 in an open position with the hinge resiliently extended to enable the contact with an object or surface by the first and second member inside surfaces 18 and 22. In an example, because the protective device is formed from a resilient material, the hinge bellow construction permits the first and second members to be restored to a position adjacent one another when the device is in a resting position, e.g., as best shown in FIG. 10.
In an example, when in an open position, the protective device may be used to grasp an object having a thickness or diameter of from about 0.02 to 8 inches, from about 0.1 inch to 6 inches, and from about 0.25 to 4 inches. In an example, in an open position, the hinge 52 may extend a distance (as measured between opposed first and second member top edges) of from about ½ to 4 inches, from about 1 to 3 inches, and in a preferred embodiment approximately 2 inches. While certain dimensions have been provided, it is to be understood that protective devices as disclosed herein may be configured having dimensions different than that disclosed depending on the particular end use application and that all such differently dimensioned protective devices are intended to be within the scope of protective devices as disclosed herein.
FIG. 12 shows the protective device 50 as being used by a user 53 in an opened position with the user's thumb in the second member pocket 26 and the user's three opposed fingers in the first member pocket 24 urging the first and second members apart by the resilient unfolding of the hinge 52. In the illustrated example, the user is intending to use the protective device 50 to make contact with and grasp a handle 59 of a door knob 60 for purposes of operating the door knob without the handle directly contacting the user's fingers and palm.
FIG. 13 shows a variety of other use applications in which the protective device as disclosed herein may be used by a user to touch or grasp an object or surface safely without the user's fingers/hand directly contacting the object or surface.
In an example, protective devices as disclosed here may be made from a sturdy resilient material (to be reusable, and washed frequently if desired) that provides a sufficient degree of flexibility to enable opening and closing in the manner disclosed above through the use of the hinge. Additionally, the use of a flexible material is desired for purposes of forming a tight fit around a user's fingers when disposed in the pockets to facilitate opening, closing, and using the device to grasp an object without finger slippage. In an example, the protective device may be made from an elastomeric material such as rubber materials, silicone materials, and combinations thereof. In an example, protective devices may be formed as a single part by molding process from an elastomeric material such as liquid silicone rubber (e.g., white Elastosil). The protective device may have a textured surface finish, to enhance grip on surfaces. In an example, the device is colored with a white pigment, although it is to be understood that devices as disclosed herein may be of any other color through the use of any other pigments. A feature of white is that it reveals dirt more easily, to give a visual indication of when the device may be in need of cleaning. Also, research shows that the antiviral benefit of the common disinfectant titanium dioxide (i.e., the source of the white pigment used to make the device) is augmented significantly by combining with silicone materials (e.g., an example material used to make the device).
Upon release from the mold, the securing mechanism or attachment elements are installed. In an example, the attachment elements are in the form of riveted magnetic clasps having male and female outer surfaces. In an example, pilot holes are made in the first and second members, and the riveted magnetic clasps are held in place by back-plates placed in the inside cavity of each pocket and are installed manually with a specialized tool, installed at a centered position near the tips of each of the pockets as disclosed above. In an example, the riveted magnetic clasps may be installed using a hydraulic press. If desired the device may have an outside surface that includes any type of indicia such as printing, logos, shapes or the like as desired for marketing, or any other purpose, which indicia can be provided after the step of making or may be provided when the device is being made.
A feature of protective devices as disclosed herein is the construction of the pockets facing outwardly from each of the first and second members along with the hinge outside surfaces both operating to keep a user's palm and fingers within the pockets effectively insulated from the device inside surfaces so as to prevent any contaminants being transferred from an object or surface to the user's hand. Further, the use of the attachment mechanism operates to keep the inside surfaces of the device together for easy storage and/or transfer and also minimizing unwanted indirect/secondary contact with such surfaces. Further, the protective device is configured to facilitate carrying out necessary errands during a pandemic, or everyday activities where physical contact with objects that may carry communicable diseases (or dirt) are a concern. Further, the pockets and first and second member inner bottom edges are configured to enable a user to use inner tips of the pockets to facilitate engagement with physical buttons such as those found on payment card terminals, as well as both resistive and capacitive touchscreens (if conductivity can transfer from fingertip through compartment/seal to touchscreen). Further, the protective device is small enough to fit in a user's pocket (or on a keychain via the above-mentioned attachment feature, e.g., tab, attached to one or both pockets). Additionally, if desired, the pockets may have an inside surface that is textured or otherwise configured to provide an enhanced degree of finger and/or thumb grip inside the pockets; protective devices as disclosed herein may be provided in a one-size-fits-all form factor or provided in different sizes to accommodate different sized users. Further, protective devices as disclosed herein may be eco-friendly due to reusability, and may be hand and machine washable.
Protective devices as disclosed herein are specifically configured to overcome the shortcomings of existing solutions such as latex gloves, which are not designed to prevent unintentional transfer of contamination (which is also a shortcoming of a user using a portion of its clothing, e.g., shirt sleeve or the like), can be difficult to take on/off, break relatively easily, and cannot be repeatedly cleaned and reused (single-use, i.e., expensive and wasteful at scale). Similar issues arise (and are solved by the use of protective devices as disclosed herein) with ad hoc solutions like tissues/napkins or the like. The hinge or flap connecting the first second members is configured to stretch/expand, for purposes of grabbing larger/wider surfaces (e.g., pumping gas), and to accommodate users with large hands. In the bellowed hinge construction, additional flaps extend from and between the connected first and second members to ensure full coverage of the contaminated area when first and second inside surfaces are closed together. A sturdy tab can be attached to either pocket or other outside surface area of the device to enable the device to be connected with an external element or article such as a carabiner or key chain, thereby improving accessibility of the device for use throughout the day. The opening of both pockets is wide enough to accommodate a broad range of hand sizes (all fingertips converge to a small dimension no matter the hand size) so as to be one-size-fits-all, and tapers toward the pockets' tips to create a snug fit that prevents the fingers/thumb from slipping out when pulling the pockets to release the securing mechanism, and place the device into an open position. There may be supporting features at stress points in the design, e.g., thicker webbing at joints or the like, to maximize structural integrity over prolonged, strenuous use.
Although but a few example protective devices have been described in detail above and illustrated, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the protective devices as disclosed herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means plus function type claiming for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for protecting a portion of a user's hand from contact with an article to be handled when the device is worn, the device comprising:

a first member having a pocket projecting outwardly from an outside surface of the first member, the first member pocket being sized to accommodate placement of one or more fingers of a user therein, the first member having an inside surface opposite the outside surface; and

a second member having a pocket projecting outwardly from an outside surface of the second member, the second member pocket being sized to accommodate placement of one more fingers of a user therein, the second member having an inside surface opposite the second member outside surface;

wherein the first and second member are connected with one another along top edges by an integral resilient hinge that is configured to enable the first and second members to move inwardly and outwardly away from one another as useful for permitting a user to grasp an object between the first and second member inside surfaces.

2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the device is an integral one-piece construction formed from an elastomeric material.

3. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member pocket is sized differently than the second member pocket.

4. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member pocket is sized larger than the second member pocket, and the first member pocket is configured to accommodate placement of one or more of the user's fingers therein, and wherein the second member pocket is configured to accommodate placement of one or more of the user's fingers therein that are opposed from the user's one or more fingers disposed in the first member pocket.

5. The device as recited in claim 4, wherein the first pocket member is sized to accommodate placement of at least a user's forefinger therein, and the second pocket is sized to accommodate placement of a user's thumb therein.

6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the resilient hinge comprises one or more integral folded elements configured to enable movement of the first and second members top edges away from another so as to enable the device to increase its effective grasping dimension between the first and second member inside surfaces.

7. The device as recited in claim 6, wherein the resilient hinge comprises a single folded element that is interposed between the first member and second member top edges and that extends downwardly between the first and second member inside surfaces towards bottom edges of the first and second members.

8. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a connecting element positioned adjacent a bottom edge of each of the first and second members, wherein the connecting element is configured to enable the first and second members to be placed into a closed state when the device is not in user, wherein the connecting element is configured to provide a releasable connection between the first and second members.

9. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein the connecting element is located along the inside surface of the first and second member in an opposed position from one another.

10. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein the connecting element is a magnetic element that is configured to provide a releasable magnetic connection between the first and second members.

11. A device for protecting a portion of a user's hand from contact with an object to be grasped, the device comprising:

a first member that comprises a pocket extending from an outside surface of the first member, the pocket being configured to accommodate placement of one or more fingers therein, the first member including an inside surface opposite the outside surface;

a second member that comprises a pocket extending from an outside surface of the second member, the pocket being configured to accommodate placement of one or more fingers therein that are opposed to fingers on the same hand disposed in the pocket of the first member, the second member including an inside surface opposite the outside surface; and

a hinge that is interposed between the first and second members and that is connected with top edges of the first and second members to enable use of the device to be opened by outward movement of opposed first and second member bottom edges positioned opposite the top edges for grasping an object between the opposed inside surfaces of the first and second members while maintaining connection of the first and second members along the top edges.

12. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein the hinge is integral with the first and second members forming a one-piece construction.

13. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein the hinge is configured to enable movement of the first and second member top edges a distance away from one another when the device is opened for grasping of an object.

14. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein the first and second members are formed from a flexible material.

15. The device as recited in claim 14, wherein the first and second members and the hinge are integral with one another forming a one-piece construction of the same material.

16. The device as recited in claim 11, further comprising a releasable connecting element positioned on one or both of the first and second members away from the hinge, wherein the connecting element is configured to keep the first and second member inside surfaces close to one another when the device is in a closed position.

17. The device as recited in claim 16, wherein the connecting element is a magnetic element.

18. A method for enabling a user to grasp an object without directly touching the object comprising the steps of:

placing one or more fingers within a pocket extending from an outside surface of a device first member;

placing one or more fingers within a pocket extending from an outside surface of the device second member, wherein the fingers disposed in the pockets of the first and second members are on the user's same hand, and wherein the one or more fingers disposed in the first member pocket are opposed from the one or more fingers disposed in the second member pocket;

opening the device by the user moving the fingers in the first and second member pockets outwardly away from each exposing opposed first member and second member inside surfaces; and

placing the device inside surfaces over the object and grasping the object by the user moving the fingers in the first and second member pockets towards each other.

19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein during the step of opening, the first and second members remain attached to one another along a hinge that is connected with top edges of the first and second members.

20. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein after the device is used to grasp the object, the device is removed from the object and the first and second members are releasably connected together.