Abstract: The invention is a tool for use by fisherpersons to remove a split shot weight from a fishing line. The tool includes a finger sheath, a finger retainer and curved blade attached to the finger sheath. In one preferred embodiment the finger sheath and finger retainer are a sewing thimble. The tool may also include a “U” shaped clip for crimping a split shot closed.

Abstract: A survival hook consisting of a pair of hooks rotationally attached to a plate which is itself provided with fastening means to retain the plate over clothing, typically over the forearm of a user. The plate can be of a strap-on type by way of fastening means or can be sown as part of the clothing or alternatively, it can be fixedly attached to the clothing by mechanical fastening means, adhesive means or combination thereof. The hands are always free and unencumbered and the moving elements are simple enough that it is unlikely that jamming through frost or packed snow or ice can occur and hinder proper operation of the invention. The pair of hooks are normally folded against the plate so as not show their pointy ends, and are folded out only when needed.

Abstract: The invention is a tool for use by fisherpersons to remove a split shot weight from a fishing line. The tool includes a finger sheath, a finger retainer and curved blade attached to the finger sheath. In one preferred embodiment the finger sheath and finger retainer are a sewing thimble. The tool may also include a “U” shaped clip for crimping a split shot closed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a firm grip to the lip of a fish includes a pair of pincers. The device has two handles each comprised of at least one ring to which digits may be inserted. One of the two handles has a ring that may rotate about a pivot point. The device has a locking mechanism that allows it to be held in a closed position.

Abstract: A utensil grip system is made from a strip of material defined by a first longitudinal portion terminating in a first free end, a second longitudinal portion terminating in a second free end, and a join region positioned between and coupled to each of the first and second longitudinal portions. The first longitudinal portion is shaped to define a first adjustable-size ring while the second longitudinal portion is shaped to define a second adjustable-size ring. The join region is shaped to offset the first adjustable-size ring with respect to the second adjustable-size ring. The grip region of a utensil is fixedly coupled to the join region.

Abstract: The collector is constituted from a sheet (1) of stampable material which forms a body with a base (2), some side walls (3) with fold lines (7) to achieve the folding, a rear wall (4) and a continuation of this to serve as cover (5), which is hinged with respect thereto through a fold line (6), so that a fin (10) obtained by stamping on the rear wall (4) allows by means of positioning on two concave sections (13) of that fin (10) the manipulation of the collector and of the actual cover (5), to carry out the collection of excrement from the ground and the closing of such cover (5) the free and toothed edge (15) of which will be in contact with the base (2) in the proximity of the front edge (18) of the latter, that cover (5) being retained in the closed position by the introduction of ribs (16) corresponding to the ends of the toothed edge (15) in respective grooves (17) established for this purpose in the base (2).

Abstract: A tweezers with a touching pad having a soft and resilient pad on each pincer to provide comfort as well as prevent corns and callouses from forming on the fingers. The touching pad is a pad by itself or a pad supported by a pad holder. The pad may be installed directly to the pincers by squeezing the tail portion of the pad into an opening bored on the pincers. The pad may also be supported by a touching pad holder inserted into each pincer of the tweezers. The pad holder generally have an upper or top band bordering an open space joined to either a lower band or an L-shaped claw. The touching pad holder is held to the pincers by inserting a tail portion of the pad into an opening bored on the pincers through the open space bordered by the upper or top band. The touching pad can also be installed on the pincers by sliding a touching pad holder having a planar pad into each pincers. The touching pad is either stationary or movable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a thumb guard and method of protecting tissues of the thumb and hand from injury. A preferred thumb guard according to the present invention comprises a tubular tapered body made from a strap of flexible, resilient material in which the end segments are interconnected and oppositely inclined so that the guard will fit complementally over the user's thumb. The guard is configured so that when placed on a user's thumb, portions of the guard cover the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb to protect the thumb from stress and injury when the user holds a paint bucket with the thumb hooked under the bail of the bucket.

Abstract: A brace assembly for supporting a drywall pan including a support frame positionable within a user's hand adapted for holding a drywall pan. An arm and wrist brace is adapted for being secured to a user's arm and wrist. A connection brace extends between the support frame and the arm and wrist brace.

Abstract: A pet litter collection bag and spatula which comprises a flexible walled bag which has a closed end and an open end. At the closed end is mounted a spatula with a graspable handle of the spatula extending within the confines of the internal compartment of the bag. The spatula is thin and bendable so as to be manually deformable to accommodate to the shape of the terrain on which it is being used to scoop up the pet litter. Once the pet litter is located on the spatula, the bag is reversed in position enclosing the front portion of the spatula with the open end of the bag to be tied to a closing position.

Abstract: A manipulating arm has an inward end configured as a sleeve for fitting around the forearm of an operator and an outward end having a tubular projection with an axially moving rod slideable therein. The rod has a hook at the outward end thereof for grasping razor ribbon, and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position and is urged to the extended position by a spring. The distal end of the rod extends from the outward tubular member and is configured as a hook. The device includes a handle oriented perpendicular to the axis of the tube and a moveable trigger that can be grasped by the fingers of the operator while his palm is against the handle. Retracting the trigger retracts the rod within the tubular member, compresses the spring, and closes the hook of the claw around a piece of razor ribbon so that it can be positioned by the operator.

Abstract: A conical strap-loop (1) of adjustable size which embraces part of a user's hand (7) in connection with his/her wrist. The loop includes a free-supporting elastic shaft (2) which projects forwards in the direction of the loop axis and includes a curved end-part (3) which is also free-supporting and springly elastic and which is curved through about one-half of a revolution in towards the palm of the user's hand. The width of the curved part (3) corresponds to the width of the user's palm. A handgrip (8), such as the bar of a barbell, can be positioned between the palm of the user's hand and the free end of the curved part so as to be accommodated within said curved part, which is able to straighten out elastically at low loads.

Abstract: A manipulating arm has an inward end configured as a sleeve for fitting around the forearm of an operator and an outward end having a tubular projection with an axially moving rod slideable therein. The rod has a hook at the outward end thereof for grasping razor ribbon, and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position and is urged to the extended position by a spring. The distal end of the rod extends from the outward tubular member and is configured as a hook. The device includes a handle oriented perpendicular to the axis of the tube and a moveable trigger that can be grasped by the fingers of the operator while his palm is against the handle. Retracting the trigger retracts the rod within the tubular member, compresses the spring, and closes the hook of the claw around a piece of razor ribbon so that it can be positioned by the operator.

Abstract: An adhesive film for rubber adhesive tips in which an adhesive coat is on the back surface of rubber or lambskin fabric, this surface is used for better gripping and/or releasing in athletic sports. It is used to increase the overall performance by 5 to 15%, while playing athletic sports. It surpasses the discomfort and dexterity of athletic gloves, giving the hand the freedom to breath as well as natural feeling of throwing or gripping. Sweat and moisture are major factors in why many balls are thrown inaccurately. Many athletes have small hands and cannot get a good grip on athletic balls.

Abstract: A handle and method for use with a manually operated implement including an elongated tubular frame (A) with a holder (B) at one end for receiving a shank portion of the implement against rotation and movement in and out with respect to the holder and for achieving a two-point control by the user through a slidable support (C) opposite the holder and an intermediate upright hand grip (D), a strap (E) carried by a support (C) being provided for encompassing an arm of the user just below the elbow facilitating the application of force upwardly and downwardly as well as in and out through the implement. A second single straight length of tubing (F) has a holder for attachment to the frame and a second holder for attachment of a selected implement.

Abstract: A gripper, kit and method is provided for manipulating fibrous balls and pads. The gripper includes first and second legs extending outwardly away from one another and joined at a pivot bridge, the legs being flexibly bendable by finger pressure in a direction toward one another for grabbing onto the fibrous ball or pad. A retention means such as a ring is joined to the legs or bridge. The ring allows the gripper to remain on a user's hand even though the fingers release pressure against the legs to disengage the grabbed ball or pad.

Abstract: An oven glove is provided with a gripping element affixed to a thumb piece of the glove so as to enable a wearer or user to handle or grasp hot dishes, pots, pans or like items. The gripping element extends outwardly from the thumb piece so as to permit the gripping element to be positioned a sufficient amount over an edge of a hot item so as to enable the user to move the item. Heat retardant pads are also provided on the glove.

Abstract: Ultimate grip is a universal gripping device developed for the use of securing a striking implement to fingers by sliding fingers into finger element and wrapping end strap around object in a beneficial locking pattern and applying palmar side of hand onto grip and wrapped striking implement. The gripping device has a finger element which consist of flexor straps, metacarpal straps, metacarpophalangeal joint strap and an end strap used for wrapping around striking implement. The unique form of gripping device allows for flexor areas in the finger through palm side of hand to be permanently attached to striking implement by use of a securely locked end strap. Also, the unique form of gripping device allows for striking implement to fit securely in metacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints of finger and palm providing a consistent flexible grip which is extremely important in proper handling technique of a striking implement such as a bat, club or racquet.

Abstract: A toy digging implement that is worn over the hand of a child. The digging implement simulates the appearance of a backhoe bucket. The digging implement has a set of parallel side walls. A first curved structure is disposed between the side walls defining an open bucket scoop. A second curved structure is disposed between the side walls behind the first curved structure. The second curved structure diverges from the first curved structure near the front of the digging implement. Consequently, the first curved structure, the second curved structure and the side walls define a pocket having an open end at the rear of the digging implement. A child places his/her hand into the pocket to engage the digging implement. The digging implement protects the child's hand and enables the child's hand to simulate the appearance and function of a backhoe bucket.

Abstract: A multiple layered bag comprising such materials that one surface of the bag degrades when it comes in contact with water, for example polyvinyl alcohol, while the other surface is water resistant, such that the bag can be used to collect moist materials, for example pet excrement, without exposing the bag handler to those moist materials, yet when the everted bag is subjected to an aqueous environment, with the liquid degradable surface exposed to the aqueous environment, all the components of the bag degrade. The bag degrades such that the remaining components of the bag and the contents thereof are easily flushed down the toilet.

Abstract: A manipulator serving for applying a contact lens in or removing it from a user's eye. The manipulator is of the kind that includes a manipulation part for holding the manipulator with the fingers, a supporting part on the manipulation part with the same or a slightly smaller diameter than the contact lens, and a concave face on the supporting part for in use detachably receiving the contact lens. The manipulator furthermore includes a slit made in the supporting part and extending from its concave face. When the manipulator is used to remove a contact lens from an eye, the user presses the slit together a little so that a fold is preliminarily made with a subjacent channel for taking air from the open in under the loosened parts of the contact lens. Using the manipulator according to the invention, a contact lens can easily and safely be removed from a user's eye without risk of thereby injuring the cornea.

Abstract: A forearm support device (10) for use in lifting an object (100) having a handle (102). The support device includes a U-shaped frame (12) with first, second and third supports (14, 16 and 18). The frame extends the length of the user's forearm (150) from the wrist (152) of the user to adjacent the elbow of the user. The device can be used in combination with an insulated oven mitt (20) to allow for use with hot objects. The support device enables a user to lift objects with a handle and transfers the lifting force from the user's hand and wrist to the forearm of the user.

Abstract: A device for assisting muscularly disadvantaged persons and hypotonic individuals to perform a multiplicity of tasks. The device includes a hand grip and wrist support that is supported along two dimensions of travel by frictionless support surfaces, such that the task is performed with a gliding or fluid movement.

Abstract: An improved glove-like device especially adapted to collect and dispose of pet waste, incorporating half-webbing between glove fingers, a full, thin padding in the palm and fingers area, and a tapered, extended-length cuff with ties at the outer cuff end. The cuff extends midway up the arm of the user. The entire device may be made of biodegradable material or materials. The palm padding may be bubble-wrap in structure, or made of non-woven or paper material, or of ribbed or ridged plastic; it blocks the warmth of the waste from being felt by the user's hand.

Abstract: A glove-like bag of a sturdy, pliable plastic or rubber material for the collection and disposal of waste material includes a major body portion conformable to and capable of receiving therein an individual's hand, and a thumb portion laterally extending from the major body portion for receiving the individual's thumb. A flexible offset bag portion is attached to the major body portion and the thumb portion, which can be torn away for disposal of the waste material. The glove-like bag also includes a cleaning pad for both wiping the surface after the waste material has been collected and for limiting abrasion to the glove-like bag during wiping. A sanitizing bar is attached to the major body portion adjacent the cleaning pad for sanitizing the surface after the waste material has been removed therefrom.

Abstract: A forearm-mounted trowel assembly including a trowel blade, a brace adapted to extend laterally from an upper portion of the blade, a handle affixed to the blade with a graspable portion spaced a distance from the brace sufficient to enable a user's hand to move within the handle without inadvertently slipping out, and a band mounted on the brace a distance from the handle for attachment to the user's arm.

Abstract: This design is to be used by handicapped persons for the removal of snow. The invention is made to be used with one arm, and is adjustable to fit a short or tall person with only one aim or leg, left or right. It consists of a grip handle which is secured to two plates by bolts which are attached in turn to the main shaft by bolts, and is made adjustable by holes drilled into the main shaft. It also has a cradle at the upper end of the main shaft in which the forearm rests to give it stability and leverage to lift the loaded shovel for throwing snow. This cradle is attached to the main shaft by clamps which are also adjustable by releasing the bolts and moving it up and down on the shaft, which is also used to allow for use of different sized persons in unision with the adjustment of the grip handle.

Abstract: A pet litter scoop and disposal device includes a container and a bag. The container has an open top end shaped to act as a scoop for scooping up pet litter. The bag has a first portion sized and shaped for lining the inner surface of the container, and a second portion sized and shaped to be folded back over the outer surface of the container for covering the hand of the user holding the container during use. The bag includes a closure for closing the upper end of the bag, comprising a pair of loops extending from the open end of the bag. The loops are preferably shaped to form a handle sized to fit over the hand of the user. The container preferably includes a holding bay at the base of the container for holding an uppermost portion of the bag so as to store the second portion of the bag against the outer surface of the container prior to deployment.

Abstract: An assist device for using chopsticks includes a finger holder having two members for fingers holding, a chopstick keeper having two parts connected to the two members of the finger holder respectively, wherein each of the two parts having a position for fixing a chopstick thereon, and an connecting member connected to one of the chopstick keeper and the finger holder for returning said assist device to an original shape. The assist device does keep the chopsticks in a best operating condition even though the user cannot use the chopsticks coordinately. Thus, the assist device can assure the chopsticks are able to pick up food correctly and efficiently even though the finger holder is non-coordinately pressed. Therefore, the assist device helps the user who is disabled to use the chopsticks for easily operating the chopsticks. In addition, the chopsticks can be removed from the chopstick keeper for cleaning, so there is no hygiene problem.

Abstract: An improved temporary hand held grip for engaging the edge of a cardboard, Styrofoam or wooden box that includes a right angle body to mate with the edge of a box and a plurality of teeth that penetrate a box contiguous to the edge of a box and just off side the edge. Each improved grip includes an attached leather strap connected to one angle side of the right angle body to aid in handling a box. The improvedgrip contains sufficient space to allow the fingers to grip the entire invention so as to prevent losing control of it when using it. The plurality of teeth are easily adjustable if it becomes necessary to adjust the depth of their penetration into the surface of the box being handled so as not to damage the contents of the box being handled while retaining a firm grip on the box. The improved grip also provides a means of preventing injuries from the sharp teeth by retracting when pressure is released when not being used tohandle a box.

Abstract: A utensil holding device including a support portion adapted for coupling with the hand and wrist of a user. A utensil holding portion is secured to the support portion.

Abstract: A thumb protector for protecting the thumb of a user from calluses and inflamed skin from repetitive use of computer game controllers. The thumb protector includes a sleeve that is adapted to cover a distal end of the digit of the user. The sleeve has an upper portion and a lower portion; the upper portion is adapted to cover a top of the distal end of the digit and the lower portion is adapted to cover a digital pulp of the digit of the user. A plurality of ridges outwardly extend from the lower portion of the sleeve such that the plurality of ridges are adapted for increasing traction between the sleeve and the game controller when the sleeve is covering the distal end of the digit.

Abstract: A utensil holding device including a support portion adapted for coupling with the hand and wrist of a user. A utensil holding portion is secured to the support portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a finger glove utilized to grasp a ramrod when tamping down a black powder charge and bullet in a long rifle or handgun. The glove is constructed of nylon-strap material with a vertical pocket for engaging the end of the ramrod on one side of the strap and loops for engaging a plurality of fingers, preferably the little finger through the middle finger, on the other side of the strap. This device reduces the amount of arm strength required to load the long rifle or handgun and since the end of the ramrod bears against the bottom of the pocket, distributes the force laterally to the fingers engaging the strap.

Abstract: A finger-guided surgical instrument is described and includes (a) a thimble-like element being adapted to surround at least a portion of a surgeon's finger while at least partially exposing the ventral tactile portions of the distal phalanx thereof, so as to enable the surgeon to tactile sense a body location to be treated; (b) an ejectable surgical tool being engaged within a housing being formed within, or connected to, a wall of the thimble-like element; and (c) a mechanism for ejecting the surgical tool from the thimble-like element, so as to enable the surgeon to operate the body location.

Abstract: A cutting glove assembly for providing a cutting tool which can be conveniently worn upon a user's hand. The cutting glove assembly includes a glove member including a palm portion, a thumb member extending from the palm portion, and an index finger member also extending from the palm portion; and also includes a cutting assembly being securely attached to the glove member.

Abstract: A one-piece device of elastomeric material for holding an instrument 20 such as a pen on a wearer's hand comprises a strap 10 for attaching around the wearer's hand and a formation 11 on the strap for engaging the instrument 20. In use, the band is slipped over the user's fingers and around the palm of the hand.

Abstract: A multi-purpose thumb or finger mounted cot having a stamp pad with postal related indicia. Two embodiments of the cot are disclosed one of which is closed on its upper end while the other cot is opened on both ends. The postal related indicia on the self-inking stamp pad may consist of a carrier routing number and a plurality of parallel bar lines. This indicia is raised from a base pad surface with the bar lines used to endorse mail by postal carriers, to cancel stamps and wrong bar codes, wrong zip codes, and to cancel bar codes that have mistakenly not been canceled in the mailing process. The carrier routing number specifically identifies a postal carrier and can inform one of the route assigned to that carrier. By making the mating surfaces of the stamp pad (back) and cot (front) hook and loop or VELCRO fastener elements, the stamp pad can be removed and replaced with another stamp pad or have its ink supply refilled when needed. This replaced stamp pad may be that of any carrier with different indicia.

Abstract: A fingertip protector comprises a sleeve adapted to fit over a finger of a wearer, and a flexible strip. The sleeve has an opening for the insertion of a finger, and a portion of strip is attached to the part of the circumference of the opening. An adhesive backing on the inner surface of the strip is present to secure the protector to the finger and the remainder of the circumference of the opening, and a release liner is releasably affixed to the adhesive backing, which is designed for removal before use. In an alternative embodiment, the fingertip protector is snugly secured to the finger by strips of hook and loop fastening material disposed about the circumference of the open end of the sleeve.

Abstract: The ice gripping device is provided with hand and wrist straps and is designed to be worn on the hand or glove of the wearer. It includes an elastic hand strap designed to fit over the hand. It also includes a non-elastic heavy duty wrist strap having a pair of end portions, with one end portion folded over itself and having the end thereof secured by stitching to an intermediate portion of the wrist strap. A buckle is retained by the folded over end portion of the wrist strap and is engageable with the tab end of the strap to secure the wrist strap on the wrist or over the glove of the wearer. The hand and wrist straps are connected by a non-elastic connecting member having a pair of ends, with one end in surface-to-surface contact with the wrist strap. A generally flat metal plate has one or more perpendicular tines extending therefrom for gripping the ice. The other end of the non-elastic connecting member overlies the hand strap and the metal plate.

Abstract: A sleeved invertible glove for collection and disposal of materials. The sleeved glove is disposable, invertible, and expandable, and comprises an elongated tubular sleeve encasing an interchangeable, symmetrical glove space with an adjacent cover sheet attached harmoniously at the palm. The glove provides the means to grasp and envelop a mass, and then invert to create a bag, to contain and dispose of the mass.

Abstract: A device for assisting a physically handicapped person to perform tasks that are managed by the use of a hand of the handicapped person is disclosed. The device has first and second finger rings that allows a device to be easily manipulated during the control of the task being performed by the handicapped person. Also disclosed is a storage container that makes use for the quick-disconnect mechanism of the device allowing for easy accessibility of the device by the physically handicapped person.

Abstract: The present invention defines an improved pair of grips for lifting bulk materials, boxes and cartons. The grips have an ergonomically designed handhold on one side and a replaceable array of needle-like pointed projections on the other side for engaging the lifted piece. The projections are tapered, narrow and angled such that when engaged with a load, additional gripping power results. Holsters are provided for safekeeping when not in use. The holsters allow the user to grab the grips, engage the box or carton and replace the grips into the holsters with a few natural and fluid movements.

Abstract: A bag is sized to accept a hand, wrist and at least a portion of an arm of the user. The bag has an open end and a closed end and parallel side walls extending from the open end towards the closed end such that the portion of the bag sized to fit over a portion of the user's arm and wrist is in the profile of a square or rectangle. The closed end of the polymeric sheet material is configured to accept the thumb and at least two fingers of a user. The bag is specifically adapted to enable a user to pick up and retain an object whereupon the bag can be everted encasing the object in the polymeric sheet material.

Abstract: A finger protector apparatus includes a thumb-receiver cup portion, a flexible hinge portion connected to the thumb-receiver cup portion, and a two-finger-receiver cup portion is connected to the flexible hinge portion. A longitudinal axis extends through the thumb-receiver cup portion, the flexible hinge portion, and the two-finger-receiver cup portion. In addition, the thumb-receiver cup portion, the flexible hinge portion, and the two-finger-receiver cup portion are disposed in a plane symmetrically around the longitudinal axis. The two-finger-receiver cup portion includes interior space for receiving two fingers, one finger in a receiving space on one side of the longitudinal axis and the second finger in a receiving space on the other side of the longitudinal axis. The thumb-receiver cup portion includes an interior space for receiving a thumb along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tongs assembly comprising a tongs and a hand shield is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the tongs include a pair of arms hingedly connected at one end and the shield is attached to the arms and extends radially outward from an optimal fulcrum point on the arms. The shield is preferably round and formed by two thin, rigid shield sections that are individually attached to the arms. Each shield section is positioned on an arm in such a way as to create a fulcrum point on the longitudinal axis of the tongs, so that in the open position, the grasping ends of the tongs pivot downwardly and the hinged or closed end of the tongs pivot upwardly and away from the surface on which the grasping ends of the tongs are resting. The handles of the tongs are thereby kept from directly contacting the food or the utensil.

Abstract: A loose tobacco retrieval device 10 for removing a portion of a quantity of loose tobacco 101 from a conventional loose tobacco receptacle 100. The retrieval device 10 includes an elongated handle member 20 having a flexible hinge 21 and a pair of handle arms 22 each provided with a tab element 23. The outboard ends of each handle arm 22 are provided with scoop members 30 adapted to captively engage a portion of the quantity of loose tobacco 101 from the conventional loose tobacco receptacle 100.

Abstract: A retractable/extensible spike normally mounted in retractable disposition for slidable advance motion from within a protective sleeve-like retainer and held within a glove or other hand-engaging arrangement so that the tip of the spike may be extended outwardly to enable the user to obtain a grip on a slippery surface. The device is particularly useful as protection for individuals who may be engaging in wintertime activities on a frozen lake surface or frozen slope, particularly when there is a risk or danger of either falling through the ice into the frigid water, or falling from a slippery slope.

Abstract: Solid animal waste can be removed from a carpet or other surface by a flexible garment worn on a person's hand and fore-arm. The garment includes a glove adapted to be worn on the person's hand and an open-mouthed bag extended from the glove for disposition around the person's forearm. When the animal waste is within the grasp of the glove, the bag can be turned inside out to enclose the glove and animal waste. Ties on the bag can be tied together to close the bag around the animal waste.

Abstract: A tubular fingertip covering or cot made of latex rubber or other flexible material is coated with a tacky or non-tacky adhesive that may include a pediculicide preparation. After the operator's index finger is inserted into the tubular fingertip covering, a layer or coating of adhesive is applied to the protective covering. During inspection, the infested hair is combed to expose lice and dislodge nits, which are then collected by adhesive contact. Because the adhesive covering is on the fingertip, the protected finger can follow the quick movements of the lice, and can collect and retrieve lice and nits from between hair follicle shafts. The fingertip covering is rolled-up or turned inside-out after use, thereby permanently encapsulating the collected lice and nits for hygienic disposal, without risk of escape or transfer to another host.