Abstract: The guard positions plates at the palm side of the two middle fingers and at a portion of the palm adjacent to the middle fingers thus distributing the weight of an object being lifted over the area of the plates in order to reduce pressure which would otherwise be present on smaller areas of the fingers and palm, without interfering with the remaining fingers which provide control of the lifted object.

Abstract: The present invention defines a material handling grip 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 leveraged gardening tool device having an elongated body, a hand grip, a forearm receptacle at one end of the elongated body and a gardening tool securing mechanism at the other end of the opposing end of the elongated body for receiving and maintaining the shaft of a small gardening tool. The elongated body has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper and lower portions being separated by an approximate 195.degree. bend in the elongated body. The bend is provided for optimal one-handed use of the gardening tool and results in a decrease in the amount of fatigue traditionally encountered when using a conventional hand-held gardening tool. One embodiment of the invention allows for an assortment of removably engageable gardening tools for use with the gardening tool.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist in gripping a hand-held tool comprises a substantially rigid engaging portion for removably clipping the apparatus to an arm. The engaging portion has a base member and an arcuate member and a linear member to simultaneously engage a portion of the arm. The arcuate member has a first end extending essentially perpendicularly therefrom and is adjustably connected to the base member. A first end of the linear member extends upwardly from an opposite end of the base member. The arcuate member and the linear member are in an essentially parallel relationship along their entire extents. The linear member further has a free second end. A tool receiving portion includes a pair of outwardly extending side walls, an open bottom end and an open top end and is integrally formed with the linear member of the engaging portion so that the tool receiving portion remains in a coplanar relationship with the first linear member of the engaging portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a hand of a user allowing a full range of motion of the hand during use. The hand exerciser includes a dorsal wrap releasably secured about a wrist of the user and extending over a back side of the hand. A finger power band releasably engages the dorsal wrap and extends over at least one finger of the hand of the user providing a resistance to movement of the at least one finger. A thumb power band is also releasably engaged with the dorsal wrap and extends along a surface of a thumb of the hand of the user providing a resistance to movement of the thumb. The finger and thumb power bands move independently of each other allowing exercise of any of the entire hand, any individual finger or thumb and any combination thereof. Furthermore, the resistance provided by the finger and thumb power bands is adjustable based upon the strength of the user. Finger and thumb power bands having variable resistance levels may be interchangeably connected to the dorsal wrap as desired.

Abstract: A disposal device is used for disposal for messy dirt such as dog excrement. The device provides a disposal action analogous to that of a dustpan and brush. A scooper is pushed underneath the dirt on the near side, while a scraper pushes the dirt towards the scooper. The dirt falls into the interior of the bag via a chute connecting the scooper to a wall of the bag. The scooper and the scraper are dropped into the bag and the bag is then sealed by a seal.

Abstract: A finger guard for protecting a finger being used as a guide along the edge of work pieces such as acoustical tile and sheets of plywood and dry wall is provided. The finger guard is worn on the non-working hand and covers the area of the finger being drawn flush against the work piece. The finger guard is an egg shaped protective fabric having an elastic band attached thereto to fit the fabric over the area of the finger requiring protection. The wider area of the egg shaped fabric provides a large area of protection near the base of the finger while the tapering end of the fabric ensures that the dexterity of the finger tip is not compromised by the interference of fabric. The outer edge of the fabric is reinforced with stitching that also serves to attach the elastic band to the protective fabric. The elastic band is attached near the middle of the fabric so that, when the finger guard is worn, the elastic band also does not hinder the dexterity of the finger tip.

Abstract: A finger-mounted, cake decorating device, which can receive and place a decoration, has a finger receiver with a protruding platform extending therefrom. A decoration is formed on either a rose nail or a rod. The platform receives the decoration as formed and permits a transfer of the decoration to a desired position.

Abstract: A foldable device for manually picking up samples or substances, which may or may not be foul-smelling, and, more particularly, domestic animal feces. The device is formed by a laminar element including a rectangular principal body having three fold lines or creases perpendicular to its longer sides, a first of the fold lines or creases being in substantially the central region of the rectangle and the other two being close to its shorter sides, thereby to define substantially rectangular end tabs on the body. Substantially triangular lugs are joined to the longer sides of the rectangle, each triangular lug being divided into two triangular parts by a crease originating at the vertex of each lug, the latter coinciding with the end of the central crease of the rectangular body.

Abstract: A brick laying aid comprising a box-shaped container open at one end and one side to receive a brick as a relatively close fit between two side walls and lying against a base wall and an end wall which may be of adjustable thicknesses, one side wall having an opening enabling the brick to be finger pressed against the opposite side wall to hold the brick in place when the device is grasped by the hand across the base wall, which is equipped on the outside with a handle which may be adjustable for hand size.

Abstract: A disposable, invertible, expandable, symmetrical, sleeved, collecting glove, providing the method and apparatus for grasping, removing, containing, and disposing of a targeted mass and is of the type having a glove (10) formed in a flattened elongated tubular plastic sleeve (11) which simultaneously communicates at its palm with an attached absorbent cover sheet (32) to grasp the mass. The glove is interchangeable in that it will fit either a right-handed or left-handed collector. The materials of the the glove and sleeve are of flexible, thin gauge plastic, sufficiently strong for the grasping region (26) to effectively grasp and envelope such a mass. In addition, a central process of inversion begins in the grasping region (26) of the sleeved glove, causing the grasping (26) to prolapse, creating a region of irregular folds (33) that can bulge and expand to increase capacity and absorbency.

Abstract: A device for assisting an infant with gripping a toy is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the device comprises a first toy-loop, for engaging a first portion of a toy, a second toy-loop, for engaging a second portion of a toy, a hand-strap, for connecting the first and second toy loops, a wrist-band, and a connecting strip, for connecting the wrist-band to the hand-strap. When properly placed on an infant, the wrist-band and hand-strap keep the toy positioned near the infant's hand in case the infant releases his/her grip on the toy so that the toy can be readily gripped again. Furthermore, the infant's hand is disposed between the toy and the hand-strap, thereby positioning the toy near the infant's palm for easy gripping by the infant.

Abstract: A safety device comprising an ice spike having a mounting piece strapped to the forearm of the wearer with a spike support plate attached to the mounting piece by a hinge. An opener is biased to position the spike support plate in an open position and the spike support plate is held in a closed position using a hook and loop fastener. When the spike support plate is in the open position, a spike attached to the spike support plate is positioned by a spring or the equivalent such that its pointed end points outwardly from the spike support plate. The ice spike provides a person who has fallen through a hole in the ice with a device capable of gripping the slippery edges of the hole such that the person can extricate himself from the hole.

Abstract: A contact lens applicator is used in inserting a contact lens into an eye. The applicator includes a stem with a finger mount on one end for mounting the applicator on a finger, and a contact lens retainer on the other end. In use the contact lens applicator is secured on the finger of the person adjacent the fingertip by the finger mount and a contact lens is placed on the contact lens retainer. The contact lens is oriented on the retainer transverse to and offset from the finger tip. The retainer holds the contact lens in place as the finger is moved into a substantially horizontal position with the contact lens positioned forward of the fingertip and oriented vertically. This allows the contact lens to be inserted into the eye easily and without tilting the head downwards. It enables a person to hold the top and bottom eyelids open using the fingers of both hands.

Abstract: A device for individual collection of contaminated objects has a substantially elongated element having a first hollow portion formed to receive a user's palm and provided with a projection for receiving a user's thumb, and a second portion extending from the first portion and having an inlet opening for insertion of the user's arm, the second portion having a width which is at least greater than a width of the first portion, so that when a user by manipulations with the first portion and the projection collects the objects, the second portion can be turned over the first portion and farther so that the element is turned inside out to produce a bag-like structure with contaminated objects inside, and a unit for closing the element after it has been converted inside out, the closing a unit being a strap formed as a rear part of the second portion which is formed of one piece with a remaining part of the second portion and includes a plurality of transverse and longitudinal cuts, the rear part in an inoperative

Abstract: A hands-free carrier for supporting a plurality of handled shopping bags. The carrier includes a U-shaped carrier body having a base and a pair of opposed legs joined thereto. Each of the legs terminates in a free end. Formed on each of the free ends is a hook. Each hook curves in a direction toward the base of the carrier body. The carrier body is adapted to be supported by a user with the base passing over the forearm of the user, and the hooks disposed substantially below the forearm. Each of the hooks may be inserted through the handle of a loaded shopping bag, thus allowing the user to carry the shopping bags while retaining free use of the hand.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool holder with a frame and pivoting ring fitting over the arm has a first handle to grasp when only the forearm is inserted and a second handle to grasp when the full arm is inserted, the pivoting ring allowing bending of the elbow. A tube with a keyless chuck serves as the second handle and receives the end of a tool.

Abstract: A device for handling a contact lens during insertion and removal thereof. The inventive device includes a finger mounting assembly for positioning over a finger of a human hand. A lens engaging assembly is mounted to a tip of the finger mounting assembly for engaging a contact lens. The lens engaging assembly can include a concave receiver for engaging an exterior surface of a lens and a pneumatic bulb positioned in fluid communication with the receiver for securing the lens thereto by vacuum.

Abstract: A finger-mounted, cake decorating device, which can receive and place a decoration, has a finger receiver with a protruding platform extending therefrom. A decoration is formed on either a rose nail or a rod. The platform receives the decoration as formed and permits a transfer of the decoration to a desired position.

Abstract: Devices are disclosed which can make writing and other tasks easier for people with physically impaired hands, such as people suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis. These devices include a glove with a mounting attachment, for holding the base of a pen, pencil, or other device, affixed to the glove in the vicinity of the palm region. The mounting attachment on the glove is designed to securely hold the base of a device such as a pen or pencil, toothbrush, key holder, kitchen utensil, etc. The base of each insertable device is provided with a fitting designed for insertion and removal by someone with impaired hands, preferably without requiring assistance by another person. Several accommodating devices can be provided with the glove, as part of a complete set. Some of these devices will contain fixed, non-rotating bases, for use with devices such as pencils or pens; others will use bases that can rotate freely about a point or a single axle, or with various other types of constraints.

Abstract: An animal waste disposal receptacle for picking up animal waste from a surface and containing the waste for disposal. The receptacle includes a disposable bag having disposable scoop members mounted thereon for scooping up the animal waste and placing the waste in the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fore-arm assistant device. The device has a frame which encircles at least part of a forearm of a user. A cuff is positioned on one end of the frame so as to encircle the forearm adjacent to the elbow of the user. A handgrip extends from one side of the frame to the other side of the frame and is positioned approximately the length of the forearm from the elbow end of the frame. A tubular locking member is positioned on the other end of the frame. Various tools, a crutch leg or a kayak paddle can be held in the device.

Abstract: A grip assist apparatus designed to strengthen the weight lifter's grip and prevent a weight training injury by providing support to the wrist and hand while protecting the palm of the hand. The grip assist also allows the lifter free movement of his hands when he is not actually gripping the weight bar. The apparatus features a flexible gripping portion that covers the palm of the lifter. The gripping portion provides a non-slip surface that is tacky to the touch. A thicker, flexible top end of the gripping portion comes in direct contact with the weight bar and can be easily positioned between the bar and lifter's hand or partially positioned around the bar by the tips of the fingers of the same hand, depending on the lifter's preference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical manipulator for remotely grasping and manipulating things in response to movements of a human hand controlling the device. Movements of human fingers can be transmitted to mechanical finger-like devices through mechanical cables and linkages. In one embodiment the linkages include a mechanical movement reduction device to translate large hand movements to smaller distal movements. Various structures are provided at the proximal and distal ends for sensing and replicating the movements of a human hand.

Abstract: An improved apparatus to assist in gripping a hand-held tool is adapted to be easily coupled to one's hand. A hand engaging portion for removably engaging a portion of a palm and a portion of a back of a hand is provided. A tool receiving portion is coupled to the hand engaging portion and receives the hand-held tool. A band for securing the hand-held tool to the tool receiving portion is also provided. The hand engaging portion defines at least one groove for receiving the band for securing.

Abstract: A liquid carrying apparatus for use on a bicycle frame, the frame having a base and first and second frame members operatively interconnected adjacent the base, the apparatus comprising a liquid holding tank including frame-member-confronting sides, the tank designed to be directly anchored to the first and second frame members. The tank is operatively connected to a hose. The base includes a hose holder that grips the hose adjacent its said second end, the holder having a user manipulable handle sized to receive and encircle a finger of a rider's hand, and a handlebar clasp which is oriented so as to be removably attachable to the handlebar.

Abstract: A hand-worn apparatus for releasably lifting a compact disk or other delicate or hard to handle article includes at least one suction cup element disposed on a housing member such as a glove, a vacuum line connected to the suction cup and a vacuum source, and a manual switch for selectively drawing a vacuum from the vacuum source through the vacuum line to the suction cup. When the switch is activated, a vacuum is drawn through the vacuum line to the suction cup, enabling temporary attachment to and lifting of the delicate article. When the switch is deactivated, the vacuum is stopped, thereby releasing the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of manipulation aids, in particular, to a manipulation aid or pointing stick that attaches to a user's hand for pressing keys on a keyboard, turning pages or the like. In one embodiment of the inventions, a strap is adapted to engage the hand of a user. A cone, having a base and an apex, is mounted at its base to the strap. An actuator is mounted to the apex of the cone. The actuator includes a tip which can be seen by the user and can be used to press keys of a keyboard, turn pages of a book, etc. The manipulation aid is designed to collapse under a predetermined load to prevent unacceptably high forces from being delivered to the user's hand.

Abstract: A strap is made of a flexible material such as cotton or NYLON and includes a loop at one end large enough to allow the other end of the strap to be slipped through the loop to provide a strap portion that may encircle the wrist of the user. The other end of the strap has a rigid ring attached to it and the body of the strap has a thin, stiff wire embedded in it. The strap portion may be encircled about the wrist of the user and the other end of the strap may be wrapped once about a barbell bar. The rigidity of the strap imparted to it by the thin, stiff wire allows the end of the strap with the rigid ring to be maintained in an upward direction so that a finger of the user may be slipped through the ring and used to tighten the strap about the bar.

Abstract: A hand-held portable device to assist in putting on jewelry of the type having a clasp at one end and a receiver at the other and being flexible therebetween. The device is in the form of a rigid elongated member with a stabilizing fin at one end and a clamp at the other. The method of using the device to put on a bracelet whereby the receiver is held in the clamp, the device grasped in the hand to receive the bracelet, the bracelet brought around the wrist and the clasp brought in proximity to the receiver and fastened. The device is thereafter released and removed. The similar method of using the device to put on a neckchain. The device can be used by most persons including those with limited dexterity.

Abstract: An ergonomic scoop assembly including a scoop subassembly and scoop support subassembly. The scoop assembly is preferably detachably connectable to the scoop support subassembly. The scoop support subassembly includes a saddle member for contacting the ventral side of a user's forearm and structure for releasably securing the scoop support subassembly to the user's forearm. The scoop support subassembly further includes a rear portion to which the saddle member is attached and a fore portion attached to a handle of the scoop subassembly. When the scoop support subassembly is attached to the user's forearm the handle of the scoop subassembly defines an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis for the user's forearm of between about 115.degree. to about 125.degree..

Abstract: An eating utensil for gripping food such as chicken drumsticks is disclosed. The utensil has a pair of jaws which are shaped and dimensioned to accommodate two of the fingers and the thumb of a user enabling it to be manually closed. The utensil has a springy, hinge which acts to open the jaws upon release of finger pressure therefrom. The jaws have pairs of opposing rows of teeth, and the rows are outwardly curved to form a gap therebetween to accommodate the shape of the food and provide more secure gripping thereof. The pairs of rows of teeth are laterally and longitudinally oriented enabling the food to be gripped from either the front or side of the utensil. The pairs of rows of teeth are also positioned laterally and longitudinally adjacent each other and separated by recessed portions of the utensil enabling the food to be gripped at two portions thereof and thus more securely and firmly held.

Abstract: A glove bag includes a glove portion, an enlarged cuff portion, and a sealing strip arranged on an open rear end of the cuff portion. To use, the bag is worn over a hand, and the hand is used to pick up an article. The glove portion provides complete freedom of movement for the fingers to handle the article with precision. The glove bag is everted over the article to contain it, and the open rear end is sealed with the sealing strip. The article is thus isolated in the glove bag without being contaminated by the hand, and without contaminating the hand. The cuff portion is large enough to hold a variety of articles.

Abstract: A personal device for facilitating the manual turning and transferring of pages by handicapped persons is provided. The device is in the form of a flexible or rigid padded bracelet which can be readily attached around the user's fingers, hand, forearm, foot or head. A delimited part of the exterior surface of the bracelet is overlaid with a two-sided adhesive material. The user presses the sticky surface against the page to be turned/transferred, then pulls it and releases the page by a slight movement. A rigid extension is attached to the bracelet, and used to prevent the turned page from turning back to its original position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical manipulator for remotely grasping and manipulating things in response to movements of a human hand controlling the device. Movements of human fingers can be transmitted to mechanical finger-like devices through mechanical cables and linkages. In one embodiment the linkages include a mechanical movement reduction device to translate large hand movements to smaller distal movements. Various structures are provided at the proximal and distal ends for sensing and replicating the movements of a human hand.

Abstract: A Prosthetic Utensil and Tool Holding Device for the manually disabled, having an elongated rigid adjustable band that is disposed around a disabled hand. A first hook and loop gripping band is further fixed to the clasp bar in a suitable manner wherein an eating utensil or tool is suitably fixed to a prehensile tool hook and a hook and loop gripping pad is suitably fixed to the first hook and loop gripping pad thereby allowing a manually disabled person to use an eating utensil or tool.

Abstract: A device for individual collection of pet excrements has a substantially elongated element having a first hollow portion formed to receive a user's palm and provided with a projection for receiving a user's thumb, and a second portion extending from the first portion and having an inlet opening for insertion of the user's arm, the second portion having a length which is at least equal to a length of the first portion, and a width which is at least equal to the width of the first portion, so that when a user by manipulations with the first portion and the projection collects the pet excrements, the second portion can be turned over the first portion and farther so that the element is turned inside out to produce a bag-like structure with excrements inside.

Abstract: A bag handle for carrying one or more plastic bags typically used in grocery stores or other handle-bearing objects such as paint cans. The handle has a slotted cylindrical portion which is used to house the bag's handles. The slot is angled allowing a sliding motion to access the holding cylinder easily. The handle is flexible for convenience and comfort and has a support strap which the hand is inserted into to provide enough rigidity to support the bags.

Abstract: A device for extracting arrows from a target, the device having a frame defining a channel adapted to receive the shaft of an arrow to be extracted, gripping elements are moveable into and out of a gripping relationship with respect to an arrow shaft in the channel such that it may be securely gripped and pulled from the target. The frame is formed with a laterally extending handle of Z-shape which, when pulled to extract the arrow, does not produce bending and possible consequent breakage of the latter.

Abstract: The invention is a grip for holding a seasoning shaker. The grip is made from a strong and rigid material, such as steel or plastic. The grip includes a finger loop; a support ring surrounding the shaker; a rigid arm extending from the finger loop to the support ring; a retaining finger, whereby the shaker is retained within the support ring when dispensing seasoning; and a holding brace, which supports the shaker in a upright position and prevents the shaker from sliding out of the ring. Although the grip is made from a rigid material, the retaining finger is sufficiently flexible that it may be pushed aside to remove the shaker for cleaning or repair.

Abstract: A holder is provided for a bar of soap, which consists of a structure for affixing firmly into a surrounding mass on an outer surface of the bar of soap. A component is for holding a hand of a person. An element is for attaching the holding component to the affixing structure, so that the hand of the person can conveniently hold onto the bar of soap when it becomes wet and slippery.

Abstract: A one hand operable grasping tool having extended and crossing tines, or raking members, that transform the tool into a small one hand operable rake when in a closed position.

Abstract: A glove and auxiliary grip including a protuberance on a grip strap to provide a bearing surface against a cylindrical object which exerts a force on a user. The glove includes universally adjustable separable fasteners to position the glove on a hand of the user and an adjustable wrist strap to provide a secure connection between auxiliary grip and the stronger arm muscles of the user.

Abstract: A multi-functional hand-gripping device is disclosed. The device has a gripping pad which includes a hand pad and a wrist pad. The hand pad is sized and shaped to align with the hand surface of the user and to improve the grip on a weight bar when a bar is grasped. The hand pad is also adapted to be curved away from the hand surface of the user and wrapped around an object to be grasped. A securing strap secures the gripping device to the wrist. The securing strap preferably uses hook and loop securing means. A support strap centrally disposed in the hand pad provides extra support for lifting heavy objects. The gripping pad is preferably constructed of neoprene, and has a non-slip surface on one side and a second non-grip surface on the other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bag blank that is manipulatable to form a bag for capturing feces, ordure and the like and particularly to a bag blank that has a flat silhouette in profile and features a pair of hinge-like transverse foldlines normal to usual side foldlines. The side foldlines form termini for a pair of broad walls wherein such transverse foldlines are manipulable to permit an associated pair of skirt sections to undergo inverting movement relative to and interior of the pair of broad walls to create an inverted cavity of a transformed bag whose open end is horizontal adjacent to the transverse foldlines. In accordance with operational aspects, the user places his hand interior of the broad walls of the transformed bag wherein his palm fits adjacent to the apex section of the inverted cavity and his fingers and thumb reside in contact with continous terminus of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is a container device. It is comprised of a flexible container with a firm flexible collar around the opening. The collar is used to scoop the waste into the container. The collar can open, close and manipulate the shape of the opening to the container. The device also has a protective skirt of flexible material that surrounds it and protects the user and the container from contamination. The skirt contains a closure such as a draw string or adhesive tape. After use, the skirt is pulled back over the container and closed. The device is folded and packaged in a packaging-tool. The packaging-tool is a strong rigid sleeve in which the device is enclosed that is used to hold the waste in place when scooping.

Abstract: A pick-up for handicraft items and accessories consists of a stick having an adhering member on one end of the stick. The adhering member may be hook material of hook and loop fasteners, or it may be adhesive of the type that remains tacky. The stick may have a ring to be supported by a person's finger, or may be long enough to be grasped by the hand. A kit for the pick-ups includes a bottle of the adhesive and several sticks. The package for the kit has a cradle to hold a stick when not in use, and provides a base for the bottle of adhesive.

Abstract: An armrest attachable to a tool to provide support for a worker's wrist while the tool is being manipulated or actuated. The armrest underlies the worker's forearm so the weight of the tool is borne partly by the worker's fingers and hand and partly by the worker's forearm. Stress on the wrist is minimized and good wrist posture is maintained. Due to the location of the armrest, the worker's forearm is located directly behind the tool handle where it can absorb kickback forces that occur as an incidental part of a lockbolt installation process.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up or removing objects and the like, expressly animal excrement, comprising a receiver portion formed of a relatively rigid material having an accordion portion that collapses and expands. The accordion portion is partially enclosed in a sheath. The sheath has an open end in which the hand of the operator can be inserted to engage the reinforcement portion through the sheath. The objects are then picked up and the reinforcement portion is then folded inside out and closed. The accordion portion acts as a barrier between the object and the sheath to prevent leakage or the object from perforating the sheath.

Abstract: A pair of hand held scoops are provided for gathering loose material such as leaves, grass cuttings or the like. The scoops are identical in construction and have hand holders whereby the scoops may be used to compress a load of the material between the scoops to be carried to a discharge station. The hand holders may be in the shape of hand receiving pockets which are provided with thumb openings at opposed sides in order that each scoop may be used interchangeably for the left or right hand of the user. Each scoop is constructed of a rigid plate-like member of plastic or the like having at least one straight side which may be employed to the ground in the scoop and gathering operation. Desirably, the scoop may be a rectangular form with the hand holder oriented diagonally to present a straight bottom side toward the ground for efficiency in gathering the loose material and when used alternately between a left hand and right hand different bottom sides are presented to reduce wear.