Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility handle for lifting, lowering, supporting and maneuvering articles. The device comprises a generally S-shaped handle including a front portion that is engageable with the article and a handgrip member to be grasped by the hand of the user and further including a rear portion that is engageable with the forearm of the user. The utility handle substantially transfers the load of any attached article from the user's wrist to his forearm, and through the elbow joint, to the user's upper arm muscles to facilitate handling of the article.

Abstract: A disposable device for the manual collection and containment of small amounts of material without direct manual contact. The device comprises an elongated bag of flexible, moisture-proof material having an open end and a closed end. The bag is so sized as to comfortably receive the user's hand. The closed end of the bag is two ply with a thin layer of air therebetween for puncture resistance and is gusseted to have a "W"-shape in cross-section. This gusseting provides two interior pockets for the receipt of the user's fingers and thumb, respectively, and an intermediate exterior pocket to receive the collected material which is picked up by opposing forces applied thereto by the user's fingers and thumb.

Abstract: A ski glove having a strap extending diagonally across the palm and between a thumb-receiving pocket and an index finger-receiving pocket is fastened to the rear of the glove and includes a clip thereon for engaging a mating latch mechanism formed on the hand-grip of a ski pole such that the skier may more rapidly engage and disengage his hand from the ski pole than can be accomplished when conventional ski pole straps are employed. The quick-connected/disconnect feature is important in certain competitions where skiing and another activity, e.g., rifle shooting, are involved. Discussed are several connected/disconnect devices.

Abstract: A device in the form of a ring for wearing on a finger bears a variety of implements including a magnetic pick-up for engaging ferromagnetic objects. It may include other tools such as screwdriver blades, line cutters, prying claws, glass cutters and the like for convenience in having certain useful tools at hand when needed without encumbering the hands of the user. The tools are arranged in a line along the circumference of the device. Also described is a set of magnets arranged in a particular configuration and polarity to unlock a magnetic lock.

Abstract: The hand harness is a device which shall be used to aid the hands in remaining closed around the boom of a sailboard or a land sailboard. This device works, by first very firmly attaching to the forearm a thick sleeve 12 that covers nearly the entire forearm. The inside of this part is to be made of 1/8 inch thick neoprene that is rubberized on the inside (or other comparable material). Across the top of the forearm is a thick nylon strap 7. In the middle of this thick strap is a loop into which the steel finger 3 is attached. The steel finger 3 starts as a rectanglar piece 8d that starts in the thick loop in the nylon strap on the middle of the top of the forearm. Finger 3 extends down the forearm and across the hand. From here it goes between (in a closed hand position) the first and second fingers (first being the index) and stops just past the point of contact on a firmly grasped boom 1.

Abstract: A catching device made of a flexible material made to fit on the thumb and forefinger of a hand having a web which extends between the thumb and forefinger which is capable of freely moving from an open position, where the thumb and forefinger are apart, to a closed position, where the thumb and forefinger are together, or touching.

Abstract: A handle is applicable to a wide variety of apparatuses, equipment and devices found in industry, commerce, in the home, or for exercise or recreational purposes. The handle may be fashioned integrally with the apparatus or as a retrofit attachment therefor. In using the handle, the person's hand is inserted through an opening and into a chamber formed between the inner and outer walls of the handle. The palm of the person's hand substantially rests on the convex inner surface of an inner wall of the handle, while the back of the person's hand substantially confronts the concave inner surface of the outer wall. With this arrangement, the user's hand is maintained substantially in a curved natural "at rest" position, rather than being tightly closed, so that a forceful grip is no longer necessary.

Abstract: A flat bar having a closable jaw structure at one end for grasping objects, and an arm attachment loop at an opposite end of the bar. Attached between the jaw and the arm attachment loop is a hinged hand attachment loop. A linkage rod attaches between the hinged hand attachment loop and the jaw structure. The device utilizes the action of the wrist to operate the action of the grasping jaws, completely eliminating the use of the fingers for operation. The arm and hand attachment loops provide releasable attachment of the device to the forearm of the user. The one-handed gripping aid leaves the other hand available for bracing while the user reaches for the objects.

Abstract: A napkin is disclosed that in use may be formed into a mitten-like gripper for protecting the hand from soiling and heat while the hand firmly grips, for example, a hamburger. The napkin comprises a sheet of multi-layer absorbent material with two arcuate slits through less than all of the layers. The slits are disposed about the center of the sheet. In use, the napkin is folded in half with a slit on each of the outer sides. The user inserts his thumb in one slot and one or more fingers in the other slot. The edges of the layers may be bonded together to improve the performance of the napkin as a gripper.

Abstract: A device in the form of a ring for wearing on a finger, a bracelet for wearing on a wrist or a necklace for wearing on the neck bears a magnetic pick-up for engaging ferromagnetic objects. It may include other tools such as screwdriver blades, line cutters, prying claws and the like for convenience in having certain useful tools at hand when needed without encumbering the hands of the user.

Abstract: A welding accessory apparatus (10) for the selective manipulation and feeding of filler rod (100) by a welder; wherein, the apparatus (10) includes a ring member (13) having a raised apertured attachement member (15) equipped with a resilient insert member (20) having a feeding opening (21) formed therein; wherein, the feeding opening (21) is dimensioned to allow the incremental passage of a filter rod (100) through the apparatus (10) by the manipulation of the welder's thumb (51) and fingers (50).

Abstract: A gardening glove which snugly fits on the hand with each finger and thumb stall including rigid cup-like or claw-like projections generally configured to simulate long fingernails which project beyond the tip ends of the finger and thumb stalls for effectively digging in the soil around desired plants in order to remove undesirable weeds and the like and to aerate the soil. The hard, rigid projections are attachable to the exterior surface of the finger and thumb stalls in a manner to enable removal thereof when desired so that the glove can be used in a conventional manner and laundered if desired with each projection being mounted on a sleeve-like member telescoped over the finger or thumb stall with "Velcro" fastening arrangements or equivalent fastening arrangements being used to detachably secure the sleeve-like member to the finger and thumb stalls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lift improvement device comprising a hollow main elongated member, having a forearm support at one end and a handle grip from about 7 to about 18 inches along the elongated member from the forearm support. The hollow elongated member is configured to receive a pole or handle therethrough and the device has particular utility for slidably mounting on poles or handles to allow single handed manipulation of end working devices which, in turn, are mounted on the poles or handles.

Abstract: A method of attaching a user's wrist to a hand gripping portion of an exercise device through the use of an exercise aid. The exercising aid comprises a flat, narrow strap having opposite ends and a length substantially greater than its width with the ends of the strap connected together to form a mobius band. The length of the strap is greater than about 24 inches and less than about 29 inches thus enabling the strap to accommodate different sized hands and wrists. The ends of the exercising aid may be adjustable connected by a hook and loop fastener, or may be sewn together to form an integral structure.

Abstract: A spare rib holder consisting of two oppositely disposed members pivotally joined at one end to simulate retractable jaws, the members being spring biased with respect to each other so as to normally be in open position, the free ends of both members being provided with oppositely disposed teeth for grasping a spare rib therebetween, the lower member having a ramp projecting forwardly therefrom for leading a spare rib to the jaws.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a disposable mitt of pliant material adapted to provide soil-protection for the hand while exposing a manipulable pocket for pickup of litter, such as dog litter. The mitt is adapted for reversal such that, once the litter is grasped via the pocket, the act of reversal closes the pocket while the hand maintains its grasp, to the point of fully enclosing the litter within the pocket before removing the hand. Remaining reversed mitt material may then be used in a circumferentially tensed wrapping of the loaded and closed pocket.

Abstract: A document handling aid has a resilient tubular body with first and second joined body sections. Both ends of the tubular body are open so that when mounted on a finger, the tip of the finger protrudes from the first body section adjacent thereto. The second body section grips the finger about the first knuckle and has a plurality of generally parallel longitudinal cuts therethrough to permit enhanced radial expansion of the tubular body adjacent the first knuckle of the finger.

Abstract: A supporting assembly (10) for securing a persons hand to the sail wishbone of a sailboard includes a connected assembly (11) having a pair of mounting devices (14, 15) which may be fitted adjustably about the thumb and wrist, respectively, a connector portion (18) adapted to pass behind the wishbone, and a retention device or bar (16) for retention by finger pressure. Connector portion (18) is formed of flexible resilient material such that upon release of retention device (16) the connector portion momentarily tends to straighten and disengage from the wishbone. A body harness or cable may be secured to connection (23). Alternative forms of the supporting assembly (10) which do not differ substantially from the preferred alternative are also disclosed. The supporting assembly is adapted for use in other sports, for example by gymnasts, or in industry, for example by riggers.

Abstract: A disposable scoop and container having a pair of foldable hinged panels, each of the panels having foldable side panels and a front panel, which may be folded into compact flat form and may be unfolded to form a scoop cavity, wherein one of the scoops may be recessible into the other scoop, and locking tabs for holding one scoop in recessed locked position within the other scoop.

Abstract: A finger-stabilized eating plate such as a "paper" plate designed for use at picnics and other informal meals comprises a plate body and, on the underside of the plate centrally thereof, finger gripping means located and dimensioned for gripping between the fingers of the plate user, thereby stabilizing the plate as food is placed upon it and eaten from it.

Abstract: A hand-held, pincer-like device for providing a secure grip upon a fish comprises substantially identical rigid panels which are hingedly connected to one another to permit facile opening and secure closing, and which have friction-enhancing interior surfaces thereon.

Abstract: The instant invention refers to a clamp to be used by persons whose hand has been amputated and use hand protheses actuating fingers by means of electrical or mechanical command mechanisms. Since in most cases these elements do not permit grasping or seizing a great variety of sizes and shapes of objects, this clamp constitutes an auxiliary element widening the range of possibilities of said hand protheses.

Abstract: A support apparatus which allows a user to hold a phonograph record in one hand without contacting any playing surface thereof. The apparatus has an elongated body wih a spindle extending normally from one end thereof and a substantially curvilinear hook extending from an opposite end in a plane substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the spindle. The spindle defines a notch therein facing the hook. Extending from the body at an intermediate portion between the spindle and hook is a record support pedestal having an upper surface of contact. When in operation, the spindle is inserted into the central opening of a phonograph record and the user engages a thumb in the hook and the remaining fingers of the same hand are engaged with the outer edge of the record. By squeezing the thumb and fingers together, the inner edge of the record engages the notch in the spindle, and a side of the record rests on the upper surface of the pedestal.

Abstract: A generally S-formed, pliable metallic strip with gripping surfaces thereon is shaped to enable a user to grip a fish fillet between the thumb and forefinger.

Abstract: An improvement to a gripping device for handicapped persons provides a three-point lateral restraint. The structure for accomplishing this restraint includes a thumb support element, a wrist brace element and an arm support element. These respective elements may be quickly mounted on either side of the device, thereby enabling the device to be used by either right-handed or left-handed persons. A lanyard including a noose is also provided to faciliate convenient manipulation of the gripping device by the free hand of the user. A toggle mechanism includes an over-the-center spring for controlling a pair of gripping tongs.

Abstract: A tool holding device for persons with limited hand mobility has complementary tool handles and socket of cylindrical or conical form. The socket is integral with a rotatable part and may have an upper open section above the socket diameter permitting tools to be snapped into rotatable relationship with the socket. The rotatable base for the socket is surrounded by an annular fixed housing, and housing and socket base have complementary facing O-ring grooves above which the housing has a locating flange turned inward over the rotatable socket base. The O-ring locates the parts and provides frictional holding force while allowing snap-out snap-in disassembly for cleaning. A strap through the fixed rim retains the parts in assembly and has hook and loop or other easily fastened fasteners for securing the unit to the hand or other limb of the user.

Abstract: A device especially suitable for handling flat-sided drafting tools such as triangles, templates, and the like, is disclosed herein. This device includes a handle adapted to be held by the fingers of a draftsman and a plurality of suction cups fixedly connected with the handle and positioned relative to the latter so as to easily attach to a flat side of any one of the drafting tools by means of suction while the handle is being held by the draftsman. In this way, the device can be used to pick up and manipulate the tools.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for aiding in the handling of contact lenses which is generally placed on the fingertip and includes a disc coated on at least one side with an adhesive layer and a central aperture. The disc is composed of bio-compatible material and includes on at least one surface either a layer of bio-compatible adhesive or an adhesive coated band attached to the disc. The adhesive provides a firm attachment to the fingertip or other surfaces and the central aperture supports the contact lens to maintain its shape for transfer to the correspondingly shaped surface of the eye.

Abstract: The round sandwich holder is made of paperboard stock and has folded end sections which form open cup-like receptacles at either end of an elongated accordion-folding central body. The open cup-like ends are the handles to accommodate the insertion of a round sandwich, such as a hamburger. The bottom outside perimeter edge of the sandwich rests along the accordion-folding central body between the open cup-like ends. The accordion-folding central body is then adjusted to accommodate the diminishing bottom edge perimeter of the sandwich as the sandwich is consumed.

Abstract: A device is attached to the human hand and has parts extending along and attached to each finger and extending beyond the outer end of each finger to provide a tool for digging in the ground. The device is formed of a flat sheet material having a central part which covers the outer part of the palm of the hand and from which the parts attached to each finger extend radially outwardly. Bendable tabs extend outwardly from each side of each finger part to be bent behind the finger of the hand to attach the tool to the hand.

Abstract: A finger tip operated tab top beverage container opener comprises a tubular body having a finger tip opening in one end and a tab top opener at the other end. The finger tip opening is rounded to accommodate a finger tip, while the tab top opener is a flattened portion of the tube in which the tab of a tab top container is received. The flattened portion forms the bottom of the finger tip opening and is offset to the side of the finger tip opening such that an elongated fingernail on the user can extend into the flattened portion of the opener. A tab top can be opened by inserting the flattened portion over the tab and prying upwardly with a finger tip inserted in the finger tip opening.

Abstract: A device to aid law enforcement officers to handle suspects or captives includes a strap with a loop which is connected at one end to the officer's finger and a wrist band portion which is wrapped around the wrist and fastened to a gripping portion which is provided with a series of protrusions which engage and cause discomfort to the suspect or captive when the officer grips the captive about the wrist, arm or leg.

Abstract: A harness for lifting heavy and bulky objects is the subject of this invention. The device provides for better lifting ability through superior load distribution and also provides for greater protection for the hands and arms of the person doing the lifting. A yoke type shoulder harness substantially spans the distance between the shoulders of the person wearing it while also circumscribing the neck area. Straps depend from the shoulder harness and are coupled with a rigid L-shaped support. The vertical leg of the L-shaped support substantially spans the distance between the hand and the elbow. The horizontal leg of the L-shaped support presents an enclosure having an opening for receiving at least a portion of the hand. A highly frictional covering on the upper surface of the horizontal leg holds objects in place. The strap means which couples the L-shaped supports with the shoulder harness includes buckle means for adjusting the effective length of the device.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a finger support to be worn upon the little finger of a bowler and useful for causing a slight displacement of the ball from the finger and that portion of the palm adjacent thereto, thereby effecting an urging of the ball and its accompanying weight towards the center of the palm and also towards the index finger of the bowler's hand in order to allow for his greater control over the ball delivery during participation in the sport of bowling. The support includes a base member that extends longitudinally of the little finger, having a band surrounding the little finger at this location, while the lower portion of the base member is widened to furnish that amount of ball elevation from the hand at this position to attain the foregoing attributes from the invention.

Abstract: Self-feeding tongs for use by most handicapped persons. The tongs include a pair of arms integrally joined to a hinge. Each arm has a rounded tip end, a gripping surface, a flat surface, and a loop. The loop is located on the outside of the arm adjacent the hinge and is adapted to accommodate the thumb or at least two fingers of a user. Each loop is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm to which it is attached. The hinge has a positive pressure which spread the tip ends apart, allows a handicapped person by pressure of the thumb and fingers to bring the tip ends together so that a piece of food can be grasped, and forces the tip ends open so that the grasped food may be released and eaten. The tongs are held in the palm of a hand in a relaxed pen grasp. The thumb and fingers are squeezed together to move the tip ends towards one another to grip and pick up pieces of food.

Abstract: A soap bar holder comprises a flexible soap-holding pad having mutually spaced apart resilient suction cups for securing the pad to a soap bar. The soap-holding pad can have a friction surface adjacent the suction cups for penetrating the soap bar to prevent slippage of the soap bar relative to the pad. A stop pad for overlying the back of the fingers is secured to one end of an elongated flexible stem extending away from a face of the soap-holding pad opposite the suction cups. The flexible stem and the stop pad securely hold the soap-holding pad and soap bar in the hand of a user. The flexible stem can extend between a pair of adjacent fingers on the user's hand, and the stem is sufficiently flexible that the soap-holding pad can be moved longitudinally and laterally relative to the stop pad to flex in any direction to allow the soap-holding pad and the soap bar to be held in a variety of positions in the user's hand.

Abstract: A contact lens applicator in which a lens holding ring is supported by two parallel and extremely flexible members which extend from opposite sides of the ring and attach to a handle.

Abstract: A small adhesive plastic insert and/or a magnetic insert, mounted in an arm bracelet, a finger ring, a wrist watch or other arm ornament and shaped to conform to the appearance of the bracelet, ring, watch or ornament, permits the wearer of the bracelet, watch or ornament to pick up small objects on flat surfaces without difficulty. The insert is shaped and colored to harmonize with the appearance of the bracelet, ring, watch or ornament. The insert is removably held, for example by a force fit, and may be replaced when dirty.

Abstract: A phonographic record handling device, preferably made of flexible plastic, has at one end a loop tapered to snugly receive the thumb, with an extension extending outwardly from the loop at an angle of about 10.degree. to 20.degree. from the horizontal plane extending across the sides of the thumb distal joint. A downwardly extending hook is at the other end of the extension. The hook is bent back towards the loop, but forwardly towards the front of the device for better alignment of the hook with a record spindle hole. The thumb is inserted in the loop and the hand is moved so that the hook extends into the record hole so that the record can be handled using but a single hand. The device can be shaped from a single flat strip of material.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a soft contact lens to the surface of an eye is disclosed to include a thimble section, a cup section and a stem section therebetween. The soft contact lens is retained on the cup section by capillary attraction during placement. The diameter of the cup section is less than the diameter of the lens being placed in order to cause the capillary attraction between the cup section and lens section to be less than the capillary attraction between the lens and the surface of the eye thereby permitting sure and easy placement.

Abstract: An instrument holder for use on a disabled hand including a band being adapted to encircle the hand, the band having an instrument holding device adapted to support an instrument so as to extend from the holding device adjacent the forefinger, a latch within the holding device to removably secure an instrument therein, and expansible structure forming a part of the band to permit the band size to be varied according to the size of the hand.

Abstract: A hand tool of the kind comprising a pointed edge or blade, and a cover protecting the latter in the non-operative position thereof but intended to be swung away to expose the point in the operative position of the tool. Means are arranged to lock the cover to prevent it from being inadvertently moved to the point-exposing position but to allow the cover to be swung away readily to expose the point by using one hand only, when the point is to be used.

Abstract: A glove having four elongated finger portions and an elongated thumb portion extending from a glove palm of a roughened material impervious to fish cleaning products, is provided with a molded-in finger sleeve for each finger portion having transverse corrugations for gripping a fish body. The end of each finger portion is provided with a plurality of arcuately shaped scraping edges affixed thereto spaced in radially projecting planes about the end of said finger portions. A longitudinal slot is formed in the thumb portion for receiving a hardened blade projecting from an arcuate thumb conforming base which is insertable from the inside of the thumb portion through the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking-up and removing objects or the like, especially animal excrements, comprising a receiver portion formed of relatively rigid material and intended to be engaged by an operator, for the reception of the object to be picked-up. A substantially sack- or bag-like sleeve is provided for such receiver portion. This bag-like sleeve, after having picked-up the object, can be forwardly turned over the receiver portion and, if desired, closed.

Abstract: An insect control system for buildings of masonry construction and the like comprises a perforated, flexible resilient sheet member of width and height each greater than the width and height respectively of the weep hole with which it is to be used; and an inserter that has a blade of width and height less than the width and height resectively of the weep hole with which it is to be used, and a manipulating handle for securance to the blade.

Abstract: A device to assist in holding a playing record in the form of a thumb cover providing at its closed end a hook element for insertion into the center hole of a playing record, thus facilitating the holding of the record between the hook element and the opposed ends of the remaining fingers of the hand to dispose the record for cleaning the same with the other hand; and the method of using the device.

Abstract: The increasing popularity of on-premises purchase and consumption of confections, pastries and the like, and especially that of pizza pie, has created a demand for a serving implement or utensil with the aid of which articles may be manipulated for eating or other purposes, without involving contact of the hand or glove of the user and the present invention is directed to a serving implement comprising a pair of hinged leaves which may be actuated through linkage connected with hand-held actuating elements, as for grasping a portion of an article to hold it securely while it is being consumed or otherwise disposed of, the linkage being arranged to close the leaves upon an object in response to a squeezing action or contraction of the fingers against the actuating elements, while release of such contraction causes the implement's leaves to retract automatically allowing them to open and to remain open in their natural position.

Abstract: An indexing device includes a layer of film and pressure sensitive adhesive material located on at least a portion of one side of the layer of film to enable the layer of film to adhere to an object such as a finger. The indexing device further includes material having a very high coefficient of friction with respect to the objects to be indexed disposed upon at least a portion of the second side of the film layer. By sliding the material disposed on the second side of the indexing device across a planar object such as a sheet of paper, a substantial frictional force is developed that resists the relative movement of the indexing device and the planar object. This resistance to relative movement serves to index or separate the planar object from adjacent planar objects.

Abstract: A spike tool supported on a holder with means whereby the tool may be attached to a hand. The tool is particularly intended for lifesaving purposes, allowing the wearer to obtain a firm hold on slippery surfaces, such as ice. The tool may include means holding a throwing bag and a rescue rope (lifeline).

Abstract: A gripping device including a pair of side assemblies, each having a substantially constant arcuate cross-sectional configuration throughout its length, projections on its concave inner surface, and free outer edges while their inner edges are hingedly connected together by a hinge to enable said outer edges to be moved towards or away from one another. One said side assembly has along its inner edge a channel and the other is provided with a bead along its inner edge which is pivotally engageable within said channel by relative longitudinal sliding movement therebetween. A torsion-bar spring assembly is disposed adjacent the hinge and connected at its opposite ends into a recess in the respective side assembly and adapted to urge the said side assemblies apart. The parts are so made and arranged that said device may be held within a cupped hand of a user with the outer edges remote from the palm of the hand and disposed substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the user's hand.