Utility hand-piece

Abstract

A utility hand-piece is designed for being worn on a hand of a user to hold an elongated object. The hand-piece includes a wrist wrap adapted for extending around a wrist of the user. A finger wrap is formed with the wrist wrap. The finger wrap is adapted for residing adjacent a back side of the hand, and extends along at least one finger of the user. A fastener tab secures the elongated object to the finger wrap. The finger wrap defines a passage for receiving and positioning a distal end of the object, such that the distal end projects from the passage on a palm side of the hand.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a utility hand-piece. The invention is applicable for releasably securing any useful object to the back side of the hand such that the wearer maintains substantially unrestricted free usage of the open palm and fingers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a utility hand-piece designed to carry an object used by the wearer while allowing substantially unrestricted free usage of both hands and all fingers.

It is another object of the invention to provide a utility hand-piece which is readily applied to and removed from the hand of the user.

It is another object of the invention to provide a utility hand-piece which is constructed of a lightweight and comfortable fabric material.

It is another object of the invention to provide a utility hand-piece which has a generally ergonomic design.

It is another object of the invention to provide a utility hand-piece which is especially applicable for use in combination with elongated useful objects, such as pen lights, dental tools and equipment, writing instruments, magnifying glasses, and the like.

It is another object of the invention to provide a utility hand-piece which is especially useful for carrying a flexible fluid/product-dispensing hose applicable in personal spa treatments including facials and body massages.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method for securing a useful object to the hand.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a utility hand-piece for being worn on a hand of a user. The hand-piece is designed for holding an elongated object. The hand-piece comprises a wrist wrap adapted for extending around a wrist of the user. A finger wrap is formed with the wrist wrap. The finger wrap is adapted for residing adjacent a back side of the hand, and extends along at least one finger of the user. Attaching means secures the elongated object to the finger wrap. Preferably, the finger wrap defines a passage for receiving and positioning a distal end of the object, such that the distal end projects from the passage on a palm side of the hand.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the wrist wrap includes a plurality of releasable straps.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the straps have respective touch fasteners adapted for mating with complementary fasteners located on the wrist wrap.

Preferably, the wrist wrap comprises first and second releasable straps extending in opposite directions, and adapted for wrapping in opposite directions around the wrist of the user.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the finger wrap has a proximal end integrally formed with the wrist wrap, opposing longitudinal side edges, and a looped free end. The free end defines an opening adapted for receiving the finger of the user.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for securing the elongated object comprises a fastener tab located on the finger wrap and extending laterally from one side edge of the finger wrap to the other. Alternatively, the means for securing the object may comprise one or more elastic or non-elastic loops, adhesive tape, hooks, straps, sleeve, or the like.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastener tab includes touch fasteners adapted for releasably mating with complementary touch fasteners located on the finger wrap.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a combination flexible hose and utility hand-piece. The flexible hose is adapted for use in a personal spa treatment, such as a body massage, facial, or the like. The utility hand-piece is designed for being worn on a hand of a user to carry the flexible hose. The hand-piece comprises a wrist wrap adapted for extending around a wrist of the user. A finger wrap is formed with the wrist wrap, and adapted for residing adjacent a back side of the hand. The finger wrap further extends along at least one finger of the user. Attaching means secures the flexible hose to the finger wrap. Preferably, the finger wrap defines a passage for receiving and positioning a distal end of the flexible hose, such that the distal end projects from the passage on a palm side of the hand.

In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a combination flashlight and utility hand-piece. The utility hand-piece is designed for being worn on a hand of a user to carry the flashlight. The hand-piece comprises a wrist wrap adapted for extending around a wrist of the user. A finger wrap is formed with the wrist wrap, and adapted for residing adjacent a back side of the hand. The finger wrap further extends along at least one finger of the user. Attaching means secures the flashlight to the finger wrap. Preferably, the finger wrap defines a passage for receiving and positioning a distal end of the flashlight, such that the distal end projects from the passage on a palm side of the hand.

In still another embodiment, the invention comprises a method for carrying an object on a hand of a user. The method includes the steps of securing the object to a back side of the hand using a utility hand-piece worn by the user. Preferably, a distal end of the object is then inserted through a passage formed with the hand-piece, such that the distal end projects from the passage on a palm side of the hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view demonstrating use of the utility hand-piece according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, and showing the hand-piece carrying a product/fluid-dispensing hose applicable in a personal spa treatment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the hand-piece with the wrist straps unattached and pulled apart, and showing a portion of the flexible hose secured to the fastener tabs and extending through the passage formed with the finger wrap;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hand-piece with the straps assembled, and showing a portion of the flexible hose secured to the fastener tabs and extending through the passage formed with the finger wrap;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the hand-piece worn on the hand of a user;

FIG. 6 shows the hand-piece used in combination with a small flashlight; and

FIG. 7 shows the hand-piece used in combination with a snake-neck pen light.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be complete, operative, and enabling. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a utility hand-piece according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The hand-piece 10 is applicable for carrying any elongated object having an operative, working, functional, or fluid-dispensing end intended for use at or near the fingers of the wearer. According to one application illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the hand-piece serves to secure the distal end 12A of a flexible hose 12 to the hand of the user. The flexible hose 12 is applicable for dispensing water and/or other fluids or viscous products including oils, shampoo, hair conditioner, creams, lotions, and the like used, for example, in Applicant's innovative personal spa treatments. The hand-piece 10 leaves both hands and all fingers of the user free to touch and massage the customer. Preferably, no portion of the hand-piece 10 covers the palm or finger tips.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hand-piece comprises a wrist wrap 14, finger wrap 15, and spaced fastener tabs 16 and 17 designed for engaging and securing the flexible hose 12. The wrist wrap 14 includes a pair of attachment straps 21 and 22 extending outwardly in opposite directions, and adapted to wrap in opposite directions around the wrist of the user. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the hand-piece applied to the hand of the user. Preferably, the attachment straps 21, 22 are off-set at their respective integrally-formed proximal ends 21A, 22A. Touch fasteners 23, 24 (e.g., hook/loop) are located on respective free ends 21B, 22B of the straps 21, 22, and cooperate with complementary touch fasteners 25 and 26 to adjustably and releasably secure the hand-piece 10 to the wrist. The off-set arrangement and opposite wrapping of the straps 21, 22 around the wrist function to further stabilize the hand-piece 10 on the hand and to prevent inadvertent shifting of the flexible hose 12 during use.

The finger wrap 15 is preferably integrally-formed at its proximal end 15A with the wrist wrap 14, and has opposing ergonomically-contoured side edges 31, 32, and a looped free end 33. The looped free end 33 defines an opening 34 sufficient for comfortably receiving the finger of the user, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The fastener tabs 16, 17 are located on a top surface of the finger wrap 15, and preferably extend (along their respective longitudinal dimensions) between the contoured side edges 31, 32. In the embodiment shown, the fastener tabs 16, 17 extend over the flexible tube 12, and are adjustably and releasably attached to the finger wrap 15 using complementary mating touch fasteners 36 and 37. Alternatively, both ends of one or both tabs 16, 17 may be permanently affixed to the finger wrap 15 forming a loop sufficient for receiving the flexible tube 12. In this embodiment, the affixed tab preferably incorporates elastic yarns such that the tab can frictionally engage the tube 12 and hold its distal end 12A in a desired position relative to the hand of the user.

To further align and position the flexible tube 12 for optimal usage, a small passage 41 is formed in the finger wrap 15 adjacent the looped end 33. The passage 41 is designed to receive the distal end 12A of the flexible tube 12, such that the distal end 12A projects from the passage 41 on a palm side of the hand. See FIG. 5. When using the hand-piece 10 for a personal spa treatment, water or other fluid/viscous product discharging from the distal end 12A will immediately contact the customer, and can then be worked into the skin by the user with both hands and without significant distraction or interference caused by the flexible hose 12.

In an alternative application of the invention, the hand-piece 50 is applicable for carrying a small conventional flashlight 52, such as that illustrated in FIG. 6, or a less conventional pen light 54 with a flexible “snake” neck 55, as shown in FIG. 7. In each case, the hand-piece 50 comprises elements and features identical to the hand-piece 10 described above. Like elements shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are indicated in prime notation (′). When carrying the pen light 54 shown in FIG. 7, the flexible neck 55 allows the illuminating distal end 56 to extend through the passage 41′ on the palm side of the hand. This use of the hand-piece 50 is especially applicable for tailors and seamstresses who desire bright focused lighting and the freedom to use both hands when working.

A utility hand-piece is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A utility hand-piece for being worn on a hand of a user and adapted for holding an elongated object, said hand-piece comprising:

a wrist wrap adapted for extending around a wrist of the user;

a finger wrap formed with said wrist wrap, and adapted for residing adjacent a back side of the hand and extending along at least one finger of the user;

means for securing the elongated object to said finger wrap; and

said finger wrap defining a passage for receiving and positioning a distal end of the object, such that the distal end projects from said passage on a palm side of the hand.

2. A utility hand-piece according to claim 1, wherein said wrist wrap comprises a plurality of releasable straps.

3. A utility hand-piece according to claim 2, wherein said straps comprise respective touch fasteners adapted for mating with complementary fasteners located on said wrist wrap.

4. A utility hand-piece according to claim 1, wherein said wrist wrap comprises first and second releasable straps extending in opposite directions, and adapted for wrapping in opposite directions around the wrist of the user.

5. A utility hand-piece according to claim 1, wherein said finger wrap comprises a proximal end integrally formed with said wrist wrap, opposing longitudinal side edges, and a looped free end, said free end defining an opening adapted for receiving the finger of the user.

6. A utility hand-piece according to claim 5, wherein said means for securing the elongated object comprises a fastener tab located on said finger wrap and extending laterally from one side edge of said finger wrap to the other.

7. A utility hand-piece according to claim 6, wherein said fastener tab comprises touch fasteners adapted for releasably mating with complementary touch fasteners located on said finger wrap.

8. In combination with a flexible hose adapted for use in a personal spa treatment, a utility hand-piece for being worn on a hand of a user to carry said flexible hose, said hand-piece comprising:

a wrist wrap adapted for extending around a wrist of the user;

a finger wrap formed with said wrist wrap, and adapted for residing adjacent a back side of the hand and extending along at least one finger of the user;

means for securing said flexible hose to said finger wrap; and

said finger wrap defining a passage for receiving and positioning a distal end of said flexible hose, such that the distal end projects from said passage on a palm side of the hand.

9. A combination according to claim 8, wherein said wrist wrap comprises first and second releasable straps extending in opposite directions, and adapted for wrapping in opposite directions around the wrist of the user.

10. A combination according to claim 9, wherein said straps comprise respective touch fasteners adapted for mating with complementary fasteners located on said wrist wrap.

11. A combination according to claim 8, wherein said finger wrap comprises a proximal end integrally formed with said wrist wrap, opposing longitudinal side edges, and a looped free end, said free end defining an opening adapted for receiving the finger of the user.

12. A combination according to claim 11, wherein said means for securing said flexible hose comprises a fastener tab located on said finger wrap and extending laterally from one side edge of said finger wrap to the other.

13. A combination according to claim 12, wherein said fastener tab comprises touch fasteners adapted for releasably mating with complementary touch fasteners located on said finger wrap.

14. In combination with a flashlight, a utility hand-piece for being worn on a hand of a user to carry said flashlight, said hand-piece comprising:

a wrist wrap adapted for extending around a wrist of the user;

a finger wrap formed with said wrist wrap, and adapted for residing adjacent a back side of the hand and extending along at least one finger of the user;

means for securing said flashlight to said finger wrap; and

said finger wrap defining a passage for receiving and positioning a distal end of said flashlight, such that the distal end projects from said passage on a palm side of the hand.

15. A combination according to claim 14, wherein said wrist wrap comprises first and second releasable straps extending in opposite directions, and adapted for wrapping in opposite directions around the wrist of the user.

16. A combination according to claim 15, wherein said straps comprise respective touch fasteners adapted for mating with complementary fasteners located on said wrist wrap.

17. A combination according to claim 14, wherein said finger wrap comprises a proximal end integrally formed with said wrist wrap, opposing longitudinal side edges, and a looped free end, said free end defining an opening adapted for receiving the finger of the user.

18. A combination according to claim 17, wherein said means for securing said flashlight comprises a fastener tab located on said finger wrap and extending laterally from one side edge of said finger wrap to the other.

19. A combination according to claim 18, wherein said fastener tab comprises touch fasteners adapted for releasably mating with complementary touch fasteners located on said finger wrap.

20. A method for carrying an object on a hand of a user, comprising the steps of:

securing the object to a back side of the hand using a utility hand-piece worn by the user; and

inserting a distal end of the object through a passage formed with the hand-piece, such that the distal end projects from the passage on a palm side of the hand.