Hand cover apparatus and method of use

Abstract

A hand cover apparatus used to protect a user and others from microorganisms where a hand cover can be connected and mounted to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm. When connected and mounted, the hand cover can be oriented in such a way as to allow rapid, one-handed insertion. As the user approaches a door or object, the user inserts his or her hand into the hand cover and reaches for the door handle to open the door or reaches for an object to manipulate it. This apparatus provides a physical barrier between a user's hand and a handle or object, and its use prevents the spread of microorganisms.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to gloves with retaining means for connecting the glove to the garment or the arm of the user, and more specifically to a hand cover, after being treated with an antimicrobial agent, that is connected to, and accessibly mounted on, the user for immediate hand insertion.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of a glove or other hand covering that is tethered or otherwise connected to the user for use in protecting the user's hands from microorganisms is known. DE102011101311B4 contemplates the use of a hygiene towel as a hand covering that is tethered to the garments of the user and allows the user to avoid having the user's hand come into contact with microorganisms on the surface of objects. However, this invention is limited in several critical ways. First, the invention provides no means for preventing the spread of microorganisms to the user due to inadvertent contact with the outside of the hand cover. Second, the invention provides no means for preventing the spread of microorganisms to others. Third, the invention provides no mechanism for repelling microorganisms to allow for the sanitary reuse of the invention. Fourth, the invention provides no mechanism for mounting or otherwise securing the apparatus to the user for immediate use. Finally, the invention is limited to manufacturing material for the towel to thin fabric, plastic, or latex.

Treating a glove or other hand covering with an antibacterial or antimicrobial solution is known. CN208259104U, US20170013831A1, and various other gloves are treated with such a solution. However, these inventions do not provide a means for rapidly donning the glove for use in everyday activities nor contemplate everyday use.

The use of a hand cover made of a silicone-like material is known. U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,536B2 (“Silicone Grabber”) describes the manufacture and use of a C-shaped hand cover with enhanced grip and that is heat resistant for use as an oven mitt. However, U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,536B2 only gives general guidance for creating a barrier between the user's hand and a hot object. Additionally, the invention provides no mechanism for preventing contamination of the hand cover or spreading microorganisms.

The use of a magnet or a clip to affix a hand covering to the user's garments or personal effects is also known. US20160007722A1 and US20130326789A1 employ such a system, but these inventions merely provide general guidance on mounting only.

Methods of rapidly removing gloves are also known. U.S. Pat. No. 9,936,747B2 describes a method of removing gloves by swiping the hands down over a vest to catch the gloves on an anchor and continue the motion to remove the user's hands from the glove. However, there is no mechanism for mounting the gloves for rapid insertion of the user's hand into the gloves nor a method of using the glove while it is connected to the user.

None of the prevalent prior art solutions contemplate an apparatus wherein a tethered hand covering protects the user from microorganisms on the surface of objects, protects the user from incidental contact with the outside of the hand cover, and eliminates microorganisms with which it comes into contact, preventing the further spread of microorganisms to both the user and others. Moreover, none of the prevalent prior art allows the user to touch and operate the screen of a device, such as an automated teller machine, cellular phone, or tablet while wearing the hand cover. The prior art merely gives general guidance for methods of connecting, mounting, or using a hand cover to create a barrier for the user's hand without consideration of protecting others. Notably, the “Silicone Grabber” does not contemplate and, in fact, teaches away from the hand cover coming into contact with any object other than a handle since there is no mechanism nor any properties of the hand cover that prevent the proliferation and spread of microorganisms to protect both the user and others.

Therefore, there is a need for this apparatus, its method of use, and its means of retaining the hand cover.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises three major components: (1) a hand cover treated with an antimicrobial agent; (2) a means to connect the hand cover to the user's garments or arm; and (3) a means to mount the hand cover on the user's garments or arm.

In the preferred embodiment, said hand cover is similar to the “Silicone Grabber” referenced above, in that it is ambidextrous, non-porous, resilient, and made from FDA-approved, food-grade silicone. The present invention improves the “Silicone Grabber” by infusing, during manufacture, or coating, after manufacture, the hand cover with an antimicrobial agent that imparts optimum broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection.

Further, in the preferred embodiment, said hand cover can be connected to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm as a means to retain the hand cover and prevent the user from misplacing it. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, said hand cover can be accessibly mounted and oriented in such a way as to allow the user to insert his or her hand into the hand cover, without the use of the opposite hand, and open doors, pull handles, or otherwise make contact with objects touched by others.

When the present invention is utilized in the best mode of operation, the apparatus is accessibly mounted to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm. The hand cover is connected, mounted, and oriented with the opening facing up, to allow the user to insert his or her hand into the hand cover (i.e., the point of insertion). Once the user's hand is inside the hand cover, the user reaches for a door handle and pulls the door open to walk through the door opening without making physical contact with the door handle.

Because the hand cover is connected to the retractable tether, once the door is open, the user retracts his or her hand back to the point of insertion and then rapidly remove the user's hand from the hand cover.

Through a two- or three-step process, the present invention allows the user to insert his or her hand into a hand cover and then grab or otherwise touch objects without making physical contact with the object, preventing microorganisms from contacting the user, remaining on the surface of the hand cover, or being spread to others by the user.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is made with a different nonporous and nontoxic material.

In another embodiment, the finger pocket side of said hand cover is divided into individual finger pockets to allow for increased dexterity.

In another embodiment, the ends of the finger pocket side of said hand cover are made of material, or equipped with an accessory, device or mechanism, that allows the user to touch and operate the screen of electronic devices such as automated teller machines, cellular phones, and tablets, such as gripping material to allow the screen to appropriately respond to the user's touch while the user is wearing the hand cover.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is affixed to the user's wrist by a wristband or other similar item of wear.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is affixed to a lanyard hanging around the user's neck.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is retained inside of a bag, pouch, or holster that is mounted to the user.

In another embodiment, said hand cover has only one finger receiving pocket and the thumb is free hanging or inserted into a band.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is in the shape of a flat oven mitt.

In another embodiment, said hand cover utilizes magnets and ferromagnetic material to mount the apparatus and prevent the hand cover from hanging loosely while affixed to the user.

In another embodiment, the finger pouch is replaced with a finger stand (similar to a PopSocket) or band affixed to the back of the user's cellular phone.

In another embodiment, a stylus is mounted to the end of the hand cover to allow the user to touch and operate the screen of an electronic device.

In another embodiment, the hand cover is disposable and pulled from a pouch containing multiple hand covers affixed to the user.

In another embodiment, an ID badge or chip is contained within or affixed to the hand cover.

Accordingly, it is the principle object of the present invention to provide a means for connecting a hand cover to the user, accessibly mounting the hand cover on the user, and using the antimicrobial-treated hand cover to create a barrier between the user's hand and microorganisms.

It is the further object of the present invention to use the apparatus to prevent the spread of microorganisms to either the user or others.

It is a further object of the present invention that the hand cover may be manufactured using a material that provides similar benefit.

It is a further object of the present invention that the hand cover may be mounted on the user without being tethered to the user.

It is further object of the present invention that the hand cover need not cover the user's entire hand nor be C-shaped like the “Silicone Grabber.”

It is a further object of the present invention that the hand cover may be mounted along with other objects.

It is a further object of the present invention that the hand cover need not have an enhanced grip nor be heat resistant.

A plethora of other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the apparatus affixed to the lip of a user's pants pocket over the user's right leg, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an underside view of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows one method of use for the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows another but similar method of use for the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the apparatus as the apparatus lays on its side, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the apparatus as the apparatus lays on its side, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the apparatus as the apparatus sits on its base, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows the front view apparatus affixed to a purse hung over the user's right shoulder with a strap, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows the side view of the apparatus as in FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows the apparatus with a magnet on the thumb side of the hand cover, allowing the hand cover to be mounted to a substantially planar surface, such as an ID badge holder, which is clipped to the lip of the user's pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the front view of the apparatus hung on the user's neck with a lanyard, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows the right-side view of the apparatus as in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows the rear view of the apparatus as in FIGS. 11 and 12, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of FIGS. 11-13 where the apparatus is reversed but still hung on the user's neck with a lanyard, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows the front right-side view of the apparatus where the apparatus is clipped to the lip of the user's pocket with the clip of a tethering housing and mounted to a substantially planar surface using a magnet, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the rear view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the apparatus as it stands on its base with a stylus affixed to the end of the finger side of the hand cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a top view of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 18, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the apparatus with the thumb side affixed to the ferromagnetic face plate of a wristband where the face plate is on the back of the user's wrist, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 20 but rotated to the little finger side of the user's hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the apparatus retained in a pouch that is clipped to the user's pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 shows a front view of the apparatus with the hand cover clipped to the user's pocket and mounted to a substantially planar surface.

FIG. 24 shows a rear view of the apparatus on the user's hand with fingers around the finger stand and thumb inserted into the thumb loop of the hand cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 shows a rear view of the apparatus on the user's hand as the user employs the apparatus to pull on a door handle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, a preferred and alternate embodiment of the invention. It should be understood however that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiment illustrated.

FIG. 1 shows said apparatus affixed to a user's pants pocket over the user's right leg. This figure shows a tether housing 2 clipped to the lip of the user's pants pocket 1. It shows the end of the tether connected through the hook and loop fastening system to the hand cover 3. FIG. 2 shows an underside view of FIG. 1 and the same elements.

FIG. 3 shows the best modes of operation contemplated by the inventor. In the drawing, the user's hand has been inserted at the hand insertion point 4 of the hand cover 3, the user has pulled the hand cover 3, extending the tether 5 toward the door handle 6 of a sliding door. This allows the user to pull the sliding door open using the handle 6, without bringing the user's hand into direct contact with the handle 6. FIG. 4 shows another but similar mode of operation. In the drawing, the user's hand has been inserted at the hand insertion point 4 of the hand cover 3, the user has pulled the hand cover 3, extending the tether 5 toward the door handle 6 of a door with a lever handle. This, again, allows the user to pull down on the lever and open the door, without bringing the user's hand into contact with the handle 6.

FIGS. 5-7 show three views of an embodiment of the apparatus while not in use. FIG. 5 shows a side view of the hand cover 3 as the hand cover 3 lays on its side. The drawing shows the tether housing 2, the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3, and the finger pocket side 8 of the hand cover 3. FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the hand cover 3 as the hand cover 3 lays on its side. The drawing shows the tether housing 2, the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3, and the finger side 8 of the hand cover 3. FIG. 7 shows a top view of the hand cover 3 as the hand cover 3 stands upright. The drawing shows the tether housing 2, the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3, and the finger side 8 of the hand cover 3. Additionally, it shows the insertion point for a hook and loop fastening system 9 or other fastening system.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a side and rear view, respectively, of the apparatus mounted to the user's purse 10 on the right side of the user's body, with the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3 oriented toward and abutting the purse 10. FIG. 8 shows the apparatus mounted to a purse 10, the strap 12 of which has been slung over the user's right shoulder. In the drawing, the purse 10 hangs down by the user's right hip and the apparatus is affixed at the connection point 11 where a clip, such as a slip clip, has been used to mount the apparatus. FIG. 9 shows the purse 10 hanging down by the user's right hip and the apparatus is mounted, again, at the connection point 11 with a clip such as a slip clip and oriented toward the rear portion of the user's right leg 13.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the apparatus where a magnet 15 has been affixed to the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3. The thumb side 7 of the hand cover has been attached to a tether 5, housing of which is clipped to a substantially planar surface 16, such as an ID badge or badge holder, with a ferromagnetic material 20 on the surface. Both the planar surface 16 and the tether housing 2 are clipped to the lip of the user's pocket 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11-14 show views of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows the front side view of the apparatus hung around the user's neck with a lanyard 17 that has been clipped to a planar surface 16 using a lanyard clip 18, where the hand cover 3 is connected to the planar surface 16 with the finger pocket side 8 of the hand cover 3 facing away from the use. FIG. 12 shows the right side view of the apparatus hung around the user's neck with a lanyard 17, connected by the lanyard clip 18, where the hand cover 3 is affixed to the substantially planar surface 16 using a magnet 15 affixed to the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3 with the finger side 8 facing away from the user, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows the back-side view of the apparatus affixed to the planar surface 16 and the magnet 15 shown in FIG. 12 connects to the ferromagnetic material 20 affixed to the planar surface 16, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows an alternate embodiment of FIGS. 11-13 where the planar surface 16 sits in front of the hand cover 3 but the apparatus is still connected to the lanyard 17 using a lanyard clip 18 connected through a hole 19, such as a badge hole. The apparatus is oriented to allow the user to display a badge or ID, yet still rapidly access the hand cover 3 for use, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15-17 show views of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 15 shows the front view of the apparatus where the apparatus is clipped to the lip of the user's pocket 1 with the clip of the tether housing 2, and both the hand cover 3 and tether housing 2 are magnetically affixed to a vertically-oriented planar surface 16 where the base of a finger stand 21, such as a PopSocket, has a magnet affixed to the end of the finger stand 21 and the finger stand 21 has been threaded through a hole in the hand cover 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The use of the finger stand 21, though not essential, allows for flexibility to prevent tearing of the hand cover 3 and has additional adhesive material at the end that creates a strong bond with the adhesive material on the back of the magnet 15. Additionally, the top of the finger stand 21 is smooth enough to prevent friction on the back of the user's thumb, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the rear view of the apparatus. In the drawing, the user employs the clip 22 to mount the apparatus which is threaded through a hole in the planar surface 16 as well as the ferromagnetic material 20 to connect the hand cover 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 shows a side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. In the drawing, the tether housing 2, is used to mount the apparatus and the magnet 15, which is attached to the end of the finger stand 21, is attached to the planar surface 16, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show an embodiment of the apparatus with a stylus 24 at the end of the hand cover 3. FIG. 18 shows a side view of the apparatus as it stands on its base with a stylus 24 affixed to the end of the finger side 8 of the hand cover 3 and a magnet 15 on the thumb side 7. Though not essential, the hand cover 3 is equipped with an additional hole 23 for hanging the apparatus while not in use, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 shows a top view of the apparatus as it stands on its base with a stylus 24 affixed to the end of the finger side 7 of the hand cover 3 and a magnet 15 affixed to the thumb side 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show an embodiment of the present invention where the apparatus is mounted on the user's wrist. FIG. 20 shows a side view of the apparatus with a magnet 15 affixed to the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3 is magnetically connected to the face plate 25 of a wristband 26 containing ferromagnetic material 20 where the face plate 25 is on the back of the user's wrist, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 shows a side view of the apparatus where the wristband 26 is rotated around the user's wrist to orient the face plate 25 and align it with the user's little finger, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus where the apparatus is wholly contained within an open pouch 27 and the pouch 27 is clipped to the lip of the user's pocket 1. The apparatus is configured as it is in FIGS. 10 and 15-17 where the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3 magnetically connects to the planar surface 16 inside the pouch 27, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 23-25 show an embodiment of the apparatus where the hand cover 3 is replaced by a flexible hand cover 29. FIG. 23 shows a front view of the apparatus with the hand cover 29 folded and clipped to the lip of the user's pocket 1 with the clip of the tether housing 2. The hand cover 29 is equipped with a thumb loop 28 to allow the user to quickly slip his or her hand down the hand cover 29 and insert his or her thumb through the thumb loop 28 and fingers around the finger stand 21 to use the apparatus. In this drawing, the apparatus has been rotated 180 degrees to show the underlying parts of the apparatus.

FIG. 24 shows a rear view of the apparatus on the user's right hand with fingers around the finger stand 21 and thumb inserted into the thumb loop 28 of the hand cover 29, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 shows a rear view of the apparatus on the user's right hand as the user employs the apparatus to pull on a door handle 6 with user's fingers around the finger stand 21, thumb inserted into the thumb loop 28, and the hand cover 29 making contact with the door handle 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While mechanisms for connecting and mounting the present invention have been described with reference to a magnet, clipping, a hook and loop fastening system, a lanyard, and a wristband, it is foreseen that any suitable mechanism could be used in the present invention. Further, while the hand cover of the present invention is illustrated as that of a C-shaped body with pockets for both the fingers and thumb of the user, it is foreseen that any suitable hand cover, hand protector, or glove could be used in the present invention. Finally, the present invention employs a particular means of tethering the apparatus to the user, whether retractable or not, it is foreseen that any suitable tethering system could be used in the present invention or not used at all.

It is to be understood that the embodiments herein described are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without parting from the spirit or scope of the claims which follow.

Claims

1. I claim a hand cover apparatus, and its method of use, comprising:

a hand cover infused or coated with an antimicrobial agent;

wherein said hand cover can be connected to the user by tethering it to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm;

wherein said apparatus can be mounted to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm;

wherein said hand cover remains open for immediate hand insertion when connected and mounted to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm; and

wherein said hand cover can be oriented in such a way as to be immediately accessible to hand insertion.

2. I claim an apparatus and method of use according to claim 1 in which the hand cover is magnetically connected to a substantially planar surface that can be mounted to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm.

3. I claim an apparatus and method of use according to claim 1 in which said hand cover is retained inside of an open pouch that can be mounted on the user's garments, personal effects, or arm.

4. I claim an apparatus and method of use according to claim 1 in which said hand cover has a stylus attached to the of said hand cover.