Abstract: An ergonomic hand support for use during the work operation to prevent, or significantly reduce, the risk of adverse medical conditions, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, includes an enclosure member which is generally configured for receiving a user's hand and is made of a generally rigid material. The enclosure member includes top, bottom, sides, front and rear which together define an elongated, continuous recess for accommodating the user's hand. The recess extends generally the length of the enclosure member. At least one of the sides includes a side wall which extends from the bottom of the enclosure member. The hand support further includes means for immobilizing the user's hands in the recess and means mounted at a preselected location on the enclosure member for releasably holding a work tool, such as a knife.

Abstract: A corn slitter comprising a central extent formed of a rigid material having a curved surface; a handle extending rearwardly from the rear end of the central component; an upstanding plate at an angle with respect to the central extent, the front end being formed with an angled leading edge; and a plurality of teeth formed in a triangular configuration through the cutting of a V-shaped slit near the leading edge of the central component and bending it in a direction opposite from the direction of bend of the external member.

Abstract: An improved thumbpiece for a power-driven knife is disclosed. The one piece thumbpiece includes an annular base portion and a thumb support portion disposed vertically above the base portion. The base portion is adapted to be mounted on an annular boss extending from the headpiece. The thumb supporting portion includes a thumb contacting surface which extends outwardly at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base portion. The thumb contacting surface is patterned and is generally sinusoidal in profile and convex in cross section for supporting an operator's thumb in a partially flexed position along substantially the entire length of the thumb.

Abstract: The invention is a brace for a windshield glass knife. In a preferred embodiment, the brace has a hollow, cylindrical sleeve which fits over the top of the handle of a conventional manual windshield glass knife. The cylindrical sleeve is rotatably attached to the first end of a rigid brace arm so that the brace arm may pivot in only a single plane containing the centerline of the knife handle when the sleeve is fitted over the handle. At the second end of the brace arm, it is connected to a forearm rest and pad. The forearm rest is a generally L- or U-shaped rest which is connected to and extends from the brace arm, with at least one side for engaging the forearm of the repairman. Optionally, on the forearm rest is a pad which increases the surface area for spreading out the forces transmitted by the brace arm to the forearm, and for resisting the twisting force in the knife handle.

Abstract: A finger razor comprising a tapered sleeve, base plate, top plate, and retainer is set forth. The tapered sleeve fits snugly onto the middle or index finger. The tapered sleeve is attached to a base plate, on which a razor blade rests. The base plate has plural teeth. The top plate fits over the razor blade and creates a cradle for the blade. The retainer cover holds the base plate, the razor blade, and the top plate securely.

Abstract: A martial arts throwing and hand-held weapon that has a generally oblong frame that includes parallel opposite side members, a rear bar that connects rearward ends of the side members, and a pair of oblique front members that converge from forward ends of the side members to an apex from which extends forwardly a pointed weapon tip.

Abstract: A self-defense weapon in the form of a glove having retractable blades proximal the fingertips in which the retractable blades are activated by a trigger mechanism remote from the fingertips. The blades are retractable so that the weapon may be safely worn on a wearer's hand while occupying a minimal space and permitting continuation of normal activities. The weapon may be rapidly converted from its reposed condition to its activated position when required.

Abstract: A ring blade for cutting or for defensive purposes comprises a ring with a top section and a movable crown member mounted in this top section. The ring is adapted for placement on a person's finger. The crown member has an elongate slot formed therein and a blade member is arranged in this slot. First and second pin members are provided to pivot the blade member from a retracted position where the blade is located in the slot to an extended position where the blade is exposed. The blade member is connected to the top section by one of the pin members and it is connected to the crown member by the other pin member. Movement of the crown member towards the top section causes the pin members to pivot the blade member to the extended position. Preferably the top section has a V-shaped cavity and the crown member is also V-shaped so as to fit inside this cavity.

Abstract: The handle assembly comprises a beam which extends from an area on the user's forearm to just beyond the user's knuckles between the phalanges and metatarsals. A saddle at the forearm end distributes loads over the forearm area. The saddle may be fitted with a adjustable strap to hold the saddle in place. There is a journal at the knuckle end, the axis of the journal being essentially parallel to the beam and positioned such that the hub of a hand grip attached to a shaft in the journal fits between the fore and middle fingers of the users hand. An adaptor is attached to the shaft to facilitate attaching any of a variety of tools or implements to the assembly. In one embodiment of the invention the grip comprises a second saddle which engages the wrist joint for the hand. Mounting the grip and adaptor on the journalled shaft enables altering the active direction of the tool or implement without moving the forearm saddle on the arm.

Abstract: A finger socket structure is arranged to afford protection to an individual's finger during various procedures. The invention includes a resilient socket structure having an entrance opening directed into a polymeric foam-lined cavity, wherein a nose portion of the socket includes a slot for receiving and positioning a knife blade therethrough. Side wall protective plates of a greater hardness than the socket shell is provided to afford lateral protection to the finger, with a groove directed through a bottom wall of the finger adjacent the entrance opening to secure a nail and the like for positioning the nail during a hammering procedure.

Abstract: A grip system for tools, instruments and other objects held or operated by hand includes a plurality of finger pieces, each having a concave surface to accommodate the convexity of finger palmar surfaces of the holding hand. Each of the finger pieces is connected to the outer wall of a discrete finger piece mount having ends suitable for interdigitation with the adjacent end of another such mount. Each finger piece has a cavity for housing a receiving stem. The receiving stem extends from the working portion of the hand tool or instrument and is telescopically received within the cavities of the discrete finger piece mounts. Alternative mounting mechanisms are also described.

Abstract: A children's sanitary strap to assist in eating and preventing unsanitary conditions by maintaining eating utensils within close proximity of a child's hand. The invention is a strap that couples to the child's wrist, clothing, or high chair while the opposite end of the strap is coupled to an eating utensil. The utensil is used in the customary fashion, however, if the child is unable to hold the utensil at any time causing the utensil to drop, the sanitary strap of the instant invention prevents the utensil from falling to an unclean area or beyond the reach of the child.

Abstract: A jigsaw-type saw blade, typically 6".times.3/8".times.1/8" stainless steel having teeth angled to saw only in a thrusting direction, is fixed to a handle, typically plastic, that engages the thumb. Two jaws of a sliding vise member each slide independently along the saw blade. A first one of the vise's jaws is biased in separation from the handle by a spring that extends coaxially about the saw blade between the jaw and handle. The remaining, second, jaw presents an external surface contoured to receive two fingers disposed in symmetrical positions on either side of the saw blade. In use for clamping and sawing, a workpiece is inserted between the vise's jaws and into a first position proximate to the saw blade while the sliding vise member is in a position extended from the handle. The handle and the second jaw are grasped and squeezed between the thumb and a two fingers, thereby simultaneously clamping and sawing the workpiece.

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: A self defense weapon comprising a glove type mounting of three groups of projecting spikes for slashing and stabbing an opponent. A first group of spikes is directed forward for stabbing. A second group of spikes is mounted to pivot between a first position wherein they are directed forward when the mechanism is not in use and a second position wherein the second spikes extend substantially perpendicular to the first spikes. A third group of spikes are retracted into a handle of the mechanism when it is not in use and are released to extend in a lateral direction during use. An actuator causes the third spikes to become extended and simultaneously causes the second spikes to be rotated to the second position.

Abstract: A grip system for tools, instruments and other objects held or operated by hand includes a plurality of finger pieces, each having a concave surface to accommodate the convexity of finger palmar surfaces of the holding hand. Each of the finger pieces is connected to the outer wall of a discrete finger piece mount having ends suitable for interdigitation with the adjacent end of another such mount. Each finger piece has a cavity for housing a receiving stem. The receiving stem extends from the working portion of the hand tool or instrument and is telescopically received within the cavities of the discrete finger piece mount. Alternative mounting mechanisms are also described.

Abstract: A device for cutting the stems of plants, such as flowers and the like, at an angle so that the stems can be easily forced into a support base such as foam plastic material. The device has an outwardly opening blade holder affixed to a ring member. A mount means supports the cutting blade within the blade holder. A cutting edge on the blade is spaced inwardly of the terminal ends of said legs where it is unlikely to inadvertently be engaged and cut the thumb. A spur is attached to the ring at a location spaced from the blade holder. The spur extends from the ring and is adapted to be received against the ring finger when the ring is received about the forefinger. The device is attached to the forefinger of one hand and can be manipulated to cut plant stems at an angle. The mount means includes a blade receiving slot that is formed within each of the legs, and the blade is positioned within the slot with the cutting edge thereof extending from one to the other leg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is utilized to identify an assailant. The device comprises a member simulating an artificial nail or an artificial nail having at least one sharp prong associated therewith for penetrating or scratching the skin of the assailant when sufficient pressure is applied thereto by the finger. A substance in dry, liquid or dehydrated form that is capable of identifying the assailant or providing an itching or burning sensation is carried by the prong. When pressure is applied to the device by the finger on which the device is mounted and is sufficient to pierce or scratch any exposed skin area of the assailant, the substance is then introduced into the blood stream of the assailant, thereby effectively thwarting the action of the assailant.

Abstract: The improved grip is furnished as an adjunct to a tool of the type featuring a horizontal part; e.g., a handle, which carries, for example, a working member such as a rotary slicer operating in a plane parallel to the plane that includes the axis of the handle. The grip is mounted in a position in which it extends upwardly in upright fashion from the aforesaid plane and is mounted on the tool by means including vibration-damping material, which, in conjunction with the upright posture of the grip, minimizes physical tensions in the hand and wrist/forearm of the user. The attachment also includes a rest for the user's wrist/forearm.

Abstract: In a pair of scissors, in particular hairdressers' scissors, which have an optionally usable hook serving as a finger support on one grip hole, an at least partially undercut groove is constructed for attaching the hook at the corresponding place in the grip hole, said attachment being simple and not impairing the usage of the scissors, into which groove the hook can be pushed with a guide part which is essentially complementary to the undercut groove. In this case, the pushing-in direction of the guide part preferably corresponds to the direction of the finger pressure, acting on the hook, of the user of the scissors.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand tool of this invention comprises an elongated support bar adapted to be positioned adjacent the forearm and wrist of the wearer. The support bar has forward and rearward ends with the forward end being adjacent the wrist of the wearer. Attachment means are on the support bar for securing it to the forearm and wrist of the wearer. A hand gripping member is pivotally secured to the forward end of the support bar. A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the hand gripping member to selectively lock the hand gripping member in a predetermined position with respect to the support bar. A tool member, such as an elongated knife, is secured to the hand gripping member. The hand gripping member has a plurality of finger gripping portions thereon. The locking means includes a spring coil operatively connected to a thumb actuated lever on the hand gripping member.

Abstract: A gray hair cutter is disclosed which comprises an operating member having a curved free end serving as a hook provided with a cutting edge. The cutting edge may be fixed or pivoted for movement through a slot to reliably cut a single gray hair selected from among many hairs.

Abstract: A detachable swivel grip arrangement (10) for knives (100) wherein the grip arrangement (10) includes a grip unit (11) an axle unit (12) and a detachable axle capturing unit (13) operatively connected with one another and releasably associated with the knife handle (102) to allow both reciprocating and rotating movement of the grip arrangement (10) relative to the knife (100) when the swivel grip arrangement is operatively displayed relative to the knife (100).

Abstract: A portable power cutting apparatus has a control unit with a support for mounting the control unit on one arm of the user permitting the control unit and cutting tool to be supported by that arm. The support is pivotal and a flexible cable operatively connects a motor to the cutting tool for driving the tool. This permits the control unit to be pivoted in a lateral direction or twisted to allow the operator to move the cutting head in a variety of positions without loss of power by moving only the supporting arm and hand of the user. A handle is provided on the control unit for gripping by the hand of the user's support arm. A cutting tool suitable for girdling a tree and which can also be used to cut through tree branches and small tree trunks is also disclosed. This cutting tool is frustoconical in shape having a length of chainsaw chain wrapped in a spinal groove around the outside face of this tool body.

Abstract: An implement for hand picking citrus fruit and the like includes an elongated cutter having first and second opposed blades suitable for attachment, e.g., by means of a glove, with the first blade disposed along a finger of a picker's hand and the second, opposed blade disposed along a second, adjacent finger of the picker's hand. The cutter defines a first, open outer end for passage of a citrus fruit stem between the blades, and a second, relatively more closed inner end. A method for picking fruit using the implement of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A portable power cutting apparatus has a control unit with a support for mounting the control unit on one arm of the user permitting the control unit and cutting tool to be supported by that arm. The support is pivotal and a flexible cable operatively connects a motor to the cutting tool for driving the tool. This permits the control unit to be pivoted in a lateral direction or twisted to allow the operator to move the cutting head in a variety of positions without loss of power by moving only the supporting arm and hand of the user. A handle is provided on the control unit for gripping by the hand of the user's support arm. A cutting tool suitable for girdling a tree and which can also be used to cut through tree branches and small tree trunks is also disclosed. This cutting tool is frustoconical in shape having a length of chainsaw chain wrapped in a spinal groove around the outside face of this tool body.

Abstract: A system of hand-held lathe tool assemblies especially for executing large scale deep and/or hollow work efficiently and rapidly while minimizing operator fatigue. Tool working portions may be integral with their carriers or holders or may be selectively connected to them by means of a conventional chuck or collet. The butt portions of very long lathe tool assemblies permit the turner to apply forewarm and/or upper body to the tool and gain sufficient leverage to work comfortably and hence with enhanced control while performing large scale work with tool reaches from rest to tool cutting point as high as 36 inches in length. A "slicer" tool facilitates separation (and conservation) of large volumes of material without comminution in the rough shaping stages of work. Other tool forms are disclosed.

Abstract: A swivel grip arrangement (10) for combat knives (100) wherein the grip arrangement (10) includes a grip unit (11) an axle unit (12) and an axle capturing unit (13) operatively connected with one another and operatively associated with the knife handle (102) to allow both reciprocating and rotating movement of the grip arrangement (10) relative to the combat knife (100).

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 device for use by the manually disabled for carrying an eating utensil or the like includes an easily bendable "handle" for wrapping about the limb of a handicapped person, one end of which is terminated by any of an assortment of removable tools and utensils. Once bent, the handle remains in its deformed position.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool particularly suitable for use by woodsmen comprising a blade portion which can be gripped in the hand and used as a hand tool for various purposes such as sawing, cutting, bottle or can opening, and wire stripping. The tool also includes an elongate slotted handle portion which fits between laterally projecting guide members secured to the blade portion so that when the blade and handle portions are attached together, the tool can be used as a hatchet.

Abstract: A scissors having first and second members movable with respect to one another to facilitate cutting and including a conventional handle as well as an obliquely oriented thumb loop. The thumb loop is oriented approximately 45 degrees downwardly and 45 degrees laterally with respect to the axis of the handle to which it is attached. The thumb loop also allows for flexible rotational movement of approximately 45 degrees and flexible vertical movement of approximately 45 degrees. The loop is held in position by a flexible connecting member having a flexible intermediate section to allow for the desired movement as well as allowing for return of the thumb loop to the steady state position upon release.

Abstract: Thumb mountable cutting tool includes a sleeve which receives a thumb of the user and a blade is secured to and extends longitudinally along the sleeve. The tool is placed on the user's thumb, with the blade extending away from the hand, or along the outside portion of the thumb or the top portion of the thumb, and is accordingly in position for cutting tape by a cutting motion of the hand or the thumb. The blade is preferably a serrated blade to facilitate cutting tape and at the same time to prevent possible injuries which may occur if the blade were smooth and continuous. The serrated edge readily cuts all kinds of tape, including tape with fibers embedded therein. For cutting boxes, the tool may be removed from the thumb and held in the hand for additional leverage and ease of cutting in different directions as may be required in opening boxes.

Abstract: A weeding tool for mounting on the index and middle fingers of the user's hand. The tool comprises an elongated flexible band which is adjustable to form a loop of the size to encircle the first phalanges of the index and middle fingers of the user's hand, and a rigid probe mounted on a pad portion of the band to extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the loop formed by the band. A positioning rib is mounted on the pad portion to extend between the index and middle fingers of the user's hand and the probe is arranged to extend from the band and underlie the index finger on the hand for manipulation by the index finger or by the index finger and thumb.

Abstract: A device for cutting flowers, fruit and the like is described which comprises a thimble to be inserted on the thumb of one hand. The device is provided with a channel for insertion of a cutting tool and with a flange on the side opposite to the cutting tool, the flange providing support for the index finger of the same hand to rest during the cutting operation. The channel is a longitudinally tapered blade shank retainer channel provided with two lips in face to face relationship.

Abstract: A fishhook snelling device has features that allow a line to be easily and tightly secured to the fishhook. The snelling device consists of a ring with an aperture for insertion of the user's finger. A closed loop is located on the rim of the ring. The ring is to be worn with the closed loop on the palm side of the user's hand. The closed loop receives the hook portion of the fishhook while the user ties the line to the eye of the fishhook. The line is tensioned after tying, with the tension being transmitted through the ring to the user's hand to provide a tight knot.

Abstract: A swivel spoon feeding device adapted to be used by persons exhibiting tremors and/or poor grasp. The device includes a spoon or other feeding utensil adapted to swivel. A feeding portion is mounted on a support or handle member which in turn is attached to the user's hand by a velcro cuff. This means of mounting the utensil on the support or handle in addition to the velcro cuff would allow for a secure grip, and enable the users to feed themselves without a large portion of the food falling off the feeding portion of the utensil.

Abstract: A hunter's knife is provided which is adapted for both eviscerating and skinning a game animal in the field. The knife has a blade portion which includes a reversely facing hook-shaped portion formed on one side, with the hook-shaped portion having a sharpened arcuate inner edge and a relatively blunt outer end. The other side of the blade has a continuous cutting edge formed along substantially its full length. The handle of the knife includes a generally T-shaped finger engaging member for securing the knife to the user's hand while the palm is either closed about the handle, or open, to thereby permit the knife to be retained on the hand while the hand is used for a non-cutting purpose, such as manipulating the animal carcass. The blade and handle are preferably integrally formed from a metallic material, such as stainless steel.

Abstract: An opener apparatus for beverage cans having an opener tab provided on the top wall includes an elongated tool having a hook portion at the forward end and a handle portion at the rearward end. The hook portion extends forwardly from the handle portion a and then downwardly and rearwardly to define a channel adapted to receive the opener tab for lifting the tab and opening the can in response to lifting movement of the tool when a force is applied to the handle portion. A leg member may be extended downwardly from the tool and positioned for simultaneously depressing the scored section of the can top wall into the can and providing a fulcrum for lifting movement of the hook portion in response to downward movement of the handle portion.

Abstract: A finger fit implement comprising a shaped hollow member having an opening at one end to accommodate the entry of a finger and an opposed off centered tapered internal end to be mated against the tip and nail portion of said finger. The opposed end portion having an external fitting means for attachment of various tool elements.

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: An improved cultivator glove has been designed which comprises a full handed glove covering all four fingers and thumb and a point element attached to each finger and thumb of this glove wherein the point extends from one-half inch to one and one-half inches beyond the end of the fingers and thumb. The point element can be made of fiber glass or metal and can be attached to the glove by molding to the ends of the fingers and glove or by attaching said point to the underside of the fingers and glove.

Abstract: A hand covering or glove having a flexible two-piece body with a plurality of discrete abrading units disposed on the hand covering to permit free flexing thereof. Each abrading unit is a discrete one-piece molded synthetic organic resin member with an abrasive front surface and a smooth rear surface secured to the front piece of the two-piece hand covering. Preferably, the two-piece hand covering is secured at the periphery thereof by heat sealing and the abrading units are also heat sealed to the front piece of the construction.

Abstract: A pocket-sized claw-like multibladed weapon adapted to be held in the closed fist with the blades being spaced apart and projecting outwardly between adjoining fingers; likened to animal claws or talons of birds of prey. For storage and handling of the weapon, the blades are retractable, foldable, pivotable, and/or otherwise reposable in a confined manner, so that the weapon may be safely carried in the user's pocket or purse while occupying a minimal space. The weapon may be rapidly converted or erected from its reposed condition to its activated position when required.

Abstract: An improved design of knife in which there is a knife blade and a handle for being held in a user's hand, the handle having a hole extending therethrough so that a finger of the user can be inserted therein so to provide a more firm grip and prevent slipping of the knife in the hand; the knife design being readily adaptable for any knife such as either a pocket knife, boot knife, hunting knife or the like.

Abstract: The invention is a handle to which a razor blade fastens to form an improved cutting device. The handle includes a pair of rectangular sidewalls being substantially the same size as the size of the razor blade and which have a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge and a back edge and which are joined together along their respective front, top, and bottom edges to form a casing in which the razor blade is inserted. A corner portion of each sidewall is removed in order to expose a portion of the cutting surface of a razor blade inserted therein. Also attached to the back edge of each sidewall is a tab by which a person can hold the casing between his thumb and his second finger. Attached to the top edges of the two sidewalls is an elliptical plate which is adapted to accommodate the first finger of the person guiding the cutting device thereby.

Abstract: Implements of the hand-manipulated type are equipped with spherical handles that can be easily grasped by persons afflicted with arthritis. The spherical handle has a diameter that permits the sphere to be retained against the person's palm between the thumb and a finger without bending internal joints.

Abstract: A handle attachment of tubular construction for electrically powered hedge trimmers enabling the latter to be used for ground clearing purposes while the operator remains in a standing position. A first handle component is detachably mounted at its lower end to the hedge trimmer and extends upwardly terminating in a handhold located a substantial distance above the hedge trimmer. An additional handhold is provided by a rearwardly extending second handle component coupled to the first handle component and to the motor housing of the trimmer to provide a rigid handle structure. A clamp and fasteners removably mount the handle attachment to the trimmer which may be readily detached permitting ordinary use of the trimmer.