Retractable Finger Barrier

Abstract

Retractable finger barrier that prevents transfer of viruses, germs, dirt, and other harmful elements onto finger when finger touches exposed surfaces or objects such as touchscreen, keypad and key board devices. Invention consists of a slim flexible flattened padded band housing a non-permeable, durable, tear-resistant fabric barrier. Encased barrier is exposed by pinching outside ends of band and inserting finger within the band's opening thereby providing finger coverage. Once tension on band is released, band sits securely, comfortably without slippage between distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint or between proximal interphalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint depending on user's preference. Barrier's retractability, which minimizes self-contamination and secondary transmission, consists of pulling outwardly cord located at band's end. Advertisement, custom dyes and facades can be incorporated. Reusable, compact, adjustable invention is touchscreen, keypad, keyboard compatible and adaptable for securement to objects such as key chain for maximum usage.

Claims

1. Retractable finger barrier constructed to cover all or a portion of a finger comprising: a. slim flexible flattened padded band, b. external layer constructed of non-permeable durable, tear resistant, thin, flexible, resilient and touchscreen compatible fabric, c. internal component consisting of two strips with flexible curved convex cross-sectional shape and made of any material that can withstand a temporary shape change that is self-reversing after pressure is removed so that the material returns to its original shape, d. internal layer constructed of durable thick or padded fabric that provides cushion, protection and allows for flexibility, e. barrier constructed of non-permeable durable, tear resistant, thin, flexible, resilient and touchscreen compatible fabric, f. cord constructed of material offering smooth finish with non-elastic stretch property and durability.

2. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus provides continuous surface-to-surface finger protection against potentially contaminated surfaces or objects such as but not limited to touchscreen, keypad or key board devices found on automated teller machines (ATM), debit card machines (POS), airport check-in terminals, high rise telecom, keyless doors, elevators and the like.

3. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band is opened at one end through applied pressure created by a pinching action at band's ends by thumb and finger thereby exposing the encased barrier.

4. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said barrier expansion is achieved, during the pinching action, by inserting finger through the band's opening.

5. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band sits, after pressure from pinching action is removed, securely and without slippage between the distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint or between the proximal interphalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint depending on user's preference.

6. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band adapts to accommodate a range of finger diameters and can be worn over gloves or other hand and finger coverage.

7. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band's retractable function consists of pulling cord located at one end of band outwardly, following removal of inserted finger through pinching action, thereby encasing the barrier within the band and ensuring potentially contaminated barrier is not exposed when band not in use.

8. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said key ring and the like is found on one end of the cord for securement of apparatus on objects such as key chain and the like.

9. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said barrier whose width corresponds to the band width and barrier length extends from the distal interphalangeal joint to proximal interphalangeal joint or from the proximal interphalangeal joint to metacarpophalangeal joint constructed to provide continuous coverage of finger from distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint or from proximal interphalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint while allowing bending of the finger at distal interphalangeal joint and bending of the finger at proximal interphalangeal joint.

10. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said barrier's external surface area can be cleaned and disinfected and band's internal area can allow for sanitized gel and the like for additional protective measures by user.

11. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band outer layer can accommodate printed advertisement, logo, statements, custom dyes or supplementary facades such as metal plate and the like for altered appearance.

12. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band width is no more than the space between distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint and band length being no more than twice the width of index finger where index finger attaches to palm and where internal layer and internal component dimensions are compatible to band's dimensions.

13. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band outer layer can be constructed in a manner wherein barrier is used as one piece of fabric bound around the combined internal layer and internal arrangement to form the band's outer.

14. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said barrier comprised of two panels wherein said the first panel outer edge is connected by way of double stitch to said second panel outer edge in a manner that forms a tunnel to allow for cord to be inserted within the tunnel permitting the ingress and egress of the cord during retractable action.

15. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band is constructed in a manner that the internal component and internal layer overlay each other and placed end-to-end with said band's barrier wrapped and assembled in a manner that forms a tight seam or seal at the base of the combined internal component and internal layer arrangement and the combined internal component and internal layer arrangement then fold over top each other allowing only one unsealed edge to be fastened by way of seam or seal.

16. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band contains slot located at band end for the ingress and egress of cord during retractable action.

17. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said cord length protruding from the band's edge is as long as the length of the band with a said cord having a standard key ring and the like at cord's end for adaptable securement onto a key chain and the like.

18. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus, after complete assembly, is inverted onto itself such that all seams are located on the inside of the apparatus with barrier being encased within the band, band's internal component being convex and cord protrudes at band end.

19. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said band has marking, such as a colour line and the like, positioned along one edge of the band indicating to user which side to insert a finger.

20. Retractable finger barrier according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus refers in general term to any barrier or film or sheath and the like that offers a separation between finger and any surface areas and objects and the like.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the retractable finger barrier are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] FIG. 1—shows a top view of the invention when the barrier is encased within the band in accordance with some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 2—shows an elevation view of the invention when the band is opened by the pinching action of the thumb and finger in accordance with some embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 3—shows an elevation view of the invention when the barrier is expanded by inserting finger through the band's opening in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0020] FIG. AA-AA—shows a cross-section view of the line AA-AA found in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises of a slim flexible flattened padded band (1) with cord (6) exiting from one end of the band and a key ring (7) found at the end of the cord (6) for securement of apparatus on objects such as key chain and the like. Band's outer layer (2) is constructed as part of the barrier (5) which is used as one piece of fabric bound around the band (1) that is non-permeable, durable, tear-resistant fabric and preferably selected from the group of fabric consisting of antimicrobial material which keeps bacteria, fungi, and viruses from flourishing within its fiber. Band's outer layer (2) offers non-permeability and resistance to puncture and tearing. Band's internal layer (3) consists of a durable thick or padded fabric covering the band's internal components (4) to provide a cushion for finger and thumb during pinching action and to reduce puncturing or tearing of band's outer layer (2) by band's internal component (4) edges. The band's internal component (4) as illustrated in FIG. 4 consist of two strips with curved convex cross-sectional shape and made of any material that can withstand a temporary shape change that is self-reversing after the pressure is removed so that the material returns to its original shape. Encased within the band (1) is the barrier (5) constructed of a non-permeable, durable, tear-resistant fabric and preferably latex and nitrile free antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral material which keeps bacteria, fungi, and viruses from flourishing within its fiber. Cord (6) exits from a slot located within the band's end allowing for ingress and egress of cord (6) during the retractable function. Cord (6) is constructed of material offering smooth finish, non-elastic stretch property and durability. Marking (8), such as a colour line and the like, is found on one edge of the band indicating to user which side to insert a finger.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the band (1) is placed horizontally between the right or left hand's finger (9) and thumb (11) with marking (8), such as colour line and the like, on the band (1) facing away from the palm. Pinching of thumb (11) and finger (9) at both ends of the band (1) opens band (1) and exposes the encased barrier (5).

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a finger from the opposite hand is inserted within the band's (1) opening thereby expanding barrier (5). Marking (8) on the band's edge indicates the user which side to insert a finger. Expansion of barrier (5) recedes the cord (6) bringing key ring (7) inwardly towards the band's (1) end. Once pressure from the pinching action is removed, band (1) sits securely and comfortably between the distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint or between the proximal interphalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint, depending on the user's preference.

[0024] As illustrated in the FIG. 4 cross-sectional view, the band (1) consists of an outer layer (2) constructed by utilizing the barrier (5) as one piece of fabric and bound around the band (1). Band's outer layer (2) and barrier (5) are selected from the group of fabric which is non-permeable, durable, tear-resistant fabric and preferably latex and nitrile free antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral material which keeps bacteria, fungi, and viruses from flourishing within its fiber. The band's (1) fabric should also be soft, thin, lightweight, flexible, durable, tear resistant, resilient and not prohibit or block the use of electronic devices such as cellular phones and the like when the encased finger touches screens, keypads, key boards, buttons or the like. The fabric of the barrier (5) should accommodate cleaning and disinfecting by user for additional protective measures prior to storing the barrier (5) inside the band (1). Band's (1) internal layer (3) consist of a durable thick or padded fabric that allows for flexibility and provides a cushion for finger and thumb during pinching action. Band's internal component (4) consists of two strips with curved convex cross-sectional shape and made of any material that can withstand a temporary shape change that is self-reversing after the force is removed so that the material returns to its original shape. Marking (8), such as a colour line and the like, is found on one edge of the band indicating to user which side to insert finger.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the retractable finger barrier of the present invention is illustrated when the apparatus is not in use. The slim folded padded band (1) consist of an outer layer (2) which is constructed as part of the barrier (5) material, an internal layer (3) which consist of a durable thick or padded fabric that allows for flexibility and provides cushion at band's ends for finger and thumb during pinching action and an internal component (4) which consist of two strips with curved convex cross-sectional shape and made of any material that can withstand a temporary shape change that is self-reversing after the force is removed so that the material returns to its original shape. The band (1) is constructed in a manner where the barrier (5) and outer layer (2) are one piece of fabric wrapped around internal component (4) and internal layer (3) which are overlaid and placed end-to-end and further assembled in a manner that forms a tight seam or seal at the base of the combined internal component (4) and internal layer (3) arrangement. The combined internal component (4) and internal layer (3) arrangement are then folded over top each other allowing only one unsealed edge of the band (1) to be fastened by way of seam or seal. After complete assembly, the band (1) is inverted onto itself such that all seams are located on the inside of the band (1) with barrier (5) being encased within the band (1), the band's internal component (4) being convex and cord (6) protrudes at band's (1) end.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1 the band (1) width is no more than the space between distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint and band (1) length being no more than twice the width of index finger where index finger attaches to palm and internal layer (3) and internal component (4) dimensions are compatible to band's (1) dimensions. The band outer layer (2) can be constructed in a manner wherein barrier (5) is used as one piece of fabric bound around the band's internal layer (3) and internal component (4) to form the band's outer layer (2).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a cord (6) is found protruding from one end of the band (1) with a standard key ring (7) at the other end of cord (6). The cord (6) is located within the double stitch tunnel sewn on the outer edge of the barrier (5) to provide the retractable function required to safely store the barrier (5) within the band (1). The cord (6) length, when apparatus not in use, is as long as the length of the band (1) from end-to-end. The cord (6) exits from slot present within the band's (1) edge allowing for ingress or egress of the cord (6) during the retractable function. The cord (6) is constructed of material offering smooth finish, non-elastic stretch property and durability. The band (1) houses the barrier (5) when not in use. The barrier (5) consists of a non-permeable, durable, tear-resistant fabric preferably latex and nitrile free, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral material which keeps bacteria, fungi, and viruses from flourishing within its fiber. Additional characteristics of the barrier's (5) fabric include softness, thinness, lightweight, flexibility, durability, and resiliency. A further characteristic of the barrier's fabric includes no blocking of the use of electronic devices such as cellular phones and the like when covered finger touches screens, keypads, keyboards, buttons, and the like.

[0028] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-section view of the band (1) illustrating band's (1) four key components; band outer layer (2), band internal layer (3), band internal component (4) and barrier (5). The integration of these four key components contribute to the band's (1) resiliency, durability, flexibility, comfort and protection against the transfer of viruses, germs, dirt, and other harmful elements onto a finger (9) when a finger touches exposed surfaces or objects. Also shown in FIG. 4 is the marking (8) on the band's (1) edge indicating to user which side to insert finger (9).

[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the retractable finger barrier, the band (1) is opened by squeezing either the right hand's thumb (11) and finger (9) or the left hand's thumb (11) and finger (9) at both ends of the band (1) when the band (1) is placed horizontally between thumb (11) and finger (9). This squeezing movement is called the pinching action (10) and is illustrated in FIG. 2. Although any finger can be used during the pinching action, the index finger (9) and thumb (11) are recommended. The pinching action (10) is suitable for right-handed or left-handed users however the user must ensure the marking (8) as shown in FIG. 2, such as a colour line and the like on one edge of the band (1), is facing away from the palm. The counter pressure generated from the band's internal component (4) requires that continual pressure of the pinching action (10) be maintained in order to keep the band (1) opened. The band's internal component (4) consists of two flexible strips with curved convex cross-sectional shape and made of any material that can withstand a temporary shape change that is self-reversing after pressure is removed so that the material returns to its original shape. The encased barrier (5) is exposed when the band (1) is opened as shown in FIG. 2.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, expansion of the barrier (5) is achieved by inserting a finger (9), from the opposite hand holding the band (1), through the band's opening. The barrier (5) is comprised of two panels wherein first panel outer edge is connected by way of double stitch to second panel outer edge in a manner that forms a tunnel to allow for cord to be inserted within the barrier's (5) outer edge permitting the ingress and egress of the cord during retractable action. The barrier's (5) width corresponds to the band's (1) width and barrier's (5) length extends from the distal interphalangeal joint to proximal interphalangeal joint or from the proximal interphalangeal joint to metacarpophalangeal joint is constructed to provide continuous coverage of finger (9) from distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint or from proximal interphalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint while allowing bending of the finger at the distal interphalangeal joint and bending of the finger (9) at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Expansion of barrier (5) recedes the cord (6) bringing key ring (7) inwardly towards the band's end. Marking (8) such as a coloured line and the like found on one edge of the band (1) indicates to the user which side of the band (1) to insert finger. Although any finger of the opposite hand holding the band (1) can be used to expand the barrier (5), the index finger (9) is recommended. Securing the band (1) onto a finger is achieved by releasing pressure from the pinching action (10). Depending on the user's preference, the band (1) securely and comfortably sits between the distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint or between the proximal interphalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint. Finger (9) coverage by the barrier (5) can range from a few centimeters or inches (covering only the fingertip) to approximately seven centimetres or three inches in length (covering the full length of a finger). The barrier (5) is constructed to provide continuous maximum coverage of finger (9) from fingertip to band's edge, if the user so desires, while allowing bending of the finger (9) at the distal interphalangeal joint and bending of the finger (9) at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Barrier (5) responds to finger (9) movement and offers continuous surface-to-surface contact with finger (9) and surface areas and objects.

[0031] After use, finger (9) is withdrawn by pinching thumb (11) and finger (9) of the opposite hand at both ends of the band (1) and extracting finger (9). As a result, the extracted finger (9) is void of any potential transfer of contamination or harmful elements. Retracting the potentially contaminated barrier (5) is accomplished by pulling outwardly the cord (6) protruding from the band's (1) edge. The cord (6) is housed strategically inside the double stich tunnel sewn on the outer edge of the barrier (5) to achieving full retractability of the barrier (5) within the band (1) after use. The ability to safely store the potentially contaminated barrier (5) inside the band (1) ensures no self transmission and secondary transmission when not in use. For additional protective measures, the barrier (5) surface area can be cleaned and disinfected by the user prior to storing the barrier (5) inside the band (1). A standard key ring (7) and the like found at the end of the cord offers supplementary gripping of the cord during the retractable action. In addition, the standard key ring (7) allows for securement of the apparatus to objects such as key chains and the like whereby the apparatus may be conveniently carried in a manner to maximize its use and minimize the danger of loss or misplacement and may be readily released from said securement if desired.

[0032] Certain embodiments of the present invention include but are not limited to offering maximum protection against transfer of viruses, germs, dirt, and other harmful elements onto finger when a finger touches exposed surfaces or objects such as but not limited to surface areas of a touchscreen, keypad, keyboard devices or buttons. Additional applications include but not limited to the protection against transfer of germs, bacteria, and other harmful elements when using and touching bathrooms, building doors, shopping carts, and produce at grocery stores. The retractable finger barrier can be used in these situations to allow a person to safely come into contact with these and the like surfaces without receiving any of the harmful elements that reside thereon.

[0033] The existence and benefits of finger and hand protectors such as latex or rubber gloves, fingertip shields or sheaths, and the like for carrying out special operations within fields such as but not limited to sewing, food preparation, nail salon, sporting activities, and medical or dental procedures are well known. Although these finger coverings and hand protectors offer the functionality they are intended for, none offer all the fundamental objectives and characteristics of the present invention such as but not limited to reusability, adjustability to various finger diameter, anti slippage and touchscreen keypad and keyboard compatibility.

[0034] Other objectives and characteristics of the present invention not offered by existing inventions is the ability to retract the potentially contaminated barrier into the band when not in use, therefore, reducing self-contamination or secondary transmission and the adaptability for securement to objects such as a key chain or the like maximizes usage and minimize loss.

[0035] In general, the retractable finger barrier depicted in FIG. 1 can be constructed from a variety of material. In some embodiments, the barrier (5) is not selected from the group of antimicrobial fabric but constructed from any type of fabric or component that offers a separation between finger and public surface areas and objects. In another embodiment, the barrier (5) is constructed from fabric that is considered medical-grade and approved for use by medical providers.

[0036] In some embodiment, the internal layer (3) consists of alternate material or component such as polyethylene foam and the like that offers the same desired outcome as the present invention internal layer (3). In another embodiment, the internal component (4) consists of alternative material that offers elastic deformation such that change in the shape of a material at low stress is recoverable after stress is removed.

[0037] In some embodiment, an additional component is added to the exterior of the band's edges to provide additional durability and comfort when executing the pinching function (10).

[0038] Different embodiments involve manufacturing the retractable finger barrier in various sizes, for example, in standard small, medium, and large sizes to accommodate the varying finger diameters and lengths of different users. Meaning offering alternate dimensions of the band's length, width and thickness, and the barrier's length, width and thickness.

[0039] In another embodiment, the retractable finger barrier is constructed to permit usage over gloves or other hand and finger coverage.

[0040] In some embodiments, elastomer or raised patterns of a coated elastomer are found on the band's outer layer (2) and barrier (5) to provide non-slip gripping surfaces and improve protection at the fingertip and glow-in-the-dark material is used for additional usage.

[0041] In other embodiments, some or all components of the apparatus are made of viable environmentally friendly alternatives material.

[0042] In general terms, retractable function refers to any mechanism that allows one component to recede within another component. Different embodiments encompass a retractable function designed in an alternate way to provide the ability to retract the barrier (5) within the band (1).

[0043] In some embodiment, the retractable function is achieved by having the cord and the like exit from both ends of a band and the like. In another embodiment, the retractable function is achieved by having a cord and the like exit from any part of a band and the like. In yet another embodiment, a cord and the like are constructed as to retract within a lanyard type mechanism. In another embodiment, the apparatus is not adaptable for securement to objects such as the key chain and the like.

[0044] In another embodiment, the functionality of securing apparatus to another object is realized in a manner other than a key ring (7).

[0045] In some embodiments the barrier (5) incorporates, infuse, embed, interwoven, coat or overlay sanitized gel such as glycerine, ethanol, triclosan, or other sanitizing agents into the barrier (5) providing additional protective properties beyond shielding the user's finger. As the user insert finger (9) and expands the barrier (5), the sanitized gel comes into contact with the skin neutralizing any potential harmful elements.

[0046] In another embodiment, the manufacturer or other service provider pre-treats the barrier (5) material with one or more antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal properties. As a result, the outer layer (2) and barrier (5) material can be customized.

[0047] It is understood that the present invention may be embodied in other forms and is not limited to the sole embodiment describes above but encompasses any, and all embodiments within the spirit and scope of the following claims. Therefore, the present invention must be considered in all respects as illustrative only.