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.
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.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] 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:
[0037] 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.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows an underside view of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows one method of use for the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows another but similar method of use for the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the apparatus as the apparatus lays on its side, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the apparatus as the apparatus lays on its side, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a top view of the apparatus as the apparatus sits on its base, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] 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.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows the side view of the apparatus as in FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] FIG. 12 shows the right-side view of the apparatus as in FIG. 11.
[0049] FIG. 13 shows the rear view of the apparatus as in FIGS. 11 and 12, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] FIG. 16 shows the rear view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] 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.
[0055] FIG. 19 shows a top view of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 18, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
