HANDMATS

Abstract

A hand protection device, keeps hands clean, protect against germs, viruses, cuts, abrasions, heat, cold+grip property. The handmat protects the inside of a person hands. It sits directly in the palm of the user's hand. It can be used whenever and however a person wants. It attaches to a person's body or a bag to be conveniently used.

Claims

1. A handmat comprising: a first layer of material; a second layer of material joined to the first layer at a first end and a second end thereof; and a sleeve opening defined between the first layer and the second layer.

2. The handmat of claim 1, wherein the first layer is formed of a padded material.

3. The handmat of claim 2, wherein the padded material comprises a layer of neoprene.

4. The handmat of claim 2, wherein the padded material comprises a layer of leather.

5. The handmat of claim 1, further comprising: a slit defined at the first end of the handmat; an attachment member received through the slit; and a securement device operatively coupled to the attachment member, the securement device configured to attach the handmat to a user.

6. The handmat of claim 5, wherein the securement device includes a retaining clip.

7. The handmat of claim 5, wherein the securement device includes a lanyard.

8. The handmat of claim 7, wherein the securement device further includes a retraction mechanism.

9. A handmat comprising: a sleeve opening defined between a first layer of protective material and a second layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer are joined at a first end and a second end.

10. The handmat of claim 9, wherein the first layer and the second layer are joined by stitching.

11. The handmat of claim 9, wherein the first layer and the second layer are joined by an adhesive.

12. The handmat of claim 9, further comprising: a slit defined at the first end of the handmat; and a securement device operatively coupled to the slit, the securement device configured to attach the handmat to a user.

13. The handmat of claim 12, wherein the securement device includes a retaining clip.

14. The handmat of claim 13, wherein the securement device includes a lanyard.

15. The handmat of claim 14, wherein the securement device includes a retraction mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a handmat according to aspects of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handmat shown in use.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the handmat shown in use.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the handmat.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of the handmat.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handmat shown in use with an open palm hold.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handmat shown in use with a sleeve mount hold.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a section detail view of the invention taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0020] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an improved personal protective item for a user's hands to prevent the transmission of germs and disease while also providing protection from contact injuries to the user's hands, such as thermal, abrasion, pinch, or other injuries.

[0021] As seen in reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, a handmat 10 according to the present invention may be formed from a plurality of layered protective materials, and may include a back layer 12 and a front layer 14. The back layer 12 and front layer 14 are joined at a first end and a second end to define a sleeve, or slotted opening 16 between the back 12 and front 14 layers. In the embodiment shown, the handmat 10 is shown as a substantially rectangular shape with the sleeve opening 16 defined along the long edge of the handmat 10.

[0022] A slit 18 is defined at the first end of the handmat 10. The slit 18 is configured to receive an attachment member 19 to operatively connect the hand mat 10 to a securement device 20. Preferably the securement device 20 includes a retaining clip 21, or the like to secure the handmat 10 to the operator, or user 22. More preferably the securement device 20 includes a lanyard and a retraction mechanism, such as a retractable badge reel, that permits the hand mat 10 to be conveniently secured to the person 22.

[0023] The front layer 14 which is interchangeable and can be formed of any type fabric, including leather or animal skin is cut to the desired size. By way of non-limiting example, the front layer may have a height of approximately 4.8 inches and have a width of approximately 2.3 inches. Similarly, the back layer 12, which is intended as a comfort mat that may contain a natural rubber latex, neoprene, leather or animal hide, or other padded material, that is cut to the desired size, such as a height of 4.8 inches by a width of about 2.3 inches. The back layer 12 and front layer 14 may be joined with a stitching across the first and second end edges to define the sleeve opening 16. The slit 18 may be formed through the layers 12, 14 via a punch or the like.

[0024] As may be seen in reference to FIGS. 2, 6-8, the operator 22 may utilize the handmat 10 in various ways to protect their hands 24. For example in FIGS. 2 and 6, the user 22 may simply position the handmat 10 in the palm of their hand 24 so that they may conveniently grasp and object 28. For example the user 22 may use the handmat 10 when they ride a train or bus to hold onto an unsanitary pole to maintain their balance. Similarly, the handmat 10 may be used when a person enters and leaves a public restroom. Currently people use their hands to push and pull or turn an unsanitary door handle, with the handmat 10 they may now keep their fingertips and hands 24 clean and sanitary.

[0025] In other uses, the handmat 10 may be used when a person is working out in a gym. Currently, persons use their hands to touch unsanitary workout equipment. In this case, the handmat 10 may be utilized to provide protection from unsanitary surfaces and may also provide protection from frictional injuries to the person's hands 24. For example, when the person is utilizing a piece of exercise equipment the handmat 10 may provide protection to prevent callouses or blisters from forming on the user's fingers or hands.

[0026] In these cases, it may be more appropriate to use the handmat 10 with the users fingers extending through the sleeve 16 and the back, protective layer 12 positioned between the user's hand and the object 28. The handmat 10 may be used when a person is in the gym, to prevent injury to the hands, which can occur when lifting dumbbells, barbells, and when using other exercise equipment To be used when a person uses their hands to grip sports equipment such a golf clubs, baseball bats, etc. The handmats 10 may also be used when a person is riding a bike.

[0027] The handmat 10 may also be used when a person goes shopping and carries shopping bags or groceries bags. Utilizing the handmat 10, the person can prevent a pinch or impingement injury to their hands 24 by having the bag handles dig into the handmat 10 rather than their hands.

[0028] In thermal situations, the handmat 10 may be used as an insulating layer when a person is drinking a hot cup of coffee. It may also be used when a person opens a car door in the heat of the summer or the dead of winter.

[0029] As will be appreciated the handmat 10 can also be used by construction workers, bus drivers, truck drivers, bathroom attendants, doormen, football players, baseball players, golfers, etc. Basically, anything a person can wrap their hands around this design provides some protection against germs and injury. and provides better grip.

[0030] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.