U.S. patent application number 11/160170 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for hand protector.
Invention is credited to Bryan Theodore Gazaui.
Application Number | 20060277641 11/160170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37522687 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060277641 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gazaui; Bryan Theodore |
December 14, 2006 |
Hand protector
Abstract
A hand protector for protecting at least a portion of the edge
of a human hand comprised between the thumb and the tip of the
index finger and the adjacent areas of the hand. In one embodiment,
the hand protector includes a protective surface capable of arching
over the edge of a human hand and the adjacent areas, and one or
more straps for maintaining the protective surface in place. In a
second embodiment, the hand protector includes a tubular protective
surface capable of wrapping around the portion of the human hand
comprised between the thumb and the tip of the index finger and the
adjacent areas. Variants of the first and second embodiments
include raised lips situated along one or more edges of the
protective surface to meet functional and/or aesthetic
requirements, and one or more pouches to store one or more
objects.
Inventors: |
Gazaui; Bryan Theodore;
(Westlake Village, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARC E. HANKIN, ESQ.
11414 THURSTON CIRCLE
LOS ANGELES
CA
90049
US
|
Family ID: |
37522687 |
Appl. No.: |
11/160170 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/082 20130101;
A41D 13/084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/016 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/08 20060101
A41D013/08 |
Claims
1. A hand protector comprising: a protective surface capable of
arching over at least a portion of the edge of a human hand
comprised between the thumb and the tip of the index finger and the
adjacent areas of the human hand; and one or more straps for
maintaining the protective surface in place over the at least a
portion of the edge of a human hand comprised between the thumb and
the tip of the index finger.
2. The hand protector of claim 1, wherein the protective surface
has a perimeter selected from the group consisting of a square
shape, an oblong shape, an oblong shape with rounded corners, a
circular shape, an oval shape, a C-shape, and a filled numeral
eight shape.
3. The hand protector of claim 1, wherein the protective surface
comprises a pliable material.
4. The hand protector of claim 3, wherein the pliable material is
selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, a non-woven
fabric, a padded fabric, leather, suede, and pliable foam.
5. The hand protector of claim 4, wherein the fabric is ballistic
fabric.
6. The hand protector of claim 1, wherein the contoured surface is
made of a rigid material.
7. The hand protector of claim 6, wherein the rigid material is a
plastic material.
8. The hand protector of claim 1, wherein the contoured surface is
made of a combination of a pliable and a rigid material.
9. The hand protector of claim 1, wherein the protective surface is
made of a multi-layered combination of a plurality of
materials.
10. The hand protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more straps
surround the hand in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the arm.
11. The hand protector of claim 10, wherein the one or more straps
are made of an elastomeric material.
12. The hand protector of claim 10, wherein the one or more straps
are made of coiled cable.
13. The hand protector of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more
straps comprises a plurality of interconnected segments.
14. The hand protector of claim 13, wherein the plurality of
segments are interconnected with a system selected from the group
consisting of a hook and look fabric, a buckle and tongue
combination, and a pin and hole combination.
15. The hand protector of claim 1, wherein the protective surface
comprises one or more raised lips on at least one edge of the
protective surface.
16. The hand protector of claim 15, wherein the one or more raised
lips have a shape selected form the group consisting of a rounded
shape, a square shape, and a hook shape, and wherein the hook shape
has a free end extending towards the inner portion of the
protective surface.
17. The hand protector of claim 16, wherein the protective surface
is made of a fabric material, wherein the hook shape is maintained
in position by a stitching running in a direction substantially
parallel to the wrist of a user, and wherein the stitching connects
the free end of the hook shape with the protective surface.
18. The hand protector of claim 1, further comprising one or more
pouches for storing one or more objects.
19. The hand protector of claim 18, wherein each of the one or more
pouches comprises a first wall that is integral with the hand
protector, and a second wall comprising a flap that extends from
the hand protector and that covers at least a portion of the first
wall.
20. The hand protector of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of
the first and second walls are joined by hook and look fabric.
21. The hand protector of claim 19, further comprising means for
retaining the one or more objects anchored to the first wall.
22. The hand protector of claim 18, wherein the pouch is at least
partially padded.
23. A hand protector comprising a tubular protective surface
capable of arching over at least a portion of the edge of a human
hand comprised between the thumb and the tip of the index finger
and the adjacent areas of the human hand, wherein the tubular
protective surface is suitable for wrapping around the fingers of
the human hand except the thumb, and wherein the tubular protective
surface is further suitable for wrapping around the portion of the
human hand comprised between the thumb and the other fingers.
24. The hand protector of claim 23, wherein the tubular protective
surface comprises one or more raised lips on at least one edge of
the tubular protective surface.
25. The hand protector of claim 24, wherein the one or more raised
lips have a shape selected form the group consisting of a rounded
shape, a square shape, and a hook shape, and wherein the hook shape
has a free end extending towards the inner portion of the
protective surface.
26. The hand protector of claim 1, further comprising one or more
pouches for storing one or more objects.
Description
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED REASEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A COMPUTER LISTING, A TABLE, OR
A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention concerns a hand protector, and more
specifically, a hand protecting device having a protective surface
that can be positioned over the edge of a human hand between the
thumb and the tip of the index finger and the adjacent areas of the
hand.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] The human hand is subject to a variety of localized stresses
during everyday life. In particular, the edge of the hand delimited
by the thumb and the tip of the index finger and the adjacent areas
of the hand are subject to a variety of localized compressive and
shear forces that can not only cause discomfort to a person, but
also trigger a variety of damages to the different hand organs.
[0007] For instance, in a retail work environment, the weight
exercised by the hooks of clothes hangers or by the straps of
shopping bags produce localized compressive and shear forces on the
hands of clerks that are not only unpleasant, but that may abrade
the skin and damage, among others, the dorsal I interosseous muscle
of the hand, the dorsal I interosseous bone, the joints connecting
the metacarpal III bone and the proximal, medial and distal phalanx
of the finger, the lumbrical muscles, the radial artery of the
index finger, and the proper palmar digital nerve.
[0008] Any protective device providing relief to the hands of a
retail operator or of a similarly situated operator should not only
protect against localized compressive and shear forces, but also be
adapted for the working environment of the operator. More
specifically, such a protective device should be shaped and
constructed to be worn on and off rapidly, and to be easily carried
around when not in use, by keeping it either in a pocket of the
employee, on the hand, or around the wrist. Such a protective
device must also be easy to store within the work area, for
instance, in a retail operation, near the cash register or near a
fitting room, and meet certain aesthetic requirement to fit within
the design and color schemes of the work environment, such as the
refined decor of an upscale retail establishment.
[0009] Because of the different work environments within which such
a hand protector may be employed, different materials and design
shapes may be required. In an upscale department store, an elegant
design may be preferred, possibly with different color selections.
In a dry cleaning environment, a more utilitarian construction may
be preferred instead. In a construction environment, a rigid
construction may be preferred to protect the hands of a worker from
the loads provided by ropes or similar objects.
[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a hand protector that will
prevent or reduce injuries to the edge of a human hand comprised
between the thumb and the tip of the index finger and to the
adjacent areas of the hand.
[0011] There is a further need for a hand protector that can be
rapidly worn and easily stored by the user.
[0012] There is a still further need for a hand protector that can
be manufactured from a variety of materials, colors, and design
combinations.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention concerns a hand protector for
protecting at least a portion of the edge of a human hand comprised
between the thumb and the tip of the index finger and of the
adjacent areas of the hand.
[0014] In one embodiment, the hand protector according to the
present invention includes a protective surface capable of arching
over the edge of the human hand, and one or more straps for
maintaining the protective surface in place. In a variant of the
first embodiment, one or more raised lips may be provided along one
or more edges of the protective surface to meet either functional
and/or aesthetic requirements. In another variant, one or more
pouches may be positioned on the protective surface and/or on the
one or more straps to store one or more objects such as keys.
[0015] In a second embodiment, the hand protector comprises a
tubular protective surface capable of arching over at least a
portion of the edge of the human hand. Such a tubular surface is
designed to wrap around the fingers of the hand, except the thumb,
and also the hand portion comprised between the thumb and the other
fingers. As in the first embodiment, variants of the second
embodiment include one or more raised lips situated along one or
more edges of the protective surface to meet either functional
and/or aesthetic requirements, and one or more pouches on the
protective surface to store one or more objects such as keys.
[0016] Both the first and second embodiments are suitable for
manufacturing form a variety of materials, both pliable and rigid,
and in a variety of colors.
[0017] It is an advantage of the present invention to protect the
edge of a human hand comprised between the thumb and the tip of the
index finger and the adjacent areas of the hand.
[0018] It is another advantage of the present invention to provide
a hand protector that can be manufactured from a variety of
materials and a variety of designs to meet individual protection
and storage requirements.
[0019] Still another advantage of the present invention is to
provide a hand protector comprising one or more raised lips around
its edges to meet either functional and/or aesthetic
considerations.
[0020] Still another advantage of the present invention is to
provide a hand protector with one or more pouches where keys or a
similar object may be stored.
[0021] These and other advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from a reading of the following description, and
may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which may be
embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some
instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated
or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
invention comprising a protective surface and a strap.
[0024] FIG. 2A is a plan view of the protective surface of the
first embodiment having a C-shaped perimeter, while FIG. 2B is a
front view the first embodiment as worn by a user and equipped with
the protective surface of FIG. 2A.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the protective surface of the first
embodiment having a perimeter shaped like a filled numeral
eight.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a variant of the first
embodiment having raised lips on opposing edges of the protective
surface.
[0027] FIGS. 5A-5C are detail cross-sectional views of different
cross-sectional profiles of the raised lips of FIG. 4, wherein the
profile of FIG. 5A has a curved cross-section, the profile of FIG.
5B has a substantially square cross-section, and the profile of
FIG. 5C has a hook-shaped cross-section.
[0028] FIGS. 6A-6B are detail top views of a key pouch included in
another variant of the first embodiment, wherein the key pouch
illustrated in FIG. 6A maintains the key in place by means of a
pocket, and wherein the key pouch illustrated in FIG. 6B maintains
the key in place by means of a clip.
[0029] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a second embodiment of the invention,
wherein FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the second embodiment and
FIG. 7B is a front view.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a variant of the embodiment
of FIG. 4, further comprising a pouch for storing a key or a
similar object.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] A detailed description of embodiments of the invention is
provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the
art how to employ the present invention in virtually any detailed
system, structure, or manner.
[0032] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment
of the invention. A hand protector 10 includes a protective surface
12 that is capable of arching over at least a portion of the edge
of a human hand comprised between the thumb and the tip of the
index finger and the adjacent areas of the hand, and that is
maintained in position by one or more straps 14 wrapping around the
hand.
[0033] The one or more straps 14 are preferably connected to
opposite edges of protective surface 12, and may be secured to
protective surface 12 in a variety of ways; for instance, the one
or more straps 14 may be stitched to protective surface 12.
[0034] The perimeter of protective surface 12 may be contoured in a
variety of shapes to meet either functional and/or aesthetic
requirements. For instance, protective surface 12 may have a
perimeter of a square shape, of an oblong shape, of an oblong shape
with rounded corners (as shown in FIG. 1), of a circular shape, of
an oval shape, of a "C" shape (as indicated in FIG. 2A by reference
numeral 16), or of a "filled numeral eight" shape (as indicated in
FIG. 3 by reference number 18, wherein the "filled numeral eight"
shape is defined as being composed of two substantially circular
shapes attached at the periphery and assuming the shape of a number
"8" without the inner openings). When a "C" shape is employed, the
thumb can rest within a cavity of the "C," as shown in FIG. 2B,
while the thumb can rest between one of two cavities of a "filled
numeral eight" shape when such a shape is employed.
[0035] Further, protective surface 12 may be manufactured from a
variety of materials, such as pliable materials, rigid materials,
or a combination thereof. Pliable materials provide a close fit of
the protective surface with the edge of the hand and the adjacent
areas, while rigid materials provide a greater resistance to
compressive, shear, and abrasive forces acting against the hand. A
combination of pliable and rigid materials is also possible, in
order to protect selectively different portions of the edge of the
hand and adjacent areas, and a multi-layered material may also be
used, for instance, a two-layer combination with suede leather on
the outer surface to provide greater resistance to possible threats
against the hand, and a cotton fabric on the inner surface for
improved comfort.
[0036] Examples of pliable materials are fabrics, inclusive of
ballistic-grade fabrics such as Kevlar.RTM.; padded fabrics;
non-woven fabrics such as flannels; leather, including suede;
synthetic sheets such as rubber sheets; and pliable foams such as
urethane foams. Pliable materials provide not only a close fit, but
also make it easier to store the hand protector during non-use. In
the case of a retail clerk intending to protect the edges of her
hands and the adjacent areas against impacts and abrasions caused
by clothes hanger hooks and straps of shopping bags, the clerk can
easily store the hand protector in her pocket until use is
required, or conveniently store it near a cash register or a
fitting room.
[0037] Examples of rigid materials include a variety of plastic
materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Both pliable and
rigid materials may be provided in a variety of colors and designs
to meet individual taste and image considerations.
[0038] The one or more straps 14 preferably extend around the hand
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the arm and connect opposite edges of the protective surface.
The one or more straps may also be produced from a variety of
materials and with a variety of configurations; for instance, an
extensible material may be used, such as an elastomeric material,
Spandex.RTM., or even a coiled cable. An extensible material
enables the user not only to achieve a tight fit around the hand,
but can also to slide the hand protector over the thumb and to
position it around the wrist during periods of non-use.
[0039] Alternatively, the one or more straps 14 may be manufactured
from a non-extensible material, preferably in a plurality of
segments. For instance, each of the one or more straps may be
composed of two segments that interconnect with hook and loop
fabric, with a tongue and buckle combination, or with a pin and
hole combination.
[0040] The one or more straps 14 may be of different widths. For
example, if only one strap is employed, the strap may be wide
enough to extend for the entire length of protective surface 12
along a direction parallel to the fingers, or may otherwise be less
wide then the length of protective surface 12.
[0041] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown a hand protector 20
that is a variant of first embodiment 10. One or more edges of
protective surface 22 are raised to form one or more lips 24 around
the perimeter of protective surface 22. As further shown in FIGS.
5A-5C, lips 24 may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, such
as a rounded shape 26, a substantially square shape 28, or a hook
shape 30. When hook shape 30 is employed, protective surface 22 is
folded back to form the hook shape 30 having a free end that
extends in a direction opposite to the edge of protective surface
22. Hook shape 30 preferably carries a stitching running along a
direction substantially parallel to the direction of the wrist,
which stitching connects the free end of hook shape 30 with
protective surface 22. Such a stitching may be positioned either at
the extremity of the free end of hook shape 30, or somewhere
between the root and the extremity of the free end.
[0042] Lips 24 serve both a functional and an aesthetic purpose.
From a functional standpoint, lips 24 prevent the sliding off hand
protector 20 of any objects positioned on protective surface 22
(for instance, hooks of clothes hangers and straps of shopping
bags). From an aesthetic standpoint, lips 24 provide for a more
appealing design of hand protector 20 by introducing variations in
shape and possibly in color. This may be relevant if hand protector
20 is employed to protect the hands of high end retail store clerks
that routinely have contacts with customers. In general, the
designs of hand protectors 10 and 20 lend themselves to different,
individualized color schemes, to comply with the different color
schemes of different clients, to meet changing user tastes, or to
be imprinted or embroidered with distinctive insignia or logos.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 8, there is shown another variant of the
first embodiment. A hand protector 50 comprises one or more pouches
for storing keys or similar objects. Each pouch may have a
different construction, and is preferably shaped by a portion of
the external side of the protective surface to provide a first wall
of the pouch, and by a flap 52 extending from the protective
surface to form a second wall of the pouch that covers at least a
portion of the first wall. Alternatively, the one or more pouches
may be positioned on the one or more straps, or both on the
protective surface and the one or more straps.
[0044] The first and second walls may be joined together in a
variety of ways. Preferably, matching portions of the first and
second walls are connected with hook and loop fabric that is
disposed either around the edges of the first and second walls, or
in certain areas of the first and second walls, for instance, along
parallel stripes. Additionally, the pouch or part of the pouch may
be reinforced to protect either the user or the outside environment
from the sharp edges of the objects contained. In this regard, the
walls of the pouch may be padded, or may comprise a rigid
plate.
[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, the one or more keys may be
retained within the pouch in a variety of ways. Turning first to
FIG. 6A, a key 32 may be restrained in place by inserting the stem
of key 32 into a pocket 34 extending from first wall 36, wherein
the stem of key 32 is housed within pocket 34. Further, the head of
key 32 may be anchored to first wall 36 with a hook, a ring, or a
loop 38 extending from first wall 36 and entering the hole in the
head of key 32. Turning now to FIG. 6B, a key 40 may also be
retained within the pouch by an elastic strap extending from first
wall 42, or, instead of an elastic strap, by a metal or plastic
clip 44.
[0046] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a second embodiment of the invention.
A hand protector 46 comprises a protective surface that is tubular
in shape, and that is slidable over a human hand to wrap around the
fingers (except for the thumb), and also around the portion of the
hand comprised between the fingers (except for the thumb) and the
thumb.
[0047] Like the first embodiment, the second embodiment may exhibit
different design configurations, and may be made of a rigid or
pliable material, of a combination of rigid and pliable materials,
or of a multi-layered material. The second embodiment may also
carry one or more lips 48 around the edges, and a pouch for storing
objects such as one or more keys.
[0048] Hand protector 46 may be employed in different ways. In one
application, hand protector 46 is wrapped around the fingers
(except the thumb), and the portion of the hand comprised between
the fingers (except the thumb) and the thumb, in order to offset
compressive, shear and abrasive forces caused by objects with
concentrated loads, such as clothes hanger hooks. In another
application, hand protector 46 may be wrapped only around the
fingers (except for the thumb) to protect against concentrated
loads against only the fingers, such as the loads generated by the
straps of shopping bags. In still another application, hand
protector 46 may be slid over the wrist and/or a portion of the
forearm to protect against shear loads on those body parts, caused
for instance by the straps of shopping bags, or simply to store
hand protector 46 while not in use.
[0049] While the invention has been described in connection with
the above described embodiments, it is not intended to limit the
scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but on
the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the scope
of the invention.
* * * * *