U.S. patent application number 12/531062 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-18 for hand-utility interface.
Invention is credited to Daniel Jason Tyler.
Application Number | 20100037413 12/531062 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38050628 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100037413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tyler; Daniel Jason |
February 18, 2010 |
Hand-utility interface
Abstract
There is provided a hand-utility interface for use in utility
tasks. The interface comprises a foamed block body having a
plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein. In use,
each finger-receiving channel is arranged to receive a finger of
said user's hand such as to at least partly secure the interface to
the user's hand. At least one finger-receiving channel is provided
with a finger tip-receiving aperture such that in use, at least a
portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into said finger
tip-receiving aperture.
Inventors: |
Tyler; Daniel Jason;
(Buckinghamshire, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
c/o Brother Max Ltd
56 Wise Lane
London
NW7 2RG
omitted
|
Family ID: |
38050628 |
Appl. No.: |
12/531062 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 27, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2008/001051 |
371 Date: |
September 12, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/244.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 35/00 20130101;
A61H 2205/067 20130101; A47L 13/18 20130101; A47L 13/16 20130101;
A47K 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/244.4 |
International
Class: |
A47K 7/02 20060101
A47K007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2007 |
GB |
0706332.4 |
Claims
1. A hand-utility interface for use in utility tasks comprising a
foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels
defined therein, wherein in use, each finger-receiving channel is
arranged to receive a finger of said user's hand such as to at
least partly secure the interface to the user's hand, and wherein
at least one finger-receiving channel is provided with a finger
tip-receiving aperture such that in use, at least a portion of a
finger tip of the user protrudes into said finger tip-receiving
aperture.
2. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein all of
said plurality of finger-receiving channels are provided with a
finger tip-receiving aperture.
3. A hand utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
finger-tip receiving aperture locates at the base of a
finger-receiving channel.
4. A hand utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
finger-tip receiving aperture locates at the far end wall of the
finger-receiving channel.
5. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein in use,
the finger tip of the user is not gripped by the finger-tip
receiving aperture.
6. A hand-utility interface according claim 1, wherein the
finger-receiving channels are arranged in a fanned out
configuration.
7. A hand-utility interface according to claim 6, wherein the width
of each finger-receiving channel is constant along its length.
8. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the walls
of the finger-receiving channels are higher at a second finger
joint-receiving part thereof.
9. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the walls
of the finger-receiving channels are higher from a second finger
joint-receiving part thereof to a knuckle-receiving part
thereof.
10. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
depth of each finger-receiving channel is greater than that of the
user's finger.
11. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein each
finger-receiving channel has a flat under finger profile.
12. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
foamed block body is provided with a first cutaway portion arranged
in use, for accommodation of the user's thumb.
13. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
foamed block body is provided with a second cutaway portion
arranged in use, for accommodation of the user's little finger.
14. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
foamed block body has three finger-receiving channels for receipt
of the user's index, second and third fingers respectively, but no
finger-receiving channel for receipt of the user's little
finger.
15. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
finger-receiving channels are defined by continuous walls of the
foamed block body.
16. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
foamed block body is provided with a palm-receiving portion shaped
to receive a user's palm.
17. A hand-utility interface according to claim 16, wherein the
palm-receiving portion has a domed profile.
18. A hand-utility interface according to claim 16, wherein the
palm-receiving portion has a flat profile.
19. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
finger-tip receiving aperture defines a through hole from a
finger-receiving channel to an outer surface of the foamed block
body.
20. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
finger-tip receiving aperture defines a non-through hole from a
finger-receiving channel, but not reaching through to an outer
surface of the foamed block body.
21. A hand-utility interface according to claim 1, wherein the
finger-receiving channels define an elongate square or rectangular
trough shape.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a hand-utility interface
that is wearable on the hand of a user. In particular, the present
invention relates to an improved foamed block form interface
suitable for use in cleaning and grooming applications.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Most of the bathing or cleaning tools presently available
rely on a user directly holding an independent interface, such as a
cloth, sponge or handle of the common bristle brush. In such cases,
much of the innate dexterity of the user's hand, in particular, the
user's fingers, is lost.
[0003] Published PCT Patent Application Nos. WO2004/098,365 and
WO2006/000,762 describe wearable hand-utility interfaces that are
described to protect the hand of a user during the undertaking of
various utility tasks (e.g. cleaning, grooming) and to afford the
user more of the dexterity of the user's hand, such that an
interface can form itself to meet any surface, regardless of its
complexity. These wearable hand-utility interfaces comprise a
foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels
defined therein. The finger-receiving channels of the foamed block
body snugly receive the fingers of the user's hand such as to
secure the interface to the user's hand.
[0004] Applicant has now found that the securing of the interface
to the user's hand may be improved if at least one of the
finger-receiving channels is provided with a finger tip-receiving
aperture. In use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user
protrudes into the finger tip-receiving aperture, thereby allowing
more optimal locating of the user's fingers as received by the
finger-receiving channels such as to enhance the securing of the
interface to the user's fingers, and hence to the user's hand as a
whole. The presence of such aperture additionally allows for such
optimal receipt even for user's fingers of different dimensional
characteristics (e.g. finger length or thickness).
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] According to the present invention there is provided a
hand-utility interface for use in utility tasks comprising a foamed
block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined
therein, wherein in use, each finger-receiving channel is arranged
to receive a finger of said user's hand such as to at least partly
secure the interface to the user's hand, and wherein at least one
finger-receiving channel is provided with a finger tip-receiving
aperture such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of
the user protrudes into said finger tip-receiving aperture.
[0006] There is provided a hand-utility interface, which is
arranged for use in the undertaking of various utility tasks (e.g.
grooming or bathing). In aspects, the hand-utility interface is
adaptable for use with user's hands of varying sizes. In aspects,
the interface only part-encloses the user's hand (i.e. at least
part of the hand and fingers are not enclosable thereby).
[0007] The hand-utility interface comprises a foamed block body,
which has a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein.
In use, each finger-receiving channel is arranged to receive a
finger of said user's hand such as to at least partly secure the
interface to the user's hand. In aspects, each finger-receiving
channel snugly receives a finger of the user's hand.
[0008] In accord with the improvement provided herein, at least one
of the finger-receiving channels is provided with a finger
tip-receiving aperture such that in use, at least a portion of a
finger tip of the user protrudes (e.g. pokes or fits) into, and
optionally partly or in particular aspects wholly, through a duct
or channel whose finger-tip receiving entrance is defined by said
finger tip-receiving aperture (e.g. to an external surface of the
block form body). The or each such aperture is generally bounded by
a periphery, which defines the finger tip-receiving entrance of the
aperture.
[0009] The provision of a finger tip-receiving aperture to a
finger-receiving channel is designed to allow for more optimal
receipt of the relevant user's finger by the finger-receiving
channel such as to enhance the securing of the interface to the
user's finger, and hence to the user's hand as a whole. The
presence of such aperture is designed to allow for such optimal
receipt even for user's fingers of different dimensional
characteristics (e.g. finger length or thickness). In general
terms, this works by enabling at least part of some or all finger
tips of the received fingers of the user to protrude to a greater
or lesser extent into the apertures, thereby allowing the fingers
to be moved to locate at an optimal finger receipt (e.g. finger
gripped) part of the finger-receiving channels.
[0010] It will be appreciated that since a finger-tip receiving
aperture is arranged for receipt of at least portion of a finger
tip of a user that it locates at the finger tip end of a
finger-receiving channel.
[0011] In one aspect, the finger-tip receiving aperture is an open
aperture that defines a through hole (i.e. open channel or duct)
from the (e.g. base or end wall of) the finger-receiving channel to
an outer surface (e.g. base or front wall) of the block form body.
In use, the finger tip of a user may therefore be `poked` partly or
in particular aspects wholly, through the through hole to an outer
surface of the block form body.
[0012] In another aspect, the finger-tip receiving aperture is a
closed aperture that defines a non-through hole (i.e. cavity or
closed duct) from the (e.g. base or end wall of) the
finger-receiving channel, but not reaching through to an outer
surface (e.g. base or front wall) of the block form body. The
finger tip of a user may therefore not be `poked` through the
non-through hole to an outer surface of the block form body.
[0013] In one aspect, the finger-tip receiving aperture locates at
the base (i.e. bottom) of the finger-receiving channel such that in
use, where the aperture is an open aperture the finger of the user
may partly or in particular aspects wholly, protrude through
towards the base of the foamed block body, which typically defines
a work surface thereof.
[0014] In one aspect, the finger-tip receiving aperture locates at
the far end wall of the finger-receiving channel such that in use,
where the aperture is an open aperture the finger of the user may
partly or in particular aspects wholly, protrude through towards
the front part of the foamed block body.
[0015] In general use aspects, the user's finger tip protrudes into
the aperture, and where applicable partly through the `through
hole` towards an external surface of the interface. The user's
finger tip does not however, protrude out from the end of that
`through hole` (i.e. out from that part of the `through hole` that
locates on the external surface of the block form body). The user's
finger tips does not therefore `interfere` with the work surface
defined by that external surface, and the user's finger tip is
therefore protected in use, from any work function being carried
out by that work surface.
[0016] In particular aspects however, the protrusion of the user's
finger fully through the aperture (i.e. through to an external
surface of the interface) has been found to provide user benefits
in that it may be configured to allow the user at least some
tactile contact with surface being worked on by the interface. In
particular, where that surface is skin (e.g. of the user or another
human subject or indeed, or an animal) that tactile contact of
`finger on skin` allows for greater tactile intimacy during for
example, a bathing, massaging or other grooming application.
[0017] In use, the finger tip is not necessarily gripped by the
periphery of the finger-tip receiving aperture. Indeed, such
gripping is generally undesirable in that it may impede the ability
of the user's finger tip to be received by the aperture and hence
impede optimal positioning of the user's finger within the relevant
finger-receiving channel.
[0018] In aspects, the foamed block body herein comprises at least
two finger-channels of equal length for receipt of two different
fingers of the user's hand. In aspects, these two finger channels
have identical shape, form and/or dimension. The two finger
channels of equal length may also be arranged to be a mirror image,
one of the other, typically arranged about the centre line of the
foamed block body.
[0019] In aspects, the finger-receiving channels are arranged in
fanned out configuration. That is to say the channels fan out
towards the finger tip end, thereby mirroring the natural fanned
out configuration of the fingers of a user's hand.
[0020] In aspects, each finger-receiving channel narrows
progressively along its length. It will be appreciated that the
narrowing is towards the finger tip end of each channel. Such
narrowing has been found to assist in retaining a user's fingers
and hence in use, in retaining the interface to a user's hand. In
aspects, the height of each finger-receiving channel reduces
progressively along its length. In aspects, the width of each
finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. In
aspects, the cross-section of each finger-receiving channel reduces
progressively along its length.
[0021] In other aspects, the width of each finger-receiving channel
is constant along its length.
[0022] In aspects, the depth of each finger-receiving channel is
greater than that of the user's finger. Accordingly, in use the
foam walls defining each finger-receiving channel surround the full
height of a user's finger. In aspects, the foam above each received
finger of the user partially overlaps the upper surface of that
received finger. Again, this better assists finger retention.
[0023] In aspects, each finger-receiving channel has a curving
under profile. Preferably, that curving under profile is such as to
match the curved under profile of a user's finger when at rest
(i.e. when in an untensed state). The finger-receiving channel may
also be provided with a curving top line profile and/or and angled
under profile. In other aspects, each finger-receiving channel has
a flat under finger profile.
[0024] In aspects, the foamed block body is provided with a first
cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation, but not snug
receipt, of the user's thumb. In aspects, the foamed block body is
provided with a second cutaway portion arranged in use, for
accommodation, but not snug receipt, of the user's little finger.
In aspects, the first and/or second cutaway portions define a
planar aspect (e.g. arranged for rested receipt of the user's thumb
or little finger) and in aspects, that plane is co-planar with any
palm-receiving portion.
[0025] In aspects, the foamed block body has three finger-receiving
channels for receipt of the user's index, second and third fingers
respectively, but no finger-receiving channel for receipt of the
user's little finger.
[0026] In aspects, the finger-receiving channels are defined by
continuous walls of the foamed block body. In another aspect, the
finger-receiving channels are defined by intermittent walls of the
foamed block body.
[0027] In aspects, the foamed block body is provided with a
palm-receiving portion shaped to receive a user's palm. In aspects,
the palm-receiving portion has a flat profile. In aspects, the
palm-receiving portion has a domed profile.
[0028] Preferably in use, the hand-utility interface covers the
users' fingers and at least part of the user's palm but leaves the
top part of the user's hand and fingers uncovered. This embodiment
provides enhanced user utility in terms of ease of hand and finger
movements.
[0029] In aspects, the hand-utility interface is designed such that
it covers only that part of the palm that can be comfortably
reached by the fingers. When the interface comprises absorbent
media, this provides the function that the interface can be
efficiently wrung out by a simple clenching of the first.
[0030] The hand-utility interface comprises a block form body. The
body has essentially two functions. Firstly, it provides a degree
of protection to the user's hand whilst conducting utility tasks.
Secondly it provides a support for the application of utility media
by the hand.
[0031] In aspects, the body provides a support for suitable utility
media, but flexes to allow movement of the hand.
[0032] Preferably, the body is shaped to provide a uniform, e.g.
flat work surface (i.e. utility surface) at its base that typically
takes the form of a continuous pad in use, locating under the hand
of the user. This contrasts with the non-uniform, rounded form,
work surface provided by the un-gloved palm and underside of
fingers of a user's hand.
[0033] The body is generally comprised of a foamed or sponge-like
material. The material in aspects comprises a synthetic polymer
material that has a foamed structure (i.e. comprising foamed bubble
features). In essence, suitable foam materials are those that offer
the characteristics of `sponge` such as its natural give and
crushability, resilience and ability to absorb and carry liquid
media. Suitable materials include `open foam`, where the individual
bubbles are incomplete spheres, and `closed foam`, where the
spheres are complete, this latter type having considerably less
water absorption ability.
[0034] The body has a block form. That is to say, overall it has a
generally block-like three-dimensional form. The body has plural
(generally, three or four) finger-receiving channels defined
therein. The finger-receiving channels may be provided to the block
form body in any suitable manner including cutting out the channels
or by injection-moulding the form of the body with the
finger-receiving channels defined therein.
[0035] In one particular aspect, the block form body is produced by
reaction moulding using viscoelastic foam (e.g. slow recovery
foam). In another particular aspect, the block form body is
produced by injection moulding.
[0036] In a variation herein, the block form foamed body is
injected with viscoelastic foam. This variation allows that the
side walls of the finger-receiving channels may in use, close over
the top surface of a user's finger a little and significantly aid
retention. It also renders the form of the body more flexible still
and expandable, so better to deal with a greater variety of hand
sizes and give great comfort to the wearer.
[0037] Any surface of the body that in use, contacts the palm of
the user (the `palm piece`) might be flat, or it might be domed
better to locate it under the hand for added user comfort.
[0038] In aspects, the `palm piece` extends back to equal the
extent that the fingers of the user's hand reach when closed
against the user's palm. This aspect is particularly suitable for
versions of the interface designed to enable a wringing out
action.
[0039] In another aspect, the `palm piece` is longer and extends
further towards the wrist so that it covers the whole of the palm
of the user's hand, and potentially extends further still,
depending upon the resilience of the foam and its ability
effectively to carry media for useful work. This aspect is
particularly suitable for versions of the interface that are
designed to carry a disposable wipe.
[0040] In aspects, the block form body is split between the
finger-receiving channels to provide that each finger of a user can
move independently of the others (i.e. each finger has its own foam
channel).
[0041] In another aspect, moisture and fluids in general can be
prevented from rising up through the foamed block body (e.g.
through the open cells of the foam) and reaching the user's hand by
the addition of a waterproof barrier layer to the block form body
(e.g. running horizontally through the body).
[0042] In aspects, the block form body is produced by a process
known as "deformation cutting" or "form profile cutting", which is
a known process of manufacture for three dimensional cutting of
block form bodies such as upholstery parts, automobile seat
elements, packaging and other profiled parts out of flexible foams.
In such a process the block form body is subjected to a compressive
force (e.g. by downward force applied by a plate or roller) and
cutting takes place whilst the body is in a compressed state. The
advantages of using such a process are high speed and economic
production.
[0043] In the process, the block-forming machine operates according
to the compression system using templates (e.g. made out of
aluminium). The template has a cavity of the desired shape of the
block. The template is screwed onto table of the machine. The foam
blank is placed onto the template. By means of a conveyor belt and
a pressure roller, the foam blank is pressed into the template's
cavity. The pressed foam is cut directly above the template during
the automatic forward movement of the table. The cutting tool is a
rotating band knife.
[0044] In aspects, the hand-utility interface herein is made by a
hand cutting process.
[0045] In aspects, the hand-utility interface herein is arranged to
cooperate with those elements common to all sizes of user hands. It
is in aspects configured to offer a fit for the majority (e.g.
90%+) of all adult hand sizes. Traditional glove forms account for
this variable by offering different sizes of product or by use of
stretch fabrics, whereas the present interface does so by providing
means for securing the interface to a user's hand.
[0046] In aspects, the interface is adapted to have ambidextrous
form. That is to say, a universal fit form where it is configured
to work for either left or right hand.
[0047] Each finger-receiving channel is sized and shaped to receive
(e.g. snugly) a finger of a user. Receipt is assisted by the
resilience characteristics of the material comprising the body,
which mean that the walls of each finger-receiving channel tend to
give as the finger is inserted and naturally adapt to any further
finger movement to maintain the finger-receipt. Optimal receipt is
assisted by the presence of a finger tip-receiving aperture.
[0048] In aspects, the finger-receiving channels fan out (i.e.
diverge or taper outwardly) from each other moving towards the
finger tip end. This divergence may be enabled, at least in part,
by increasing the thickness of the inner dividing walls between
each the finger-receiving channel on proceeding from palm piece to
finger tip end. The fanned out profile matches that of the natural
fanned out profile of fingers from a user's hand.
[0049] In aspects, to assist suitable finger-receipt, each
finger-receiving channel is shaped such that it narrows towards the
fingertip end. In other aspects, such narrowing is not present.
[0050] In aspects, to assist suitable finger-receipt, each
finger-receiving channel is shaped such that the channel narrows
(e.g. tapers inwardly) on moving towards the bottom surface of the
channel (i.e. towards that surface found closest to the base of the
body and deepest within the channel). This narrowing of
finger-receiving channel is in aspects achieved by inwardly
tapering the profile of the walls that define each finger-receiving
channel.
[0051] In aspects, to assist suitable finger-receipt, each
finger-receiving channel is shaped such as to define a
part-circular inner cross-sectional profile.
[0052] In aspects, the depth of each finger-receiving channel is
selected such that on receipt of a user's finger therein the walls
defining the channel extend at least 0.6 mm, preferably at least
0.8 mm above the top of the user's finger.
[0053] In aspects, the finger-receiving channels are too narrow
towards their bottom surface to accommodate the fingers of a user
without compression of the walls that define each channel. Such
compression is readily enabled by forming the walls of a foam that
readily gives but also has a memory (i.e. is resilient) such that
it returns to its original form on withdrawal of the user's finger.
Overall, the desired effect is that the foam above the top of each
user's finger tends to regain its memory position, partially
closing over the finger, so acting to secure the body to the user's
hand. When the foamed body is loaded with liquid, the liquid tends
to promote this retention, by serving to resist its being crushed.
Where the foam is forced to give (i.e. by the finger's presence
within the channel) it does so, causing the displaced liquid to
flood the adjacent "partial cells" of the foamed body and walls,
including those above the finger line.
[0054] In aspects, to assist suitable finger-receipt, each
finger-receiving channel is shaped such that its bottom surface has
a curved profile that mirrors that curved profile of the underside
of the relevant user's finger in an outstretched but untensed
configuration.
[0055] Each finger-receiving channel defines opposing side walls to
at least partially encase a snugly received finger. Each side wall
may either be a `divider wall` that acts to divide a particular
finger-receiving channel off from its adjacent neighbour(s) or a
`perimeter wall` that in use, locates adjacent to the outside of
the first or fourth user fingers. The side walls may provide a
finger support function, as a result of their resilient character.
The sidewalls may however, also enable (and e.g. be shaped for) in
use, grip by the fingers of the user. Thus, for example for any two
adjacent finger-receiving channels (e.g. between the first and
second, second and third or third and fourth fingers) the user may
apply gripping force between his /her relevant fingers to the
divider wall between the adjacent finger-receiving channels thereby
gripping onto that divider wall.
[0056] The finger channels in general, have an elongate `U` shape
or an elongate square or rectangular trough shape. In one, the
finger channels are tapered along the channel. This tapering form
is designed to assist user insertion of his/her fingers into each
channel. In another aspect, the uppermost portion of the `U` shaped
channels closes in a little, better to close over the top part of
the finger. Generally, the divider walls only extend back from the
finger tip towards the palm so far as is allowed by the junction
between fingers of a small, ladies hand.
[0057] Where the finger channels have an elongate square or
rectangular trough shape, the walls defining the finger channels
typically project vertically upwards from the base (i.e. the walls
project up perpendicular from the plane defined by the base).
[0058] Generally, the walls of the finger channels need to be
sufficiently high that the fingers of the small, ladies hand are
completely concealed in side elevation. The wall height is
generally also sufficient that at least two thirds of the big male
finger depth is concealed in side elevation. In aspects, the walls
rise high enough so that the users' fingers may `crimp together` to
grip the walls and so support the entire interface that is under
the relevant fingers.
[0059] In aspects, the walls of any or each finger channel are
higher in one or more places and lower in one or more other
places.
[0060] In aspects, the walls of any or each finger channel are
higher at a second finger joint-receiving part thereof. That is to
say, the walls are higher at the part of the finger channel that in
use, receives the second finger joint of the user. By `second
finger joint` it is meant that finger joint that is closest to the
knuckle, which finger joint is sometimes referred to in medical
texts as the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) locating between
the first (also called proximal) and second (intermediate)
phalanges of the finger.
[0061] In aspects, the walls of any or each finger channel are
higher from a second finger joint-receiving part thereof to a
knuckle-receiving part thereof. That is to say, the walls are
higher at the part of the finger channel that in use, receives from
the second finger joint to the knuckle of the user.
[0062] In aspects, the foamed body is provided with four
finger-receiving channels.
[0063] In another aspect, the foamed body is provided with three
finger-receiving channels arranged for receipt of the index, second
and third fingers of a user's hand.
[0064] In one three finger-receiving channel embodiment, the foamed
body is also provided (adjacent to the first and third
finger-receiving channels) with two cut-away portions arranged in
use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's
thumb and little finger.
[0065] In another three finger-receiving channel embodiment, the
foamed body is also provided (adjacent to the first and third
finger-receiving channels) with two cut-away portions arranged in
use to provide space for the user's thumb and little finger.
[0066] The three finger-channel (and optionally two cut-away or
cut-out portion) form of the interface provides ambidextrous
utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of
the user.
[0067] The `cut-away or cut-out portions` may either be provided by
physically cutting away part of the body or may be provided as an
integral (e.g. moulded or otherwise formed) part of the structure
of the body.
[0068] Embodiments are envisaged in which one or more
finger-channels are arranged to receive plural, particularly two,
fingers of a user. In such embodiments it will be appreciated that
the number of walls is necessarily fewer than in the standard four
finger, three dividing walls, two perimeter walls embodiment.
[0069] In one embodiment, each finger channel is arranged to
receive two fingers. That is to say, a first finger channel
receives the first and second fingers and a second finger channel
receives third and fourth fingers. A single divider wall separates
the first and second finger channels.
[0070] In another embodiment, one finger channel is arranged to
receive two fingers and two finger channels are arranged to receive
a single finger. Divider walls separate each of the finger channels
from its neighbour(s). Each of the 112, 121 and 211 permutations is
envisaged.
[0071] In another embodiment, a single finger channel is arranged
to receive all four fingers. The single finger channel has
perimeter walls but no divider walls are present. In further
embodiments, one or more finger channel divider walls are present
together with either one or no perimeter walls.
[0072] In a particular aspect, the block form body is arranged for
ambidextrous use. That is to say, it is arranged such that it is
readily use-able with either the left or right hand of the user.
The benefit of ambidextrous product form is that one product meets
all needs, so no need to make a choice at the point of sale.
[0073] In one form, particularly suitable for ambidextrous use, the
block form body has four finger channels, and the two middle
channels are produced the same length (i.e. both will accommodate
the first and second longest fingers of a user). The two outer
finger channels are also produced the same length (i.e. they are
both produced long enough to accommodate the index finger of a
user). It will be appreciated that in this form, the effect is
that, the third and fourth finger channels are longer than need be
for both left and right handed users.
[0074] Suitable purposes for the hand-utility interface herein
include personal cleaning and bathing; health and beauty purposes
such as ex-foliation, massage, application of oils/lotions; and
grooming of humans and of animals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0075] The invention will now be described further with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0076] FIG. 1 shows a plan view from above of a first hand-utility
interface in accord with the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 2 shows a plan view from below of the first
hand-utility interface of FIG. 1;
[0078] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the first hand-utility
interface of FIG. 1;
[0079] FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the first hand-utility interface
of FIG. 1;
[0080] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the first hand-utility interface
of FIG. 1;
[0081] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly
displaced) of the first hand-utility interface of FIG. 1;
[0082] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from the back (slightly
displaced) of the first hand-utility interface of FIG. 1;
[0083] FIG. 8 shows a plan view from above of a second hand-utility
interface in accord with the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the second hand-utility
interface of FIG. 8;
[0085] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly
displaced) of the second hand-utility interface of FIG. 8;
[0086] FIG. 11 shows a plan view from above with apertures shown by
dotted lines of a third hand-utility interface in accord with the
present invention;
[0087] FIG. 12 shows a front view of the third hand-utility
interface of FIG. 11;
[0088] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the third hand-utility
interface of FIG. 11;
[0089] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly
displaced) of the third hand-utility interface of FIG. 11;
[0090] FIG. 15 shows a plan view from above with apertures shown by
dotted lines of a fourth hand-utility interface in accord with the
present invention;
[0091] FIG. 16 shows a front view of the fourth hand-utility
interface of FIG. 15;
[0092] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the fourth hand-utility
interface of FIG. 15;
[0093] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly
displaced) of the fourth hand-utility interface of FIG. 15;
[0094] FIG. 19 shows a plan view from above with apertures shown by
dotted lines of a fifth hand-utility interface in accord with the
present invention;
[0095] FIG. 20 shows a front view of the fifth hand-utility
interface of FIG. 19;
[0096] FIG. 21 shows a side view of the fifth hand-utility
interface of FIG. 19;
[0097] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly
displaced) with cut-outs shown as dotted lines of the fifth
hand-utility interface of FIG. 11;
[0098] FIG. 23 shows a plan view from above with apertures shown by
dotted lines of a sixth hand-utility interface in accord with the
present invention;
[0099] FIG. 24 shows a front view of the sixth hand-utility
interface of FIG. 23;
[0100] FIG. 25 shows a side view of the sixth hand-utility
interface of FIG. 23; and
[0101] FIG. 26 shows a perspective view from the front (slightly
displaced) with cut-outs shown as dotted lines of the sixth
hand-utility interface of FIG. 23.
[0102] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate
different views of a first hand-utility interface 1 herein
comprising a block form body 10 comprised of a polymeric foam
material (e.g. open cell foam). The body 10 is shaped to receive in
use, the palm and fingers of a user and is provided with a
palm-receiving portion 12 shaped to receive a user's palm and three
elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 14a-c
arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a
user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 14a-c may be seen to be
defined by two outer walls 16a-b and two inner dividing walls
17a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 1. It may
be noted that the finger-receiving channels 14a-c fan out (i.e.
diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by
the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 17a-b
increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each
finger-receiving channel is also provided with a finger
tip-receiving aperture 20a-c having a periphery 22a-c and arranged
such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user
protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 20a-c. Each
finger tip-receiving aperture 20a-c may be seen to be provided to
the base (i.e. bottom) of its finger-receiving channel 14a-c such
that in use, the finger of the user may protrude through towards,
but typically not fully through to the base 2 of the foamed block
body, which defines a work surface thereof. The interface 1 may
also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions 19a-b arranged in
use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's
thumb and little finger.
[0103] The three finger-channel 14a-c and two cut-away portion
19a-b form of the interface 1 of FIGS. 1 to 7 provides ambidextrous
utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by either hand of
the user.
[0104] In use, the finger channels 14a-c and the finger
tip-receiving apertures 20a-c provide the means to retain the
interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second
and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel
14a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received,
and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to
protrude through each respective finger tip-receiving aperture
20a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 20a-c
assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the
finger-receiving channels 14a-c regardless of user finger
dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the
foam material comprising the body 10 which mean that the relevant
walls 16a-b, 17a-b of each finger-receiving channel and optionally
that of each periphery 22a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture
tend to give as a finger/finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt
to any further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.
[0105] In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers
grip the divider walls 17a-b of the finger-receiving channels
14a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 10
adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger
tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures
20a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by
the finger receiving-channels 14a-c.
[0106] In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to FIG. 5, the
walls 16a-b, 17a-b of the finger-receiving channels 14a-c are
higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 22 thereof. That is
to say, the walls 16a-b, 17a-b are higher at the part 22 of the
finger channels 14a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint
of the user.
[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10 there are shown different
views of a second hand-utility interface 101 herein that may be
appreciated to be a variation of the first hand-utility interface
of FIGS. 1 to 7.
[0108] The second hand-utility interface 101 comprises a block form
body 110 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell
foam). The body 110 is shaped to receive in use, the fingers and
knuckle underside of a user and is provided with a flat portion 112
shaped to receive the underside of the user's knuckles and three
elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 114a-c
arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers of a
user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 114a-c may be seen to be
defined by two outer walls 116a-b and two inner dividing walls
117a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 101. It
may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 114a-c fan out
(i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled
by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 117a-b
increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each
finger-receiving channel is also provided with a finger
tip-receiving aperture 120a-c having a periphery 122a-c and
arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of
the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 120a-c.
Each finger tip-receiving aperture 120a-c may be seen to be
provided to the base (i.e. bottom) of its finger-receiving channel
114a-c such that in use, the finger of the user may protrude
through towards (but typically not fully through to) the base 102
of the foamed block body, which defines a work surface thereof. The
interface 101 may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions
119a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained
receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.
[0109] The three finger-channel 114a-c and two cut-away portion
119a-b form of the second interface 101 of FIGS. 8 to 10 provides
ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by
either hand of the user.
[0110] In use, the finger channels 114a-c and the finger
tip-receiving apertures 120a-c provide the means to retain the
interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second
and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel
114a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received,
and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to
protrude into each respective finger tip-receiving aperture 120a-c.
The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 120a-c assists
optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving
channels 114a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug
receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material
comprising the body 110 which mean that the relevant walls 116a-b,
117a-b of each finger-receiving channel and optionally that of each
periphery 122a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give
as a finger/finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any
further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.
[0111] In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers
grip the divider walls 117a-b of the finger-receiving channels
114a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 110
adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger
tips protrude through each of the finger tip-receiving apertures
120a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by
the finger receiving-channels 114a-c.
[0112] In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to FIG. 9, the
walls 116a-b, 117a-b of the finger-receiving channels 114a-c are
higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 122 thereof. That is
to say, the walls 116a-b, 117a-b are higher at the part 122 of the
finger channels 114a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint
of the user.
[0113] The underside base of the interface 101 has a uniform flat
work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to
receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).
[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 11 to 14 there are shown different
views of a third hand-utility interface 201 herein that may be
appreciated to also be a variation of the first hand-utility
interface of FIGS. 1 to 7.
[0115] The third hand-utility interface 201 comprises a block form
body 210 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell
foam). The body 210 is shaped to receive in use, the palm and
fingers of a user and is provided with a palm-receiving portion 212
shaped to receive the user's palm and three elongate rectangular
trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 214a-c arranged for receipt
of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand. The
finger-receiving channels 214a-c may be seen to be defined by two
outer walls 216a-b and two inner dividing walls 217a-b, which stand
proud from the base of the interface 201. It may be noted that the
finger-receiving channels 214a-c fan out (i.e. diverge) towards the
finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by the fact that the
thickness of the inner dividing walls 217a-b increases on
proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each finger-receiving
channel is also provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture
220a-c having a periphery 222a-c and arranged such that in use, at
least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into each
finger tip-receiving aperture 220a-c. Each finger tip-receiving
aperture 220a-c may be seen to be provided to end wall of its
finger-receiving channel 214a-c such that in use, the finger of the
user may protrude towards (but typically not fully through to) the
curved front wall 226 of the foamed block body, which defines a
work surface thereof. The interface 201 may also be seen to
comprise two cut-away portions 219a-b arranged in use, for
accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and
little finger.
[0116] The three finger-channel 214a-c and two cut-away portion
219a-b form of the third interface 201 of FIGS. 11 to 14 provides
ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by
either hand of the user.
[0117] In use, the finger channels 214a-c and the finger
tip-receiving apertures 220a-c provide the means to retain the
interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second
and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel
214a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received,
and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to
protrude through each respective finger tip-receiving aperture
220a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 220a-c
assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the
finger-receiving channels 214a-c regardless of user finger
dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the
foam material comprising the body 210 which mean that the relevant
walls 216a-b, 217a-b of each finger-receiving channel and
optionally that of each periphery 222a-c of each finger
tip-receiving aperture tend to give as a finger/finger tip is
inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to
assist snug finger receipt.
[0118] In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers
grip the divider walls 217a-b of the finger-receiving channels
214a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 210
adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger
tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures
220a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by
the finger receiving-channels 214a-c.
[0119] In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to FIG. 13, the
walls 216a-b, 217a-b of the finger-receiving channels 214a-c are
higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 222 thereof. That is
to say, the walls 216a-b, 217a-b are higher at the part 222 of the
finger channels 214a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint
of the user.
[0120] The underside base of the interface 201 has a uniform flat
work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to
receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).
[0121] Referring now to FIGS. 15 to 18 there are shown different
views of a fourth hand-utility interface 301 herein that may be
appreciated to also be a variation of the second hand-utility
interface of FIGS. 8 to 10.
[0122] The fourth hand-utility interface 301 comprises a block form
body 310 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell
foam). The body 310 is shaped to receive in use, the fingers and
knuckle undersides of a user and is provided with a flat portion
312 shaped to receive the underside of the user's knuckles and
three elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels
314a-c arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers
of a user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 314a-c may be seen
to be defined by two outer walls 316a-b and two inner dividing
walls 317a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 301.
It may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 314a-c fan out
(i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled
by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 317a-b
increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each
finger-receiving channel is also provided with a finger
tip-receiving aperture 320a-c having a periphery 322a-c and
arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of
the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 320a-c.
Each finger tip-receiving aperture 320a-c may be seen to be
provided to end wall of its finger-receiving channel 314a-c such
that in use, the finger of the user may protrude towards (but
typically not fully through to) the curved front wall 326 of the
foamed block body, which defines a work surface thereof. The
interface 301 may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions
319a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but not retained
receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.
[0123] The three finger-channel 314a-c and two cut-away portion
319a-b form of the fourth interface 301 of FIGS. 15 to 18 provides
ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by
either hand of the user.
[0124] In use, the finger channels 314a-c and the finger
tip-receiving apertures 320a-c provide the means to retain the
interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second
and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel
314a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received,
and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to
protrude through each respective finger tip-receiving aperture
320a-c. The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 320a-c
assists optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the
finger-receiving channels 314a-c regardless of user finger
dimensions. The snug receipt is assisted by the resilience of the
foam material comprising the body 310 which mean that the relevant
walls 316a-b, 317a-b of each finger-receiving channel and
optionally that of each periphery 322a-c of each finger
tip-receiving aperture tend to give as a finger/finger tip is
inserted and naturally adapt to any further finger movement to
assist snug finger receipt.
[0125] In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers
grip the divider walls 317a-b of the finger-receiving channels
314a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 310
adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger
tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures
320a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by
the finger receiving-channels 314a-c.
[0126] In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to FIG. 17, the
walls 316a-b, 317a-b of the finger-receiving channels 314a-c are
higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 322 thereof. That is
to say, the walls 316a-b, 317a-b are higher at the part 322 of the
finger channels 314a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint
of the user.
[0127] The underside base of the interface 301 has a uniform flat
work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to
receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).
[0128] Referring now to FIGS. 19 to 22 there are shown different
views of a fifth hand-utility interface 401 herein that may be
appreciated to also be a variation of the first hand-utility
interface of FIGS. 1 to 7.
[0129] The fifth hand-utility interface 401 comprises a block form
body 410 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell
foam). The body 410 is shaped to receive in use, the palm and
fingers of a user and is provided with a palm-receiving portion 412
shaped to receive the user's palm and three elongate rectangular
trough-shaped finger-receiving channels 414a-c arranged for receipt
of the index, second and third fingers of a user's hand. The
finger-receiving channels 414a-c may be seen to be defined by two
outer walls 416a-b and two inner dividing walls 417a-b, which stand
proud from the base of the interface 401. It may be noted that the
finger-receiving channels 414a-c fan out (i.e. diverge) towards the
finger tip ends. This is in part enabled by the fact that the
thickness of the inner dividing walls 417a-b increases on
proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each finger-receiving
channel is also provided with a closed finger tip-receiving
aperture 420a-c having a periphery 422a-c and arranged such that in
use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into
each finger tip-receiving aperture 420a-c. Each finger
tip-receiving aperture 420a-c may be seen to be provided to end
wall of its finger-receiving channel 414a-c such that in use, the
finger of the user may protrude into the aperture 420a-c, but
cannot protrude through to the curved front wall 426 of the foamed
block body. The interface 401 may also be seen to comprise two
cut-away portions 419a-b arranged in use, for accommodation, but
not retained receipt, of the user's thumb and little finger.
[0130] The three finger-channel 414a-c and two cut-away portion
419a-b form of the fifth interface 401 of FIGS. 19 to 22 provides
ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by
either hand of the user.
[0131] In use, the finger channels 414a-c and the finger
tip-receiving apertures 420a-c provide the means to retain the
interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second
and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel
414a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received,
and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to
protrude into each respective finger tip-receiving aperture 420a-c.
The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 420a-c assists
optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving
channels 414a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug
receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material
comprising the body 410 which mean that the relevant walls 416a-b,
417a-b of each finger-receiving channel and optionally that of each
periphery 422a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give
as a finger/finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any
further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.
[0132] In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers
grip the divider walls 417a-b of the finger-receiving channels
414a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 410
adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger
tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures
420a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by
the finger receiving-channels 414a-c.
[0133] In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to FIG. 21, the
walls 416a-b, 417a-b of the finger-receiving channels 414a-c are
higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 422 thereof. That is
to say, the walls 416a-b, 417a-b are higher at the part 422 of the
finger channels 414a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint
of the user.
[0134] The underside base of the interface 401 has a uniform flat
work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to
receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).
[0135] Referring now to FIGS. 23 to 26 there are shown different
views of a sixth hand-utility interface 501 herein that may be
appreciated to also be a variation of the second hand-utility
interface of FIGS. 8 to 10.
[0136] The sixth hand-utility interface 501 comprises a block form
body 510 comprised of a polymeric foam material (e.g. open cell
foam). The body 510 is shaped to receive in use, the fingers and
knuckle undersides of a user and is provided with a flat portion
512 shaped to receive the underside of the user's knuckles and
three elongate rectangular trough-shaped finger-receiving channels
514a-c arranged for receipt of the index, second and third fingers
of a user's hand. The finger-receiving channels 514a-c may be seen
to be defined by two outer walls 516a-b and two inner dividing
walls 517a-b, which stand proud from the base of the interface 501.
It may be noted that the finger-receiving channels 514a-c fan out
(i.e. diverge) towards the finger tip ends. This is in part enabled
by the fact that the thickness of the inner dividing walls 517a-b
increases on proceeding from palm to finger tip end. Each
finger-receiving channel is also provided with a closed finger
tip-receiving aperture 520a-c having a periphery 522a-c and
arranged such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of
the user protrudes into each finger tip-receiving aperture 520a-c.
Each finger tip-receiving aperture 520a-c may be seen to be
provided to end wall of its finger-receiving channel 514a-c such
that in use, the finger of the user may protrude into the aperture
520a-c, but not through to the curved front wall 526 of the foamed
block body, which defines a work surface thereof. The interface 501
may also be seen to comprise two cut-away portions 519a-b arranged
in use, for accommodation, but not retained receipt, of the user's
thumb and little finger.
[0137] The three finger-channel 514a-c and two cut-away portion
519a-b form of the sixth interface 501 of FIGS. 23 to 26 provides
ambidextrous utility. That is to say, it is readily receivable by
either hand of the user.
[0138] In use, the finger channels 514a-c and the finger
tip-receiving apertures 520a-c provide the means to retain the
interface on the user's hand. The user inserts the index, second
and third fingers into each respective finger-receiving channel
514a-c where the respective body of the finger is snugly received,
and also inserts the index, second and third finger tips to
protrude into each respective finger tip-receiving aperture 520a-c.
The presence of the finger tip-receiving apertures 520a-c assists
optimal receipt of the user's fingers by the finger-receiving
channels 514a-c regardless of user finger dimensions. The snug
receipt is assisted by the resilience of the foam material
comprising the body 510 which mean that the relevant walls 516a-b,
517a-b of each finger-receiving channel and optionally that of each
periphery 522a-c of each finger tip-receiving aperture tend to give
as a finger/finger tip is inserted and naturally adapt to any
further finger movement to assist snug finger receipt.
[0139] In a typical usage operation, the user's inserted fingers
grip the divider walls 517a-b of the finger-receiving channels
514a-c, thereby retaining the finger-receiving part of the body 510
adjacent to the fingers. In addition, the user's inserted finger
tips protrude into each of the finger tip-receiving apertures
520a-c, thereby enabling optimal receipt of the user's fingers by
the finger receiving-channels 514a-c.
[0140] In a subtle aspect as best seen by reference to FIG. 25, the
walls 516a-b, 517a-b of the finger-receiving channels 514a-c are
higher at a second finger joint-receiving part 522 thereof. That is
to say, the walls 516a-b, 517a-b are higher at the part 522 of the
finger channels 514a-c that in use, receive the second finger joint
of the user.
[0141] The underside base of the interface 501 has a uniform flat
work surface (not visible) that may in variations be shaped to
receive utility attachments or media (e.g. cleaning media).
* * * * *