U.S. patent application number 14/299988 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-18 for method and apparatus for improved manual operations.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Rico, Tony Rivera. Invention is credited to Robert Rico, Tony Rivera.
Application Number | 20140366244 14/299988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52017920 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140366244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rico; Robert ; et
al. |
December 18, 2014 |
Method and Apparatus for Improved Manual Operations
Abstract
The present invention can provide a glove system that mounts
with a user's hand and facilitates efficient hand-actuated
repetitive motions, such as sanding. A tool element removeably
mounts with a glove, and provides for easy tool changes, while the
mounting allows force to be transmitted from the hand to the tool
without continued gripping or pinching by the user. Actions such as
sanding can be accomplished with more force, and less user
fatigue.
Inventors: |
Rico; Robert; (Albuquerque,
NM) ; Rivera; Tony; (Albuquerque, NM) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rico; Robert
Rivera; Tony |
Albuquerque
Albuquerque |
NM
NM |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52017920 |
Appl. No.: |
14/299988 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61834365 |
Jun 12, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/01594 20130101;
A41D 19/0024 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/160 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/015 20060101
A41D019/015; A41D 19/00 20060101 A41D019/00 |
Claims
1. A glove apparatus, comprising an element configured to mount in
a substantially fixed relationship to a human hand, wherein the
element comprises one or more of (a) a mounting feature held by the
element in a substantially fixed relationship to the palm of the
hand; and (b) a mounting feature held by the element in a
substantially fixed relationship to a finger of the hand; wherein
the mounting feature or features are configured to accept a tool in
a removable mounting, wherein when mounted the mounting feature
transmits forces from the hand to the tool in at least two
dimensions substantially parallel to the surface of the hand near
the corresponding mounting feature.
2. A glove apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the element comprises a
flexible material configured to securely engage the palm and back
of the hand.
3. A glove apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the element comprises a
flexible material configured to surround the palm and back of the
hand and one or more fingers of the hand.
4. A glove apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the element comprises a
clip mounting feature disposed with the element such that the clip
mounting feature is positioned on the palm of the hand when the
apparatus is mounted with a hand.
5. A glove apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the mounting feature or
features comprise one or more of: the hooks of a hook and loop
fastener, the loops of a hook and loop fastener, a surface
configured for removable mounting of pressure sensitive adhesive, a
surface configured for electrostatic mounting, a surface having air
passages therethrough that facilitate vacuum mounting.
6. A system for facilitating repetitive motion tasks, comprising a
glove apparatus as in claim 1, and a tool element comprising an
active surface configured to perform work on a workpiece and a
mounting feature opposite the active surface, wherein the mounting
feature is configured to removable engage one or more mounting
features on the glove apparatus.
7. A system as in claim 6, wherein the active surface of the tool
element comprises a flexible element defining a surface configured
to receive an abrasive sheet.
8. A system as in claim 6, wherein the active surface of the tool
element comprises a metal plate suitable for application of cement
products.
9. A system as in claim 6, wherein the active surface of the tool
element comprises a stiff sponge suitable for smoothing of cement
products.
10. A system as in claim 6, wherein the tool element has a
cross-section that extends along an axis, and wherein the mounting
feature is disposed substantially parallel to the axis.
11. A system as in 6, wherein the glove apparatus comprises a glove
apparatus as in claim 4, and wherein the active surface of the tool
element comprises a flexible, abrasive surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This invention claims priority to U.S. application
61/834,365, filed Jun. 12, 2013, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the field of manual operations,
and more specifically to devices removably mounted with a hand
providing for efficient integration of the hand with a tool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Tasks such as sanding generally require that a worker hold a
sanding element such as a piece of sandpaper. The worker moves the
sandpaper in repetitive motions, while adjusting the pressure and
angle of the sanding element continuously, using the many muscles
that control the hand. Fatigue and error are common as the muscles
tire and cramp.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,681, "Glove having a hook for steadily
holding a container," describes a method and apparatus for steadily
holding a container with reduced stress to the thumb, hand, and
wrist are disclosed. The container has a bottom, a side and a bale
handle downwardly pivotable against the side. The apparatus
includes engaging means, releasably engagable with the bale handle
of the container when the bale handle is downwardly pivoted toward
the container's side, for stabilizing the container relative to a
palm of the hand when the container is held with the fingers of the
same hand against the bottom of the container; and means for
securing the engaging means about the palm of the hand in a fixed
position generally adjacent to the palm of the hand. The securing
means includes a first and a second surface which form a hand
compartment, like a glove's, for a hand to slide within. The
engaging means includes a base and an extension with a hook on its
distal end for releasably engaging the bale handle. A wrist strap
is also provided to adjust the hand compartment and support the
user's wrist. The method of the present invention includes donning
the glove about the hand and tightening it with provided support
means. The method further includes supporting the container from
its bottom with the fingers and engaging the engaging means to the
bale handle. The container is thus steadily supported without
needing the thumb of the hand. The hook is fixedly mounted with a
glove, and provides only for assist in lifting and holding a
container.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,256,098, "Hand Sanding and Rubbing Block,"
describes a form or block that comprises a platform 1 of relatively
thin and flexible rubber, synthetic rubber or other suitable
material having some flexibility. The platform should be
sufficiently think and firm not to yield under fingers and to
provide a relatively firm, unyielding sanding or abrading surface,
but at the same time should be sufficiently flexible and resilient
to cushion the hand and fingers and conform to an uneven, curved or
contoured surface. The worker's fingers must still control the
pressure and angle of the sanding block, and hold the block
securely relative to the hand.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,233, "Bottle opener glove," describes a
Bottle opening tool having bottle cap-engaging hook and end fulcrum
bar, each secured to a rigid back plate, is incorporated into the
palm of a glove. Back plate is shaped to conform to the shape of
the palm of the wearer's hand. Bottle cap is removed by back of
user's hand applying lifting force to glove. Entire bottle opening
tool member fits within palm of glove, thereby leaving fingers
unrestricted to movement both while opening bottles and when not
being used to open bottles. The bottle opener is fixedly mounted
with the glove, and is configured only to engage and open a bottle
cap.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,253, "Worker's aid system and modified
glove," describes a glove body having fingers, a palm and a back. A
hook-and-loop fastening system mounts a worker's aid device on the
glove back. The device is one or more devices selected from the
group consisting of a magnetic container, a flashlight, a tape
measure, a plumb bob, and a note pad. In a preferred embodiment,
the magnetic container is a cylindrical cup having a magnet for
securing screws, nut, bolts and other magnetizable fasteners within
the cup for ready access by the worker. Several different devices
can be stacked on the glove back. The devices can also be mounted
on the butt end of a drill handle. The glove mounts devices only on
the back of the hand, such that the palm is left free for other
work.
[0008] US20040148675, "Utility glove," describes a glove-like
interface for use in protecting a user's hand during utility tasks
comprising a body having a plurality of finger members extending
therefrom; and resilient hand support means for securing the glove
to a hand, wherein said resilient hand support means comprises both
finger support means and palm support means for respectively
securing the glove to the fingers and palm of a user's hand. The
features accommodating mounting of the glove to a hand are
described in detail.
[0009] EP0910294, "Fingertip-Mounted Minimally Invasive Surgical
Instruments," describes invasive surgical instruments. More
particularly it relates to a finger mount having an attachment
mechanism to which such an instrument may be attached.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,235, "Wearable wipe unit," describes a
wearable wipe unit having one or more absorbent members attachable
to, and removable from, a retaining member, or each other. The
retaining member has a mouth which attaches to a user's waist band
or belt. One or more absorbent members may have a storage unit for
securely holding a user's personal effects. The bottoms of the
front and back sides of the retaining member are angled forward for
ease of attachment.
[0011] EP1813397, "Cutting Tool," describes a cutting tool
comprising a support member configured to be worn on a digit of a
user and a blade member carried by and retractable into the support
member wherein the blade member is retractable between an operating
and a non operating position.
[0012] US20100005562, "Magnetic Nail For Use On A Glove And
Manufacturing Method Thereof," describes a magnetic nail for a
glove that is fixed or detachably attached onto a finger of a glove
so as to make it easy to pick up a small, metallic object such as a
needle, a nut, a bolt, a screw, a clip, a pin, or the like using
magnetism, and so as to make it easy to pick up a flat,
non-metallic object using the functionality of the nail, thereby
considerably improving the functionality and workability of the
glove.
[0013] US20130072330, "Direct Contact Racquet," describes an
apparatus that allows attaching a player's hand to a direct contact
racquet. In this embodiment, a player's hand may be partially
enclose in a glove 2900 with or without fingers. In addition, the
gripping surface 106 may comprise loops or straps for the fingers
of the player's hand and the wrist of the player.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 3,593,803, "Gardener's Glove," describes a
gardener's glove formed of a thin, flexible tough material having
finger members and an elongated sleeve. Tool elements are
associated with one or more finger members and may be formed
integral therewith or otherwise secured thereto. The tool elements
extend beyond the tips of the finger members and are curved away
therefrom toward the palm to form work engaging portions. Tool
means in the form of claws can be provided adjacent the ends of the
tool elements remote from the work engaging portions.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,355, "Scrubber device with waterproof
mitt," describes a mitt of latex material includes a pad of
cleaning media covering the palm and inner finger area of a user's
hand, and at least one strip of cleaning media covering the back of
the user's hand extending across at least some of the user's
fingers.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,758, "Tool holding apparatus for persons
with limited use of hands," describes an apparatus to assist in
gripping a hand-held tool that comprises a substantially rigid
engaging portion for removably clipping the apparatus to an arm.
The engaging portion has a base member and an arcuate member and a
linear member to simultaneously engage a portion of the arm. The
arcuate member has a first end extending essentially
perpendicularly therefrom and is adjustably connected to the base
member. A first end of the linear member extends upwardly from an
opposite end of the base member. The arcuate member and the linear
member are in an essentially parallel relationship along their
entire extents. The linear member further has a free second end. A
tool receiving portion includes a pair of outwardly extending side
walls, an open bottom end and an open top end and is integrally
formed with the linear member of the engaging portion so that the
tool receiving portion remains in a coplanar relationship with the
first linear member of the engaging portion. A means for securing
the tool to the tool receiving portion includes an elastic
band.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,719, "Strap Glove," describes a glove
made from narrow strap material. Glove advantages when used with a
striking tool: improved control, improved striking force, improved
tool head acceleration, improved energy transfer, reduced hand
fatigue, improved grip, and reduced vibration shock. It can be
configured for 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers plus the thumb. The glove forms
a web between the thumb and fingers. The width of the web and the
tightness of fit on the thumb and fingers is controlled by a single
pull-tab type of adjustment. The adjustment is secured by a contact
friction loop which increases in friction during impact force use.
The glove can be worn on a bare hand or over the top of a more
conventional type of glove while still providing the same
advantages.
[0018] There remains a need for a hand-mounted apparatus that can
conveniently mount an abrasive or other working material, securely
enough to facilitate repetitive motion without significant exertion
by the muscles of the hand, yet in a manner that allows easy
removal and replacement of the working material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form part of the specification, illustrate the present invention
and, together with the description, describe the invention. In the
drawings, like elements are referred to by like numbers.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example tool
block.
[0022] FIG. 3 provides schematic illustrations of two example tool
blocks according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 provides schematic illustrations of two additional
example tool blocks according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 provides schematic illustrations of an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a photograph of a glove similar to the example
shown in FIG. 5.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a photograph of a glove similar to the example
shown in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a snap spring mounting
feature suitable for use with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of finger-based mounting
features suitable for use with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a male snap feature
suitable for use with the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a female snap housing
suitable for use with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a snap face/female
suitable for use with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 13 provides schematic illustrations of other example
mounting features suitable for use with the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 14-17 provide schematic illustrations of example
embodiments of the present invention.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0034] The description herein refers to a "glove," and by that term
refers to any apparatus or system that mounts with a user's hand
such that the glove moves with the hand and does not require
significant exertion by the muscles of the user's hand to maintain
the mounting with the glove. Examples of "gloves" as contemplated
herein include hand coverings with five fully enclosed fingers,
mittens or other hand coverings that accommodate multiple fingers
within one portion of the glove, open web structures that extend
wholly or partially around a hand, hand coverings that mount with
the palm and back of the hand but do not cover any of the fingers,
hand coverings that enclose or mount with fewer than all of the
fingers, and systems comprising a palm pad and/or fingertip pads
mounted with the hand by straps that extend around a finger or the
back of the hand.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment
of the present invention. A glove 100 is shown in the figure as
comprising a flexible material substantially conforming to the
shape of a hand; other configurations can also be suitable as
discussed above. The glove can comprise various materials, such as
cloth or leather. The tips of the glove can comprise a more durable
material such as plastic. The glove can comprise adjustable
features, such a wrist portion, that facilitate firm engagement
with the hand. A patch 101 mounts with the glove 100. A mounting
feature 102 mounts with the patch 101. Mounting feature 102 can
mount directly with glove 100, as an alternative. The mountings
between glove 100 and mounting feature 102 are substantially firm,
such that motion of the hand inside the glove is translated to
motion of the mounting feature in all three dimensions. Mounting
feature 102 can comprise various structures that accommodate
removable mounting of a tool such as an abrasive sheet or block. In
the figure, mounting feature 102 comprises a slide 104 to accept a
tool, with a locking end 105 and a releasable locking end 103. A
tool mount 106 comprises features that engage to mounting feature
102. When engaged, the tool mounting is likewise firm, such that
motion of the hand in all three dimensions is translated to similar
motion of the tool block. The tool block can comprise any of a
number of tools, such as sanding or cleaning tools, and including
tools such as cups or eating utensils (e.g., for individuals with
impaired mobility, muscle control, or coordination). The tool block
can also comprise an interface to a power source, such that
external power, e.g., electrical or air pressure, can be coupled to
the tool block. The mounting feature generally described as on the
palm or finger surface; in some applications it can be desirable to
have a mounting feature on the back of the hand or glove.
[0036] In an example of operation, a tool block has mounted thereon
an abrasive sheet. The tool block can comprise a conformable
material such as foam to receive the abrasive sheet. The
conformable material mounts with a hard backing, which is
configured to engage the mounting features. The tool block, with
abrasive sheet, is clipped into the mounting feature. The user can
then move the hand across a surface, sanding the surface.
Repetitive motion of the hand is directly translated to repetitive
motion of the tool block and hence repetitive motion of the
abrasive sheet. Since the mounting feature firmly retains the tool
block, the user does not need to grip the abrasive sheet. Also,
since force is transmitted directly to the hand and not indirectly
by fingertip gripping of the sheet, larger and more consistent
forces can be applied by the user. This increases the efficiency
and quality of sanding, and reduces strain on the user's hand. A
user can sand longer, better, and without getting weary. When the
abrasive sheet becomes worn, or a different grit is desired, or a
different type of conformable material is desired (e.g., less
flexible, or having a specific shape or contour), the user can
simply unclip the tool block from the mounting feature and clip the
desired tool block/abrasive into the mounting feature. The user
spends minimal time changing tools, leaving more time for
productive work.
[0037] Snap clips or buttons can form suitable mounting features.
Hook and loop fasteners (commonly marketed under the Velcro
trademark) can form suitable mounting features. U clips like that
shown in the figures can be used in connection with a housing to
form suitable mounting features. A slide lock with mating
male/female features can form suitable mounting features. Magnetic
connections can be used to form suitable mounting features, and can
be used to enhance the performance of other mounting features.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example tool block.
A tool block 200 comprises a mounting feature 202 configured to
mount with a glove as described herein. A plurality of scraper
features 203 and a plurality of brush features 204 mount with the
side of the block opposite the mounting feature. In operation, a
user dons a glove according to the present invention, and clips
into the glove a tool such as the example in the figure. Motion of
the user's hand (to the left in the figure) engages the scrapers,
for example to remove ice or paint from a surface. Motion of the
user's hand (to the right in the figure) engages the brushes to
brush away the material loosened by the first motion. Since the
tool block is retained by the clip, applied force can be greater
and the tool can be used for longer periods without tiring the
muscles of the user's hand.
[0039] FIG. 3 provides schematic illustrations of two example tool
blocks according to the present invention. Both examples comprise a
mounting feature 302 suitable for engagement with a glove as
described herein, with a base 303. The base can comprise an
elongated hexagonal shape, as shown in the illustration on the
right, to facilitate use in tight spaces. The base can be stiff,
but with enough flexibility to conform to the intended surface
responsive to typical pressure applied by a user's hand. The side
of the base 303 opposing the mounting feature 302 in the top
example comprises a plurality of stiff bristles 304. For example,
the bristles 304 can comprise metal to facilitate cleaning of items
such as cooking grills, or can comprise stiff hair or plastic
fibers to facilitate cleaning items such as bugs from car windows
or grills. A like side of the base 303 in the lower example
comprises a plurality of softer protrusions 305. For example, the
soft protrusions can comprise fibers suitable for cleaning delicate
surfaces such as glass or painted surfaces. Use in connection with
a glove as described herein can allow repetitive motion and control
of the tool block, with less fatigue and greater force. Also, the
glove can provide separation of the user's hand from undesirable
environments such as harsh cleaning chemicals or debris from
cleaning.
[0040] Gloves can be made of a variety of materials, including as
examples leather, synthetic leather, polyester, spandex, nylon,
neoprene, cotton, latex nitrile, rubber, cow hide, deer skin, goat
skin, peccary, silk, wool, cashmere, suede, pig skin, synthetic
micro fiber. Gloves can further comprise button snaps, stretch
elastic, hook and loop fasteners, or other features to accommodate
insertion, retention, and removal of a hand therefrom.
[0041] FIG. 4 provides schematic illustrations of two additional
example tool blocks according to the present invention. Both
examples comprise a mounting feature 402 suitable for engagement
with a glove as described herein, with a base 403. The base 403 can
be stiff to provide support desirable for working with materials
such as concrete or stucco. In the top example, a stiff sponge-like
material 404 is mounted with the base 403, facilitating finishing a
material such as stucco. In the bottom example, a stiff blade 402,
for example of metal, mounts with base 403, facilitating
application of a material such as stucco.
[0042] FIG. 5 provides schematic illustrations of an example
embodiment of the present invention. A glove 500 is configured to
mount with a user's hand. A portion 501 of the palm of the glove
500 comprises a surface amenable to removable mounting, such as by
pressure-sensitive adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, or vacuum
attachment, electrostatic attachment, or magnetic attachment.
Portions 502 of one or more fingertips of the glove can have
similar mounting features. A block 503 comprises a material with
stiffness and compliance suitable for the desired task, for example
substantially stiff with local surface compliance for sanding
smooth surfaces, or stiff and rigid throughout for imposing a
specific contour by sanding. The block can be mounted with the
glove at any of, or a plurality of, the mounting features on the
glove. As examples, the block can be mounted with the palm to allow
the whole hand to be used to apply pressure to and move the block;
or the block can be mounted with the fingertips to allow more
precise control of the block's motion. The block can itself be
abrasive, or can accommodate abrasive materials or sheets to be
applied. Various block shapes and configurations can be suitable,
depending on the desired work. As examples, the block can have a
shape with sharpened corners 504, a half-round shape 505, a
rectangular or other shape with a hollow or indentation for
securely engaging a finger 506, or a rectangular or other shape
with a plurality of hollows or indentations for securely engaging
multiple fingers.
[0043] In operation, the user can readily switch blocks and
abrasive characteristics as the work progresses. The user can
switch between block shapes to efficiently sand specific shapes and
contours. The user can trade between different grit abrasives by
merely detaching one block and attaching a block with the desired
grit.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a photograph of a glove similar to the example
shown in FIG. 5. The attachment features in the example in the
photographs comprise hook and loop fasteners.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a photograph of a glove similar to the example
shown in FIG. 1. The glove is on the right, and has a mounting
feature protruding from the palm region. A tool block is on the
right, and has a slot structure configured to engage the protrusion
of the glove to securely, but removably, mount the tool block to
the glove. On the opposite side of the tool block, an abrasive
sheet is mounted. When the tool block is mounted with the glove,
the abrasive sheet is facing away from the palm of the user, and
the user can sand a surface simply by waving the hand over the
surface. The user does not need to grasp or pinch the abrasive
paper as previously required.
[0046] In use, the present invention can relieve stress from the
user's fingers and the back of the hand and the wrist and forearm.
The present invention can offer advantage in many activities that
involve holding an object (such as a tool) for long periods of
time, particularly when also involving repetitive motion such as in
sanding or scrubbing. In many applications, good practice and
regulation can require protective handwear; the addition of the
present invention to such applications to such protective handwear
can bring productivity, comfort, and health benefits. The present
invention can also facilitate increased productivity and
self-sufficiency for those suffering from disorders that limit
mobility or strength such as arthritis. The present invention can
be useful in teaching and maintain proper technique in applications
such as auto body finishing and carpentry, and in allowing children
and the elderly to be more effective in occupations like those
described herein.
[0047] Tools can be mounted using blocks (e.g., sanding blocks)
made of materials such as plastic, polyethylene terephthalate, high
density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, and tritian. Soft blocks can be from
materials such as rigid foam, soft foam, and rubber. Blocks and
mounting features can also be made from materials such as plastics,
cloth, wood, metal, aluminum, and ceramic.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a snap spring mounting
feature suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 9 is a
schematic illustration of finger-based mounting features suitable
for use with the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic
illustration of a male snap feature suitable for use with the
present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a female
snap housing suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 12
is a schematic illustration of a snap face/female suitable for use
with the present invention. FIG. 13 provides schematic
illustrations of other example mounting features suitable for use
with the present invention.
[0049] The present invention has been described as set forth herein
in relation to various example embodiments and design
considerations. It will be understood that the above description is
merely illustrative of the applications of the principles of the
present invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the
claims viewed in light of the specification. Other variants and
modifications of the invention will be apparent to those of skill
in the art.
* * * * *