CA2284416A1 - Finger tip protectors - Google Patents

Finger tip protectors Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2284416A1
CA2284416A1 CA002284416A CA2284416A CA2284416A1 CA 2284416 A1 CA2284416 A1 CA 2284416A1 CA 002284416 A CA002284416 A CA 002284416A CA 2284416 A CA2284416 A CA 2284416A CA 2284416 A1 CA2284416 A1 CA 2284416A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
strip
sleeve
finger
fingertip
wearer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002284416A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ernest Wanzenried
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2284416A1 publication Critical patent/CA2284416A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41WEARING APPAREL
    • A41DOUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/05Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
    • A41D13/08Arm or hand
    • A41D13/081Hand protectors
    • A41D13/087Hand protectors especially for fingers

Abstract

A fingertip protector comprises a sleeve adapted to fit over a finger of a wearer, and a flexible strip.
The sleeve has an opening for the insertion of a finger, and a portion of strip is attached to the part of the circumference of the opening. An adhesive backing on the inner surface of the strip is present to secure the protector to the finger and the remainder of the circumference of the opening, and a release liner is releasably affixed to the adhesive backing, which is designed for removal before use. In an alternative embodiment, the fingertip protector is snugly secured to the finger by strips of hook and loop fastening material disposed about the circumference of the open end of the sleeve.

Description

FINGER TIP PROTECTORS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fingertip protectors and, more particularly, to fingertip protectors that may be removably and adhesively affixed about a wearer's finger; I prefer to name these 'Clean Tips" fingertip protectors.
2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
Protective devices that are affixed to a user's fingertips are taught in the related art. One such invention is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,379,624 which issued to J.B. Chisnell on July 3, 1945. This invention teaches an elastomeric finger guard for receiving on a finger, but does not teach an adhesive material for affixing the guard on the finger.
U.S. Patent No. 2,389,831 which issued to S.J. Welsh on November 27, 1945, discloses a prophylactic sheath or envelope with a band of adhesive coating arranged about the open end thereof. The invention additionally has a strip of gauze releasably affixed to the band of adhesive coating. The sheath or envelope is described as being elastic. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 2,474,535 which issued to S.J. Krannak on June 28, 1949, discloses a protective cot for attachment over a nose or finger. A strip of adhesive encircles the open end thereof for attachment to the desired body part.
U.S. Patent No. 3, 228, 033 which' issued to Ames et al. on January 11, 1966, discloses a one-piece guard for use on a user's two fingers for preventing puncturing of a baby's skin when the user is pinning diapers on a baby.
U.S. Patent No. 3,263,682 which issued to B.
Rosenfield on August 2, 1966, discloses a rolled finger bandage having a proximal and a distal end and intermediate twist, wherein the distal end may be retroverted over the proximal end to create a double-ply bandage.
U.S. Patent No. 3,348,541 which issued to G.J.
Loebeck on October 29, 1965, discloses a finger bandage having a sterile lining and an adhesive flap for securing to the finger.
U.S. Patent No. 4,796,302 which issued to Davis et al. on January 10, 1989, discloses a finger and thumb protector for use when hammering nails. The invention comprises a pair of longitudinal sheaths pivotally connected, each sheath having a depression for holding a nail.
U.S. Patent No. 5,517,692 which issued to J.
Wunderlich-Kehm on May 21, 1996, discloses flexible devices that protect a manicurist's thumb and finger from chafing and irritation from repeated contact with a nail file. Each device attaches about a finger with hook-and-loop-type fastening fabric.
U.S. Patent No. 5,577,272 which issued to O.C.
Fisher on May 30, 1996.disclose finger sleeves of varying length that extend beyond a user's finger in order to facilitate one-handed basketball dunks.
Lastly, British Patent No. 22,069, published January 11, 1906, discloses a rubber finger sheath having thin walls near the finger-joint portion thereof.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.
SUNIriARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a fingertip protector to protect the fingertips of a wearer engaged in dirty or abrasive environments. When working in gardens or on automobile engines, dirt or grease tends to become trapped under the fingernails or cuticle s of the wearer. When using the fingertip protectors of the present invention, dirt and grease are prevented from soiling the wearer's fingers.
The fingertip protector comprises a sleeve adapted to f it over a f finger of a wearer, and a strip . The sleeve has an opening for the insertion of a finger, and one end of the strip is attached to a portion of the circumference of the opening. An adhesive backing on the inner surface of the strip is present to secure the protector to the finger and the remainder of the circumference of the opening of the sleeve, and a release liner is releasably affixed to the adhesive backing, which is designed for removal before use.
Once used, the protectors may be discarded.
In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve has a strip of hook and loop fastening material extending about three-quarters of the circumference of the opening of the sleeve with the fastening material facing outward, and a second strip of hook and loop fastening material attached to the sleeve between the ends of the first strip. The second strip of hook and loop fastening material has the fastening material facing inward, and is elongated so that it may be wrapped snugly around the outside of the sleeve in order to take up any slack between the sleeve and the finger, being fastened to the first strip of hook and loop material.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a fingertip protector that prevents a wearer's finger from buildup of dirt and debris under the wearer's fingernails It is another obj ect of the invention to a fingertip protector that protects a wearer's fingertip from damage due to the handling of sharp or abrasive material.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a fingertip protector that may be securely fastened to a wearer's fingertip.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a fingertip protector is reusable by providing the protector with hook and loop fastening material.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, safe, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fingertip protector according to the present invention, showing the release liner partially pulled away to expose the adhesive backing.
Fig. 2A is an environmental perspective view of the present invention prior. to its placement over a finger.
Fig. 2B is an environmental perspective view of the present invention showing a finger in phantom lines.
Fig. 2C is an environmental perspective view of the present invention shown placed over a finger.
Fig. 3 is a section view of the present invention, drawn along lines 3-3 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fingertip protector.
Fig. 5 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig.
4.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like elements, FIG. 1 shows a fingertip protector 10 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The protector 10 comprises an elastomeric sleeve 12 having an open end 15 and a closed end 13. A flexible, elongated, generally rectangular strip 14 has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being fixedly attached to the exterior of the sleeve 12, the strip 14 being elongated and aligned to wrap about the circumference of the open end 15. The sleeve 12 has an outer surface which may be embossed with a non-skid pattern to assist in gripping of objects. The sleeve 12 is ideally constructed of latex, but may be made from 20 other thermoplastic material. For example, rubberized canvas may be used for working with abrasive materials such as concrete. The inner surface 30 is textured, having a low coefficient of friction, so that a finger may slip easily into the sleeve 12.
25 Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the strip 14 has an inner surface that has adhesive backing 16 affixed thereto, which serves to fixedly attach the proximal end of the strip to the sleeve 12. The width of the strip 14 is such that approximately one-half of the strip 14 is below the open end 15, and the other half extends above the open end 15 of the sleeve 12. The strip 14 is supplied with a release liner 18 removably affixed to the adhesive backing 16 of the distal portion of the strip 14.
Referring now to Figs. 2a-2c, the method of affixing the protector 10 to a finger 20 will be described.
The wearer first inserts a finger 20 into the open end 15 of the sleeve 12. The wearer then removes the release liner 18 from the strip 14, thereby exposing the adhesive backing 16 thereof. The wearer then wraps the distal portion of the strip 14 about the finger 20 and the rest of the circumference of the open end 15, ensuring that one half of the adhesive backing 16 of the strip contacts the sleeve 12 and the other half of the adhesive backing contacts the finger. The wearer then presses the adhesive backing 16 to the finger 20 and the sleeve 12, thereby securing the protector 10 to the finger. To ensure a tight fit, there should be a one-quarter overlap of the strip 14 when secured. The wearer may then work in dirty environments without concern of dirt being trapped in fingernails or cuticles. After use, the protectors 10 may be discarded.
Advantageously, the smooth, textured inner surface makes it easier for the wearer to place the protector 10 on his finger, unlike sleeves which rely upon an elastic fit, or which have a layer of adhesive affixed to the inner surface of the sleeve.
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the fingertip protectors 10 intended for more heavy duty applications, such as masonry work. In this embodiment, the sleeve 12 is equipped with a first strip 40 of hook and loop.fastening material which is fixedly attached (by adhesive, thermal bonding, or other means) to the exterior surface of the sleeve 12 and extends about 270° about the circumference of the sleeve 12 adjacent the open end 15 of the sleeve 12.
The outer surface of the first strip 40 may bear either hook material or loop material 42. The sleeve 12 is also equipped with a second strip 44 of hook and loop fastening material which is elongated and generally rectangular in shape. The second strip 44 has a first end which is fixedly attached to the sleeve 12 (also by adhesive, thermal bonding, or other means) between the ends of the first strip 40. The second end of the second strip 44 is free, and the second strip 44 is sufficiently elongated that the strip may be pulled taut about the open end 15 of the sleeve 12 in order to reduce or eliminate any slack between the open end 15 of the sleeve 12 and the wearer's finger. The inner surface of the second strip 44 bears either loop or hook fastening material 46 so that it may be releasably fastened to the first l0 strip 40. The outer surface of the second strip is preferably smooth. In this manner, the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is reusable, being releasably secured to the wearer's finger by hook and loop fastening material.
15 It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (5)

1. A fingertip protector comprising:
a) a sleeve having a predetermined length and adapted for fitting over a fingertip of a wearer, said sleeve having:
i) an open end;
ii) a closed end;
iii) an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a smooth, textured surface whereby a finger may slide easily into the sleeve; and b) finger attachment means for attaching said sleeve to a finger of a wearer.
2. The fingertip protector according to claim 1, wherein said finger attachment means comprises a flexible, rectangular, elongated strip having:
a) an adhesive backing;
b) a proximal end attached to said sleeve at the open end of the sleeve, about one-half the width of the proximal end of said strip being attached to said sleeve and the other half of the width of the proximal end of said strip extending above the open end of said sleeve; and c) a distal end, the distal end being elongated and aligned for wrapping about the circumference of the open end of said sleeve.
3. The fingertip protector according to claim 2, further comprising a release liner affixed to the adhesive backing of said strip.
4. The fingertip protector according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve has a non-skid pattern embossed on the outer surface of said sleeve.
5. The fingertip protector according to claim 1, wherein said finger attachment means comprises:
a) a first strip of hook and loop fastening material fixedly attached to the outer surface of said sleeve, the first strip having a first end and a second end, the first strip extending about 270°
about the circumference of the sleeve adjacent the open end of the sleeve, the first strip having an outer surface with hook and loop fastening material disposed thereon; and b) a second strip of hook and loop fastening material, the second strip having an inner surface having hook and loop fastening material disposed thereon for releasably attaching said second strip to said first strip, the second strip having a third and a fourth end, the third end being fixedly attached to said sleeve between the first end and the second end of said first strip, the fourth end being elongated and aligned for wrapping about the circumference of the open end of said sleeve in order to fasten said second strip to said first strip and snugly secure the protector to a finger of a wearer.
CA002284416A 1998-10-01 1999-09-30 Finger tip protectors Abandoned CA2284416A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10268398P 1998-10-01 1998-10-01
US60/102,683 1998-10-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2284416A1 true CA2284416A1 (en) 2000-04-01

Family

ID=31713900

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002284416A Abandoned CA2284416A1 (en) 1998-10-01 1999-09-30 Finger tip protectors

Country Status (2)

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US (2) US6243868B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2284416A1 (en)

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US20040021330A1 (en) * 2002-08-05 2004-02-05 Clifford Percell Fingertip grippers
US20040045071A1 (en) * 2002-09-06 2004-03-11 Robins Duncan G. Finger grip aid
JP4795229B2 (en) * 2003-03-25 2011-10-19 バウシャー,エム.,ウィリアム Dental hygiene equipment
US7249385B2 (en) * 2004-01-20 2007-07-31 Richard Schukraft Finger/toe tip protective apparatus
US20050205100A1 (en) * 2004-03-22 2005-09-22 Dean Jensen Thumb protector
US20060206047A1 (en) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-14 Lampe John K Bandage with splint
US20070181620A1 (en) * 2006-02-09 2007-08-09 Carver William H Iii Ring system for securing devices
US20070220654A1 (en) * 2006-03-21 2007-09-27 Jeannie Lit-Woo Writing hand guard
US7905852B2 (en) * 2006-05-16 2011-03-15 Barbara Jennings-Spring Skin-contacting-adhesive free dressing
US7645252B2 (en) 2006-05-16 2010-01-12 Barbara Brooke Jennings-Spring Body or plant part dressing
US7779483B2 (en) * 2006-05-22 2010-08-24 Janiene Berry Absorbent finger cover
US7316034B1 (en) 2006-05-22 2008-01-08 Janiene Marie Berry Aesthetician's absorbent finger cover
US20090013441A1 (en) * 2007-07-09 2009-01-15 Timothy Duffy Fingertip cover
US8622940B2 (en) * 2008-01-02 2014-01-07 University Of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. Device for assisting cardiac pulmonary resuscitation
US8261938B2 (en) * 2008-10-14 2012-09-11 Oradini Sr Michael E Finger covers and devices for dispensing finger covers
US10420381B2 (en) * 2010-12-16 2019-09-24 Kabede B. Tulloch Finger jacket
US8869806B2 (en) * 2011-07-11 2014-10-28 Denise Cecile Eccher Nail protection methods and devices
US20130025016A1 (en) * 2011-07-30 2013-01-31 Printsguard Corporation Fingertip cover and method of dispensing same
US10004286B2 (en) * 2011-08-08 2018-06-26 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Glove having conductive ink and method of interacting with proximity sensor
US20130104278A1 (en) * 2011-11-02 2013-05-02 Taylor St. Llc Finger cover for operating capacitive touchscreen devices
US8752213B2 (en) * 2012-05-09 2014-06-17 Nancy W. Schrecongost Touchscreen-active protective covering for digit and method of using same, and dispensers therefor
US9891718B2 (en) * 2015-04-22 2018-02-13 Medibotics Llc Devices for measuring finger motion and recognizing hand gestures
US9033383B2 (en) * 2012-07-11 2015-05-19 Kenrick Rampersad Disposable finger tongs for handling a food product
US8856963B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2014-10-14 SAM Innovations, LLC Finger protector
US20140196202A1 (en) * 2013-01-17 2014-07-17 Cassandra Cantrall Protective toe sleeve for use during aquatic activity
US20140283279A1 (en) * 2013-03-22 2014-09-25 Dustin Pratho Reusable Finger Guard
USD756625S1 (en) * 2015-03-24 2016-05-24 C & K Universal Enterprises, LLC Moistening thimble
US20170035179A1 (en) * 2015-08-03 2017-02-09 James Michael Wilkinson, JR. Neat Clip
US9796161B2 (en) 2015-08-23 2017-10-24 Tallamraju Murthy Disposable card barrier assembly for personal skin hygiene
USD777382S1 (en) 2015-09-29 2017-01-24 Charles Peppers Fingertip cover
US10231527B2 (en) 2015-12-31 2019-03-19 Jennifer D. Davis Snappy color caps
EP3445300A4 (en) * 2016-04-21 2020-01-01 Fingertips Enterprises, LLC Fingertip cleaning apparatus
US10743595B2 (en) 2016-09-22 2020-08-18 The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc. Finger guard
USD819893S1 (en) * 2017-02-13 2018-06-05 Nicholas Patrick Grove Sanitary finger tip
CN107184259A (en) * 2017-06-01 2017-09-22 成都贝施美生物科技有限公司 A kind of articulations digitorum manus connector
USD1002992S1 (en) * 2018-03-08 2023-10-31 Victor Owens Thumb sleeve
US11559088B2 (en) 2019-03-01 2023-01-24 Sentient Reality LLC Finger protector, and method of making
US11109624B2 (en) * 2020-01-01 2021-09-07 Richard Irving Stillman Sanitary finger covers and dispenser
US20230404190A1 (en) * 2022-06-21 2023-12-21 James Brentley Steel Thumb

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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US20010001883A1 (en) 2001-05-31

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
FZDE Discontinued
FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20040930