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  Hand-utility interfaceHand-utility interface description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070174998, Hand-utility interface. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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 a foamed block for receipt of utility or tool attachments, especially attachments suitable for use in cleaning and grooming applications. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Most of the cleaning tools presently available rely on a user directly holding an independent interface, such as handle of the common bristle brush. In such cases, the user's hand is unprotected whilst conducting the task. Additionally, much of the innate dexterity of the user's hand, in particular, the user's fingers, is lost. [0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a wearable hand-utility interface, which protects the hand of a user during the undertaking of various utility tasks (e.g. cleaning, grooming). [0004] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a wearable hand-utility interface, which affords the user more of the dexterity of the user's hand, such that the interface can form itself to meet any surface, regardless of its complexity. [0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hand-utility interface, which allows the hand to be clenched, for example, for wringing out liquid from the interface, without causing discomfort to the wearer. [0006] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a hand-utility interface, which is adaptable for use with different sizes of hand and different lengths of finger. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand-utility interface for use in protecting a user's hand during utility tasks comprising a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein; and palm support means for securing said interface to the palm of a user's hand, wherein the finger-receiving channels snugly receive the fingers of said user's hand such that in use, the palm support means and finger-receiving channels secure the interface to the user's hand. [0008] The term `hand-utility interface` (or simply `interface`) herein is used to mean a wearable block body form device or apparatus, which protects at least part of the hand of a user during the undertaking of various utility tasks (e.g. cleaning, grooming). The `interface` provides an interface between the user's hand and the utility media, which in aspects comprises a utility tool or utility consumable (e.g. cleaning or polishing media) for use in performing a utility task. [0009] In aspects, the hand-utility interface is designed to afford maximum comfort to the hand whilst maximising the work area covered by the hand and the efficiency of the cleaning task. [0010] Suitably, the hand-utility interface is adaptable for use with user's hands of varying sizes. [0011] Typically, the interface acts to at least, part-enclose the user's hand (i.e. at least part of the hand and fingers are not enclosable thereby). [0012] Preferably, the hand-utility interface in use 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. In one aspect, 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 fist. [0013] In embodiments, the hand-utility interface herein is also shaped to accommodate its putting on by the user such as in a one-handed operation that enhances ease and speed of user "pick up". This contrasts with the operation to put on most traditional gloves, which is a two handed operation. [0014] 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. [0015] Suitably, the body provides a support for suitable utility media, but flexes to allow movement of the hand. [0016] Preferably, the body is shaped to provide a uniform, e.g. flat work surface (i.e. utility surface) 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. [0017] The body is generally comprised of a foamed or spongelike material. The material suitably 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. [0018] 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, 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. [0019] In one particular aspect, the block form body is produced by injection moulding using viscoelastic foam (e.g. slow recovery foam). This process is especially suitable for producing a durable product that might have bristles or any other type of cleaning media applied. [0020] 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. [0021] The 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. Continue reading about Hand-utility interface... Full patent description for Hand-utility interface Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Hand-utility interface patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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