Hand cover apparatus and method of use

Abstract

A hand cover apparatus used to protect a user and others from microorganisms where a hand cover can be connected and mounted to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm. When connected and mounted, the hand cover can be oriented in such a way as to allow rapid, one-handed insertion. As the user approaches a door or object, the user inserts his or her hand into the hand cover and reaches for the door handle to open the door or reaches for an object to manipulate it. This apparatus provides a physical barrier between a user's hand and a handle or object, and its use prevents the spread of microorganisms.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0001]The present invention relates generally to gloves with retaining means for connecting the glove to the garment or the arm of the user, and more specifically to a hand cover, after being treated with an antimicrobial agent, that is connected to, and accessibly mounted on, the user for immediate hand insertion.2. Description of Related Art[0002]The use of a glove or other hand covering that is tethered or otherwise connected to the user for use in protecting the user's hands from microorganisms is known. DE102011101311B4 contemplates the use of a hygiene towel as a hand covering that is tethered to the garments of the user and allows the user to avoid having the user's hand come into contact with microorganisms on the surface of objects. However, this invention is limited in several critical ways. First, the invention provides no means for preventing the spread of microorganisms to the user due to inadvertent contact with the o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a hand cover that is made from FDA-approved, food-grade silicone. It is designed to provide optimum broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection to the user's hand. The hand cover is similar to a product called the "Silicone Grabber" and can be used on both hands. The hand cover can be mounted on the user without being tethered to them. The technical effects of this invention are improved antimicrobial protection and flexibility in mounting the hand cover.

Problems solved by technology

First, the invention provides no means for preventing the spread of microorganisms to the user due to inadvertent contact with the outside of the hand cover.

However, these inventions do not provide a means for rapidly donning the glove for use in everyday activities nor contemplate everyday use.

However, U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,536B2 only gives general guidance for creating a barrier between the user's hand and a hot object.

However, there is no mechanism for mounting the gloves for rapid insertion of the user's hand into the gloves nor a method of using the glove while it is connected to the user.

None of the prevalent prior art solutions contemplate an apparatus wherein a tethered hand covering protects the user from microorganisms on the surface of objects, protects the user from incidental contact with the outside of the hand cover, and eliminates microorganisms with which it comes into contact, preventing the further spread of microorganisms to both the user and others.

Moreover, none of the prevalent prior art allows the user to touch and operate the screen of a device, such as an automated teller machine, cellular phone, or tablet while wearing the hand cover.

Notably, the “Silicone Grabber” does not contemplate and, in fact, teaches away from the hand cover coming into contact with any object other than a handle since there is no mechanism nor any properties of the hand cover that prevent the proliferation and spread of microorganisms to protect both the user and others.

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