Abstract:
An inexpensive, practical hygienic finger protector is provided, which includes a tubular sheath having a proximal open end and a distal closed end. The open end is adapted to receive a human finger to approximately the first joint with the tip of the finger, when inserted, abutting the closed end. The finger protector further includes a knob like protuberance imbedded into the closed end of the sheath, disposed below the downward-facing fingertip of the inserted finger. The finger protector guards against contamination by dirt or microorganisms, while allowing the wearer to input data or signatures into public data input devices such as keypads or s keypads, card readers, and signature recorders. Optionally aspects, including a keychain attachment, embedded data storage, and aesthetic cut-outs are presented.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to hygienic products, and more particularly, to an inexpensive finger protection device usable on public keypads and the like. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Store customers are routinely required to interact with public data input devices. These public data input devices include keypads, card readers, and signature capture devices used by customers at checkout counters as they pay for merchandise and services. Public data input devices also include airline check-in kiosks, bank and ATM keypads, and the like where transactions are initiated, executed, and/or completed. 
         [0003]    The practicality and usability of the public data input devices has led to great popularity, with large numbers of customers being required to touch the same relatively small contact surfaces throughout the day. The cleanliness of these contact surfaces thus suffers. Customers inadvertently transfer dirt and illness-causing microorganisms to the public data input devices simply by using them for their intended purpose. 
         [0004]    The fingers of the customers may be particularly unsanitary at the end of a shopping trip due to the multitude of diverse surfaces touched as items for purchase are selected. Customers shopping in the garden section may have dirt from plants or chemicals from fertilizer remaining on their hands. The hands of customers buying raw meat may come into contact with dripping juices containing dangerous (and increasingly antibiotic-resistant) campylobacter, salmonella, or other bacteria. Other customers may have a cold or other virus or may be supervising children who do. Other customers may have grease or oil on their hands from their places of business. 
         [0005]    Currently there is no practical means or method to protect one customer from the dirt and microorganisms left on the public data input devices by the previous customers. Particularly when customers have a nick or cut on their hands, they are vulnerable to infection from common bacteria and viruses, as well as more alarming HIV, Hepatitis, herpes, blood-borne pathogens, or other infectious diseases. Placing gloves on the hand could protect the hand, but gloves are bulky, awkward, and inconvenient. Thus a need exists for a convenient protective device. 
         [0006]    Further, the public data input devices may be impaired or damaged by the dirt from the customers&#39; hands, thus necessitating repair. For example, dirt under a key of a keypad may cause that number or letter to become unfunctional. Thus a device to protect the signature capture devices, keypads, and other digital input devices is advantageous. 
         [0007]    Additionally, many companies give inexpensive promotional items to clients or tradeshow attendees to advertise their services or products. These items may be marked with logos, slogans, the company name, or other brand-image promoting graphics. Though numerous items are available, current inexpensive promotional items have been used repetitively, thus diminishing their impact and desirability. A new inexpensive, functional item that can be marked with promotional graphics is beneficial. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there is an established need for a practical, convenient hygienic finger protector capable of effectively protecting customers&#39; fingers from microorganisms and dirt and capable of protecting public data input devices from dirt from fingers, yet inexpensive enough to be provided complimentarily by companies as a advertising or promotional item. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to an inexpensive, practical hygienic finger protector for protecting against contamination by dirt or microorganisms, while allowing the wearer to input data or a signature into public data input devices such as keypads, ATM PIN pads, and signature capture devices. 
         [0010]    The hygienic finger protector preferably includes a flexible, rubber-like, tubular sheath having a proximal open end and a distal closed end. The open end is adapted to receive a human finger. The finger protector is designed to reach to approximately the first finger joint. 
         [0011]    The finger protector further includes a knob-like protuberance imbedded into the closed end of the sheath, disposed below the downward-facing fingertip of the inserted finger. The protuberance allows a user to input his or her signature into a digital signature capture device, such as used when signing for payment by a credit card of purchases at a retail store. 
         [0012]    Optional aspects, including a keychain attachment, embedded data storage, and aesthetic cut-outs are presented. 
         [0013]    An object of the present invention is to provide a hygienic finger protector that protects a finger from unsanitary conditions. 
         [0014]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a hygienic finger protector that is practical to use for inputting a digital signature in a signature capture device. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a hygienic finger protector that provides a suitable carrier for a logo or other graphic. 
         [0016]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a hygienic finger protector that can be customized. 
         [0017]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention as utilized on an index finger of a wearer; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a cut view taken along the lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , showing a first embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a side view showing a second embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a front view showing a second embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a cut view taken along the lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 , showing a second embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a front view showing a third embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a side view showing a fourth embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a side view showing a fifth embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view showing a sixth preferred embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view showing the sixth preferred embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is an end perspective view showing the sixth preferred embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a rear side perspective view showing the sixth preferred embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a side perspective view showing the seventh embodiment of the hygienic finger protector of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0033]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a hygienic finger protector that is easily and quickly donned when needed for shielding the finger from dirt, contamination, and microorganisms, yet allows the wearer to directly sign a signature capture device to input a digital signature, as well as to input data into keypads, number pads, PIN pads, and the like. Further, the hygienic finger protector is inexpensive and easily imprintable, allowing usage as a carrier for logos, slogans, the company name, or other brand-image promoting graphics. Additionally, the hygienic finger protector of the present invention permits incorporation of one or more cutouts of any of a variety of shapes, permitting further customization. 
         [0035]    Seven embodiments are presented, a first embodiment, ( FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 ), a second embodiment illustrating a fingernail-shaped cutout  27  ( FIG. 4  to  FIG. 6 ), a third embodiment illustrating a customized cutout  28  ( FIG. 7 ), fourth embodiment illustrating an indicium (such as an imprinted logo or brand-image promoting graphic  33 ) and a keychain attachment  30  ( FIG. 8 ), a fifth embodiment illustrating an embedded data storage device  35  ( FIG. 9 ), a contoured sixth preferred embodiment, ( FIG. 10  to  FIG. 13 ), a contoured seventh embodiment with a fingernail-shaped cutout  27  ( FIG. 14 ). 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a hygienic finger protector, shown generally as reference number  10 , is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, as being utilized on a wearer&#39;s index finger for directly signing a signature capture device  11  or for inputting data into the number Pad  12 . As shown, the hygienic finger protector  10  comprises a tubular sheath  20  and a knob-like protuberance  25  embedded within the tubular sheath  20 . 
         [0037]    The tubular sheath  20  has a proximal open end  21 , has a distal closed end  29 , and has a sheath wall  23  of an adequate thickness to retain embedded knob-like protuberance  25 . The distal closed end  29  is cone-shaped with a somewhat elongated tube extending to open end  21 . The tubular sheath  20  is sized and configured to receive a human finger (generally an index finger). When inserted, the fingertip generally abuts the closed end  29 . The proximal open end  21  is configured with a finger-receiving opening sized to allow a fingertip to be inserted. 
         [0038]    The hygienic finger protector may be offered in multiple sizes to accommodate fingers of differing sizes (such as, small, medium, and large), with the tubular sheath  20  varying both in length and in diameter of the open end  21 . Preferably the tubular sheath  20  is configured to reach to approximately the first joint of the finger, though variations in length are within the scope of the invention. 
         [0039]    The sheath wall  23  is preferably formed of a natural or man-made rubber-like material. The rubber-like material is thicker than commonly available latex finger cots, thereby increasing strength and durability. Also, the rubber-like material is sufficiently thick ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ) to retain the embedded knob-like protuberance  25  within the sheath wall  23 . Optionally, the sheath wall  23  may be formed of a rigid plastic, flexible plastic, or a combination of rigid plastic and flexible plastic. For example, the distal end may be formed of a rigid plastic with the protuberance  25  formed unitarily with the distal end, with a flexible plastic proximal portion non-removably joined to the rigid plastic distal portion. Or, alternatively, the entire sheath wall  23  could be formed integrally with the protuberance  25  of a rigid plastic. Preferably the sheath, open end  21 , and closed end  29  are formed of flexible, rubber-like material with the protuberance  25  formed of a more rigid plastic. 
         [0040]    The knob-like protuberance  25  is preferably a spheroidal or ovoidal bead of plastic, with the plastic having a sufficient rigidity to impress a signature into a signature capture device. The protuberance  25  is adapted to be pressed against the signature capture device to create a focus of pressure satisfactory to input the signature. Optionally, the protuberance  25  may be formed of metal, may be magnetized, or have the operative properties of an electromagnetic pen meeting the standard specifications for electromagnetic pens used with electronic signature pad sensors to create a digital signature. 
         [0041]    The protuberance  25  is located in a downward-facing position toward the closed end  29 , situated under the fingertip of the wearer for convenience of inputting a signature. Protuberance  25  may be approximately ⅛ to ⅜ inches in diameter, as illustrated. During manufacture the knob-like protuberance  25  may be placed and positioned in the viscous rubber-like material before hardening. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  to  FIG. 6 , the second embodiment of the hygienic finger protector  10  provides a fingernail-shaped cutout  27  configured to allow the nail of the wearer to be displayed through cutout  27  and configured to accommodate longer nails, artificial nail tips, fashion nails, nail enhancements, or nail extensions. The cutout  27  allows the display of nail polish and nail art designs. 
         [0043]    The third embodiment of  FIG. 7  illustrates a customized cutout  28 . The customized cutout  28  provides a high degree of adaptability to current trends and marketing needs, allowing customization for particular companies (via logos or other brand-image promoting shapes) and/or for timely retail sales (seasonal shapes). 
         [0044]    Cutout  27  and cutout  28  may be cut or trimmed after fabrication of sheath  20  or sheath  20  may be molded with cutout  27 ,  28  formed unitarily. 
         [0045]    The fourth embodiment illustrates the utilization of printing to customize the hygienic finger protector  10 . The sheath  20  is imprinted with indicium or indicia  33 , such as a desirable, marketable graphic. The marketable graphic  33  is designed to increase the desirability and personalization of the hygienic finger protector  10 . For example, the indicium  33  may be artwork; a slogan, saying, or other text; or a company-related image, logo, or other brand-image promoting graphic. 
         [0046]    Optionally, cutout  27  or customized cutout  28  may be utilized with the imprinting of the brand-image promoting graphic, indicium  33 . 
         [0047]    The fourth embodiment of  FIG. 8  further includes an extended bulge  30  or thickened region of sheath  23  having an aperture  38  configured to receive a key ring or keychain  31 . The aperture  38  may be simply an opening in the extended bulge  30  or, for more durability, may have a grommet embedded into extended bulge  30  with a center aperture to receive a key ring or keychain  31 . 
         [0048]    The fifth embodiment of  FIG. 9  illustrates an embedded data storage device  35 . The embedded data storage device  35  is operable to store data and, in some aspects, to transmit data. The data storage device  35  may be a bar code, RFID tag (radio frequency identification label generally configured with a integrated circuit to store and process data and to modulate and demodulate a radio-frequency signal and configured with an antenna), a keycard (configured to store a digital signature), a smart card (operable to process data by way of an integrated circuit and to receive input and deliver output), or the like. 
         [0049]    The embedded data storage device  35  allows enhanced customization. The embedded data storage device  35  can be configured to supply identification information. For example, the stored data may be a preferred shopper number to allow the customer wearing the hygienic finger protector to obtain discounts or the stored data may designate a group affiliation, such as allowing the customer to be identified with a particular school for enabling school rewards. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  to  FIG. 13  illustrate the sixth embodiment of the hygienic finger protector  10 , which includes a contour  26  of sheath  20  and a raised rim  36 . An alternate keychain attachment  30  is also shown. The keychain attachment  30  has an interior aperture  38  sized and configured for receiving a keychain, a ring, a cord, a cable, or the like. 
         [0051]    The contour  26  is a curved shape that allows the distal end  29  of sheath  20  to generally conform to the shape of a typical fingertip. The incorporation of the contour  26  reduces or prevents rotation of the finger protector  10  with relation to the inserted fingertip. The contour  26  may include both an interior contour and/or an exterior contour. 
         [0052]    The raised rim  36  is a circumferential rounded rim at the edge of proximal open end  21 . The raised rim  36  provides a smooth entrance for the fingertip, allowing quick and easy insertion. Allowing the finger protector  10  to be quickly donned provides an advantage in rushed situations, such as when ready to sign a digital signature pad or input a PIN number at a busy store checkout counter. Additionally, the raised rim  36  provides an aesthetically pleasing, finished appearance for the edge. Optionally, the raised rim  36  or other portion of the sheath may be formed in a second color to enhance the appeal of the finger protector  10 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 14  illustrates the seventh embodiment of the present invention, which incorporates the features of the sixth embodiment and adds a cutout rim  34 . The cutout rim  34  is a rounded rim at the edge of cutout  27 . Similar to the circumferential raised rim  36 , the cutout rim  34  provides a smooth, pleasing finished appearance for the edge. Preferably both the circumferential raised rim  36  and the cutout rim  34  are unitarily molded with sheath  20 . 
         [0054]    To use the hygienic finger protector  10 , the customer inserts his finger (generally the index finger) into the sheath  20  until the tip of the finger abuts the distal closed end  29  of sheath  20 . The finger, covered by the hygienic finger protector  10 , may be used to input numbers into the keypad  12  (such as PIN numbers, phone numbers, etc.). Optionally, the protuberance  25  may be pressed against the signature capture device  12  and moved to create a signature. The finger is thus protected from dirt and bacteria and viruses (such as, for example, HIV, Hepatitis, herpes, blood-borne pathogens, and other infections) that contaminate the keypad  12  or signature capture device  11 . Also, the keypad  12  and signature capture device  11  are protected from dirt from customers&#39; hands, which may lead to less maintenance and cleaning, saving employee time and reducing costs. 
         [0055]    Companies may choose to customize the hygienic finger protector  10  and to provide the customized finger protectors  10  to clients and customers to create goodwill, brand recognition, and the like. Due to the low cost per hygienic finger protector  10 , they may advantageously be used as complimentary promotional items to give to tradeshow attendees to advertise services or products. 
         [0056]    Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.