Abstract:
A finger sleeve ( 105 ) for use with a touch screen ( 103 ) of an electronic device ( 101 ) includes a cloth material forming a sleeve having a lower surface and upper surface. A cleaning pad ( 107 ) is attached to the upper surface of the sleeve ( 105 ). The cloth material is worn on a user&#39;s index finger for contacting the surface of an electronic display ( 103 ) without depositing residue therein.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of, and priority under 35 USC §119(e) to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/590,918 filed Jan. 26, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a finger sleeve and more particularly to a device for preventing oils and other residue from remaining on a liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    One problem in using electronic devices with LCD touch screens is the residue from the user&#39;s hands and face that is deposited on the surface of the screen. With use, oils, creams and/or makeup from the user&#39;s body can remain on the touch screen. This can cloud the display or cause unwanted reflection making the screen difficult to view. This residue often forms fingerprint marks and/or streaks across the screen which can also make the screen unsanitary. 
         [0004]    One common complaint with these types of display devices is that users must continually clean the LCD touch screen either using their own clothing or sometimes a tissue. Not only is this cleaning process burdensome, but depending on the materials used, the screen or its associated screen cover can be easily scratched. Accordingly, a device is needed to prevent the deposit of residue on the screen and to easily clean residue from the screen when necessary. 
         [0005]    The prior art includes finger cots and finger tip covers for protecting the finger as well as capacitive sensor gloves and finger stylist. These devices do not offer the ability to easily clean and/or allow the user to utilize the touch screen in a manner to prevent residue from collecting on the screen surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0006]    The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a prospective view of the finger sleeve used with a touch screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a prospective view of the finger sleeve bent into position for use with the cleaning pad. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a prospective view of the finger sleeve showing the top surface with a cleaning pad. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a prospective view of the finger sleeve showing the finger tip having an integrated contact pad. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the finger sleeve illustrating tabs for maintaining shape. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of the finger sleeve in  FIG. 5  illustrating the tab. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5B  is a side view showing insertion of a tab in the finger sleeve according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the finger sleeve using a sleeve having an elastic band around the opening according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the finger sleeve illustrating the elastic band as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the finger sleeve illustrating a silicone rubber base for holding the sleeve in a fixed position in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of the silicone rubber base as shown in  FIG. 7   
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the bottom of a sleeve showing the cleaning pad having indicia or advertising embedded therein according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the sleeve showing the use of a conductive thread. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a sleeve bottom illustrating a small size cleaning pad accordingly to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a sleeve having no conductive pad such that the sleeve is made from a conductive elastic fabric according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 12 and 12A  are side views showing a sleeve manufactured using a fuzzy micro-fiber type material according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a two sided sleeve using a micro-fiber type material that includes a conductive pad which are sewn into the sleeve according to an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a side view illustrating a finger sleeve using pull-on loops according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a carrying case that can be used to carry the finger sleeve. 
       
    
    
       [0026]    Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a finger sleeve. Accordingly, the apparatus components and/or method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
         [0028]    In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a prospective view of the finger sleeve used with a touch screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The finger sleeve system  100  includes an electronic device  101  having a touch screen  103 . As is known in the art, the touch screen allows the user to activate and/or deactivate functions of the device by touch symbols and icons appearing on the touch screen  103 . Although shown in  FIG. 1  as a portable electronic device, the electronic device  101  may also include and is not limited to a mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), music player and/or personal computer, point of sale systems, ATM machines, airport kiosks, etc. 
         [0030]    In order to utilize the touch screen  103  without leaving residue on the screen&#39;s surface, a finger sleeve  105  is positioned and/or placed on the index finger  111  of the user. The finger sleeve  105  is oriented on the finger to a point so that it extends over the second knuckle. In this embodiment, the finger sleeve  105  is a split design having a seam  106  extending longitudinally at the midsection along the length of the finger sleeve  105 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that various materials may be used in construction of the finger sleeve  105  and each may have a differing thickness. As seen in both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the finger sleeve  105  may further include a cleaning pad  107  that is positioned on the top portion such that it is below the first knuckle. As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the finger sleeve  105  is made of a soft fabric including, but not limited to, cotton, rayon, nylon or spandex that works to prevent oils and other residue from the user&#39;s finger(s) from being deposited on the touch screen  103  while remaining soft to prevent scratching or other damage to the touch screen. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a prospective view of the finger sleeve system  200  illustrating the user&#39;s finger partially bent into position for use with the cleaning pad  107 . When used in this manner, the user&#39;s index finger  111  is bent forward for allowing the cleaning pad  107  to easily contact the surface of the touch screen  103  of the electronic device  101 . In circumstances when the screen needs to be cleaned before use, such as when speaking on the phone and leaving facial oils, makeup, etc., the cleaning pad  107  can prove to be very useful in that dirty or other residue can be easily removed from the surface of the touch screen  107 . The cleaning pad  107  allows the finger sleeve  105  to be used without soiling the under surface  113  of the sleeve. If the tip were used, this will dirty or taint finger sleeve  105 . Optionally, the cleaning pad can also include a semi-liquid cleaner for facilitating removal of any residue from the touch screen  103 . In situations where the touch screen may have capacitive or resistive type properties allowing its operation, a contact pad  115  may also be sewn or joined with the tip of the finger sleeve  105  for allowing more effective use of the touch screen  103 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a prospective view of the finger sleeve system  300  showing the top surface of the sleeve with a cleaning pad. The cleaning sleeve  105  is typically sized having a length of approximately a distance (d) which defines the distance from the tip of the index finger to below the second knuckle  117 . Although the cleaning pad  107  is shown as rectangular in shape, those skilled in the art will recognize that other alternative sizes and shapes are also possible. The cleaning pad  107  is positioned on the top surface of the cleaning sleeve  105  so that it extends on both sides of the second knuckle  117 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a prospective view of the finger sleeve system  400  showing its bottom surface having an integrated contact pad. The integrated contact pad  115  may have a pointed tip and is used for providing a positive contact with the surface of the touch screen. The contact pad  115  often allows the finger sleeve  105  to allow touch screens having resistive, capacitive or surface wave screens to better recognize a user&#39;s touch 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the finger sleeve showing strips for maintaining shape.  FIG. 5A  is a cross sectional view of the finger sleeve in  FIG. 5  showing the strip.  FIG. 5B  is a side view showing the insertion of a semi-rigid strip or tap into the finger sleeve according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. As seen in  FIGS. 5 ,  5 A and  5 B, the finger sleeve  105 A may include one or more tabs  117 ,  119  that are inserted into a similarly sized channel formed along the side wall  116  of the sleeve  105 A. As the finger sleeve is typically a soft cotton-like material, the tabs are inserted into the finger sleeve  105 A so as to make the sleeve more durable for long term use. Although this embodiment is shown with a contact pad  115 , it will further be evident to those skilled in the art that the contact pad is optional. As seen through cross-sectional lines VA-VA,  FIG. 5A  shows the tab  119  inserted with the side wall  116  for making the finger sleeve  105  a more firm and rigid structure. This allows the finger sleeve  105 A to be much more strong and robust allowing it to be washed and cleaned over many cycles without ripping or tearing. The channel within the side wall  116  is formed using stitches or other fastening devices  121 ,  123  for allowing a slot or channel to be easily formed in the side wall. As best seen in  FIG. 5B , in order that the finger sleeve  105 A can be cleaned and/or used in a washing machine, the tabs  117 ,  119  may be easily removed from the opening at the end of the channel. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the finger sleeve using an elastic band at opening of the sleeve according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Similarly,  FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the finger sleeve with elastic band as shown in  FIG. 6 . As seen in both  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 6A , the finger sleeve  105 B is shown having an elastic band  125  positioned around the opening of the finger sleeve to form a base. The elastic band  125  is made of resilient material such as latex, rubber or elastic  127  or the like allowing it to flex yet maintaining a frictional fit around the user&#39;s index finger. As best seen in  FIG. 6A , the elastic band  125  is formed by folding the other cloth material around the elastic band  127  which is held into place using a cloth stitch  129  or other type of mechanical fastener. Although the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , is shown with a contact pad  115 , the embodiment may also be made without the contact pad  115 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the finger sleeve illustrating a silicone rubber base for holding the sleeve in position in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. Similarly,  FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of the silicone rubber base as shown in  FIG. 7  As seen in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 7A , the finger sleeve  105 E includes a silicone rubber type base  129  that is joined with the inner surface of the cloth side wall  128 . Both the inner surface and outer surface forms the shape of the finger sleeve  105 C. As seen through sectional lines VIIA-VIIA, the silicone or like material is sewn or otherwise fastened to the inner surface of the cloth wall  128 . Use of the silicon material allows the resiliency of the material to grip and/or more effectively hold the base of the finger sleeve  105 C around the user&#39;s finger while in use. 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the bottom of a sleeve showing the finger sleeve having indicia or advertising embedded therein according to an embodiment of the invention. As best seen in  FIG. 8 , the finger sleeve  105 C can also include a trademark, logo or other indicia printed or embossed on the cleaning pad  131 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a finger sleeve showing the use of a conductive thread. In order to better facilitate recognition of contact by the finger sleeve  105 E, a conductive thread  133  can be sewn or formed into the outer cloth material forming the shell of the touch sleeve  105 E. Although shown in a serpentine like or zigzag pattern, those skilled in the art will recognize that any type pattern can be used for the finger sleeve  105 E for more effective use of the touch screen. 
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the bottom of a sleeve showing a smaller size cleaning pad compared to those shown in previous embodiments. The sleeve  105 F includes using a small size cleaning pad  135  that is located forward of the knuckle for allowing the user an alternative method for using the pad to rub against the surface of the touch screen for removing dirt, oils or other residue. The pad is sized so as not to extend over the bend in the knuckle. 
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a sleeve using a conductive elastic fabric according to an embodiment of the invention. The elastic fabric  137  is woven under the cloth surface  141  which enables the fabric to grip to the user&#39;s finger. This has the effect of holding the sleeve  105 G firmly in place in a fixed position on the user&#39;s finger during use. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 12 and 12A  are side views illustrating a sleeve manufactured using a fuzzy micro-fiber type material according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The sleeve  105 H has a fuzzy-like material that might otherwise be characterized as furry or wooly-like material and is used as an alternative to the cotton or materials using in prior embodiments. As seen in  FIG. 12A , the underside or tip of the sleeve  105 H may include a conductive pad or thread as described herein for facilitating use with an electronic touch screen. 
         [0042]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a two sided sleeve using micro-fiber type material and a conductive pad/thread/material which are sewn together according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The sleeve  1051  includes a microfiber material  147  on the back side of the sleeve and a cotton like soft material  149  on the front side of the sleeve. These materials are sewn together along seam  151 . As noted herein, the materials  147  and  149  may have a different thickness. A conductive pad or alternatively a conductive thread like material  153  can be used at the tip of the finger sleeve for facilitating an improved contact with an electronic touch screen. 
         [0043]      FIG. 14  is a side view illustrating a finger sleeve using pull-on loops according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The sleeve  105 J includes a cleaning pad  154  as well as one or more pull-on loops  156  located at the bottom or open end of the finger sleeve. The loops  156  extend from the outer surface of the sleeve to create a cloth loop for allowing the user to more easily pull the sleeve onto the user&#39;s finger. 
         [0044]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating a purse or carrying case that can be used to carry the finger sleeve. The carrying case  155  is shown with a finger sleeve  155  positioned therein. The carry case may further include a key ring or key chain  159  used for joining various types of keys  161  to the carrying case  155 . The carrying case  155  allows the finger sleeve to be easily transported without it being misplaced or lost allowing for easy location when needed. 
         [0045]    Thus, the present invention is a finger sleeve manufactured of a soft cloth material for allowing the user to contact the surface of a touch screen without leaving fingerprints or other residue. The finger sleeve may also include a cleaning pad located over the user&#39;s second knuckle for allowing the user to easily clean residue from a touch screen without soiling the contact area of the finger sleeve. The finger sleeve is easy to use relieving the user of the burden of constantly cleaning the touch screen surface. 
         [0046]    In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.