Patent Description:
<CIT> shows a cap for hermetically sealing a receiver dryer. Furthermore <CIT> shows a plug for closing an opening. Moreover, <CIT> shows a closure button adapted for engagement with apertured supports of varying thickness.

<CIT> shows a multi-tool apparatus and discloses the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool, a device and a method such that components can be installed by a person in a particularly ergonomic way.

This object is solved by a tool having the features of patent claim <NUM>, a device having the features of patent claim <NUM>, a device having the features of patent claim <NUM>, and a method having the features of patent claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a tool for installing components. For example, the components may be configured as plugs, clips or other components or parts. The tool according to the present invention comprises a connecting portion configured to be arranged between two fingers of a hand of a person. For example, the person may install the components with the help of the tool, in particular by holding the connecting portion between said two fingers. The connecting portion comprises a first longitudinal extension. This means that the connecting portion extends longitudinally along a first longitudinal direction such that the first longitudinal extension extends along the first longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the tool according to the present invention comprises an installing portion configured to be supported on a first side of said fingers between which the connecting portion is arranged. The installing portion comprises a second longitudinal extension which extends angularly, in particular obliquely or perpendicularly, to the first longitudinal extension. This means that the installing portion extends longitudinally along a second longitudinal direction such that the second longitudinal extension extends along the second longitudinal direction. The second longitudinal direction extends angularly, in particular obliquely or perpendicularly, to the first longitudinal direction. Thus, for example, the installing portion and the connecting portion, in particular when viewed alone, form a T, i.e. form a T-shape. For example, a first one of said fingers is the forefinger. Moreover, for example, a second one of the fingers is the middle finger. Alternatively, for example, the first finger may be the middle finger, wherein, for example, the second finger may be the ring finger. Moreover, for example, the first finger may be the ring finger, wherein, for example, the second finger may be the little finger, i.

The tool according to the present invention comprises a supporting portion comprising a third longitudinal extension extending angularly, in particular obliquely or perpendicularly, to the first longitudinal extension. This means that the supporting portion extends longitudinally along a third longitudinal horizontally direction such that the third longitudinal extension extends along the third longitudinal direction. Preferably, the second and third longitudinal directions and thus the second and third longitudinal extensions may extend parallel to each other. The installing portion and the supporting portion are connected with each other by the connecting portion such that, for example, the connecting portion is arranged between the installing portion and the supporting portion. Thus, for example, the installing portion, the connecting portion and the supporting portion form an I, i. form an I-shape. In other words, for example, the connecting portion and the supporting portion, when viewed alone, form a T, i.

The supporting portion is configured to be supported on the palm of the hand and/or to be embraced by said fingers extending between the installing and supporting portions. Thereby, a third side of the supporting portion is supported on a second side of the fingers, wherein the second side of the fingers face away from the first side of the fingers, and wherein the third side faces towards the installing portion. Alternatively or additionally, by supporting the supporting portion on the palm and/or by embracing the supporting portion by said fingers, a fourth side of the supporting portion is supported on the palm of the hand or on the fingertips of the fingers, wherein the fourth side faces away from the installing portion. Thus, for example, a first force acting on the installing portion in the direction of the connecting portion may be supported via the installing portion on the first side of the fingers and/or may be guided via the installing portion and the connecting portion to the supporting portion to the palm or the fingertips such that the force may be supported on the palm or fingertips. Moreover, for example, a second force exerted by the palm or the fingertips on the fourth side of the supporting portion may be guided via the supporting portion and the connecting portion to the installing portion and from the installing portion to the respective component which may be supported on the installing portion. Thus, in order to install the respective component, the respective component is brought into support with the installing portion such that the respective component is at least indirectly, in particular directly, supported on the installing portion, in particular on a fifth side of the installing portion, wherein the fifth side faces away from the supporting and connecting portions. Subsequently, the person may exert said second force or a third force on the tool via hand. For example, the second or third force is transferred from the fingers via the first side to the installing portion and/or from the palm or the fingertips via the fourth side the supporting portion and from the supporting portion via the connecting portion to the installing portion. The second or third force is transferred from the installing portion to the respective component supported on the installing portion, in particular on the fifth side such that the second or third force is exerted on the respective component supported on the installing portion, in particular the fifth side. As a consequence, by the second or third force the respective component may be installed. The second force and the third force are also referred to as installation forces. In this regard, for example, said first force is a reaction force resulting from the installation force. The reaction force can be supported on the hand of the person via the tool in a particularly advantageous way such that the person can install the components with the help of the tool in a particularly ergonomic way.

For example, the respective component is installed in such a way that the respective component is inserted or plugged into a corresponding opening or onto a corresponding stud, in particular by said installation force. In conventional solutions, the respective component is installed in such a way that a person exerts a force for installing the component via a thumb of a hand of said person. This may result in a high load or strain on the thumb, wherein, by the invention, an excessive load on the thumb or another finger of that hand of the person can be avoided.

Since the supporting portion can be embraced by said fingers, the person installing the components can grasp and thus wear or hold the tool. Thus, the tool according to the present invention is a wearable part insertion device by which, for example, the respective component may be inserted or plugged into a respective corresponding opening. It was found that inserting components such as plugs into corresponding openings in such a way that a person exerts a force on the respective component via a thumb of a hand of the person may lead to disadvantages. Thus, basically, a thumb protector limiting a hyperextension of the thumb may be used. In comparison with such a thumb protector, the tool according to the present invention ensures an even better distribution of a load or a force exerted on the hand when installing the respective component. Thus, the components may be installed in a particularly ergonomic way. Particularly, the tool according to the present invention helps keep away excessive loads from joints of the hand of the person. Furthermore, the tool according to the present invention may be carried and used in one hand such that the other hand of the person is free for other tasks. Thus, the components may be installed in a particularly ergonomic way.

For example, the tool may be worn on the hand, the tool transferring said installation force to said fingers or to more than the two fingers near their base and/or to the palm of the hand thereby keeping away excessive loads from joints of the hand. Moreover, the connecting portion may be worn between the fingers such that the tool may be worn on the hand of the person while the other hand is free for other tasks. For example, such another task that may be performed with the other hand of the person is to pick up the respective component and bring the respective component into contact with the installing portion, in particular the fifth side. Thus, the tool does not need to be put down and picked up after installing one of the components and before installing another one of the components.

In the invention, the installing portion comprises said fifth side facing away from the supporting portion. The respective component may be supported on the fifth side such that the installation force for installing the respective component may be exerted on the respective component by the person via the tool in a particularly ergonomic way.

In the invention, the fifth side is made of a self-adhesive polymer material. This means that the respective components adheres or sticks to the fifth side without using any separate glue between the fifth side and the respective component which may be made of a plastic material. Thus, the respective component may be brought into contact with the fifth side wherein, subsequently, the respective component sticks to the fifth side. Consequently, the person may simultaneously handle the tool and the respective component sticking to the fifth side with the hand whilst the other hand is free for other tasks. For example, said installation force is a push force by which the component is inserted into a corresponding opening thereby installing the component. Thus, for example the respective component may stick to the fifth side whilst the component is pushed into the opening by the person via the tool. For example, the self-adhesive polymer material is or forms a polymer layer of the tool, the polymer layer forming the fifth side.

In the invention, the tool comprises a base body made of a first material. For example, the first material may be a plastic material. Furthermore, the base body is encased by a layer. For example, the base body is coated by said layer. For example, the base body is fully enclosed or encased by said layer. The layer is made of a second material different from the first material. For example, the second material is a plastic material. Thus, a high rigidity or stability of the tool may be realized. Moreover, the person may grasp and handle the tool in a particularly ergonomic way since, for example, the second material may be softer than the first material. Thus, excessive loads on the hand of the person may be avoided. Moreover, parts and other components may thereby be protected from scratches and scuffs which may be caused by to the harder base body itself.

In the invention, the tool comprises a first member made of the self-adhesive polymer material such that the first member forms or comprises the fifth side. The tool preferably also comprises a second member comprising the base body and the layer. Preferably, the first member is formed separately from the second member and connected to the second member. Thus, for example, if the first member is damaged, the first member may be detached from the second member and replaced by a new first member which is connected with the second member. Moreover, advantageous different characteristics of said members may be realized such that, for example, the respective component may stick to the first member in a particularly advantageous way, and the person may use and handle the second member and, while the second member the first member in a particularly ergonomic way. In the invention, the layer forms an outer shell of the tool, wherein the outer shell is configured to be brought into direct contact with the fingers and thus the person. In other words, the person can directly touch the outer shell and thus the layer such that the person can handle tool in a particularly comfortable and ergonomic way.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fifth side comprises a first portion extending in a first plane which extends angularly, in particular obliquely, to the first longitudinal extension. Moreover, the fifth side may comprise a second portion extending a second plane which extends angularly, in particular obliquely, to the first longitudinal extension. Preferably, the first plane and the first longitudinal extension enclose a first angle, and the second plane and the first longitudinal extension enclose a second angle. Preferably, the first angle corresponds to the second angle, in other words, preferably, the first angle and the second angle are equal. Moreover, preferably, the first portion and the second portion of the fifth side extend towards each other and away from the connecting portion such that, for example, the first portion and second portion of the fourth side and/or the installing portion form or are a chevron. Thereby, the installation force may be exerted on the respective component by the fifth side in precise and defined way, such that the respective component can be installed in a particularly ergonomic way.

In a further embodiment, the first portion and the second portion of the fifth side meet and form an edge of the fourth side such that, via the edge, the installation force may be exerted on the respective components supported on the fifth side in particularly advantageous way.

In an alternative, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fifth side has a third portion arranged between the first portion and the second portion. The third portion extends in a third plane which extends perpendicularly to the first longitudinal extension. Thus, the respective component may be supported on the third portion and thus on installing portion in a particularly advantageous way such that the components may be installed in a particularly ergonomic way.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the self-adhesive polymer material is a nanogel being a polymer-based, crosslinked hydrogel particle on sub-micron scale. Thus, particularly advantageous self-adhesive characteristics of the fifth side may be realized such that the respective component sticks to the fifth side without using any separate glue between the fifth side and the respective component. As a consequence, the person can handle the respective component supported on and sticking to the fifth side in a particularly advantageous way.

In order to realize a particularly high stability of the tool, in a further embodiment, the first material is a fiber-reinforced plastic. For example, the fiber-reinforced plastic is a glass fiber-reinforced plastic. By encasing the first material by the second material a direct contact between the first material and elements on which the components are installed may be avoided such that scratches or other damages of that elements may be avoided.

Preferably, the second material is a foam material such that the person may handle the tool in a particularly comfortable, easy and ergonomic way. Preferably, the second material is a polyurethane (PU). For example, the first material may be over-molded with the second material. For example, the first material may be a plastic material such that the base body is a plastic core which may be over-molded by the second material. Thus, a padding to the hand may be provided, and that elements on which the components are installed may be protected from scratches, marks and/or other damages while installing the components.

Preferably, the self-adhesive polymer material may be covered by removable film which may be configured as a thin film and/or plastic film, the film protecting the self-adhesive polymer material until it is used. Before using the tool to install the components, the film is removed such that the respective components may stick to the fourth side which, consequently may hold the respective component during its insertion.

The explanations for the self-adhesive polymer material may also be transferred to the springy fingers and vice versa. Thus, for example, the springy fingers are formed by the first member which is formed separately from the second member and connected to the second member. Thus, the springy fingers may be detached from the second member and replaced by new springy fingers if, for example, the springy fingers are damaged.

Preferably, the installing portion, the connecting portion and the supporting portion form opposing or opposite receptacles for the fingers. This means that the person may place the fingers in the receptacles such that the connecting portion is arranged between the fingers. Subsequently, the fingers may embrace the supporting portion such that the person may install the components with the help of the tool in a particularly comfortable, easy and ergonomic way.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a device for installing components such as, for example, the above-mentioned components. The device according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises at least one tool according to the first aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, the device according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises at least one ink pad saturated with alcohol. The ink pad is covered by a cloth for cleaning the tool. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa. The alcohol the ink pad is saturated with can be transferred via that cloth onto the tool by bringing the tool into direct contact with the cloth and by for example, moving the tool in relation to the cloth while the tool is in direct contact with the cloth. Particularly, the installing portion, in particular the fifth side and thus, for example, the self-adhesive polymer material can be cleaned by the alcohol. Particularly, dust can be removed from the fourth side thereby, for example, reestablishing the self-adhesive characteristics of the fifth side. For example, that alcohol is or comprises an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) such that, for example, that alcohol is or comprises an IPA solution. Moreover, by the ink pad, the cloth and the alcohol, the tool, in particular the fifth side, can be cleaned and rehydrated. Particularly, the self-adhesive polymer material can be rehydrated when dust and oil is accumulated on it. As an alternative or in addition to the ink pad, an alcohol soaked cloth or wipe may be used to clean the tool, in particular the fifth side such that, for example, the ink pad may be omitted.

Preferably, the tool has a profile that is concave in order to reduce or avoid interference with objects held in the hand. For example, the concave profile comprises that receptacles for the fingers such that the tool can be handled in a particularly easy, comfortable and ergonomic way.

Preferably, the installing portion comprises a sixth side facing away from the fifth side. Thus, for example, the sixth side faces towards the supporting portion. Preferably, the sixth side is formed by padding via which, for example, that reaction force may be transferred to the fingers, in particular the first side of the fingers, in a particularly advantageous way. Particularly, the reaction force may be spread across a dorsal surface of the fingers such as, for example, that first side of the fingers. Thereby, excessive loads on the fingers can be avoided. For example, the padding is made from a third material different from the first material and different from the second material. For example, the third material is softer than the first material and softer than the second material. Thus, for example, that base body is partially encased by the second material and partially encased by the third material. Thus, for example, the second material forms a first part of that outer shell of the tool, wherein, for example, the third material forms a second part of the outer shell. Thus, the tool can be handled in a particularly comfortable and ergonomic way.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a device for installing components such as, for example, the above-mentioned components. The device according to the third aspect of the present invention comprises several variants of a tool according to the first aspect of the present invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention and vice versa. In the third aspect of the present invention, the variants differ from each other in at least one size of the installing portion and/or at least one size of the connecting portion and/or at least one size of the supporting portion. In other words, the variants are provided in several sizes to fit various fingers and hands and not fall off the hand. Thus, different persons can use the different variants such that each person can install the components particularly advantageously with the help of one of the variants.

As can be gathered from the explanations above, the fifth surface is a working surface that extends from the hand when the tool is worn by the person in the described way. The working surface and thus the tool enable installation of the components at locations adjacent to, for example, flanges, ridges or other protuberances that would otherwise contact the hand. Thus, the components can be installed in a particularly ergonomic, comfortable and easy way. Moreover, for example, the portions of the fifth side form a center peak of the fourth side to apply the installation force in a progressive manner as, for example, the components are pushed and thereby installed. Moreover, that center peak allows the components to be applied or installed at several angles.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for installing components such as, for example, the above-mentioned components. In the method, the components are installed by a tool, i. by using a tool according to the first aspect of the present invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention and vice versa. Thus, disclosed is also a use of a tool according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the tool is used for installing components such as, for example, plugs, clips or other parts.

For example, in that use, the tool is worn by a person in such a way that the connecting portion is arranged between two adjacent fingers of a hand of the person, wherein the installing portion is supported on said first side of the fingers. The fingers extend between the installing and supporting portions thereby supporting the supporting portion, in particular a third side of the supporting portion, on a second side of the fingers, wherein the second side faces away from the first side, and wherein the third side faces towards the installing portion. Furthermore, the fingers of the hand embrace the supporting portion such that the fingertips of the fingers are supported on a fourth side of the supporting portion, or the fourth side is supported on the palm of the hand. The fourth side faces away from the installing portion and thus, from the first and seconds sides of the fingers.

Further details of the invention will be adherent from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The drawings show in:.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

<FIG> shows in a schematic side view a first embodiment of a tool <NUM> for installing components <NUM> (<FIG>). For example, the components <NUM> are used to manufacture at least one product such as, for example, a vehicle. For this purpose, for example, the components <NUM> are installed on at least one element of the vehicle. <FIG> show a method for installing the components <NUM>. For example, said element on which the components <NUM> can be installed is a part <NUM> of a body <NUM> of the vehicle which may be configured as a passenger vehicle. For example, the body <NUM> may be an integral body. Moreover, for example, the part <NUM> may be a side sill of the body <NUM>. As can be seen from <FIG>, the part <NUM> comprises several openings <NUM> which may be configured as through openings. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the components <NUM> are plugs which are used to close the openings <NUM>. For this purpose, into each opening <NUM>, a respective one of the components <NUM> is at least partially inserted or plugged. In order to insert the respective component <NUM> into the respective opening <NUM>, an installation force, in particular a push force, is to be exerted on the respective component <NUM>. In other words, the respective component <NUM> is installed on the part <NUM>, i. inserted into the respective opening <NUM> in such a way that the respective component <NUM> is pushed at least partially into the respective opening <NUM>. As can be seen from <FIG>, the components <NUM> are installed on the part <NUM> by a person <NUM> which exerts the respective installation force on the respective component <NUM> in order to insert the respective component <NUM> at least partially into the respective opening <NUM>. In the method, the person <NUM> uses the tool <NUM> to install the components <NUM> in such a way that the installation force provided by the person <NUM> is transferred to or exerted on the respective component <NUM> via the tool <NUM>. This will be explained in greater detail below.

As can be gathered from <FIG>, the tool <NUM> comprises a connecting portion <NUM> which is also referred to as a web. In other words, the connecting portion <NUM> is a web of the tool <NUM>. As can be seen from <FIG>, <FIG>, the connecting portion <NUM> is configured to be arranged between two adjacent fingers <NUM> and <NUM> of a hand <NUM> of the person <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the finger <NUM> is the fore finger of the hand <NUM>, and the finger <NUM> is the middle finger of the hand <NUM>. Thus, in said method, the connecting portion <NUM> is arranged between the adjacent fingers <NUM> and <NUM> of the hand <NUM> of the person <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the connecting portion <NUM> comprises a first longitudinal direction illustrated by double arrow <NUM>.

The tool <NUM> further comprises an installing portion <NUM> which is also referred to as an installation portion. As can be gathered from <FIG>, <FIG>, the installing portion <NUM> is configured to be supported on a first side <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first side <NUM> is a dorsal side of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, in the method, the installing portion <NUM> is supported on the first side <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM>, the first side <NUM> facing towards the installing portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the installing portion <NUM> comprises a second longitudinal extension illustrated by double arrow <NUM>. In the first embodiment, the second longitudinal extension (double arrow <NUM>) extends perpendicularly and thus angularly to the first longitudinal extension (double arrow <NUM>) of the connecting portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, the tool <NUM> comprises a supporting portion <NUM> comprising a third longitudinal extension. The third longitudinal extension is illustrated by the double arrow <NUM>. Thus, in the first embodiment, the third longitudinal extension extends perpendicularly and thus angularly to the first longitudinal extension. Moreover, the second longitudinal extension and the third longitudinal extension extend parallel to each other. The installing portion <NUM> and the supporting portion <NUM> are connected with each other by the connecting portion <NUM>. In the first embodiment, at least respective parts of the installing portion <NUM>, the connecting portion <NUM> and the supporting portion <NUM> are formed in one piece with each other, i. are integrally formed such that the installing portion <NUM> and the supporting portion <NUM> are connected with each other by the connecting portion <NUM>. As can be gathered from <FIG>, <FIG>, the supporting portion <NUM> is configured to be supported on the palm <NUM> of the hand <NUM> and/or to be embraced by the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> extending between the installing and supporting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, the person <NUM> can either support the supporting portion <NUM> on the palm <NUM> or embrace the supporting portion <NUM> with the fingers <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, in said method, the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> extend between the installing and supporting portions <NUM> and <NUM> since the connecting portion is arranged between the adjacent fingers <NUM> and <NUM>. In <FIG>, the person <NUM> embraces the supporting portion <NUM> with the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> such that, on a second side <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM>, a third side <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM> is supported. As can be seen in <FIG>, the second side <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> faces away from both the installing portion <NUM> and the first side <NUM>. Moreover, the third side <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM> faces towards the side <NUM> and the installing portion <NUM>. Moreover, in <FIG>, by embracing the supporting portion <NUM> with the fingers <NUM> and <NUM>, the fingertips <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> are supported on a fourth side <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM>. As can be gathered from <FIG>, the fourth side <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM> faces away from the installing portion <NUM>. Thus, in <FIG> the supporting portion <NUM> is arranged between the fingertips <NUM> and the side <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the person <NUM> does not need to embrace the supporting portion <NUM> with the fingers <NUM> and <NUM>, but the person <NUM> may hold the tool <NUM> in such a way that the supporting portion <NUM> is supported on the side <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> and on the palm <NUM> of the hand <NUM>. Thus, in <FIG>, the third side <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM> is supported on the second side <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM>. Moreover, in <FIG>, the fourth side <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM> is supported on the palm <NUM> of the hand <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the respective component <NUM> can be supported on the installing portion <NUM>. Thereby, the installation force can be transferred from the hand <NUM> to the tool <NUM> via the supporting portion <NUM> and/or the installing portion <NUM>, and from the installing portion <NUM> to the respective component <NUM> supported on the installing portion <NUM> in a particularly comfortable and ergonomic way since excessive loads on the hand <NUM>, in particular on joints of the hand <NUM>, can be avoided. For example, from the installation force used to insert the respective component <NUM> into the respective opening <NUM>, a reaction force results, the reaction force acting from the component <NUM> on the tool <NUM> via the installing portion <NUM>. Due to the advantageous design of the tool, the reaction force can be transferred from the tool <NUM> to the hand <NUM> in such a particularly advantageous way that excessive loads on sensitive areas such as joints of the hand <NUM> can be avoided.

As shown in <FIG>, the installing portion <NUM> comprises a fifth side <NUM> facing away from the supporting portion <NUM>. For example, in <FIG> and thus in said method the fifth side <NUM> faces away from the side <NUM> when the tool <NUM> is worn in or on the hand <NUM> of the person <NUM>. Particularly, excessive loads on the thumb <NUM> of the hand <NUM> can be avoided.

In the first embodiment shown in <FIG>, the fifth side <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> extending in a first plane which extends angularly to the first longitudinal extension (double arrow <NUM>). The fifth side <NUM> further comprises a second portion <NUM> extending in a second plane which extends angularly to the first longitudinal extension. For example, the first plane and the first longitudinal extension enclose a first angle, and, for example, the second plane and the first longitudinal extension enclose a second angle. Preferably, the first angle is the smallest angle enclosed by the first plane and the first longitudinal extension. Moreover, for example, the second angle is the smallest angle enclosed by the second plane and the first longitudinal extension. Preferably, the first angle and the second angle are equal. As shown in <FIG>, the first and second portions <NUM> and <NUM> extend towards each other and away from the connecting portion <NUM> thereby forming a center peak <NUM> of the side <NUM> and thus the installing portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the component <NUM> can be arranged and thus supported on the center peak <NUM> such that the installation force can be transmitted from the tool <NUM> to the component <NUM> particularly advantageously via the center peak <NUM>. For example, in the first embodiment, the portions <NUM> and <NUM> directly meet thereby forming an edge <NUM> of the side <NUM>. For example, the edge <NUM> has a fourth longitudinal extension extending in both the first plain and the second plain. Moreover, the fourth longitudinal extension extends perpendicularly to the first longitudinal extension, to the second longitudinal extension and to the third longitudinal extension.

As shown in <FIG>, more than one of the components <NUM> can be simultaneously supported on the side <NUM> which is also referred to as an installing side or an installation side. For example, the several components <NUM> simultaneously supported on the side <NUM> may be installed successively, <NUM> successively inserted into a respective opening <NUM>. Especially for components smaller than the components <NUM> shown in <FIG>, such smaller components may be held and installed simultaneously by the tool <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a second embodiment of the tool <NUM>. In the second embodiment, the fifth side <NUM> comprises a third portion <NUM> arranged between the portions <NUM> and <NUM>, in particular along the second longitudinal extension (double arrow <NUM>). In the second embodiment, the third portion <NUM> extends in a third plane which extends perpendicularly to the first longitudinal extension. As shown in <FIG>, the portion <NUM> may have a width <NUM> extending in the second longitudinal extension. For example, the width <NUM> may be <NUM>. Moreover, for example, the portion <NUM> may be flat. <FIG> shows a third embodiment of the tool <NUM>. For example, in the third embodiment, the width <NUM> may be <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fourth embodiment of the tool <NUM>. Preferably, the fifth side <NUM> is made of a self-adhesive polymer material such as, for example, a nanogel. In other words, preferably, the fifth side <NUM> is formed by a self-adhesive polymer material such as, for example, a nanogel. Thereby, elements such as the respective component <NUM> adhere to the side <NUM> when bringing the respective component <NUM> into direct contact with the side <NUM>, wherein the respective component <NUM> adheres to the side <NUM> without using a separate glue between the side <NUM> and the component <NUM> supported on the side <NUM>. Since the tool <NUM> can be easily, comfortably and ergonomically worn on the hand <NUM> of the person <NUM>, the other hand of the person <NUM> is free for other tasks. For example, the person <NUM> can use their other hand to pick up the respective component <NUM> and to bring the respective component <NUM> into direct contact with the surface <NUM> whilst the person <NUM> wears the tool <NUM> in or on the hand <NUM>. After bringing the respective component <NUM> into direct contact with the side <NUM>, the component <NUM> directly contacting the side <NUM> sticks to the side <NUM> and thus the tool <NUM> due to the self-adhesive characteristics of the side <NUM>. Thus, the person <NUM> can move the other hand away from the component <NUM> once the component <NUM> sticks to the side <NUM> due to the self-adhesive characteristics of the side <NUM>.

Consequently, the person <NUM> can move their hand <NUM> and thus the tool <NUM> and the component <NUM> sticking to the side <NUM> such that the person <NUM> can easily move and handle the tool <NUM> and while the tool <NUM> the component <NUM> sticking to the side <NUM>. Thus, the tool <NUM> is an installation ad for installing the components <NUM> such that, by the tool <NUM>, the components <NUM> can be installed in a particularly easy, comfortable and ergonomic way.

As shown in <FIG>, the installing portion <NUM> has a sixth side <NUM> facing away from the fifth side <NUM> and towards the supporting portion <NUM>, in particular towards the side <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM>. The side <NUM> has two areas <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein the connecting portion <NUM> is arranged between the areas <NUM> and <NUM> along this second longitudinal extension (double arrow <NUM>). As can be gathered from <FIG> and <FIG>, in the method, the areas <NUM> and <NUM> and thus the side <NUM> are arranged on the side <NUM> such that, in the method, the installing portion <NUM> is supported on the side <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> via the side <NUM>, <NUM> via the areas <NUM> and <NUM> of the side <NUM>. For example, the areas <NUM> and <NUM> are formed by paddings or cushions such that a particularly ergonomic handling of the tool <NUM> can be realized. For example, the respective component <NUM> is made of a plastic material such that the respective component <NUM> adheres to the surface <NUM> in a particularly advantageous way.

For example, the tool <NUM> comprises a base body which is, in particular completely, encased by a layer. For example, the base body is made of a first material which may be a plastic material. For example, the base body is formed in one piece. In other words, preferably, the base body is an integral part. The layer may be made of at least or exactly one second material different from the first material. Moreover, for example, the layer may be made of at least or exactly two materials, namely a second material and a third material. For example, the first material and the second material are different from each other and, for example, the first material and the third material are different from each other. Moreover, for example, the second material and the third material are different from each other. In <FIG>, the layer is designated by <NUM>. For example, a first part <NUM> of layer <NUM> is made of that second material. In <FIG> the layer <NUM> comprises a second part <NUM> and a third part <NUM>. For example, the part <NUM> forms the area <NUM> of the side <NUM>, and, for example, the part <NUM> forms the area <NUM> of the side <NUM>. For example, the first part <NUM> of the layer <NUM> is made of that second material, and, for example, the parts <NUM> and <NUM> are made of that third material. For example, the second material and/or the third material is a plastic material. Moreover, for example, the third material is softer than the second material. Moreover, preferably, the second material is softer than the first material. Preferably, the first material is a fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular a glass fiber-reinforced plastic. Moreover, for example, the second material and/or the third material is a film such as, for example, a polyurethane film (PU film). First, the layer <NUM> protects the base body such that direct contacts between the base body and that element on which the components <NUM> are to be installed can be avoided. Thereby, scratches, scrubs and other damages of the element may be avoided. For example, in the first embodiment, the layer <NUM> comprises one single part, namely the part <NUM> which encases the base body, in particular completely, such that, for example, the part <NUM> and thus the second material also form the areas <NUM> and <NUM>.

For example, the side <NUM> is formed by a first member <NUM> of the tool <NUM>, such that, for example, the first member <NUM> is made of the self-adhesive polymer material. Moreover, for example, the tool <NUM> may comprise a second member <NUM> comprising the base body and the layer <NUM>. In the fourth embodiment, the layer <NUM> comprises the parts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the layer <NUM> encases the complete base body. Preferably, the members <NUM> and <NUM> are formed separately from each other, wherein the members <NUM> and <NUM> are connected with each other. For example, the member <NUM> is a film, in particular a polymer film. Thus, preferably, the member <NUM> may be detached from the member <NUM> and replaced by new first member when the member <NUM> is damaged and/or lost its self-adhesive characteristics.

As shown in <FIG>, a protective film <NUM> may be used to protect the self-adhesive side <NUM>. For example, the protective film <NUM> is a polymer film which, at first, adheres to the side <NUM> due to the self-adhesive characteristics of the side <NUM>. Before using the tool <NUM> to install the components <NUM>, the protective film <NUM> is removed from the side <NUM>, preferably in such a way that the protective film <NUM> is peeled of the side <NUM>. This can be established by the person <NUM>, in particular by the other hand of the person <NUM> whilst the person <NUM> rise or holds the tool <NUM> in the hand <NUM> in the manner shown in <FIG> or <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a seventh embodiment of the tool <NUM>. As can be gathered from <FIG>, the connecting portions <NUM>, the installing portion <NUM> and the supporting portion <NUM> form or bound opposite receptacles <NUM> and <NUM> through which the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> extend when the tool <NUM> is worn on the hand <NUM> in the manner shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The receptacles <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged opposite each other along the second and third longitudinal extensions (double arrow <NUM>). Thus, along the second and third longitudinal extensions, the connecting portion <NUM> is arranged between the receptacles <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, the receptacles <NUM> and <NUM> are separated from each other along the second and third longitudinal extensions by the connecting portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the respective receptacle <NUM>, <NUM> is concave such that one has a concave profile. Moreover, the side <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM> may be concave such that the person <NUM> can use the tool <NUM> in a particularly ergonomic way.

<FIG> shows a fifth embodiment of the tool <NUM>. In the fifth embodiment, the fifth side <NUM> may be self-adhesive, or the fifth side <NUM> may not have self-adhesive characteristics. In a fifth embodiment, the fifth side <NUM> comprises spring elements in the form of springy fingers <NUM> configured to hold the respective component <NUM> on the tool <NUM>, in particular in contact with an installing portion <NUM> of the side <NUM>. In other words, the springy fingers <NUM> may hold the component <NUM> on the tool <NUM>. The installation force may be transferred from the tool <NUM> to the component <NUM> holding the tool <NUM> by the springy fingers <NUM> via the installing portion <NUM> of the side <NUM>. By pushing the component <NUM> into the opening <NUM>, the springy fingers <NUM> release the component <NUM> such that the component <NUM> is held on the part <NUM> (element) and released from the tool <NUM>. Subsequently, the tool <NUM> can be used to install another one of the components <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a first embodiment of a device <NUM> for installing the components <NUM>. The device <NUM> comprises the tool <NUM>. In other words, the device <NUM> may comprise at least or exactly one variant of the tool <NUM>, or the device <NUM> may comprise several, different variants of the tool <NUM>. Furthermore, the device <NUM> comprises an inkpad <NUM> saturated with alcohol. For example, that alcohol may be part of an alcohol solution such as an IPA solution. Moreover, the device <NUM> comprises a cloth <NUM> covering the inkpad <NUM>. The inkpad <NUM> and the cloth <NUM> are parts of an inkpad arrangement <NUM> comprising the inkpad <NUM> and the cloth <NUM> carrying the inkpad <NUM>. The inkpad arrangement <NUM> is also shown in <FIG>. By the inkpad arrangement <NUM>, the tool <NUM>, in particular the self-adhesive side <NUM>, can be cleaned in such a way that the tool <NUM>, in particular the side <NUM>, is brought into direct contact with the cloth <NUM>. The alcohol in the inkpad <NUM> may be transferred via the cloth <NUM> to the tool <NUM>, in particular onto the side <NUM>. Moreover, the tool <NUM>, in particular the side <NUM>, may be moved in relation to the cloth <NUM> whilst the tool <NUM>, in particular the side <NUM>, is in direct contact with the cloth <NUM>. Thus, dust, oils and/or other stains may be wiped of the tool <NUM>, in particular the side <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A tool (<NUM>) for installing components (<NUM>), the tool (<NUM>) comprising:
- a connecting portion (<NUM>) configured to be arranged between two fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a hand (<NUM>) of a person (<NUM>), the connecting portion (<NUM>) comprising a first longitudinal extension (<NUM>);
- an installing portion (<NUM>) configured to be supported on a first side (<NUM>) of the fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>), the installing portion (<NUM>) comprising a second longitudinal extension (<NUM>) extending angularly to the first longitudinal extension (<NUM>); and
- a supporting portion (<NUM>) comprising a third longitudinal extension (<NUM>) extending angularly to the first longitudinal extension (<NUM>), wherein the installing portion (<NUM>) and the supporting portion (<NUM>) are connected with each other by the connecting portion (<NUM>), wherein the installing portion (<NUM>) comprises a fifth side (<NUM>) facing away from the supporting portion (<NUM>), and wherein the supporting portion (<NUM>) is configured to be supported on the palm (<NUM>) of the hand (<NUM>) and/or to be embraced by the fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending between the installing and supporting portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), thereby:
∘ supporting, on a second side (<NUM>) of the fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>), a third side (<NUM>) of the supporting portion (<NUM>), the third side (<NUM>) facing towards the installing portion (<NUM>); and
∘ supporting, on the palm (<NUM>) of the hand (<NUM>) or on the fingertips (<NUM>) of the fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>), a fourth side (<NUM>) of the supporting portion (<NUM>), the fourth side (<NUM>) facing away from the installing portion (<NUM>);
characterized in that:
- the fifth side (<NUM>) is made of a self-adhesive polymer material;
- the tool (<NUM>) comprises a base body made of a first material, the base body being encased by a layer (<NUM>) made of a second material different from the first material, wherein the layer (<NUM>) forms an outer shell of the tool (<NUM>), wherein the outer shell is configured to be brought into direct contact with the fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>);
- the tool (<NUM>) comprises a first member (<NUM>) made of the self-adhesive polymer material;
- the tool (<NUM>) comprises a second member (<NUM>) comprising the base body and the layer (<NUM>);
- the first member (<NUM>) is formed separately from the second member (<NUM>) and connected to the second member (<NUM>).