Hand-Utility Interface

Abstract

There is provided a hand-utility interface for use in protecting a user's hand during utility tasks. The interface comprises a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein, wherein each finger-receiving channel snugly receives a finger of said user's hand such that in use, the finger-receiving channels secure the interface to the user's hand. The foamed block body comprises at least two finger-channels of equal length for receipt of the second and third fingers of the user's hand respectively, thereby enabling its ready alternate use by either the left or right hand of the user.

1 . A hand-utility interface for use in protecting a user's hand during utility tasks comprising a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein, wherein each finger-receiving channel snugly receives a finger of said user's hand such that in use, the finger-receiving channels secure the interface to the user's hand, and wherein said foamed block body comprises at least two finger-channels of equal length for receipt of the second and third fingers of the user's hand respectively. 
   
   
       2 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least two finger-receiving channels are identical in shape. 
   
   
       3 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least two finger-receiving channels are identical in dimension. 
   
   
       4 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the finger-receiving channels are arranged in a fanned out configuration. 
   
   
       5 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein each finger-receiving channel narrows progressively along its length. 
   
   
       6 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 5 , wherein the depth of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. 
   
   
       7 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the width of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. 
   
   
       8 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the cross-section of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. 
   
   
       9 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the depth of each finger-receiving channel is greater than that of the user's finger. 
   
   
       10 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein each finger-receiving channel has a curving under profile. 
   
   
       11 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the foamed block body is provided with a first cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation, but not snug receipt, of the user's thumb. 
   
   
       12 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the foamed block body is provided with a second cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation, but not snug receipt, of the user's little finger. 
   
   
       13 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the foamed block body has three finger-receiving channels for receipt of the user's index, second and third fingers respectively, but no finger-receiving channel for receipt of the user's little finger. 
   
   
       14 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the foamed block body is provided with v-shaped channels for added flexibility. 
   
   
       15 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the finger-receiving channels are defined by continuous walls of the foamed block body. 
   
   
       16 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the finger-receiving channels are defined by intermittent walls of the foamed block body. 
   
   
       17 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the foamed block body is provided with a palm-receiving portion shaped to receive a user's palm. 
   
   
       18 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 17 , wherein the palm-receiving portion has a domed profile. 
   
   
       19 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the finger-receiving channels is provided with a partial over finger tip cover. 
   
   
       20 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the finger-receiving channels is provided with overhanging elements. 
   
   
       21 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the finger-receiving channels are defined in part by inner dividing walls having a height that increases from the finger tip end to the palm-receiving end of the body to define a yoked projection, which acts such as to retain the upper part of the user's hand to the body. 
   
   
       22 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein divides are provided in the body running between neighbouring finger-receiving channels. 
   
   
       23 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , made by a deformation cutting process. 
   
   
       24 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , made by an injection or reaction moulding process. 
   
   
       25 . A pack for dispensing gel form media comprising (a) a housing comprising resiliently collapsible walls supporting a rigid rim, said rigid rim defining a well, said well defining a well opening; (b) seating on the rigid rim, a plate having plural dispensing apertures provided thereto; and (c) within the well, a container for containing said gel form media, wherein said plate closes off the well opening such that the gel form media is dispensable from the container by applying pressure to the plate to cause collapse of the walls and thereby force gel form media through said plural dispensing apertures. 
   
   
       26 . A tool for cleaning particulate debris from a surface comprising a body for applying a froth-creating cleaning agent to said surface, said body defining a cutaway portion; and provided to said cutaway portion, a framework for accommodating froth arising from the froth-creating agent to provide a froth trap for said particulate debris.