Hand utility interface

Abstract

The present invention provides a hand-utility interface for use in protecting a user's hand during utility tasks and comprising a body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein, wherein the finger-receiving channels snugly receive the fingers of said user's hand such that in use, the finger-receiving channels secure the interface to the user's hand. Additional palm supports may be provided too if desired.

1 . A hand-utility interface for use in protecting a user's hand during utility tasks comprising a flexible body having a first major face, the first major face having defined therein a plurality of substantially U-shaped finger-receiving channels with spaced apart opposing sidewalls, whereby a user may insert their hand to wear the interface by pressing their hand down over that major face so that the fingers enter the finger-receiving channels, 
     
     
         2 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the finger-receiving channels has spaced apart opposing sidewalls configured to flex wider apart to receive a finger of the user's hand and resiliently close thereagainst. 
     
     
         3 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the body defines a uniform work surface. 
     
     
         4 . A hand-utility interface according to either of  claims 1 , wherein the body comprises visco-elastic foam material. 
     
     
         5 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 2 , wherein finger-retaining means are provided to one or more of the finger-receiving channels. 
     
     
         6 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 5 , wherein said finger-retaining means comprise an overhanging rim or lip of the channel over hanging said finger-receiving channel. 
     
     
         7 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the body is symmetric in form such as to be suitable for ambidextrous use. 
     
     
         8 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises at least two finger-channels of equal length for receipt of the second and third fingers of the user's hand respectively. 
     
     
         9 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 8 , wherein said at least two finger-receiving channels are identical in shape. 
     
     
         10 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 9 , wherein said at least two finger-receiving channels are identical in dimension. 
     
     
         11 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the finger-receiving channels are arranged in a fanned out configuration. 
     
     
         12 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein each finger-receiving channel narrows progressively along its length. 
     
     
         13 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the depth of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. 
     
     
         14 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the width of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. 
     
     
         15 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the cross-section of each finger-receiving channel reduces progressively along its length. 
     
     
         16 . 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. 
     
     
         17 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein each finger-receiving channel has a curving under profile. 
     
     
         18 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the body is provided with a first cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation, but not snug receipt, of the user's thumb. 
     
     
         19 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the body is provided with a second cutaway portion arranged in use, for accommodation, but not snug receipt, of the user's little finger. 
     
     
         20 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the 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. 
     
     
         21 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the body is provided with v-shaped channels transverse to the finger receiving channels for added flexibility. 
     
     
         22 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the finger-receiving channels are defined by continuous walls of the body. 
     
     
         23 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the finger-receiving channels are defined by intermittent walls of the body. 
     
     
         24 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein the body is provided with a palm-receiving portion shaped to receive a user's palm. 
     
     
         25 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 24 , wherein the palm-receiving portion has a domed profile. 
     
     
         26 . 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. 
     
     
         27 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , wherein divides are provided in the body running between neighbouring finger-receiving channels. 
     
     
         28 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , made by a deformation cutting process. 
     
     
         29 . A hand-utility interface according to  claim 1 , made by an injection or reaction moulding process.