Touch Screen Stay-Clean Finger Mitten

Abstract

A fingertip covering for prevention of smudges, dirt accumulation and germ transfer to and from an electronic touchscreen device. The covering comprises a cylindrical section with an open end and a closed end, and a two-part construction. An antistatic microfiber material comprises the contact region and interface with the touchscreen, while an elastic material comprises the body of the covering. The use of a microfiber contact region provides a conductive interface for use with multiple touchscreen technologies. A fingernail opening is provided to accommodate users with longer finger nails, while the elastic body region conforms to different size fingers. The disclosed invention is an alternative to touchscreen covers that dull the display, reduce feedback and are prone to imbedded air bubbles that erode touch sensitivity. The coverings may be used with capacitive and resistive touchscreen without reduction in performance, and to provide a means that eliminates unwanted smudging or fingerprints on the screen.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 418,605 filed on Dec. 1, 2010, entitled “Touch Screen Stay-Clean Finger Mitten.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to touchscreen protectors. More specifically, the present invention relates to fingertip coverings that provide a user with a method of interacting with a touchscreen without introducing smudges or dirt on the screen or onto the user's finger. The present invention may substitute for current screen protectors, which intend the same purpose but utilize a clear covering across the touchscreen.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Touchscreen devices have become increasing popular with the advent of high powered computers and cellular devices. Touchscreen technology allows a user to directly interact and control a computer interface, typically without the need for a mechanical device such as a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fingertip covering device that prevents dirt and oil transfer from the user's finger to a surface.

[0014]Another object of the present invention is to provide fingertip covering that can be utilized on a user's forefinger or thumb, and one that provides a penetration through which a user's nail may exit.

Problems solved by technology

These devices have grown in complexity and in popularity as electronic devices have become smaller, smarter and more powerful.

It is because of this, these screens not compatible with gloved fingers or nonconductive pointer devices.

Users must interact with a touchscreen without finger coverings or protection, which can lead to several problems.

Constant use of such devices can lead to smudges, dirt marks and the buildup of germs along the touchscreen interface.

Many users are not able to wash their hands regularly, and doing so prior to every contact with such a device is impractical and not always possible.

The result of which is a dirty, non-hygienic surface that can be harmful to users and to the device itself if left uncleaned.

Freshly washed hands also introduces problems, as any water placed on the screen can quickly render a touchscreen inoperable for a period of time, as commands are not communicated from the user's fingertips while water is on the touchscreen surface.

While this provides a covering that prevents dirt and smudge buildup, these screens dull the clarity of the screen and are prone to reduced touch sensitivity.

Nonuniform contact between the screen and the cover may also manifest itself as air pockets under the film, which can be unattractive and reduce the functionality of the screen.

These coatings are useful, but not entirely effective.

They do not completely solve the issue of smudges and fingerprint residue.

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