Hygienic finger protector

Abstract

An inexpensive, practical hygienic finger protector is provided, which includes a tubular sheath having a proximal open end and a distal closed end. The open end is adapted to receive a human finger to approximately the first joint with the tip of the finger, when inserted, abutting the closed end. The finger protector further includes a knob like protuberance imbedded into the closed end of the sheath, disposed below the downward-facing fingertip of the inserted finger. The finger protector guards against contamination by dirt or microorganisms, while allowing the wearer to input data or signatures into public data input devices such as keypads or s keypads, card readers, and signature recorders. Optionally aspects, including a keychain attachment, embedded data storage, and aesthetic cut-outs are presented.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to hygienic products, and more particularly, to an inexpensive finger protection device usable on public keypads and the like.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0002]Store customers are routinely required to interact with public data input devices. These public data input devices include keypads, card readers, and signature capture devices used by customers at checkout counters as they pay for merchandise and services. Public data input devices also include airline check-in kiosks, bank and ATM keypads, and the like where transactions are initiated, executed, and / or completed.[0003]The practicality and usability of the public data input devices has led to great popularity, with large numbers of customers being required to touch the same relatively small contact surfaces throughout the day. The cleanliness of these contact surfaces thus suffers. Customers inadvertently transfer dirt and illness-causing microorganisms to the publ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a practical and affordable finger protector that prevents dirt and microorganisms from contaminating it. The protector allows users to input data or signatures into public devices such as keypads and ATM machines. It provides hygienic protection for digits and can be customized according to user preferences.

Problems solved by technology

The cleanliness of these contact surfaces thus suffers.

Customers inadvertently transfer dirt and illness-causing microorganisms to the public data input devices simply by using them for their intended purpose.

The fingers of the customers may be particularly unsanitary at the end of a shopping trip due to the multitude of diverse surfaces touched as items for purchase are selected.

The hands of customers buying raw meat may come into contact with dripping juices containing dangerous (and increasingly antibiotic-resistant) campylobacter, salmonella, or other bacteria.

Currently there is no practical means or method to protect one customer from the dirt and microorganisms left on the public data input devices by the previous customers.

Particularly when customers have a nick or cut on their hands, they are vulnerable to infection from common bacteria and viruses, as well as more alarming HIV, Hepatitis, herpes, blood-borne pathogens, or other infectious diseases.

Placing gloves on the hand could protect the hand, but gloves are bulky, awkward, and inconvenient.

Further, the public data input devices may be impaired or damaged by the dirt from the customers' hands, thus necessitating repair.

For example, dirt under a key of a keypad may cause that number or letter to become unfunctional.

Though numerous items are available, current inexpensive promotional items have been used repetitively, thus diminishing their impact and desirability.

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