• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to a finger guard for protecting a finger, a glove provided therewith and method there for. The finger guard comprises: - a first part configured for protecting at least a finger tip or distal phalanges and having a first end comprising an opening for a finger tip or distal phalanges, and a second end; and - a protector connected the first part at or close to the first end thereof, wherein the protector is configured to be clamped between the teeth of a person or animal for protecting the finger tip or distal phalanges when inspecting or cleaning a mouth and/or teeth of another person or animal.
    公开号:NL2016195A
    申请号:NL2016195
    申请日:2016-02-01
    公开日:2016-10-24
    发明作者:Maarten Kortleven Barend；Herdianna Widijowati Fransisca
    申请人:Pura Tekniko B V；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FINGER GUARD FOR PROTECTING A FINGER, GLOVE PROVIDED THEREWITH, AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A FINGER
    The present invention relates to a finger guard for projecting a finger. Such finger guard protects a finger of a person against injuries. The finger guard is especially useful in situations wherein a person uses a finger for inspection or cleaning the mouth and/or teeth of another person. The finger guard prevents injuries to the finger.
    In practice, finger injuries occur when people inspect or clean the mouth and/or teeth of another person. Conventional finger guards or other protection means do not provide sufficient protection and/or do not provide sufficient freedom to move the finger. Particularly, injuries occur when inspecting or cleaning the mouth or teeth of a person who is a disabled person, more specifically when this person has profound (intellectual and) multiple disabilities (in Dutch language “ernstig meervoudige beperkingen”).
    Injuries occur when a person bites and/or clamps/clasps the teeth to each other. Especially when working with disabled persons, such persons are often very sensitive to these inspections and/or cleaning treatments, such that finger injuries occur frequently. This results in more stress to all persons involved, in practice thereby significantly reducing the condition of the mouth and teeth.
    The object of the present invention is to provide a protection means, specifically for protecting a finger, that provides sufficient protection and enables sufficient freedom to move the finger.
    This object is achieved with the finger guard for protecting a finger according to the present invention, the finger guard comprising: a first part configured for protecting at least a finger tip or distal phalanges and having a first end comprising an opening for a finger tip or distal phalanges, and a second end; and a protector connected the first part at or close to the first end thereof, wherein the protector is configured to be clamped between the teeth of a person or animal for protecting the finger tip or distal phalanges when inspecting or cleaning a mouth and/or teeth of another person or animal.
    According to the invention the first part of the finger guard is configured for protecting a finger tip to which is also referred as the distal phalanges.
    The finger guard according to the invention provides protection and/or maintains the mouth in an open position, while sufficient freedom is provided to a user to perform the functions as desired. Such functions specifically include inspecting, monitoring, treating, cleaning the mouth of a mammal, more specifically the mouth of another person, and even more specifically the mouth and/or teeth of a disabled person, possibly a person with profound (intellectual) and multiple disabilities.
    The finger guard according to the invention enables a person to safely use a finger to open a mouth and/or enable inspection and/or cleaning of a mouth and/or teeth. This prevents injuries to the finger, especially to the index finger.
    Furthermore, by providing a finger guard according to the invention, inspection and cleaning can be performed more effectively. This may contribute to improved mouth hygiene for a person, in addition to the prevention of finger injuries. In presently preferred embodiments according to the invention the protector enables the user to remain fingers outside the mouth during the inspection of cleaning.
    In addition, as a further effect, in case one knows that injuries are being prevented any inspection or cleaning can be performed in a more relaxed atmosphere, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the respective persons. This also improves the overall condition of a mouth and/or teeth.
    In a presently preferred embodiment the protector comprises a polygonal shaped cross-section, preferably with four, five, six, seven or eight edges. In a presently preferred embodiment the protector has a convex quadrilateral or tetragonal shape. It was shown that such shape provided a sufficient protection. It will be understood that other shapes could also be envisaged in accordance with the invention.
    In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention the protector is provided at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the first part.
    Providing the protector at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the first part renders the finger guard according to the invention more user-friendly. In particular, it may obviate the need to contact the chin of the person. Preferably, the angle is in the range of 0-110°, more preferably in the range of 45-90°, and most preferably in the range of 75-90°. In particular this angle enables a user to stand besides a person when inspecting the mouth of this person, for example.
    In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention the finger guard comprises a protecting rib extending in lengthwise direction over at least a part of the first part of the finger guard.
    By providing an additional protecting rib, preferably on the outer surface of at least a part of the first part of the finger guard, additional safety is provided. As a further effect, the protecting rib provides additional room or space when inspecting or cleaning of the mouth of a mammal, such as a person, even in case the mouth is clamped/clasped.
    Preferably, the protecting rib is configured to be clamped between the teeth of a person. For this reason, the rib is preferably provided with a width and/or depth in the range of 4-10 mm, more preferably in the range of 5-8 mm.
    In a presently preferred embodiment according to the present invention the protector and/or rib is manufactured from a softer material as compared to the material used for the first part of the finger guard. This enables providing very strong and robust first, and optionally second and third, parts of the finger guard, while providing a softer protecting protector and/or rib providing additional stability.
    In a presently preferred embodiment the finger guard according tot the present invention is made of a plastic material. In a presently preferred embodiment the finger guard body is made of polypropylene. Also, in a presently preferred embodiment the protector is made of is made of a thermoplastic material, more preferably thermoplastic elastomer with hardness in the range of 20A-90A. Most preferably, a styrenic block copolymer, such as SEBS, is applied in a favorable manner. It is shown that this combination of materials can be advantageously applied when using and/or manufacturing the finger guard according to the invention. It will be understood that the use of other materials is also possible, such as a metal or ceramic material.
    Preferably, in use, the finger guard according to the invention is provided in a glove when being used in the mouth of a person or other mammal. This further increases the overall safety and hygiene.
    In a presently preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the finger guard further comprises: - a second part hingedly connected to the first part configured for protecting an intermediate finger part or intermediate phalanges; and - a third part hingedly connected to the second part configured for protecting a proximal finger part or proximal phalanges.
    By providing the finger guard with three parts that are hingedly connected to each other, more specifically a first part of the finger guard being hingedly connected to the second part, and a third part hingedly connected to the second part, sufficient protection can be provided.
    According to the invention the first part of the finger guard is configured for protecting a finger tip to which is also referred as the distal phalanges. The second part that is hingedly connected to the first part is configured for protecting the intermediate finger part to which is also referred as the intermediate phalanges. The third part that is hingedly connected to the second part is configured for protecting a proximal finger part, also referred to as proximal phalanges. The connections between the parts are preferably provided as a hinge or joint to enable sufficient movement of the finger parts.
    Furthermore, by providing a finger guard according to the invention with three parts corresponding to the respective finger parts, inspection and cleaning can be performed more effectively. This may contribute to improved mouth hygiene for a person, in addition to the prevention of finger injuries.
    In presently preferred embodiment the connection between the different parts of the finger guard comprises a hinge with a pen/hole configuration. This enables the hinge parts to be integrally manufactured with the respective parts of the finger guard. This reduces the number of components required for the finger guard according to the present invention. Such integral approach renders the finger guard according to the present invention cost effective. Furthermore, this integral approach reduces the risk of components disintegrating and staying behind in a mouth of a person, for example.
    In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the first and/or second part of the finger guard is provided with extension means.
    By providing extension means the finger guard can be used on fingers with different dimensions. Especially providing the first and/or second part with extension means renders the finger guard according to the invention more flexible for users. It will be understood that the extension means may be applied to all of the aforementioned embodiments according to the invention.
    In one preferred embodiment the extension means comprises telescopic elements. By providing telescopic elements, the length of the first and/or second part can be adapted to the length of the first and/or intermediate finger part or the intermediate part of a user.
    Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the extension means comprises an elastic material. This enables the first and/or second part of the finger guard to adapt to the length and/or outer diameter of the corresponding finger part. It will be understood that other embodiments can also be envisaged that enable the adjustment of the finger guard and/or its components to the actual dimensions of the finger it is protecting. It will be understood that the telescopic elements and/or elastic material may be applied to all of the aforementioned embodiments according to the invention.
    In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the first and/or second part of the finger guard is provided with a partly open circumference.
    Providing a partly open circumference provides additional flexibility to the finger guard. For example, this makes putting the finger guard on a finger easier. Also, it provides some size tolerance. Furthermore, it provides some clamping force when in use. It will be understood that the open circumference can be achieved in different ways, including providing a groove, additional opening etc. and can be applied to all of the aforementioned embodiments according to the invention.
    Although the second part of the multi-part embodiment can be provided with a fully closed circumference, for example involving the use of a bridging part, the use of a partly open circumference further improves the freedom to move the finger without reducing the protection of the finger guard.
    In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the finger guard further comprises a brush element with bristles.
    By providing the finger guard with a brush element, preferably with an integrated brush element, cleaning or brushing the mouth of person can be performed effectively, without the risk of getting injured.
    The present invention also relates to a glove, with the glove comprising a finger guard as described earlier.
    Such glove provides the same effects and advantages as those related to the finger guard.
    In a presently preferred embodiment the finger guard is integrated with the glove or inserted in the glove to advantageously combine protection with hygienic conditions.
    The present invention further also relates to a method for protecting a finger, the method comprising the step of providing a finger guard or glove as described earlier.
    Such method provides the same effects and advantages as those related to the finger guard and/or glove.
    Further advantages features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 A-C shows a finger guard according to the present invention; figures 2-4 show different embodiments of finger guards according to the invention; figure 5 shows a finger guard according to the present invention; figures 6 A-C shows different embodiments of the finger guard shown in figure 5; figures 7 and 8 show the finger guard of figure 6 A in different positions; and figure 9 shows a glove comprises a finger guard as shown in figure 5.
    Finger guard 102 (figure 1 A-B) comprises finger guard body 104 having first end 106 with opening 108 and second end 110 with protector 112. In the illustrated embodiment body 104 is provided with groove 114. Angle a between the longitudinal direction L of finger guard 102 and longitudinal direction P of protector 112 amounts to about 80° in the illustrated embodiment. A user may enter a first finger part into opening 108 of body 104 thereby protecting this finger part when inspecting a mouth or teeth of another person or an animal. Cross-sectional shape 116 may have different shapes (figure 1 C), including a quadrilateral or tetragonal shape 116a, a pentagonal shape 116b, a hexagonal shape 116c, and an octagonal shape 116d. Protector 112 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material and body 104 is made of a polypropylene material. This material can also be applied to other embodiments of the finger guard according to the invention. Also, different materials may be applied.
    Finger guard 202 (figure 2 A-B) comprises body 204, first end 206 with opening 208, second end 210 and protector 212. Protector 212 comprises rib 214 extending along the surface of body 204 in longitudinal direction thereof. It will be understood that rib 214 may also extend over a part of the length of body 204.
    Finger guard 302 (figure 3 A-B) comprises body 304, first end 306 with opening 308, second end 310 and protector 312. Protector 312 comprises rib 314 extending along the surface of body 304 in longitudinal direction thereof. It will be understood that rib 314 may also extend over a part of the length of body 304. In the illustrated embodiment body 304 is provided with groove 316. Side-extensions 318 extend from the surface of body 304 and provide additional protection. Side-extensions 318 have proven to provide additional protection when using finger guard 302 with animals.
    Finger guard 402 (figure 4 A-B) is a further modification of finger guard 302 and comprises body 404, first end 406 with opening 408, second end 410 and protector 412. Protector 412 comprises rib 414 extending along the surface of body 404 in longitudinal direction thereof. It will be understood that rib 414 may also extend over a part of the length of body 404. In the illustrated embodiment body 404 is provided with groove 416. Side-extensions 418 extend from the surface of body 304 and provide additional protection. Furthermore, finger guard 402 comprises flexible part 420 that may also be embodied as extension part of the extension means.
    Finger guard 2 (figure 5) comprises first distal part 4, second intermediate part 6 and third proximal part 8. First part 4 and second part 6 are connected with hinge 10. Second part 6 and third part 8 are connected with hinge 12. Protecting rib 14 extends in lengthwise direction over a significant part of first part 4.
    Finger guard 2 comprises two rotational axis X,Y to provide optimal freedom to move a finger that is protected with finger guard 2 (figure 6 A). Hinge 10 is capable of rotating around its rotational axis X, and hinge 12 is capable of rotating around its rotational axis Y. In the illustrated embodiment at each rotational axis X,Y there are provided two hinge elements. Also, in the illustrated embodiment hinges 10, 12 are integrally manufactured with parts 4, 6, 8 by including a first part of hinges 10, 12 in one part 4, 6, 8 of finger guard 2, and the corresponding hinge part of hinges 10,12 in the corresponding other part 4, 6, 8 of figure 6.
    Opening 18 in third part 8 enables a finger to be inserted in and removed out of finger guard 2. Finger guard 2 can be advantageously applied in a number of circumstances including emergency situations, ambulance (rides), first aid kits.
    In the illustrated embodiment first part 4, second part 6 and third part 8 of finger guard 2, including the material of hinges 10, 12 are made of the same material thereby providing a uniform finger guard 2. Such finger guard 2 is easy to manufacture and safe in use. Optionally, rib 14 is provided from a softer material.
    In an alternative embodiment, finger guard 20 (figure 6 B) comprises a second part 6 with a bridging element 22 providing additional strength and stability to especially second part 6 of finger guard 20. In the illustrated embodiment second part 6 is integrally manufactured comprising bridging element 20.
    In a further alternative embodiment, finger guard 24 (figure 6 C) is provided with first extension means 26 comprising telescopic elements 28, 30 that are provided on sub-elements 6a and 6b of second part 6. Telescopic elements 28, 30 enable extension of second part 6 in direction A. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, second part 6 may comprise elastic part 28 from an elastic material to enable movement in a direction B corresponding to the radial direction of second part 6, thereby enabling adjustment of finger part 6 to the dimensions of the finger, preferably the index finger. It will be understood that elastic material can also be used to enable adjustment in length direction A (figure 6 C). Optionally, rib 14 is provided with bristles 38 to enable acting as a tooth brush.
    It will be understood that features of different embodiments of finger guard 2,20,24 can be combined or omitted from an individual embodiment, thereby providing further alternative embodiments according to the present invention. For example, the telescopic elements 26 or elastic part 28 can also be provided in finger guard 20.
    In use, finger guard 2 (figures 7 and 8) can be moved from a straight position (figure 7) into a bended position (figure 8). This illustrates the flexibility of finger guard 2.
    In the illustrated embodiment, in the straight position of finger guard 2 (figure 7), edge 30a engages edge 30b, and edge 32a engages edge 32b. In the illustrated embodiment, in the bended position of finger guard 2 (figure 8), the maximum rotational movement around axis X, Y is achieved when edge 34a engages edge 34b, and edge 36a engages edge 36b. It will be understood that the edges can be adapted to the specific requirements of an intended user.
    Glove 40 (figure 9) comprises one finger guard 2 in one of its finger elements 42, specifically for protecting the index finger. It will be understood that more fingers can be provided with separate finger guards 2. In similar manner glove 40 may comprise finger guard 102.
    When someone intends to inspect or clean the mouth or teeth of another person, finger guard 2, 102 is provided on a finger, preferably the so-called index finger of the hand. The mouth is opened and the finger provides room and safety to the person, thereby enabling taking the required measures.
    The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims in the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.
    Clauses 1. Finger guard for protecting a finger, comprising: a first part configured for protecting at least a finger tip or distal phalanges and having a first end comprising an opening for a finger tip or distal phalanges, and a second end; and a protector connected the first part at or close to the first end thereof, wherein the protector is configured to be clamped between the teeth of a person or animal for protecting the finger tip or distal phalanges when inspecting or cleaning a mouth and/or teeth of another person or animal. 2. Finger guard according to clause 1, wherein the protector comprises a polygonal shaped cross-section. 3. Finger guard according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the protector is provided at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the first part. 4. Finger guard according to clause 1, 2 or 3, wherein the protector comprises a protecting rib extending in lengthwise direction over at least a part of the first part. 5. Finger guard according to clause 4, wherein the rib is configured to be clamped between the teeth of a person or animal. 6. Finger guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, wherein the protector is at least partly manufactured from a softer material as compared to the first part. 7. Finger guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, wherein the first part is provided with extension means. 8. Finger guard according to clause 7, wherein the extension means comprises telescopic elements and/or elastic material. 9. Finger guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, wherein the first part is provided with a partly open circumference. 10. Finger guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, further comprising: - a second part hingedly connected to the first part configured for protecting an intermediate finger part or intermediate phalanges; and - a third part hingedly connected to the second part configured for protecting a proximal finger part or proximal phalanges. 11. Finger guard according to clause 10, wherein the second part is provided with extension means. 12. Finger guard according to clause 11, wherein the extension means comprises telescopic elements. 13. Finger guard according to clause 11 or 12, wherein the extension means comprises elastic material. 14. Finger guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, wherein the second part is provided with a partly open circumference. 15. Finger guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses, further comprising a brush element with bristles. 16. Glove comprising a finger guard according to one or more of the foregoing clauses. 17. Method for protecting a finger, comprising the step of providing a finger guard or glove according to one or more of the foregoing clauses.
    权利要求:
    Claims (17)
    [1]
    A finger protector for protecting a finger, comprising: - a first part for protecting a fingertip or distal phalanx and having a first end comprising an opening for a fingertip or distal phalanx, and a second end; and - a protector connected to the first portion at or near the end thereof, wherein the protector is configured to be clamped between teeth of a person or animal for protecting the fingertip or distal phalanx when inspecting or cleaning a mouth and / or teeth of another person or animal.
    [2]
    Finger protector according to claim 1, wherein the protector is provided with a polygonal shape.
    [3]
    Finger protector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protector is provided at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the first part.
    [4]
    A finger protector according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the protector comprising a protective rib extends longitudinally over at least a part of the first part.
    [5]
    The finger protector of claim 4, wherein the rib is configured to be clamped between teeth of a person or animal.
    [6]
    Finger protector according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the protector is at least partially made of a softer material compared to the first part.
    [7]
    Finger protector according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first part is provided with extension means.
    [8]
    A finger protector according to claim 7, wherein the extension means comprise telescopic elements and / or elastic material.
    [9]
    9. Finger protector according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first part is provided with a partially open circumference.
    [10]
    The finger protector according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a second part pivotally connected to the first part configured to protect the middle finger part or middle phalanx; and - a third portion pivotally connected to the second portion configured to protect a proximal finger portion or proximal phalanx.
    [11]
    11. Finger protector according to claim 10, wherein the second part is provided with extension means.
    [12]
    12. Finger protector according to claim 11, wherein the extension means comprise telescopic elements.
    [13]
    A finger protector according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the extension means comprise elastic material.
    [14]
    A finger protector according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second part is provided with a partially open circumference.
    [15]
    Finger protector according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a brush element with bristles.
    [16]
    A glove comprising a finger protector according to one or more of the preceding claims.
    [17]
    A method for protecting a finger, comprising the step of providing a finger protector and / or glove according to one or more of the preceding claims.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
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    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    NL2014671|2015-04-20|
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