Safety gear

Abstract

Protective devices and methods suitable for users of pneumatic tools are contemplated for providing covering sufficient to stop or impede a nail's momentum for protection of more commonly injured areas of the body. Protective devices and methods are provided to protect areas of the body such as: a hand, including thumb and index finger of the hand not holding the nailer; a wrist; a knee; a foot; and/or an ankle. Protective covering can be made of any material that is sufficient to stop or impede the nail's momentum. The material may be flexible or stiff. The material may not significantly impede normal joint articulation or significantly interfere with normal work functions. Material can be stiff and the protective device be composed of smaller elements joined so as to allow normal articulation.

1 . A safety device comprising: 
 at least one covering sufficient to stop or impede momentum of a nail from a pneumatic nailer;    means for securely placing said at least one covering on a body part; and    means for configuring said at least one covering to facilitate articulated movement of said body part.    
   
   
       2 . The safety device of  claim 1 , wherein 
 said body part is a human hand;    said at least one covering comprises a plurality of integral parts configured to cover at least a portion of a surface of a thumb and index finger of said hand;    said means for securely placing comprises at least one strap; and    said integral part are attached to each other by means of at least one pivot.    
   
   
       3 . The safety device of  claim 1 , wherein 
 said body part is a human wrist; and    said means for securely placing comprises at least one strap.    
   
   
       4 . The safety device of  claim 1 , wherein 
 said body part is a human ankle;    said at least one covering comprises a plurality of through holes;    said means for securely placing comprises a lace threaded through said through holes.    
   
   
       5 . The safety device of  claim 1 , wherein 
 said body part is a human knee;    said at least one covering comprises a plurality of integral parts configured to cover at least a portion of said knee;    said means for securely placing comprises a sleeve; and    said integral parts are fixedly attached to each and to said sleeve.