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.

1 . A protector for a fingertip, comprising:
 a tubular sheath sized to accommodate the fingertip; configured to fit over the fingertip to approximately the first joint of a finger; configured with a closed distal end; and configured with a proximal open end adapted with a finger-receiving opening configured and sized to allow the insertion of the fingertip wherein a key chain attachment having an interior aperture formed therein is formed in said tubular sheath; and   a knob-like protuberance disposed within said distal end of said sheath and configured to allow a focus of pressure of the fingertip.   
     
     
         2 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in Claim.  1 , wherein said closed distal end is configured with a cutout configured to allow at least a portion of a fingernail of the inserted finer to be viewed. 
     
     
         3 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said cutout is finger-nail shaped. 
     
     
         4 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the edge of said cutout comprises a rounded rim. 
     
     
         5 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said closed distal end is configured with a contour generally corresponding to the shape of the end of the fingertip and wherein said interior aperture is sized and configured for receiving a key chain. 
     
     
         6 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said closed distal end is generally cone-shaped. 
     
     
         7 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said sheath is imprinted with an indicium. 
     
     
         8 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said indicium is a logo. 
     
     
         9 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said sheath is formed of a flexible rubber-like material. 
     
     
         10 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said protuberance is formed integrally with said sheath. 
     
     
         11 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said protuberance is formed of a hardened plastic material. 
     
     
         12 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said protuberance comprises an operable electromagnetic pen. 
     
     
         13 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said protuberance is embedded within said sheath. 
     
     
         14 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said proximal open end of said sheath comprises a circumferential ridge. 
     
     
         15 . A protector for a fingertip, comprising:
 a tubular sheath sized to accommodate the fingertip; configured to fit over the fingertip to approximately the first joint of a finger; configured with a closed distal end configured with a contour generally corresponding to the shape of the end of the fingertip; configured with a proximal open end; and formed of a flexible rubber-like material that can receive printing of an indicium; wherein said proximal open end is adapted with a finger-receiving opening configured, is sized to allow the insertion of the fingertip, and is configured with a circumferential ridge and a key chain attachment having an interior aperture is formed in said tubular sheath; and   a knob-like protuberance embedded within said distal end of said sheath and configured to allow a focus of pressure of the fingertip.   
     
     
         16 . The protector for a fingertip as recited in  claim 15 , wherein said closed distal end is configured with a cutout configured to allow at least a portion of a fingernail of the inserted finger to be viewed. 
     
     
         17 . A method for using a protector for a fingertip, comprising:
 obtaining a fingertip protector;   inserting the tip of a finger into said fingertip protector to approximately the length of the first joint of the finger;   positioning a hardened protuberance disposed on the distal end of said fingertip protector upon a digital input device; and   using said protuberance to contact said digital input device to input data.   
     
     
         18 . The method for using a protector for a fingertip, as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising placing said fingertip protector on a key ring by inserting the key ring into a provided aperture configured to receive the key. 
     
     
         19 . The method for using a protector for a fingertip, as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said fingertip protector is imprinted with indicium. 
     
     
         20 . The method for using a protector for a fingertip, as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said fingertip protector is configured with a cutout adapted to allow at least a portion of a fingernail of the finger to be viewed.