Method and Apparatus for Improved Manual Operations

Abstract

The present invention can provide a glove system that mounts with a user's hand and facilitates efficient hand-actuated repetitive motions, such as sanding. A tool element removeably mounts with a glove, and provides for easy tool changes, while the mounting allows force to be transmitted from the hand to the tool without continued gripping or pinching by the user. Actions such as sanding can be accomplished with more force, and less user fatigue.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A glove apparatus, comprising an element configured to mount in a substantially fixed relationship to a human hand, wherein the element comprises one or more of (a) a mounting feature held by the element in a substantially fixed relationship to the palm of the hand; and (b) a mounting feature held by the element in a substantially fixed relationship to a finger of the hand; wherein the mounting feature or features are configured to accept a tool in a removable mounting, wherein when mounted the mounting feature transmits forces from the hand to the tool in at least two dimensions substantially parallel to the surface of the hand near the corresponding mounting feature. 
     
     
         2 . A glove apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the element comprises a flexible material configured to securely engage the palm and back of the hand. 
     
     
         3 . A glove apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the element comprises a flexible material configured to surround the palm and back of the hand and one or more fingers of the hand. 
     
     
         4 . A glove apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the element comprises a clip mounting feature disposed with the element such that the clip mounting feature is positioned on the palm of the hand when the apparatus is mounted with a hand. 
     
     
         5 . A glove apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting feature or features comprise one or more of: the hooks of a hook and loop fastener, the loops of a hook and loop fastener, a surface configured for removable mounting of pressure sensitive adhesive, a surface configured for electrostatic mounting, a surface having air passages therethrough that facilitate vacuum mounting. 
     
     
         6 . A system for facilitating repetitive motion tasks, comprising a glove apparatus as in  claim 1 , and a tool element comprising an active surface configured to perform work on a workpiece and a mounting feature opposite the active surface, wherein the mounting feature is configured to removable engage one or more mounting features on the glove apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . A system as in  claim 6 , wherein the active surface of the tool element comprises a flexible element defining a surface configured to receive an abrasive sheet. 
     
     
         8 . A system as in  claim 6 , wherein the active surface of the tool element comprises a metal plate suitable for application of cement products. 
     
     
         9 . A system as in  claim 6 , wherein the active surface of the tool element comprises a stiff sponge suitable for smoothing of cement products. 
     
     
         10 . A system as in  claim 6 , wherein the tool element has a cross-section that extends along an axis, and wherein the mounting feature is disposed substantially parallel to the axis. 
     
     
         11 . A system as in  6 , wherein the glove apparatus comprises a glove apparatus as in  claim 4 , and wherein the active surface of the tool element comprises a flexible, abrasive surface.