Multi-Function Hand and Gripping Device

Abstract

A multi-function hand and gripping device for use in protecting a user from undesired contact with an exterior surface. The device comprises a base member and a securing member. The base member and securing member are preferably formed of a single piece of tubing, and are made of a material such as neoprene, which is non-porous. The securing member secures the device when in use, so that the user may deploy the device between the user and an exterior surface to be touched, and thereby avoid touching the exterior surface directly. This allows the user to reduce the possibility of exposure to contaminants and pathogens which may reside on the exterior surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-function hand and gripping device for use in protecting a user from undesired contact with an exterior surface, the device comprising:
 a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface being positioned to support the user when in use and said lower surface of said base member being positioned opposite to said upper surface to contact the exterior surface when in use; and   at least one securing member for securing the device in place when in use;   whereby the user may deploy the device to provide protection against the user directly contacting the exterior surface when in use.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said base member is generally planar. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said securing member includes at least one strap. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said at least one strap is fixed in place on said base member. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said securing member consists of two straps. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said base member and said securing member are integrally formed. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein said base member and said securing member are integrally formed from a single tube. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said bottom surface of said base member is non-porous. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said base member is selected from the group consisting of neoprene, silicon rubber, rubber, latex, nitrile, vinyl, artificial rubber and polypropylene. 
     
     
         10 . A multi-function hand and gripping device for use in protecting a user from undesired contact with an exterior surface, the device comprising:
 a generally planar base member having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface being positioned to support the user when in use and said lower surface of said base member being positioned opposite to said upper surface to contact the exterior surface when in use; and   at least one securing member for securing the device in place when in use;   wherein said base member and said securing member are integrally formed of a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, silicon rubber, rubber, latex, nitrile, vinyl, artificial rubber and polypropylene;   whereby the user may deploy the device to provide protection against the user directly contacting the exterior surface when in use.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said securing member includes at least one strap. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said securing member consists of two straps. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said base member and said securing member are integrally formed from a single tube. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a clip for attaching the device to a desired object.