UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE
2,467,613 FINGER SHIELD
Ira D. Davis, Avery, Tex.
Application April 29,1946, Serial No. 665,670
1 Claim. (Cl. 2—21)
This invention relates to safety devices, and has particular reference to a finger guard or shield such as those worn on a workman's fingers when driving nails, tacks, or the like.
The invention has for its principal object the provision of a finger shield which is comfortable and convenient in use.
A particular object of the invention is to provide a ringer protector or shield of the described class which absorbs a portion of the shock, such as may be caused from the blow from a hammer, and thus lessening the danger of injury to the nail-holding finger and thumb.
A further object of the invention is to provide, in addition to the foregoing, a relatively light and conveniently used shield which allows the unimpaired use of the inner surfaces of the fingers for handling and holding nails or the like, and particularly the holding of small nails or tacks.
These and other objects will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hand holding a nail between the thumb and forefinger, with a nail in position prior to driving, and showing a pair of the hereinafter described shields positioned on the said thumb and the said forefinger.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a shield such as worn on the forefinger, and embodying the features of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the shield shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a lateral sectional view of a shield, such as the one worn on the thumb, and showing the inner construction thereof, and
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the shield shown in Figure 4.
Preferably, the shields I and 2 of the invention are provided in pairs, and each generally conform, respectively, with the outer contours of the forefinger 3 and thumb 4 of the user's hand in the manner shown in Figure 1. The shape of each shield I' and 2 is substantially the same as that of a dressmaker's thimble, but having sides of the same cut away, and having diagonal
contours near the outer ends for allowing the
wearer to grasp the object, such as the nail 5
to be driven, with his fingertips.
As shown in Figure 4, each shield I and 2 is
5 arcuate in cross section, and contains therein a laterally disposed arcuate spring band 6 or 7, and having a convex inner surface, for engaging either the finger 3 or the thumb 4. Each spring 6 or 1 is secured to the center of its shield I or
10 2 by rivets 8 or 9, or other suitable means.
When the rivets 8 or 9 are used, small washers
i 0 or U are placed around the same and between
the shield ! or 2 and the springs 6 or 7.
The contour of each shield I or 2 is such that
15 it does not snugly fit the finger or thumb 3 or 4, but depends upon the spring action of the arcuate spring 6 or 7 for engagement thereon. Thus, any blow striking the shield i or 2 is cushioned and thus lessens the shock imparted
20 to either of the said shields.
In operation, the shields I and 2 are attached in the manner previously described and the worker holds and handles the nail or tack 5 in the usual manner for driving the same, but is
25 not impaired in his movements. With the shields 1 and 2 in place, the finger 3 and the thumb 4 are thus protected from a misdirected blow of the hammer. What I claim as my invention is:
30 In a finger shield, a shield portion arcuate in cross section and opened along one side thereof, and diagonally contoured at the tip end thereof, and an arcuate spring holder riveted within and spaced from the said shield for engaging the
35 user's finger or thumb.
IRA D. DAVIS.
REFERENCES CITED
The following references are of record in the *" file of this patent:
UNITED STATES PATENTS
Number Name Date
681,054 Hawley Aug. 20, 1901
48 1,316,292 Fleming Sept. 16, 1919
1,380,410 Parry June 7, 1921
2,323,854 Silverman July 6,1943
