초록 ▼

An air isolation hand or handle covering has a bladder consisting of a plurality of interconnected or independent inflation cells that is positioned between the hand and a hand-held tool or other vibrating object. The cells are oriented to permit easy bending of the hand covering in directions appro

An air isolation hand or handle covering has a bladder consisting of a plurality of interconnected or independent inflation cells that is positioned between the hand and a hand-held tool or other vibrating object. The cells are oriented to permit easy bending of the hand covering in directions appropriate for grasping an object. The effectiveness of the bladder in reducing the vibration energy transmitted to the hand is a function of the bladder material thickness, the shape and configuration of the bladder, the pressure in the bladder, the compressible fluid used, the volume of the bladder, and the grip force and push force used when clasping a tool or other object. The bladder is attached in place by way of an attachment tab which is integrally formed from at least one of the layers of the bladder and extends for at least about one sixth the length of the fluid cavity. Spacing between weld lines which define the inflation cells can be varied such that the thickness of the bladder in an inflated state varies at different inflation cells. The bladder can be filled with air or other fluid during the fabrication of the bladder or it can be inflated or deflated with a small pump and integral air valve connected to one of the air cavities. The covering may include an inflation sensor to indicate when a proper inflation pressure is reached.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A handle covering for reducing vibration from being transmitted to a user's hand from a handle, the handle covering comprising:a bladder defining a fluid cavity for retaining compressible fluid, the bladder being formed of a first layer of fluid-impervious material and a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A handle covering for reducing vibration from being transmitted to a user's hand from a handle, the handle covering comprising:a bladder defining a fluid cavity for retaining compressible fluid, the bladder being formed of a first layer of fluid-impervious material and a second layer of fluid-impervious material sealed together along a peripheral seal, with the fluid cavity formed between the first layer and the second layer within the peripheral seal, the fluid cavity having a first edge and an opposing second edge with an inflated length and an uninflated length between the first edge and the second edge, the bladder being flexible both when inflated and when uninflated to allow the bladder to be wrapped in a circumferential configuration about an axis with its length curved 360.degree. and with the first edge and the second edge extending generally linearly and parallel to the axis of the circumferential configuration; anda first attachment tab integrally formed from at least one of the first layer and the second layer, the first attachment tab extending from one of the first edge and the second edge of the fluid cavity with a length which is at least about one sixth the inflated length of the fluid cavity so when the bladder is wrapped in the circumferential configuration the first attachment tab extends circumferentially at least about 60.degree., the first attachment tab for attaching the bladder to a handle.