There are many different activities in which it is either desirable or mandatory to remove or cover up rings. For example, in sports such as rugby or football, it is mandatory to either remove or completely cover rings during a match, primarily to prevent injury to other plays. As many players cannot or do not wish to remove their ring (s), it is usual for them to completely cover the ring (s) by wrapping insulating tape around their finger (s) and over the ring (s). However, this is not only time consuming but can also be uncomfortable for the player.

I have now devised an arrangement which seeks to overcome the problems outlined above.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for substantially covering a ring when worn on a user's finger or toe, comprising a generally tubular member which is worn over the finger and substantially covers the ring, when in use.

Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of substantially covering a ring when worn on a user's finger or toe, comprising the steps of providing a generally tubular member and sliding said tubular member over the finger so as to substantially cover the ring.

Other activities in which it is either desirable or mandatory to remove or cover up rings include any activities involving the use of machines in which rings may get trapped causing serious injury, such as industrial machine tools, industrial applications including aerospace and automotive (manufacture and service), military applications, activities

which require a relatively high level of hygiene, such as catering and medicine/surgery, and household activities such as cooking, washing up, cleaning, gardening or DIY, during which rings may be damaged or present a hygiene problem.

Although the device diameter of the generally tubular member may be substantially uniform along its length, the diameter of the portion of the tubular member intended to cover the ring, when in use, is beneficially of a larger diameter than the rest of the tubular member intended to cover the wearer's finger below the knuckle. The larger diameter portion of the tubular member may be reinforced so as to more suitably accommodate a protruding ring, such as a dress or engagement ring.

The tubular member is beneficially of a flexible or semi-rigid material, for comfort and also to enable one size to accommodate more than one finger size. The material may be substantially waterproof, and may be provided with one or more holes for aeration, primarily to prevent discomfort caused by a build up of perspiration under the tubular member. In any event, the tubular member is beneficially of a material which is hard-wearing and substantially resistant to degradation due to frequent flexing, moisture, etc.

The lower end of the tubular member may be formed with a circumferential flange or seal which abuts the lower end of the finger in a snug fit, when in use, to aid retention of the tubular member in position on the finger and over the ring.

At least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular member is beneficially lined with a relatively smooth material, such as the material used for the inner surface of rubber washing-up gloves and the like, to reduce friction and allow the tubular member to slide relatively easily over the finger.

The tubular member is beneficially formed so that a section thereof, in use, is a snug fit above the ring and below

the user's knuckle. In one embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the tubular member are such that it encapsulates only the ring and the base of the user's finger below the knuckle, leaving the knuckle free for maximum movement.

However, in another embodiment of the invention, the tubular member may be longer so as to partially or fully cover the user's first knuckle for added protection. In this case, the tubular member may have a second larger diameter portion, above the snug fitting portion above the ring and below the knuckle, the second larger diameter portion accommodating the user's first knuckle and allowing at least partial movement thereof.

In this case, the diameter of the tubular member preferably decreases gradually to another smaller diameter portion intended to abut the user's finger at a position above the first knuckle, when in use.

The dimensions of the tubular member may be such that only a single finger can be encapsulated. Alternatively, however, the tubular member may accommodate more than one adjacent fingers. Additional separate or integral means may also be provided to secure the tubular member to the finger or hand for additional security.

Tubular members may be manufactured individually, or several such members may be formed as a single piece with serrations or the like therebetween, so that a user can tear one member off for use, when required.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional view of apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present

invention.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention for substantially covering a ring (not shown) when worn on a user's finger (not shown) comprises a generally tubular member 10 of a flexible or semi-rigid material, such as rubber. The lower end of the tubular member 10, i. e. the end of the tubular member 10 intended in use to be positioned on the finger below the ring, is formed with a circumferential generally bulbous flange or rim 12. The tubular member 10 is shaped so as to have a relatively large diameter portion 14 between each end of the tubular member 10, so as to accommodate a ring, when in use. A portion at or adjacent the upper end 16 of the tubular member 10 is of a relatively smaller diameter so as to fit against the user's finger at a position above the ring.

In use, the user simply slips the tubular member 10 over a finger carrying a ring, and slides it down until the lower end (at 12) is substantially adjacent the bottom of the finger and the ring is covered.

The exemplary dimensions shown in Figure 1 are in no way intended to be limiting, in the sense that the dimensions of the tubular member 10 are dependent upon many factors including the size and number of fingers to be accommodated.

Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, a device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention for substantially covering a ring (not shown) when worn on a user's finger (not shown) again comprises a generally tubular member 10 with a generally bulbous rim 12 at its lower end.

A relatively large diameter portion 14 is provided just above the lower end (at 12) to accommodate a ring, when in use. A relatively smaller diameter portion or indentation 16 is provided so as to fit against the user's finger above the ring and below the first knuckle, when in use.

Adjacent the relatively smaller diameter portion, the diameter of the tubular member 10 increases again and then gradually decreases to form a tapered end portion 18. The upper end 20 of the tubular member 10 fits around the user's finger at a position above the first knuckle, when in use.

In use, the user simply slips the tubular member 10 over a finger carrying a ring, and slides it downward until the lower end (at 12) is substantially adjacent the bottom of the finger and the ring is covered.

Once again, the exemplary dimensions shown in Figure 2 are in no way intended to be limiting, in the sense that the dimensions of the tubular member 10 are dependent upon many factors, including the size and number of fingers to be accommodated.

In summary, the present invention provides a simple device for covering one or more rings when worn on a user's finger (s). The nature of the invention is such that it can be designed and manufactured so that one size may fit many different sized fingers. Two such designs have been described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.

However, the embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary, and many modifications and variations are envisaged, without departing from the scope of the invention.