US Patent 11969038 Hygienic protective cover for public surfaces

A hygienic protective cover for public surfaces includes a thin flexible panel of spring metal, coated with a layer of silicone. The spring metal can be a bi-stable ribbon spring. The spring metal composition of the flexible panel is configured to transfer between a straight, semi-rigid form and a curved form adapted to wrap around an exterior surface of a public handle, when forcibly applied to the public handle. A silicone layer encapsulates the panel to minimize transfer of germs. A protruding grip on the outer side of the panel enables the user to grip and manipulate the panel when wrapped around the public handle. The device is sized and dimensioned to be easily carried on a public transportation vehicle, such that a user can wrap the device around a section of the public handle to help prevent direct contact with the exterior surface thereof.