African American inventor Michelle Wilson has developed a groundbreaking product for germ-conscious individuals: The Shellicone Finger Protector.
This innovative tool shields users from commonly found germs on public surfaces like ATM machines, self-service kiosks, keypads, and more.
With a built-in LED light, the device offers both protection and convenience, revolutionizing how people interact with germ-prone surfaces.
Wilson, who comes from a family of inventors, was inspired to create the Shellicone Finger Protector during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While waiting at a bank on her lunch break, she noticed a lack of precautionary measures, such as sanitizing keypads between customers.
“My germaphobia OCD kicked in,” she told Black News “and I heard God say to me, ‘Why don’t you create a device for people like you who hate touching germy public surfaces?’”
After 2 1/2 years and 22 design iterations, the Shellicone Finger Protector was born. The device, made from flexible silicone, acts as a “shell” of protection for the user’s finger, and includes an LED flashlight feature, setting it apart from other products on the market.
A Game-Changer for Germ Protection
What truly makes Wilson’s invention stand out is its practicality. The LED light helps users in low-light environments, and the built-in USB port allows for up to 500 charges, delivering over an hour of continuous illumination.
The Shellicone Finger Protector also comes with a cover cap to block contaminants when not in use, and easily attaches to a keychain, backpack, or belt loop for accessibility.
From Idea to Innovation
Wilson bootstrapped her invention, working multiple jobs to fund the development of her product. Her drive was not only to combat germs but also to provide a better life for her mother, for whom she has been a caregiver.
She named the device Shellicone—a blend of the words “shell” and “silicone,” representing its protective nature and material.
Michelle Wilson’s journey as an inventor is rooted in perseverance and a desire to make everyday life safer for others.
Her Shellicone Finger Protector is not just a device for germaphobes, but a practical solution for anyone looking to protect themselves from the spread of germs.
