EGESTA DISPOSAL GLOVE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a glove for hygienically handling and disposing of egesta, and in particular a soiled nappy. The present invention also relates to a method of use of such a glove for enabling a faster and more hygienic changing of a nappy.

Changing a nappy is an unpleasant but unavoidable action when caring for a baby, or perhaps an incontinent elderly relative. A nappy-change involves removing and disposing of the soiled nappy from the baby, cleaning the mess with wipes, and putting on a fresh nappy. Carers may get urine and/or faeces on their hands which must be thoroughly washed off prior to putting a clean nappy onto the baby. This is time-consuming and requires access to water and soap, which may not always be available. Furthermore, constant hand washing dries out and damages the carer's skin.

Disposal of the soiled nappy, soiled wipes and, if using gloves, soiled gloves usually involves directly throwing the soiled items in a bin or wrapping them in a bag first, requiring a separate, rarely biodegradable, bag to be sourced for every nappy-change. Neither solution is particularly effective for dealing with leaks and/or fumes emanating from the soiled items.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egesta disposal glove for hygienically handling and containing human or animal egesta, the egesta disposal glove comprising: a glove portion shaped to a user's hand, the glove portion comprising a glove body having a glove opening for enabling a user to insert their hand into the glove body; a pouch element connected to the glove portion and having a pouch body, the pouch body being receivable around the glove portion when the glove portion is in an inverted condition around the egesta; and at least one sealing element for sealing the pouch body and/or the glove portion in the inverted condition wherein the pouch element is connected to a dorsal section of the glove portion or the pouch element is connected to a ventral section of the glove portion.

The term “egesta” used herein and throughout is understood to mean waste material from the animal or human body and may comprise one or both of urine and faeces.

The glove provides a barrier enabling a user to change a soiled nappy and dispose of the egesta, without getting their hand dirty. The glove also contains or enables sealing of the egesta within the glove, to prevent or inhibit any odours or leaks after disposal of the sealed glove. Washing of the user's hands may not be required, as there is a reduced risk of contamination. The glove may prevent or inhibit the transmission of disease in either direction, if either or both the carer, and the baby or patient are ill. As such, the glove may additionally provide a prophylactic barrier.

The pouch element is connected to a dorsal section of the glove portion, in other words, the upper or back side of the glove. The pouch element is associated with the back of the hand. The pouch element is less likely to hinder the user when handling the egesta and/or cleaning the baby. This position may also reduce the risk of accidentally soiling the outside of the pouch element, if the pouch element is connected to the outer surface of the glove. Furthermore, if the pouch element is positioned internally by default in an unused glove, this reduces the risk of an unsupervised child accessing and playing with the pouch element which may constitute a choking hazard.

Alternatively, the pouch element is connected to a ventral section of the glove portion, in other words, the palm or lower sider of the glove. A second layer in addition to the glove body provides an additional barrier between the user's hand and the egesta. This may be useful if the outer glove body has a tear, due to stretching or being faulty.

Preferably, the egesta disposal glove comprises a deformable material such that the pouch element and/or the glove portion are expandable. Furthermore, the deformable material of the glove portion may have a plasticity and/or elasticity such that the glove portion may be invertible around a nappy containing the egesta, the nappy being fully containable within the inverted glove portion. The glove portion and/or pouch element may be stretched or pulled around the egesta and/or any other items to provide better sealing. The risk of tearing is reduced.

Beneficially, the at least one sealing element may be associated with the pouch element. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one further sealing element may be associated with the glove opening. A sealing element may be associated with the pouch element or the glove, whichever provides an outer barrier for improving the ease of access to the sealing element and improving the sealing efficiency of the glove. A plurality of sealing elements provides sealing redundancy, should a sealing element fail.

Preferably, the at least one said sealing element comprises a tie. Alternatively, the at least one further sealing element may comprise a zip. A tie is cost-effective and simple to manufacture whilst a zip provides a more robust sealing means.

Optionally, the egesta disposal glove may further comprise a comfort-improving substance which may be inside the glove portion. Advantageously, the comfort-improving substance may be a lubricant for facilitating hand entry into the glove portion.

A lubricant helps putting on or taking off the glove. The lubricant may also reduce the risk of tearing of the glove when pulling part thereof around the egesta by preventing or inhibiting the glove from adhering to the user's hand.

Alternatively, the comfort-improving substance may be a moisturiser for moisturising a user's hand. Furthermore, the comfort-improving substance may be a sanitiser for sanitising a user's hand. A moisturising substance is soothing to a user's skin. This may be particularly advantageous as frequent hand washing may be required when caring for an infant such that a carer may frequently have dry or chapped hands. A sanitiser may further dispense with the need to wash one's hands after handling the egesta.

Optionally, the glove body may be formed as a mitten. Alternatively, the glove body may have at least two finger-receiving sections, each finger-receiving section being configured to receive one finger. A mitten may be easier to manufacture, and may have a lower risk of failure. Having at least two, and preferably up to five finger-receiving sections, each receiving one digit, enables more dexterity.

Preferably, the pouch element is connected to an inner surface of the glove portion. The pouch element is protected by the glove body. The risk of accidentally soiling the pouch element when handling the egesta is reduced as the pouch element is only revealed, exposed or accessible after the glove body has been inverted around the egesta.

Alternatively, the pouch element may be connected to an outer surface of the glove portion. This may dispense with the need to invert the glove body. The glove body may not need to be stretchable or elastically deformable to accommodate a larger item, such as a nappy. This may be particularly applicable for adult nappies.

Furthermore, the pouch element may be integrally formed with the glove portion. The ease of manufacture is increased.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of hygienically handling and containing a human or animal egesta using an egesta disposal glove, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an egesta disposal glove; b] using the glove portion to hold the egesta; and c] wrapping the pouch element around the glove portion to envelop or substantially envelop the glove portion. The method enables handling and disposal of egesta, such as in a soiled nappy, or dog mess, without the user soiling their hand. The pouch element further prevents or inhibits leaks and odours after being wrapped around the egesta.

Beneficially, the method may further comprise a step b2] after step b] and before step c] of inverting the glove portion such that the glove portion may be invertibly received around the egesta. The egesta may be contained within two barriers or layers. In other words, the egesta may be or be substantially double-bagged.

Furthermore, the method may further comprise the step d] of: sealing the egesta disposal glove via the or each of the at least one sealing element. The or each sealing element further prevents or inhibits leaks and/or odour plumes from escaping.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of double-wrapping egesta, the method comprising the steps of inverting a glove portion around egesta and wrapping a pouch element connected with the glove portion around the inverted glove portion. Leaks and odours are or are substantially reduced or eliminated.

Furthermore, the egesta is contained within a nappy and the glove portion is inverted around the nappy. The method is specifically used for cleaning a baby and accommodates for large bulky items such as a nappy.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an egesta disposal glove for hygienically handling and containing human or animal egesta, the egesta disposal glove comprising: a glove portion shaped to a user's hand, the glove portion comprising a glove body having a glove opening for enabling a user to insert their hand into the glove body; a pouch element connected to the glove portion and having a pouch body, the pouch body being receivable around the glove portion and egesta; and at least one sealing element for sealing the pouch body and/or the glove portion. The glove portion may not necessarily be inverted or invertible in order for the glove to contain, seal or substantially seal the egesta.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an egesta disposal glove for hygienically handling and containing human or animal egesta, the egesta disposal glove comprising: a glove portion shaped to a user's hand, the glove portion comprising a glove body having a glove opening for enabling a user to insert their hand into the glove body; the glove portion being invertible around the egesta; and at least one sealing element for sealing the glove portion in the inverted condition. The glove may be used to contain, seal or substantially seal egesta without a pouch element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a part cut-away plan view of a first embodiment of an egesta disposal glove in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in which an internal pouch element is visible;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the egesta disposal glove of FIG. 1, with the position of the internal pouch element indicated as dashed lines;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the egesta disposal glove of FIG. 1, in use in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, with the in-use egesta disposal glove being in a non-inverted condition for holding egesta, with the position of the pouch element and part of the user's arm received within the egesta disposal glove indicated as dashed lines;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the egesta disposal glove of FIG. 3, wherein the egesta disposal glove is at least partly inverted around the egesta, with part of the user's arm and part of the inverted egesta disposal glove indicated as dashed lines;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the egesta disposal glove of FIG. 4, wherein a glove portion of the egesta disposal glove is sealed by two sealing elements;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the egesta disposal glove of FIG. 5, wherein the pouch element is in an expanded condition around the inverted glove portion and the egesta, indicated as dashed lines, and the pouch element is in a sealed condition; and

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an embodiment of an egesta disposal glove not in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to FIG. 1, there is shown a glove indicated generally at 10, having a first function of enabling hygienic handling of human or animal egesta. More specifically, the glove 10 enables holding, handling or grasping the egesta without necessitating any direct contact between the glove wearer and the egesta. The glove 10 also has a second function of receiving, containing, surrounding, enclosing, sealing or substantially sealing the egesta, whilst preventing or inhibiting odours escaping and/or leakage. The glove 10 may be referred to as a nappy-receiving glove device, a hygienic nappy-disposal device, an egesta disposal glove or an egesta handling glove. The glove 10 comprises a glove portion 12 and a pouch element 14. The pouch element 14 is associated with, engageable with, engaged, connected to, or, preferably, integrally formed with the glove portion 12.

The glove portion 12 provides a barrier between the user's hand and the egesta when worn by the user. In other words, the glove portion 12 enables the user to grasp or hold the egesta without any direct contact between their skin and the egesta. The glove portion 12 may optionally have a second function of sealing, containing or receiving the egesta when the glove portion 12 is at least partly inside-out or inverted but this function may be omitted. In other words, the glove portion 12 is invertibly receivable around the egesta. The glove portion 12 or part thereof may provide a partial or full, first or inner barrier between the egesta, and the surroundings.

The glove portion 12 has an inner surface 16, as shown in FIG. 2, and an outer surface 18 when worn by the wearer in the usual, non-inverted or non-inside-out configuration. The inner surface 16 may be referred to as an inward-facing, a hand-facing or hand-contacting surface or face or a clean surface. The outer surface 18 may be referred to as an outward-facing surface, an egesta-contacting surface, an egesta facing surface, a nappy-contacting surface or face, a nappy-facing surface, or a dirty or dirtiable surface. For clarity, the inner and outer surface terminology will be utilised throughout to refer to the relevant surfaces 16, 18, even when the glove 10 is inverted inside-out, i.e. when the inner surface 16 or part thereof faces outwards and the outer surface 18 or part thereof faces inwards. The glove portion 12 comprises a glove body 20, as shown in FIG. 2.

The glove body 20 defines a cavity 22 appropriately shaped to receive a hand therein, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In other words, the glove portion 12 is shaped to a user's hand. The cavity 22 may optionally be shaped and/or dimensioned to ensure a tight-fitting glove portion 12. The glove portion 12 may even be configured to be a left glove portion 12 for receiving only a left hand, or a right glove portion 12 for receiving only a right hand. Whilst these glove portions 12 may be harder to put on due to being better fitting compared to a larger and/or looser glove portion, the wearer has a better grasp of the egesta. The glove portion 12 or part thereof is formed to accommodate fingers individually. In other words, the glove body 20 has at least one, and more preferably, at least two finger-receiving sections 24. Each finger-receiving section 24 is configured to receive one finger or digit. Each finger-receiving section 24 may also be referred to as a finger, a glove finger, or a glove digit. Most preferably, the glove body 20 has five finger-receiving sections 24 to accommodate four fingers and a thumb.

The glove body 20 has a ventral part, side or section 26a and a dorsal part, side or section 26b, in-use facing, associated with, contacting, positioned at or adjacent to the palm and the back of the wearer's hand, respectively. The glove body 20 has an end portion 28 which defines a glove opening 30, shown in FIG. 4, for enabling a user to insert their hand into the glove body 20.

When the glove 10 is in a non-inverted condition, the end portion 28 in-use preferably encloses or surrounds at least the wrist. The end portion 28 may even extend so as to also enclose part of the user's arm for additional protection. The end portion 28 may be referred to as a rim, edge, gauntlet, cuff, wrist support, arm support, arm section, or wrist section. The end portion 28 is integrally formed with the glove body 20 in the present embodiment, but may alternatively be attached or attachable thereto. The end portion 28 is more preferably continuous or forming a closed or continuous loop, but a discontinuous end portion may be envisioned. Similarly to the glove body 20, the end portion 28 has in-use a ventral section, side or part 27a and a dorsal section, side or part 27b, as shown in FIG. 2, but either feature may be omitted. The end portion 28 is preferably loose or baggy, for ease of insertion of a hand and/or for ease of inverting the glove portion 12 but alternatively, the end portion may be at least in part tight-fitting.

The glove opening 30 is defined, formed or surrounded by the end portion 28. The glove opening 30 is an opening, aperture, access or access hole which enables the wearer to insert their hand into the glove body 20.

In the present embodiment, the glove portion 12 also comprises a comfort-improving substance, not shown, although this feature may be omitted. The comfort-improving substance is preferably inside the glove portion 12. More preferably, the inner surface or face 16 of the glove body 20 and/or the end portion 28 is lined or coated with a comfort-improving substance. The comfort-improving substance may be a solid, a fluid, or both, for example a fluid in which solids may be suspended. More preferably, the comfort-improving substance may be a liquid, an oil, a cream or a gel directly or indirectly applied or impregnated to the glove body. The comfort-improving substance may be any of or any combination of: a moisturiser for moisturising a user's hand, a lubricant for facilitating hand entry into the glove portion 12, and a sanitiser for sanitising a user's hand. More preferably, the comfort-improving substance comprises an Aloe extract, although any other suitable extract or chemical may be desirable. In the present embodiment, the comfort-improving substance is an Aloe vera oil, but the comfort-improving substance in any alternative form may be considered.

The glove 10 is formed of at least one layer of material. Said material preferably comprises a deformable material. The glove 10 may therefore be at least one of: deformable, pliable, and foldable. More preferably, the deformable material enables the glove 10 or part thereof is in-use expandable. More preferably, the deformable material of the glove 10 or part thereof has a plasticity and/or elasticity such that the glove 10 or part thereof is in-use invertible around the egesta. The material properties of the glove 10 enable the glove 10 to enclose a large volume or a bulky item such as a nappy without ripping.

More preferably, at least one of and here, each of the glove portion 12 and the pouch element 14 is formed of a said at least one layer of material. As such, the glove portion 12 and/or the pouch element 14 comprise a deformable material such that the glove portion 12 and/or the pouch element 14 are expandable. Furthermore, the deformable material of the glove portion 12 has a plasticity and/or elasticity such that the glove portion 12 is invertible around a nappy containing the egesta, although this feature may be omitted. Preferably, the nappy may be partly or fully containable within the inverted glove portion 12.

Similarly, the deformable material of the pouch element 14 has a plasticity and/or elasticity such that the pouch element 14 is wrappable, stretchable, pullable, receivable, or invertible around a nappy containing the egesta, although this feature may be omitted. Preferably, the nappy may be fully containable within the pouch element 14, although only partly containable may be envisioned. Therefore, the egesta and/or item 11 is preferably fully containable or contained within the inverted glove portion 12 and/or pouch element 14.

Furthermore, the material of the or at least one layer of material has liquid-proof, liquid-tight or fluid-tight properties. In particular, the material may be elastic or elastomeric. Preferably, the material may comprise, consist of or consist essentially of a biodegradable material. Said biodegradable material may be polylactic acid or PLA.

The pouch element 14 may also be referred to as a pouch, a pouch portion, a hood, a wrapper or wrapper element. The pouch element 14 in-use forms a recess or cavity within which the egesta and the glove portion 12 are receivable. The cavity may be provided by deforming the pouch element 14. Alternatively, or additionally, the cavity may have a preformed shape which is at least partly curved or arcuate in cross-section. The pouch element 14 provides, in-use, a barrier to leaks and/or odours. In particular, if the glove portion 12 is invertible to provide a first barrier, the pouch element 14 in-use completes or reinforces the first barrier provided by the glove portion 12 and/or provides a second or outer barrier.

Preferably as shown, the pouch element 14 joints, meets, connects with or extends from the glove portion 12 at or adjacent to the glove body 20, although the pouch element may be considered to join, meet, connect or extend from the end portion instead or in addition to the glove body. The pouch element 14 is preferably spaced-apart from the glove opening 30. Furthermore, the pouch element 14 connects with or is engaged with the dorsal section 26b of the glove portion 12, although a connection to the ventral section 26a may be additionally or alternatively envisioned. The pouch element 14 may meet, join with or extend from either or both the inner surface 16 and the outer surface 18 of the glove portion 12. Preferably, the pouch element 14 is connected to or engaged with the inner surface 16 of the glove portion 12. This is advantageous as the pouch element 14 is containable or receivable within the glove portion 10 prior to use and when the glove portion 12 is not in an inverted condition, for example, by prior folding, crumpling, stuffing, ruching or otherwise compressing the pouch element 14 into the correct dimensional condition. This protects the pouch element 14 from being accidentally disengaged or ripped apart from the glove portion 12. Alternatively or additionally, the pouch element 14 is protected from being soiled and/or ripped when within the glove portion 12 until use.

The pouch element 14 is formed of similar or the same material or materials as the glove portion 12 such that detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. The pouch element 14 is preferably foldable and/or pliable. The pouch element 14 has at least: a stowed condition and a usable condition.

When in the stowed condition, the pouch element 14 is not able to receive, surround or enclose the egesta. The pouch element 14 may be in the stowed condition due to for example, being furled, folded away, stowed away, only partly unfolded or only partly expanded. In FIG. 1, the internal-held pouch element 14 is shown through a cut-away portion of the glove portion 12. Preferably, the pouch element 14 is folded and/or forms folds when in the stowed condition. As shown, the folds may be or be substantially aligned with each other. In other words, the pouch element 14 in the stowed condition may have a concertina structure. Furthermore, the concertina structure is oriented along a longitudinal direction or a direction from the end portion 28 towards the glove body 20 of the glove 10, but along a transverse or lateral direction, along a direction at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction and/or towards the user's palm to may be options. The folds may be curved or non-curved in a transverse direction. The stowed condition may be referred to as the folded condition or configuration, the non-receptive condition, or the unexpanded condition.

When in the usable condition, the pouch element 14 is expanded and provides or forms a cavity or recess to receive, surround or enclose any of: the egesta, and at least part of the glove portion 12. The usable condition may also be referred to as the unfolded condition or configuration, the receptive condition, or the expanded condition.

The pouch element 14 has a pouch body 32. The pouch body 32 is receivable around the glove portion 12, preferably when the glove portion 12 is in an inverted condition around the egesta, although the glove portion need not necessarily be in an inverted condition. The pouch body 32 preferably has a preformed shape which is at least partly curved or arcuate in cross-section, but this feature may be omitted. In other words, the pouch body 32 may be or be substantially a dome or dome-like, a spherical sector, a cap, a hood or hood-like element. Most preferably, the pouch body 32 is a bag or bag-like element. The pouch body 32 has a pouch edge, not shown.

The pouch edge is preferably integrally formed with the pouch body 32, although detachably connectable or connected thereto may be envisioned. The pouch edge is the edge or portion of the pouch element 14 and may have a pouch rim.

The glove 10 further comprises at least one sealing element 34, although this feature may be omitted. Each sealing element 34 may be referred to as a sealing means for sealing the glove 10, or alternatively as a securing means, a seal, a sealing mechanism, a sealing means, a closure element or a tying-means. The or each sealing element 34 enables in-use sealing of the egesta inside the glove 10. The or each sealing element 34 may also be referred to as a sealing means or a closure element. The, each or at least one said sealing element 34 preferably comprises at least one tie, string, drawstring or strap to enable the glove 10 to be sealable, sealed or at least more securely closed. This reduces the likelihood of egesta and/or fumes escaping, leaks, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the, each or at least one said sealing element 34 is associated with the pouch element 14. Furthermore, the, each or at least one said sealing element 34 is most preferably associated with the pouch edge for sealing the pouch body 32. As shown, there are preferably two sealing elements 34 associated with the pouch element 14.

Additionally or alternatively, the, each or at least one sealing element 34 may be associated with the glove portion 12 for sealing the glove portion 12, which may or may not be in the inverted condition. More preferably, the, each or at least one sealing element 34 may be associated with the end portion 28. For example, the or a said sealing element 34 may be positioned at or adjacent the end portion 28 or extend therefrom. In the shown embodiment, there are two sealing elements 34 associated with each of the glove portion 12 and the pouch element 14, but any or all of the sealing elements associated with either or both the glove portion and the pouch element may be omitted or additional sealing elements may be envisioned. As each sealing element 34 is most preferably a tie, the present embodiment comprises four ties. The or each sealing element 34 may be connectable, connected, engaged with, or integrally formed with the glove portion 12. The or each sealing element 34 preferably is connected to at least part of the dorsal portion of the end portion 28, but may additionally or alternatively connect with at least part of the ventral portion and/or either or both sides. The or each sealing element may even be connected with the glove portion around all or along a minor or major extent of the arm or wrist. The or each sealing element 34 may optionally be formed of the same material as the glove portion 12.

In use, once it has had been established that a change of nappy is required, the carer, also referred to as a user or wearer, obtains a glove 10 to hygienically handle and contain human egesta. More preferably, the egesta is in, on or contained within at least one item 36, as illustrated in FIG. 3, but this need not be the case. The item 36 preferably comprises a nappy, diaper, or incontinence underwear. More preferably, the item 36 is a soiled nappy. Additionally or alternatively, the or at least one item 36 may be any of: a dry wipe; a wet wipe; a pad such as but not limited to cotton pads; cotton buds; one or more gloves; any other cleaning equipment; and faeces. The user may also obtain a clean nappy and any required cleaning paraphernalia in this particular embodiment, but this may not necessarily be required, for instance if picking up dog mess or other animal egesta.

The user inserts their hand through the glove opening 30 and into the glove body 20. This may be facilitated by the comfort-improving substance within the glove portion 12.

The pouch element 14 is preferably in the stowed condition. In the present embodiment, the pouch element 14 is contained within the glove portion 12. In addition to a lower risk of ripping or tearing, this internal positioning reduces the risk of the pouch element 14 and/or a sealing element 34 associated therewith causing injury to an infant when the wearer cleans the infant. The dorsal positioning of the pouch element 14 also enables the wear to properly grasp the egesta, with little or no interference.

After donning the glove 10, the wearer uses the glove portion 12 to hold or grasp the egesta. In particular, the wearer removes the soiled nappy with their gloved hand, without direct soiled-nappy-to-hand contact. The wearer can also use and manipulate, or handle cleaning paraphernalia, such as wet wipes, without getting their hand dirty.

Once the relevant body parts are clean, and preferably dry, the wearer can hygienically dispose of the egesta and/or any items 36, such as the soiled nappy and/or soiled cleaning equipment.

To do so, the wearer grasps the egesta and/or item or items 36 to be disposed of with their gloved hand as shown in FIG. 3. Using their other hand, the wearer grasps the end portion 28 and pulls the glove portion 12 at least partly inside-out by pulling the end portion 28 towards the glove body 20. This inverts at least part of the glove portion 12 such that the glove portion 12 or at least part thereof is inverted, turned inside-out, or invertibly received around the egesta and/or any items 36, as shown in FIG. 4. The egesta and/or any items 36 are at least partly contained, surrounded or enclosed by the end portion 28 and/or the glove body 20. This may require deforming the glove portion 12 and/or end portion 28 by pulling and/or stretching the end portion 28 at least partly around the egesta and/or the or the plurality of items 36.

Preferably, the glove portion 12 is sufficiently deformable such that it can be stretched to encompass at least a nappy-sized volume without tearing or ripping. Furthermore, the glove portion 12 or part thereof may be elastically deformable such that it may be stretched before returning or substantially returning to its starting or unstretched condition if unopposed. This is advantageous as, upon releasing the elastically-deformable glove 10 which has been stretched around the egesta and/or any items 36, these contents prevent or inhibit the glove 10 from fully returning to its unstretched condition. As such, the glove portion 12 is tightly fitting around at least part of the item or items 36. This reduces or substantially reduces or inhibits leaks and/or odours. If provided with at least one sealing element 34, the user seals the glove portion 10 by means of the, each, or at least one said sealing element 34, as illustrated in FIG. 5, but this step may be omitted.

Alternatively, or preferably additionally, if the glove 10 is provided with a pouch element 14, for further protection against leaks and/or odours, the pouch element 14 is preferably used. The inversion of the glove portion 12 reveals an internally-stored pouch element 14, as shown by comparing FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The pouch element 14 in FIG. 3 is in the stowed condition. After inverting the glove portion 12, the pouch element 14 may remain in the stowed condition. Alternatively, the inversion of the glove portion 12 may result in the pouch element 14 automatically transitioning or opening into the usable condition. In the shown embodiment, after the glove portion 12 inversion, the pouch element 14 may be in an intermediate condition. In the intermediate condition, the pouch element 14 is partly open or expanded and/or the cavity is partly formed but the pouch element 14 not fully in the usable condition and/or may not be receivable around the egesta. There may be a plurality of intermediate conditions and/or the intermediate condition may be omitted entirely.

To provide or form the cavity, the user may need to alter the condition of the pouch element 14 from the stowed condition or the intermediate condition to the usable condition. The pouch element 14 may need to undergo any number of the following: being unfolded, being stretched, being pulled, being wrapped around the glove portion 12, and spacing apart the fabric of the pre-formed pouch body 32 from itself to provide the cavity.

In the present embodiment, the wearer grasps the pouch edge and pulls the pouch edge over and/or around the egesta and the glove portion 12. The egesta and/or the or the plurality of items 36 are received, contained or held within the cavity defined by the pouch body 32. In other words, the user wraps the pouch element 14 around the glove portion 12 to envelop or substantially envelop the glove portion 12 and the egesta as shown in FIG. 6. Optionally, the pouch element 14 may be elastically deformable by stretching, to provide a tighter fit, similarly to the glove portion 12. Detailed description of the common feature is omitted for brevity.

If the pouch element 14 comprises the or at least one said sealing element 34, the, each or at least one sealing element 34 can optionally be actuated, tied or closed to seal or substantially seal or close the glove 10. In other words, the pouch element 14 and in particular the pouch body 32 thereof may be sealed or substantially sealed. This is also illustrated in FIG. 6, which shows two sealing elements 34 associated with the pouch element 14 tied together. This may reduce, prevent or further reduce or prevent any leakage and/or odours from escaping. The resulting sealed or substantially sealed glove 10 is or is substantially odour free, leak proof and the package can be safely disposed of.

This provides a method of double-wrapping egesta, comprising the steps of inverting a glove portion 12 around egesta and wrapping a pouch element 14 engaged with or connected with the glove portion 12 around the inverted glove portion 12. The egesta is preferably contained within a nappy and the glove portion 12 is inverted around the nappy. However the glove portion inversion step may be omitted, in which case the user may simply hold the egesta and/or item or items without inverting the glove. This results in single-bagging, rather than double-bagging the egesta.

The carer can subsequently fit a new nappy without needing to wash their hands between removing the soiled nappy and putting on the clean nappy. The nappy change is thus more hygienic, faster and optionally, kinder, on the carer's skin.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an embodiment of a glove 110 not in accordance with the present invention. The glove 110 of the second embodiment is similar to the glove 10 of the first embodiment, having similar glove portion 112, glove body 120, end portion 128, glove opening, outer surface 118, inner surface, sealing element 134, at least one finger-receiving section 124, dorsal part 126b, ventral part, cavity, material properties and optional comfort-improving substance. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. In the second embodiment however, the pouch element is omitted entirely. The at least one sealing element 134 is therefore associated, connectable, connected to or integrally formed with the glove portion 134.

The uses of the embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. The user dons an egesta disposal glove 110 to grasp or handle egesta, whether or not in, on or contained within an item, such as but not limited to, a nappy. Once grasping the egesta, the wearer grasps the end portion 128 with their other hand and pulls the end portion 128 towards the glove body 120 to invert the glove portion 112 around the egesta and/or any items. The user then closes, seals or substantially seals the glove 10 using the at least one sealing element 134. This may involve tying together the sealing elements 134 which are ties in the second embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

Preferably, as the pouch element is omitted in the embodiment, any step relating to the pouch element is omitted. In the absence of a pouch element, inverting the glove portion 112 in the second embodiment is essential to contain or surround and seal the egesta.

The above glove is primarily used for dealing with human egesta from a baby. However, non-babies may be considered, such as any stage of life, including children, teenagers or adults. For instance, the glove may be used to care for the elderly requiring assistance to clean themselves. The glove may be used for incapacitated, disabled or handicapped people of any age.

Whilst in the embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the glove is used for handling human egesta or human waste, non-human waste or egesta may be handled, for example, animal egesta. This may include dog mess, by way of example only. Similar or identical steps may be undertaken for hygienically handling and containing animal egesta. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. When handling and disposing of animal waste, there may be no item involved, such as a nappy.

Whilst the glove is primarily used for handling egesta, it could be envisioned that the glove may be used for handling non-egesta. For example, the glove may be used to handle items which a user would not wish to have direct contact with. Such items may include vomit, or chemicals and/or items used to hold, contain, or spread the chemicals, such as a wrap, rag, wipe or brush. The glove may be used to contain and seal for safe disposal of the items.

Whilst the cavity is preferably shaped and/or dimensioned to receive an appropriate hand therein, alternatively, the cavity may be appropriately shaped and/or dimensioned to receive either hand such that either the left or the right hand may be received within, for example, by being larger. This simplifies manufacturing and putting on the glove device. However, this may also result in a decreased efficiency of the comfort-improving substance and/or an increased amount of comfort-improving substance being required to achieve the same effect and/or to coat the increased inner surface.

Preferably, the glove has distinct fingers for receiving a finger each in the present embodiments. However, it may be envisioned instead that the glove body may be formed as a mitten. In other words, the glove may have a section for receiving a plurality of fingers. The glove may have only one finger-receiving section. The sole finger-receiving section may, for example, receive a thumb, separately from the other fingers. The glove may have no finger-receiving section altogether. The thumb portion may be omitted entirely, such that a plurality of or all fingers are contained in one or more sections.

Whilst preferably elastic or elastomeric, the glove may comprise or consist of non-elastics or non-elastomeric materials. The glove may be non-biodegradable. Whilst preferably comprising polylactic acid here, additional or alternative suitable materials may be envisioned for the glove or parts thereof, such as latex. Although the glove and/or the glove portion are preferably elastically deformable in the present embodiments, the glove device and/or the glove portion may be at least partly or fully plastically deformable. In other words, the glove may not necessarily return to its original, starting or unstretched condition. The glove and/or glove portion may be non deformable. In other words, the or at least one of the layers of material may be non-deformable.

Whilst the pouch body preferably has a preformed shape, it could be envisioned that the pouch body is or is substantially a planar or loose layer of material which can be deformed and/or stretched, whether elastically and/or plastically, by the user and wrapped around the item or items. The preformed pouch body may alternatively be at least partly stretchable. The cavity may thus be formed simply by the volume of the egesta and/or item preventing or inhibiting the pouch body from returning to its unstretched condition.

Whilst the pouch element in the present embodiment is spaced-apart from the glove opening, the pouch element may not be spaced-apart from the glove opening. For example, the pouch element may be integrally formed with, connect, extend from, or connectable to the end portion or part thereof. The end portion may be discontinuous rather than continuous.

Whilst the pouch element and the glove portion are preferably integrally formed with each other, the pouch element and the glove portion may be non-integrally formed with other. For example, they may be connectable or connected, fastenable or fastened, attachable with or fused together each other, whether permanently or separably. To this end, the glove device may further comprise at least one connection means, also referred to as a connector, a connection mechanism, a fastening means, a fastener, or attachment means. Said connection means may include at least one of: one or more buttons; hooks; hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro (RTM); one or more drawstrings, a cord lock; an adhesive such as but not limited to glue; an adhesive tab or strip; one or more straps or strings; and one or more press-studs.

Although the glove portion and the pouch element meet, join or connect with each other on an inner surface at the dorsal section of the glove portion, the glove portion and the pouch element may alternatively meet, join or connect with each other at any combination of the following: the dorsal section, the ventral section, the dorsal and ventral sections, the inner surface, the outer surface, the inner and outer surfaces, the glove body, the end portion, and the glove body and end portion. There may even be a plurality of pouch elements per glove. Said plurality of pouch elements may or may not be spaced-apart from each other. The pouch elements may overlap with each other. They may even form a common cavity.

Although in these embodiments, the pouch element in the stowed condition is loosely contained and/or folded within the glove portion, in an alternative embodiment, the glove device may further comprise a restraining means, restraining mechanism, restraint, stowing means, device or fastener to prevent or inhibit the pouch element from accidentally opening or unfolding from the stowed condition into the usable condition or the intermediate condition, whether the pouch element is associated with the inside or the outside surface. Furthermore, each sealing element comprises a tie in the present embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the retraining means and/or at least one sealing element may additionally or alternatively comprise for example at least one of: one or more ties, a pocket, a press-stud, one or more straps, one or more strings, a ziplock, a button, a zip, a hook, one or more drawstrings, a cord lock, hook and loop fasteners, an adhesive, an adhesive strip or tab, a press-stud, or any other suitable sealing means and/or retraining means.

In the present embodiments, the user dons one glove. However, it could be envisioned that the user may don a second glove, on their other hand if they so wish, such that both hands are protected. However, once the second glove has been soiled, any surface or object touched may be soiled. This may include touching the other arm when turning the first glove inside out, or vice-versa.

It is therefore possible to provide an egesta disposal glove for a faster and more hygienic nappy-change. The glove device enables the carer to avoid coming into direct contact with urine and/or faeces, negating the need to wash their hands and thereby reducing the time needed to change a nappy. The glove device also removes the need to separately source a bag whilst dealing efficiently with the odour and/or leaks. If biodegradable, the environmental impact of the glove device is reduced. The glove device may even be lined on the inside with a comfort-improving substance, which helps the putting on and removal of the gloves, moisturise chapped hands, sanitise hands, particularly on the go and without access to running water, or any combination of the above. It is also possible to provide a method of changing a nappy which is faster and more hygienic.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

EGESTA DISPOSAL GLOVE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

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