BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates generally to clothing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to gloves, in particular gloves that include reinforcements in specific areas, for example the fingertips, including the thumb.
Gloves are used to protect users' hands in a variety of applications. Gloves facilitate handling objects while preventing the users' hands from coming in direct contact with contaminants, such as dirt or rust, or potentially dangerous surfaces, such as sharp edges, moving parts, heat sources, and the like. Over extended periods of use, gloves can become worn or lose functionality and require repair or replacement. Due to how users commonly grasp objects, this wear commonly occurs first at the ends of the fingers of the gloves near the user's fingertips, including the tip of the thumb.
SUMMARY
At least one embodiment relates to a glove for protecting a hand of a user. The glove includes a main glove body configured to receive a metacarpal of the hand and a glove finger coupled to the main glove body and extending longitudinally away from the glove main body. The glove finger is configured to receive a finger of the hand, including a thumb, and the glove finger includes a panel defining a rolled tip arrangement at an end of the glove finger. The glove further includes a fingertip reinforcement bonded to an interior surface of the panel and positioned to extend between the panel and a fingertip of the finger of the hand. Further embodiments comprise an extended back panel that “wraps” around the fingertip to form a reinforcement in the fingertip area by “doubling” the material covering the fingertip. Further embodiments comprise an extended palm panel that “wraps” around the fingertip to form a reinforcement in the fingertip area by “doubling” the material covering the fingertip. Additional embodiments comprise a fingertip reinforcement that is joined to the back panel such that the fingertip reinforcement is joined over the back panel, rather than under the panel, such that the overlap seam of the fingertip reinforcement is on the external (away from a user's finger) portion of the back panel, rather than the internal (contacting a user's finger) portion of the back panel. As used herein, “finger” or “fingertip” means the distal portion of any finger of the hand, including the thumb.
Further embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a glove for protecting a hand of a user. The method includes providing a first panel at least partially defining a main glove body configured to receive a metacarpal of the hand, coupling a second panel to the first panel, the second panel at least partially defining a glove finger configured to receive a finger of the hand, and the finger having a fingertip. The second panel extends continuously from a bottom surface of the glove finger to a top surface of the glove finger adjacent the fingertip of the finger. In embodiments, the method further includes bonding a fingertip reinforcement to an interior surface of the second panel such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned to extend between the fingertip and the second panel. In embodiments, the method further includes bonding a fingertip reinforcement to an exterior surface of the second panel such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned to extend between the fingertip and the second panel. In embodiments, the method further includes bonding a fingertip reinforcement to an interior surface of the second panel such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned to extend between the fingertip and the second panel. Disclosed embodiments comprise a reinforced region overlapping the back panel such that the ridge formed by the overlap is raised on the outside of the glove, thus removing the risk of a user “catching” a fingertip as the finger is inserted. Disclosed embodiments can comprise heat-resistant and fire-retardant materials, for example yarns, fabrics, felts, and other fibrous blends having better fire retardant properties, higher heat resistance, lower heat transference, improved durability when exposed to constant heat or bursts of high heat, together with adequate strength and abrasion resistance, improved softness, better breathability, improved moisture regain, increased flexibility and comfort, and other performance criteria. Disclosed embodiments can comprise fire retardant/heat resistant fibers including polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyphenylene-2, 6benzobisoxazole (PBO), modacrylic, p-aramid, m-aramid, polyvinyl halides, wool, fire resistant polyesters, fire resistant nylons, fire resistant rayons, cotton, and melamine. Disclosed embodiments can comprise impact-resistant materials, for example plastics, Kevlar, laminates, and the like.
This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in anyway limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a top view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a flat pattern of a palm panel of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a flat pattern of a back panel of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a flat pattern of a central finger panel of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a flat pattern of a back side thumb panel of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a flat pattern of a palm side thumb panel of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a section view of a seam of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a section view of a seam of a glove, according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a section view of a seam of a glove, according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a top view of flat pattern of a welt of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 12 is a top view of a flat pattern of an outer glide patch of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 14 is a top view of a flat pattern of a fingertip reinforcement of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 15 is a side section view of an index finger of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 16 is a top view of a flat pattern of a thumb reinforcement of the glove of FIG. 1.
FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a glove, according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective views of a glove, according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a top view of a glove, according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the glove of FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is a top view of the inside of a finger region wherein the palm panel is extended over the fingertip and then joined to the back panel, with the overlap creating a ridge facing the user on the exterior of the glove.
FIG. 22 is a top view of the inside of a finger region wherein the fingertip reinforcement portion is attached under the back panel, thereby avoiding formation of a ridge that can impede insertion of the glove over the fingertip, once the glove is ready for use and turned inside-out (thus placing the raised ridge on the outside of the glove, facing the user).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Referring generally to the Figures, a glove is shown including certain features that improve wear resistance of the glove relative to traditional gloves. In embodiments, each finger of the glove has a rolled tip arrangement in which a palm panel extends continuously across a fingertip of the user, from below the user's finger to above the user's finger without any laterally-extending seams. A seam between the palm panel and a back panel of the glove is positioned away from the fingertip, along a top side of the glove, wherein the palm panel can be attached over the back panel, such that the terminus of the palm panel overlaps the back panel, thus eliminating the impediment of a “ridge” formed by at the attachment site on the interior of the glove. This moves the seam away from areas that experience relatively high amounts of wear, improving the life of the glove.
In embodiments, the glove further includes a fingertip reinforcement at the end of each of the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers. The fingertip reinforcements extend continuously along an interior surface of the glove, adjacent the user's fingertips, from below the user's finger to above the user's finger. In embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements extend continuously along an exterior surface of the glove, adjacent the user's fingertips, from below the user's finger to above the user's finger, including the thumb. The fingertip reinforcements increase the thickness of the glove near the fingertips, for example by a factor of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.5, or the like, increasing the amount of wear that the glove can experience prior to failure. The thickness increase can vary in different areas of the glove, for example in embodiments, the thickness of a single fingertip reinforcement can differ from the thickness of another fingertip reinforcement of the glove. The fingertip reinforcements are, in embodiments, bonded to the corresponding panels of the glove, reducing the potential for the fingertip reinforcements to separate from the panels if part of finger of the glove is worn through.
The rolled tip arrangement and the continuous arrangement of the fingertip reinforcement each improve the durability, shock-resistance, impact resistance, and heat-resistance of the glove. Traditional gloves do not include the rolled tip arrangement or the fingertip reinforcements, instead having a single layer of material with a seam extending laterally across the fingertip. Seams are commonly weaker than the surrounding parts of the glove. By way of example, a seam may be compromised by solely severing the thread of a seam, whereas the surrounding material would have to be worn entirely through to expose a user's finger. Because the fingertip of the user is commonly the first part of the user's hand that contacts an object, placing the seam at the fingertip causes the seam to repeatedly come into contact with items handled by the glove wearer. This causes the seam to fail prematurely, exposing the user's hand after a relatively short period of use. In embodiments described herein, the seam between the palm panel and the back panel is positioned away from the fingertip, reducing wear on the seam. Further, this seam is positioned along the top side of the finger, which experiences even less contact with other objects that the bottom side of the finger, further reducing wear on the seam.
The fingertip reinforcements increase the thickness of the glove near the fingertip. If the glove did not include the fingertip reinforcements, the user's fingers would be exposed after wearing through only a relatively thin portion of the glove. However, because of the addition of the fingertip reinforcement, once the outer layer of the glove becomes worn completely through, the fingertip reinforcement further protects the finger, further prolonging the life of the glove. In embodiments, the fingertip reinforcement further protects the finger, prolonging the life of the glove once the inner layer of the glove becomes worn completely through.
Some traditional gloves include an outer protective layer and an inner insulative layer extending throughout the entirety of the glove. The fingertip reinforcements of the glove described herein offer certain benefits not provided by these traditional gloves. Traditional dual-layer gloves increase the thickness of the entire glove. In contrast, the disclosed fingertip reinforcements only increase the thickness of the glove in targeted areas where the potential for wear is highest. Because the fingertip reinforcements do not extend along the entirety of the glove, the amount material used is reduced relative to traditional dual-layer gloves. This reduces the cost and weight of the glove relative to traditional dual-layer gloves, as well as providing an improved experience for the user by increasing the flexibility of the glove as compared to multilayer devices.
In some embodiments, the glove described herein is used during welding. Welders typically wear protective clothing, such as welding gloves, to protect against the heat generated by a welding torch and to protect against sputtering metal generated during the welding process. During the welding process, a welder must squeeze the trigger of a welding torch for prolonged periods of time. Squeezing the trigger for such extended amounts of time can be quite painful to a user, in particular to his or her middle and index fingers because, typically, those are the fingers squeezing the trigger and enduring the majority of the stress. Over time, welders may develop disorders or conditions, such as arthritis, carpel tunnel, and the like during this occupational exposure. In addition to experiencing abrasion from rubbing against other objects, welding gloves also experience wear from repeatedly coming into contact with heated objects (e.g., objects that are hot enough to char burn, or melt the material of the glove). This wear is primarily experienced at the fingertips of the glove, as this is the part of the hand commonly used to manipulate objects when welding. Moving the seams of the fingers away from the fingertips reduces this wear as well. Further, the additional thickness provided by the fingertip reinforcements helps to insulate the fingers of the user at the most common point of contact without having to insulate the entire glove. The additional thickness also provides cushioning in areas where force is applied through the glove by the user.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, clothing or protective equipment (e.g., a glove) is shown as glove 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. Although only a left-handed glove 10 is shown, it should be understood that a right-handed glove may be provided that is substantially similar to the glove 10 shown and described herein. In some embodiments, the glove 10 is a work glove. By way of example, the glove 10 may be configured for use in gardening, construction, landscaping, equipment maintenance, welding, handling firearms, mining, the oil and gas industry, driving, or other tasks.
As described herein, a longitudinal direction extends along a length the glove (e.g., between a wrist of a user to the fingertips of the user). Distal indicates something that is closer to the ends of the fingers of the glove, and proximal indicates something that is closer to the opening that receives a user's hand. A lateral direction extends along a width of the glove (e.g., between a side of the user's hand and the user's thumb). Inner indicates something that is closer to the thumb side (e.g., closer to a centerline of a body of a user wearing the gloves), and outer indicates something that is farther from the thumb side. A vertical direction extends along a thickness of the glove 10 (e.g., between the user's palm and a back of the user's hand). A top of the glove corresponds to the back of a user's hand, and a bottom of the glove corresponds to a palm of the user's hand. Interior refers to features within the glove 10, and exterior refers to features outside the glove 10. Disclosed embodiments comprise a total glove length of 300 mm and a glove opening of 170 mm. Further embodiments comprise a total glove length of 300 mm, a glove opening of 170 mm, and 25 mm (as measured from the fingertip) reinforcement regions.
The glove 10 includes a palm portion or main body, shown as main glove body 20, configured to contain a main portion of the user's hand containing the metacarpals. Coupled to a first end of the main glove body 20 is a wrist portion, shown as cuff 30, configured to receive the wrist and/or forearm of the user. The cuff 30 defines an aperture or opening, shown as inlet 32, through which a user can insert their hand into the glove 10. Coupled to a second end of the main glove body 20 opposite the cuff 30 are a series of fingers configured to receive the phalanges of the user's fingers. The fingers include a first finger or index glove finger, shown as index finger 40, a second finger or middle glove finger, shown as middle finger 42, a third finger or ring glove finger, shown as ring finger 44, and a fourth finger, little glove finger, or pinky glove finger, shown as pinky finger 46, configured to receive an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, and a pinky finger (i.e., a little finger) of the user, respectively. Each of these fingers of the glove 10 may extend longitudinally away from the main glove body 20. Each of these fingers of the glove 10 may be at least partially separated from one another (e.g., having a gap extending laterally between adjacent fingers) to facilitate individual movement of each finger. Coupled to a side of the main glove body 20 between the cuff 30 and the index finger 40 is a fifth finger or thumb glove finger, shown as thumb 50, configured to receive a thumb of the user. The thumb extends laterally outward from the main glove body 20. Together, the main glove body 20, the cuff 30, the index finger 40, the middle finger 42, the ring finger 44, the pinky finger 46, and the thumb 50 define an inner volume configured to receive a hand and/or a wrist of the user.
The glove 10 may include a variety of different materials. By way of example, the glove may use fabric, leather, plastics, or other materials. The glove 10 may include flexible materials to facilitate movement of the user's hand. The glove 10 may include multiple different materials. By way of example, a finger of the glove 10 may utilize a first material layered onto a second material. In embodiments, the two materials can have different properties, for example abrasion-resistance and heat-resistance, or the like.
Referring to FIGS. 1-16, the glove 10 is formed from a series of pieces, sheets, or panels that are coupled to one another. By way of example, the panels may be stitched (e.g., sewn, etc.) to one another along one or more seams, or attached by taping, ultrasonic bonding, solvent welding, adhesives, thermal bonding and the like. By way of another example, the panels may be bonded (e.g., using an adhesive, such as epoxy, etc.) to one another. In some embodiments, each panel begins as a flat sheet of material. The flat sheet is then formed (e.g., bent, rolled, folded, etc.) to the final shape of the glove 10. FIGS. 3-7, 11-14, and 16 illustrate the panels of the glove 10 in their flat pattern format, according to an exemplary embodiment. In these figures, solid lines indicate edges of the panels and/or cut lines (i.e., lines along which a piece of material is cut to form an edge of the panel). Dashed lines indicate the approximate center of a fold or bend. Such bends may have varying bend radii, depending upon their location within the glove 10. Although a specific set of panels is shown, in other embodiments, the glove 10 is formed using more or fewer panels.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-16, the glove 10 is a Gunn pattern glove. Specifically, the index finger 40 and the pinky finger 46 are formed from a first panel, and the middle finger 42 and the ring finger 44 are formed from a second panel that is coupled to the first panel. In other embodiments, the glove 10 has a different arrangement.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the glove 10 includes a first piece, sheet, or panel (e.g., a bottom panel), shown as palm panel 100. As shown, the palm panel 100 is formed from a single, continuous piece of material. In other embodiments, the palm panel 100 includes multiple pieces of material coupled to one another. The palm panel 100 defines portions of the main glove body 20, the index finger 40, and the pinky finger 46. Specifically, the palm panel 100 extends primarily along bottom, inner, and outer surfaces a user's palm, index finger, and pinky finger. The palm panel 100 further extends along top surfaces of the user's index finger and pinky finger near the fingertips of such fingers.
The palm panel 100 includes a center portion, shown as main palm portion 102, that extends along a user's palm. The main palm portion 102 may form a bottom surface of the glove 10 when the glove 10 is complete. Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the inner side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main palm portion 102 is an inner side portion, shown as inner palm portion 104. The inner palm portion 104 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 106, such that the inner palm portion 104 extends along an inner side of the main portion of a user's hand. Coupled to a side of the main palm portion 102 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer side portion, shown as outer palm portion 108. The outer palm portion 108 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 110, such that the outer palm portion 108 extends along an outer side of the main portion of a user's hand. An aperture, shown as thumb aperture 112, extends through the main palm portion 102 and the inner palm portion 104 along the bend line 106. The thumb aperture 112 is positioned to permit the thumb of the user to extend therethrough and into the thumb 50 of the glove 10.
The palm panel 100 further includes another center portion, shown as main index portion 120, that extends along a bottom surface of a user's index finger. The main index portion 120 extends longitudinally away from the main palm portion 102. A lateral bend line, shown as bend line 122, extends between the main index portion 120 and the main palm portion 102. The main index portion 120 bends relative to the main palm portion 102 about the bend line 122 when a user flexes their index finger.
Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main index portion 120 is an inner side portion, shown as inner index portion 130. The inner index portion 130 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 132, such that the inner index portion 130 extends along an inner side of the user's index finger. As shown, the inner index portion 130 is continuous with the inner palm portion 104. Coupled to a side of the main index portion 120 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer side portion, shown as outer index portion 134. The outer index portion 134 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 136, such that the outer index portion 134 extends along an outer side of the user's index finger. A cut separates the main palm portion 102 from the outer index portion 134, such that the main palm portion 102 defines a middle connection edge 138 and the outer index portion 134 defines a middle connection edge 140, both of which extend laterally in the flat pattern of the palm panel 100. In the completed state of the glove 10, the middle connection edge 140 extends substantially vertically upward from the main palm portion 102.
The palm panel 100 further includes another center portion, shown as main index tip portion 150, that extends longitudinally away from the main palm portion 102 in the flat pattern. A lateral bend line, shown as fingertip bend line 152, extends between the main index portion 120 and the main index tip portion 150. The main index tip portion 150 is bent relative to the main palm portion 102 about the fingertip bend line 152 such that the main index tip portion 150 extends along a top surface of a user's index finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in a completed state. The fingertip bend line 152 extends laterally across the fingertip of the user.
Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main index tip portion 150 is an inner side portion, shown as inner index tip portion 154. The inner index tip portion 154 is bent downward relative to the bent main index tip portion 150 along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 156, such that the inner index tip portion 154 extends along an inner side of the user's index finger. The bend line 156 may be continuous with the bend line 132. Coupled to a side of the main index tip portion 150 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer side portion, shown as outer index tip portion 158. The outer index tip portion 158 is bent downward relative to the bent main index tip portion 150 along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 160, such that the outer index tip portion 158 extends along an outer side of the user's index finger. The bend line 160 may be continuous with the bend line 136.
The palm panel 100 further includes another center portion, shown as main pinky portion 170, that extends along a bottom surface of a user's pinky finger. The main pinky portion 170 extends longitudinally away from the main palm portion 102. A lateral bend line, shown as bend line 172, extends between the main pinky portion 170 and the main palm portion 102. The main pinky portion 170 bends relative to the main palm portion 102 about the bend line 172 when a user flexes their pinky finger.
Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main pinky portion 170 is an inner side portion, shown as inner pinky portion 180. The inner pinky portion 180 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 182, such that the inner pinky portion 180 extends along an inner side of the user's pinky finger. Coupled to a side of the main pinky portion 170 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer side portion, shown as outer pinky portion 184. The outer pinky portion 184 is bent upward along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 186, such that the outer pinky portion 184 extends along an outer side of the user's pinky finger. As shown, the inner pinky portion 180 is continuous with the outer palm portion 108. A cut separates the main palm portion 102 from the inner pinky portion 180, such that the main palm portion 102 defines a ring connection edge 188 and the inner pinky portion 180 defines a ring connection edge 190, both of which extend laterally in the flat pattern of the palm panel 100. In the completed state of the glove 10, the ring connection edge 190 extends substantially vertically upward from the main palm portion 102. The palm panel 100 further includes another center portion, shown as main pinky tip portion 200, that extends longitudinally away from the main palm portion 102 in the flat pattern. A lateral bend line, shown as fingertip bend line 202, extends between the main pinky portion 170 and the main pinky tip portion 200. The main pinky tip portion 200 is bent relative to the main palm portion 102 about the fingertip bend line 152 such that the main pinky tip portion 200 extends along a top surface of a user's pinky finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in a completed state. The fingertip bend line 202 extends laterally across the fingertip of the user. Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main pinky tip portion 200 is an inner side portion, shown as inner pinky tip portion 204. The inner pinky tip portion 204 is bent downward relative to the bent main pinky tip portion 200 along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 206, such that the inner pinky tip portion 204 extends along an inner side of the user's pinky finger. The bend line 206 may be continuous with the bend line 182. Coupled to a side of the main pinky tip portion 200 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer side portion, shown as outer pinky tip portion 208. The outer pinky tip portion 208 is bent downward relative to the bent main pinky tip portion 200 along a longitudinally-extending bend line, shown as bend line 210, such that the outer pinky tip portion 208 extends along an outer side of the user's pinky finger. The bend line 210 may be continuous with the bend line 186.
Referring to FIG. 3, the edges of the palm panel 100 connect to other panels to form the glove 10. Proceeding clockwise around the perimeter of the palm panel 100, the palm panel 100 includes: a cuff connection edge 220 defined by the main palm portion 102, the inner palm portion 104, and the outer palm portion 108 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a back connection edge 222 defined by the inner palm portion 104 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; an index connection edge 224 defined by the inner index portion 130 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; an index tip connection edge 226 defined by the inner index tip portion 154 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; an index tip connection edge 228 defined by the inner index tip portion 154, the main index tip portion 150, and the outer index tip portion 158 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; an index tip connection edge 230 defined by the outer index tip portion 158 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; an index connection edge 232 defined by the outer index portion 134 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; the middle connection edge 140; the middle connection edge 138; the ring connection edge 188; the ring connection edge 190; a pinky connection edge 234 defined by the inner pinky portion 180 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; a pinky tip connection edge 236 defined by the inner pinky tip portion 204 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; a pinky tip connection edge 238 defined by the inner pinky tip portion 204, the main pinky tip portion 200, and the outer pinky tip portion 208 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a pinky tip connection edge 240 defined by the outer pinky tip portion 208 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; a pinky connection edge 242 defined by the outer pinky portion 184 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; and a back connection edge 244 defined by the outer palm portion 108 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the glove 10 includes a second piece, sheet, or panel, (e.g., a top panel) shown as back panel 300. As shown, the back panel 300 is formed from a single, continuous piece of material. In other embodiments, the back panel 300 includes multiple pieces of material coupled to one another. The back panel 300 defines portions of the main glove body 20, the index finger 40, the middle finger 42, the ring finger 44, and the pinky finger 46. Specifically, the back panel 300 extends primarily along top surfaces of the back of a user's hand and a user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger.
The back panel 300 includes a center portion, main portion, knuckle portion, or hand back portion, shown as knuckle portion 302, that extends along the back of a user's hand. Specifically, as shown, the knuckle portion 302 extends across a user's most proximal knuckles. The knuckle portion 302 may form a top surface of the glove 10 when the glove 10 is complete. Coupled to and extending longitudinally away from the knuckle portion 302 are a series of finger portions, shown as index portion 310, middle portion 312, ring portion 314, and pinky portion 316. The index portion 310, the middle portion 312, the ring portion 314, and the pinky portion 316 are configured to extend along top surfaces of a user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger, respectively. The index portion 310, the middle portion 312, the ring portion 314, and the pinky portion 316 are configured to bend relative to the knuckle portion 302 about longitudinally-extending bend lines, shown as bend line 320, bend line 322, bend line 324, and bend line 326, respectively. Specifically, the index portion 310, the middle portion 312, the ring portion 314, and the pinky portion 316 are configured to bend when the user flexes their corresponding fingers.
A first cut separates the index portion 310 from the middle portion 312, such that the index portion 310 defines an index connection edge 330 and the middle portion 312 defines a middle connection edge 332, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the back panel 300. A second cut separates the middle portion 312 from the ring portion 314, such that the middle portion 312 defines a middle connection edge 334 and the ring portion 314 defines a ring connection edge 336, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the back panel 300. A third cut separates the ring portion 314 from the pinky portion 316, such that the ring portion 314 defines a ring connection edge 338 and the pinky portion 316 defines a pinky connection edge 340, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the back panel 300. The first, second, and third cuts facilitate independent movement of the fingers of the glove 10.
Referring to FIG. 4, the edges of the back panel 300 connect to other panels to form the glove 10. Proceeding clockwise around the perimeter of the back panel 300, the back panel 300 includes: a back connection edge 350 defined by the knuckle portion 302 and extending laterally in the flat pattern; a palm connection edge 352 defined by the knuckle portion 302 and extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; a pinky connection edge 354 defined by the pinky portion 316 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; a pinky tip connection edge 356 defined by the pinky portion 316 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; the pinky connection edge 340; the ring connection edge 338; a ring tip connection edge 358 defined by the ring portion 314 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; the ring connection edge 336; the middle connection edge 334; a middle tip connection edge 360 defined by the middle portion 312 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; the middle connection edge 332; the index connection edge 330; an index tip connection edge 362 defined by the index portion 310 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; an index connection edge 364 defined by the index portion 310 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; and a palm connection edge 366 defined by the knuckle portion 302 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the glove 10 includes a third piece, sheet, or panel, (e.g., a bottom panel) shown as central finger panel 400. As shown, the central finger panel 400 is formed from a single, continuous piece of material. In other embodiments, the central finger panel 400 includes multiple pieces of material coupled to one another. The central finger panel 400 defines portions of the middle finger 42 and the ring finger 44. Specifically, the central finger panel 400 extends along inner, outer, and bottom surfaces of the user's middle finger and ring finger.
The central finger panel 400 includes a first center portion, shown as main middle portion 402, that extends along a bottom surface of a user's middle finger. Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) of the main middle portion 402 is an inner side portion, shown as inner middle portion 404. The inner middle portion 404 is bent upward along a bend line 406, such that the inner middle portion 404 extends along an inner side of the user's middle finger. The bend line 406 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. Coupled to a side of the main middle portion 402 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the front side as shown in FIG. 5) is an outer side portion, shown as outer middle portion 408. The outer middle portion 408 is bent upward along a bend line 410, such that the outer middle portion 408 extends along an outer side of the user's middle finger. The bend line 410 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10.
The central finger panel 400 further includes another center portion, shown as main middle tip portion 420, that extends laterally away from the main middle portion 402 in the flat pattern. A fingertip bend line 422 extends between the main middle portion 402 and the main middle tip portion 420. The fingertip bend line 422 extends longitudinally in the flat pattern and laterally in the completed glove 10. The main middle tip portion 420 is bent relative to the main middle portion 402 about the fingertip bend line 422 such that the main middle tip portion 420 extends along a top surface of a user's middle finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in a completed state. In the completed state of the glove 10, the fingertip bend line 422 extends laterally across the fingertip of the user.
Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) of the main middle tip portion 420 is an inner side portion, shown as inner middle tip portion 424. The inner middle tip portion 424 is bent downward relative to the bent main middle tip portion 424 along a bend line 426, such that the inner middle tip portion 424 extends along an inner side of the user's middle finger. The bend line 426 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The bend line 426 may be continuous with the bend line 406. Coupled to a side of the main middle tip portion 420 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the front side as shown in FIG. 5) is an outer side portion, shown as outer middle tip portion 428. The outer middle tip portion 428 is bent downward relative to the bent main middle tip portion 420 along a bend line 430, such that the outer middle tip portion 428 extends along an outer side of the user's middle finger. The bend line 430 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The bend line 430 may be continuous with the bend line 410.
The central finger panel 400 includes a second center portion, shown as main ring portion 442, that extends along a bottom surface of a user's ring finger. Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) of the main ring portion 442 is an inner side portion, shown as inner ring portion 444. The inner ring portion 444 is bent upward along a bend line 446, such that the inner ring portion 444 extends along an inner side of the user's ring finger. The bend line 446 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. Coupled to a side of the main ring portion 442 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) is an outer side portion, shown as outer ring portion 448. The outer ring portion 448 is bent upward along a bend line 450, such that the outer ring portion 448 extends along an outer side of the user's ring finger. The bend line 450 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10.
The central finger panel 400 further includes another center portion, shown as main ring tip portion 460, that extends laterally away from the main ring portion 442 in the flat pattern. A fingertip bend line 462 extends between the main ring portion 442 and the main ring tip portion 460. The fingertip bend line 462 extends longitudinally in the flat pattern and laterally in the completed glove 10. The main ring tip portion 460 is bent relative to the main ring portion 442 about the fingertip bend line 462 such that the main ring tip portion 460 extends along a top surface of a user's ring finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in a completed state. In the completed state of the glove 10, the fingertip bend line 462 extends laterally across the fingertip of the user.
Coupled to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) of the main ring tip portion 460 is an inner side portion, shown as inner ring tip portion 464. The inner ring tip portion 464 is bent downward relative to the bent main ring tip portion 460 along a bend line 466, such that the inner ring tip portion 464 extends along an inner side of the user's ring finger. The bend line 466 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The bend line 466 may be continuous with the bend line 446. Coupled to a side of the main ring tip portion 460 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) is an outer side portion, shown as outer ring tip portion 468. The outer ring tip portion 468 is bent downward relative to the bent main ring tip portion 460 along a bend line 470, such that the outer ring tip portion 468 extends along an outer side of the user's ring finger. The bend line 470 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The bend line 470 may be continuous with the bend line 450.
Referring to FIG. 5, the outer middle portion 408 and the inner ring portion 444 are coupled to one another such that they are continuous with one another. The outer middle portion 408 and the inner ring portion 444 are bent relative to one another about a bend line 480. Specifically, both the outer middle portion 408 and the inner ring portion 444 are bent downward (i.e., into the page as shown in FIG. 5) about the bend line 480. The bend line 480 extends longitudinally in the flat pattern and vertically in the completed glove 10. The lateral position of the bend line 480 is based on the desired lengths of the middle finger 42 and the ring finger 44.
A cut separates the main middle portion 402 and the inner middle portion 404 from the main ring portion 442 and the outer ring portion 448. Along this cut, the main middle portion 402 defines a palm connection edge 482 and the inner middle portion 404 defines an index connection edge 484, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the palm panel 100. Along the cut, the main ring portion 442 defines a palm connection edge 486 and the outer ring portion 448 defines a pinky connection edge 488, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the palm panel 100. In the completed state of the glove 10, the palm connection edge 482 and the palm connection edge 486 extend substantially laterally and the index connection edge 484 and the pinky connection edge 488 extend substantially vertically.
Referring to FIG. 5, the edges of the central finger panel 400 connect to other panels to form the glove 10. Proceeding clockwise around the perimeter of the central finger panel 400, the central finger panel 400 includes: a ring connection edge 500 defined by the inner ring portion 444 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a ring tip connection edge 502 defined by the inner ring tip portion 464 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a ring tip connection edge 504 defined by the inner ring tip portion 464, the main ring tip portion 460, and the outer ring tip portion 468 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; a ring tip connection edge 506 defined by the outer ring tip portion 468 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a ring connection edge 508 defined by the outer ring portion 448 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; the pinky connection edge 488; the palm connection edge 486; the palm connection edge 482; the index connection edge 484; a middle connection edge 510 defined by the inner middle portion 404 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a middle tip connection edge 512 defined by the inner middle tip portion 424 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a middle tip connection edge 514 defined by the inner middle tip portion 424, the main middle tip portion 420, and the outer middle tip portion 428 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; and a middle tip connection edge 516 defined by the outer middle tip portion 428 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; a middle connection edge 518 defined by the outer middle portion 408 that extends laterally in the flat pattern.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the glove 10 further includes a fourth piece, sheet, or panel, (e.g., a top panel) shown as rear back panel 600, extends along the back of the main portion of a user's hand, between the back panel 300, the palm panel 100, and the cuff 30. In other embodiments, the rear back panel 600 is omitted, and the back panel 300 is extended to meet the cuff 30. The cuff 30 includes a fifth piece, sheet, or panel, shown as cuff panel 602. The cuff panel 602 substantially surrounds the user's wrist and/or forearm.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the glove 10 includes a third piece, sheet, or panel, shown as back side thumb panel 650, and a fourth piece, sheet, or panel, shown as palm side thumb panel 652. The back side thumb panel 650 extends along a top side of a user's thumb. The palm side thumb panel 652 extends along a bottom side of a user's thumb. The back side thumb panel 650 includes a thumb connection edge 660 and a palm connection edge 662. The palm side thumb panel 652 includes a thumb connection edge 670 and a palm connection edge 672.
In some embodiments, the panels of the glove 10 are coupled to one another along a series of seams. FIGS. 8-10 illustrate examples of possible seam arrangements used in the glove 10. In each seam, an edge E1 of a first panel P1 is brought adjacent an edge E2 of another panel P2. The edges E1, E2 are then coupled to one another (e.g., with adhesive, with a thread T that extends through both panels, etc.). FIG. 8 illustrates an internal seam where both of the edges E1, E2 are positioned within the glove 10. FIG. 9 illustrates an external seam where both of the edges E1, E2 are positioned outside of the glove 10. FIG. 10 illustrates an overlapping seam where the edge E1 is positioned outside of the glove 10 and the edge E2 is positioned inside of the glove.
Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a first series of seams extend longitudinally along the length of the glove 10, forming the fingers and the main glove body 20. A first seam extends longitudinally, coupling the back connection edge 222 of the palm panel 100 to an edge of the rear back panel 600 and the palm connection edge 366 of the back panel 300 and coupling the index connection edge 224 of the palm panel 100 to the index connection edge 364 of the back panel 300 and the index tip connection edge 226 of the palm panel 100. A second seam extends longitudinally, coupling the index connection edge 232 of the palm panel 100 to the index tip connection edge 230 of the palm panel 100 and the index connection edge 330 of the back panel 300. A third seam extends longitudinally, coupling the middle connection edge 510 of the central finger panel 400 to the middle tip connection edge 512 of the central finger panel 400 and the middle connection edge 332 of the back panel 300. A fourth seam extends longitudinally, coupling the middle connection edge 518 of the central finger panel 400 to the middle tip connection edge 516 of the central finger panel 400 and the middle connection edge 334 of the back panel 300. A fifth seam extends longitudinally, coupling the ring connection edge 500 of the central finger panel 400 to the ring tip connection edge 502 of the central finger panel 400 and the ring connection edge 336 of the back panel 300. A sixth seam extends longitudinally, coupling the ring connection edge 508 of the central finger panel 400 to the ring tip connection edge 506 of the central finger panel 400 and the ring connection edge 338 of the back panel 300. A seventh seam extends longitudinally, coupling the pinky connection edge 234 of the palm panel 100 to the pinky tip connection edge 236 of the palm panel 100 and the pinky connection edge 340 of the back panel 300. An eighth seam extends longitudinally, coupling the back connection edge 244 of the palm panel 100 to an edge of the rear back panel 600 and the palm connection edge 352 of the back panel 300 and coupling the pinky connection edge 242 of the palm panel 100 to the pinky connection edge 354 of the back panel 300 and the pinky tip connection edge 240 of the palm panel 100.
A second series of seams extend laterally across a width of the glove 10, coupling the back panel 300 to the palm panel 100 and the central finger panel 400 to form fingertip portions of the glove 10. A ninth seam extends laterally along the glove 10, coupling the index tip connection edge 228 of the palm panel 100 to the index tip connection edge 362 of the back panel 300. A tenth seam extends laterally along the glove 10, coupling the middle tip connection edge 514 of the central finger panel 400 to the middle tip connection edge 360 of the back panel 300. An eleventh seam extends laterally along the glove 10, coupling the ring tip connection edge 504 of the central finger panel 400 to the ring tip connection edge 358 of the back panel 300. A twelfth seam extends laterally along the glove 10, coupling the pinky tip connection edge 238 of the palm panel 100 to the pinky tip connection edge 356 of the back panel 300.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, a seam 700 wraps partially around the middle finger 42 and the ring finger 44, coupling the central finger panel 400 to the palm panel 100. A first portion of the seam 700 extends vertically across the glove 10, coupling the index connection edge 484 of the central finger panel 400 to the middle connection edge 140 of the palm panel 100. A second portion of the seam 700 extends laterally across the glove 10, coupling the palm connection edge 482 of the central finger panel 400 to the middle connection edge 138 of the palm panel 100 and coupling the palm connection edge 486 of the central finger panel 400 to the ring connection edge 188 of the palm panel 100. A third portion of the seam 700 extends vertically across the glove 10, coupling the pinky connection edge 488 of the central finger panel 400 to the ring connection edge 190 of the palm panel 100.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 11, the glove 10 may include a seam reinforcement member, piece, or panel, shown as welt 702. The welt 702 extends along part of or the entire length of the seam 700. The welt 702 is positioned within the seam 700 between the central finger panel 400 and the palm panel 100. The welt 702 may strengthen the seam 700 to resist separation of the central finger panel 400 from the palm panel 100 over time. In other embodiments, the welt 702 is omitted. In some embodiments, one or more of the other seams of the glove 10 include welts to strengthen the seams.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, a first thumb seam extends along a perimeter of the thumb 50, coupling the thumb connection edge 660 of the back side thumb panel 650 to the thumb connection edge 670 of the palm side thumb panel 652. A second thumb seam couples the palm connection edge 662 of the back side thumb panel 650 and the palm connection edge 672 of the palm side thumb panel 652 to an edge of the thumb aperture 112 defined by the palm panel 100. A section or portion of the palm panel 100 adjacent to the thumb aperture 112, shown as overlapping thumb pad 710, extends partway across the palm side thumb panel 652. A third thumb seam couples an edge of the overlapping thumb pad 710 to the palm side thumb panel 652.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 12, the glove 10 includes a reinforcement piece, panel, patch, or section, shown as outer glide patch 750. The outer glide patch 750 extends longitudinally along a length of the glove 10. The outer glide patch 750 is coupled to the main glove body 20 and the pinky finger 46. As shown, the outer glide patch 750 is positioned on the exterior of the glove 10. As shown, the outer glide patch 750 extends along a top surface of the back panel 300 and the rear back panel 600, a bottom surface of the palm panel 100, and an outer surface of the palm panel 100, the back panel 300, and the rear back panel 600. As shown, the outer glide patch 750 is stitched to the palm panel 100, the back panel 300, and the rear back panel 600 at a seam extending along a perimeter of the outer glide patch 750. In other embodiments, the outer glide patch 750 is bonded to the palm panel 100, the back panel 300, and/or the rear back panel 600. The outer glide patch 750 may reduce wear on the glove 10 caused by a user rubbing an outer side of the glove 10 against another object.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 13, the glove 10 includes a reinforcement piece, panel, patch, or section, shown as thumb reinforcement patch 760. The thumb reinforcement patch 760 extends partway along a length of the thumb 50, from the connection of the thumb 50 and the main glove body 20 toward the end of the thumb 50. The thumb reinforcement patch 760 is positioned on an outer side of the thumb 50 such that, when a user touches their thumb to the main portion of their hand, the thumb reinforcement patch 760 engages the main glove body 20. The thumb reinforcement patch 760 extends along the seam between the thumb connection edge 660 and the thumb connection edge 670. As shown, the thumb reinforcement patch 760 is positioned on the exterior of the glove 10. As shown, the thumb reinforcement patch 760 extends along a top surface of the back side thumb panel 650, a bottom surface of the palm side thumb panel 652, and an outer surface of the palm side thumb panel 652 and the back side thumb panel 650. As shown, the thumb reinforcement patch 760 is stitched to the palm panel 100, the palm side thumb panel 652, and the back side thumb panel 650 at a seam extending along a perimeter of the thumb reinforcement patch 760. In other embodiments, the thumb reinforcement patch 760 is bonded to the palm panel 100, the palm side thumb panel 652, and/or the back side thumb panel 650. The thumb reinforcement patch 760 may reduce wear on the glove 10 caused by gripping an object (e.g., a hammer, a bat, etc.) between the thumb 50 and the main glove body 20.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the glove 10 includes a reinforcement piece, panel, patch, or section, shown as knuckle reinforcement 770. The knuckle reinforcement 770 extends laterally along a width of the glove 10 and longitudinally along a length of the glove 10. The knuckle reinforcement 770 is coupled to the knuckle portion 302 of the back panel 300. As shown, the knuckle reinforcement 770 is positioned on the interior of the glove 10 (e.g., on a bottom side of back panel 300). As shown, the knuckle reinforcement 770 is bonded to the back panel 300. The knuckle reinforcement 770 may be coupled to the back panel 300 prior to assembling the glove 10 (e.g., prior to stitching the back panel 300 to the palm panel 100 or the central finger panel 400. The outer glide patch 750 may reduce wear on the glove 10 caused by contact at a knuckle portion of the glove 10.
Referring to FIG. 14, the glove 10 includes a series of a reinforcement pieces, panels, patches, or sections, shown as fingertip reinforcements 800. Each fingertip reinforcement 800 may be formed from a single, continuous piece of flat material. As shown, the fingertip reinforcement 800 includes a top portion 802 coupled to a bottom portion 804. The top portion 802 and the bottom portion 804 are bent relative to one another about a laterally-extending bend line, shown as fingertip bend line 806. The top portion 802 and the bottom portion 804 are continuous across the fingertip bend line 806.
As shown, the flat pattern of the fingertip reinforcement 800 has a length L measured longitudinally across the top portion 802 and the bottom portion 804. In some embodiments, the length L is approximately 28 mm. The top portion 802 has a width Wi, and the bottom portion 804 has a width W2, each measured laterally. In some embodiments, the width W2 is approximately 24 mm. The width W2 is greater than the width W1. The length L is greater than the width W2 is greater than the width W1. The top portion 802 has an area Ai, and the bottom portion 804 has an area A2. The area A2 is larger than the area Ai. The fingertip reinforcement 800 may have a substantially constant thickness throughout. Accordingly, a volume of the top portion 802 may be larger than a volume of the bottom portion 804. In some embodiments, each of the fingertip reinforcements 800 are the same size. In other embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements 800 vary in size based on the size of the associated finger of the glove 10.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 14, the fingertip reinforcements 800 are integrated into the fingers of the glove 10. Specifically, the index finger 40, the middle finger 42, the ring finger 44, and the pinky finger 46 each include a fingertip reinforcement 800. The fingertip reinforcements 800 extend along an interior surface of each finger, between the fingertip of the user and the corresponding panels of the finger, such that a fingertip of a user contacts the fingertip reinforcement 800 when worn. Each fingertip reinforcement 800 extends across and is coupled to the main finger portion of the panel (e.g., the main index portion 120, the main middle portion 402, the main ring portion 442, the main pinky portion 170) and the main tip portion of the panel (e.g., the main index tip portion 150, the main middle tip portion 420, the main ring tip portion 460, the main pinky tip portion 200). The fingertip bend line 806 of each fingertip reinforcement 800 may align with the corresponding fingertip bend line of the palm panel 100 or the central finger panel 400 (e.g., the fingertip bend line 152, the fingertip bend line 422, the fingertip bend line 462, the fingertip bend line 202). Accordingly, the top portion 802 extends along a top interior surface of the glove 10 and above the corresponding finger of the user, and the bottom portion 804 extends along a bottom interior surface of the glove 10 and below the corresponding finger of the user.
Referring to FIG. 15, a side section view of the index finger 40 of the glove 10 is shown with an index finger F of a user inserted into the index finger 40. Although only the index finger 40 is shown, it should be understood that the middle finger 42, the ring finger 44, and the pinky finger 46 may have similar arrangements. The index finger F includes the phalanges (i.e., phalanx bones) of the user. Specifically, the index finger F includes a distal phalanx P1, an intermediate phalanx P2, and a proximal phalanx P3. The distal phalanx P1 is coupled to the intermediate phalanx P2 at a distal knuckle K1. The intermediate phalanx P2 is coupled to the proximal phalanx P3 at an intermediate knuckle K2. The proximal phalanx P3 is coupled to a corresponding metacarpal M at a proximal knuckle K3. The metacarpal M is contained at least partially within the main glove body 20 of the glove 10. The point on the finger F most distal from the metacarpal M is a fingertip FT.
As shown in FIG. 15, the fingertip bend line 152 and the fingertip bend line 806 are situated at approximately the same vertical position as the fingertip FT. Accordingly, the main index tip portion 150 and the top portion 802 extend above the distal phalanx P1, and the main index portion 120 and the bottom portion 804 extend below the distal phalanx P1. The main index tip portion 150 and the main index portion 120 extend continuously across the fingertip FT from above the distal phalanx P1 to below the distal phalanx P1 without any laterally-extending seams extending across the distal phalanx P1 at the fingertip FT. Accordingly, the index finger 40 has a rolled tip arrangement. Similarly, the top portion 802 and the bottom portion 804 extend continuously across the fingertip FT without any seams.
As shown, the seam between the index tip connection edge 228 and the index tip connection edge 362 is positioned above the finger F and distal (e.g., longitudinally forward) of the first knuckle K1. In other embodiments, this seam is positioned rearward of the first knuckle K1. As shown, the top portion 802 and the bottom portion 804 are positioned entirely forward of the first knuckle K1. In other embodiments, the top portion 802 and/or the bottom portion 804 extend rearward of the first knuckle K1.
As shown in FIG. 15, the index finger 40 has a thickness Ti adjacent the fingertip reinforcement 800. At the fingertip reinforcement 800, the index finger 40 has a thickness T2, which is greater than the thickness Ti. If the glove 10 did not include the fingertip reinforcement 800, the finger F would be exposed if the user were to wear through the thickness Ti. However, because of the addition of the fingertip reinforcement 800, once the main index portion 120 and/or the main index tip portion 150 become worn completely through (e.g., the wear extends through the thickness Ti), the fingertip reinforcement 800 further protects the finger F. With the inclusion of the fingertip reinforcement 800, the glove 10 must experience wear through the thickness T2 before failing, prolonging the life of the glove 10.
Because the top portion 802 of the fingertip reinforcement 800 has a greater area than the bottom portion 804, a greater amount (e.g., area, volume, etc.) of material extends across a bottom side of the finger F than across the top side of the finger F. In some embodiments, the top portion 802 is approximately the same size and shape of a fingernail of the finger F. Because most gripping action takes place along a bottom side of the finger F, this arrangement places more material where a greater amount of wear would normally be experienced, increasing the life and/or reducing the weight of the glove 10 when compared to a fingertip reinforcement 800 having equal amounts of material above and below the finger F.
In some embodiments, the fingertip reinforcement 800 is made from a different material than the outer layer or outer layers (e.g., the palm panel 100, the back panel 300, the central finger panel 400, etc.) of the glove 10. In some embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements 800 are more insulative than the outer layer (e.g., to reduce heat loss at the fingertips). In some embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements 800 have a greater coefficient of friction with the finger F than the coefficient of friction of the outer layer with the finger F. This may help prevent the glove 10 from slipping on a user's hand. In some embodiments, the outer layer is more abrasion resistant than the fingertip reinforcements 800.
The fingertip reinforcements 800 are bonded to the interior surfaces of the corresponding layers (e.g., the palm panel 100, the central finger panel 400). This bonding may be performed while the panel is still in a flat pattern (i.e., prior to folding or bending the panels of the glove 10), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. By bonding the fingertip reinforcements 800, the durability of the glove 10 is improved compared to a stitching attachment. By bonding the fingertip reinforcements 800, most or all of a surface of the fingertip reinforcement 800 is coupled to the corresponding panel. Accordingly, even if a portion of the fingertip reinforcement 800 is worn through or becomes decoupled from the panel, the remaining fingertip reinforcement 800 remains coupled to the panel, undisturbed. If the fingertip reinforcement 800 were to be stitched to the panel, breaking the thread of the seam would release the fingertip reinforcement 800, permitting the fingertip reinforcement 800 to partially or completely separate from the panel.
By bonding the fingertip reinforcements 800 to the outer layer, the fingertip reinforcements 800 can be placed anywhere on the interior surface of the glove 10 without having to provide a suitable location for threads to couple the fingertip reinforcements 800 to the outer layer. In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5), the fingertip reinforcements 800 are relieved (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) such that the fingertip reinforcements 800 do not extend into the seams of the outer layer. This may facilitate movement of the fingertip reinforcements 800 relative to the seams of the outer layer, which may increase user comfort.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 16, the thumb 50 includes a reinforcement piece, panel, patch, or section, shown as thumb reinforcement 900. The thumb reinforcement 900 may be substantially similar to the fingertip reinforcement 800 (e.g., in construction, in relationship to the corresponding finger of the glove, in function, etc.) except as otherwise specified herein. The thumb reinforcement 900 extends across an interior surface of the palm side thumb panel 652 and below the distal phalanx of the user's thumb. The thumb reinforcement 900 does not extend across the fingertip of the thumb. Instead, the thumb reinforcement 900 is contained to a bottom side of the thumb 50, below the seam between the thumb connection edge 660 and the thumb connection edge 670.
The thumb reinforcement 900 has a width W measured laterally and a length L measured longitudinally. In some embodiments, the thumb reinforcement 900 has a substantially triangular shape with rounded corners. In some embodiments, the length L is approximately 33.5 mm. In some embodiments, the width W is approximately 33 mm.
FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a glove, shown as glove 1000. The glove 1000 may be substantially similar to the glove 10, except as otherwise specified herein. In some embodiments, the glove 1000 is a welding glove. FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate another alternative embodiment of a glove, shown as glove 1100. The glove 1100 may be substantially similar to the glove 10, except as otherwise specified herein. In some embodiments, the glove 1000 is a work glove. Referring to FIG. 21 (which shows a disclosed embodiment “inside-out”), the fingertip reinforcement 1200 is formed by extending the palm panel over the fingertip to overlap the back panel. FIG. 22 depicts an alternative embodiment comprising a separate fingertip reinforcement 1202 that is attached under the back of the hand panel (in this inside-out view), which avoids the formation of an edge that can “catch” a user's fingertip.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the glove as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the fingertip reinforcements 800 of the exemplary embodiment shown in at least FIGS. 1 and 2 may be incorporated in the glove 1000 of the exemplary embodiment shown in at least FIGS. 17 and 18. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
Patent Application
20220400791
