HYBRID MITTEN-GLOVE WITH INDEX FINGER SHEATH

Abstract

A hybrid mitten-glove with a thumb sheath, index finger sheath and a four-finger sheath, and an outer enclosing mitten, the invention being operable to keep all fingers covered, hence warm and dry, during use while providing finger dexterity to perform tasks.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to gloves and mittens useful for performing certain tasks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The index finger (also referred to as forefinger, first finger, pointer finger and trigger finger) is the first finger and the second digit of a human hand. It is located between the first and third digits, i.e., between the thumb and the middle finger. A sheath is a close-fitting cover for something, especially something that is elongated in shape.

A glove is a garment covering the whole hand. Gloves have separate sheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb. Disadvantageously, gloves have a lower thermal efficiency than mittens as they have a greater surface area exposed to the cold due to the sheaths enclosing each finger; additionally, the fingers are not in contact with each other. The fingers, being separately enclosed, transfer heat to the environment over their entire surface area. Gloves which cover the entire hand or first but do not have separate finger openings or sheaths are called mittens.

Mittens are warmer than other styles of gloves made of the same material because fingers maintain their warmth better when they are in contact with each other or share an enclosed sheath, as a significant part of their heat transfer is to the enclosed mitten interior or adjacent fingers rather than the outside environment. The reduced surface area of the mitten reduces heat loss by definition, as heat transfer via conduction between a body and a surrounding fluid is proportional to exposed surface area. As noted, a mitten is a glove without individual finger (other than the thumb) sheaths. Generally, mittens still separate the thumb from the other four fingers, the thumb being opposable and thus requiring more freedom of movement. They have different colors and designs. Mittens have a higher thermal efficiency than gloves as they have a smaller surface area exposed to the cold. A mitten typically has a single sheath for the thumb and a single sheath for the other 4 fingers. Disadvantageously, the mitten does not allow for the free or independent movement of the index finger relative to the other fingers; the index finger is typically used to activate a trigger.

One type of hybrid of glove and mitten contains open-ended sheaths for the four fingers (as in a fingerless glove, but not the thumb) and an additional compartment encapsulating the four fingers. This compartment can be lifted off the fingers and folded back to allow the individual fingers ease of movement and access while the hand remains covered. The usual design is for the mitten cavity to be stitched onto the back of the fingerless glove only, allowing it to be flipped over (normally held back by a button, a hook-and-loop type fastening system, or other easily detachable fastening means) to transform the garment from a mitten to a glove. These hybrids are called convertible mittens. Disadvantageously, such hybrids expose the fingers to the cold or elements when folded back.

Mittens and gloves protect and comfort hands against cold or heat and damage by friction or abrasion. Mittens and gloves are made of materials including cloth, knitted or felted wool, leather, rubber, latex, neoprene and silk. Gloves of Kevlar™ protect the wearer from cuts. Gloves and mittens overcome the inability to keep hands warm and dry while working in extreme cold weather conditions where fine dexterity is required to perform various tasks.

Various parameters are used to characterize gloves and mittens. Button length is the measurement in inches that is used to determine the length/measurement from the base of the glove or mitten thumb to the cuff of the glove or mitten. Perforations are small holes that are punched in the leather. They are often added for better ventilation, grip, or aesthetics and can be as fine as a pin hole. Points are the one or more lines of decorative stitching on the back of the glove. Quirks are found on only the most expensive hand sewn gloves. They are small diamond shaped pieces of leather sewn at the base of the fingers, where they are attached to the hand of the glove to improve the fit. A strap and roller is used to adjust the closeness of the fit around the wrist. A Vent is the ‘V’ shaped cut out of the glove, sometimes at the back, but more often on the palm, to give the glove an easier fit around the wrist.

What is desired is a hybrid glove or mitten that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional mittens, gloves and convertible mittens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a hybrid mitten-glove with a thumb sheath, index finger sheath and a four-finger sheath. An embodiment of the invention comprises an outer shell fabricated with 330d Cordura textile and goat skin leather with a built-in index finger sheath or opening and guard. Said embodiment further comprises an interior liner comprising an insulation layer with an adjacent skin fabric also dimensioned with the built-in trigger finger sheath.

To those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention including the features, advantages and specific embodiments, reference is made to the following detailed description along with accompanying Figures.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the outer element mitten in one embodiment of the present invention with its throat and mouth fasteners fastened.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the inner element hybrid mitten-glove with index finger sheath in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the combined inner and outer elements in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of the back of the outer element mitten in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the outer element mitten in one embodiment of the present invention with its throat and mouth fasteners unfastened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the making and using of the disclosed embodiments of the invention is discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. Some features of the preferred embodiments shown and discussed may be simplified or exaggerated for illustrating the principles of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the invention is a hybrid mitten-glove 200 with a thumb sheath 202, index finger sheath 203 and a four-finger sheath 201. An embodiment of the invention comprises an outer shell fabricated with 330d Cordura textile and goat skin leather with a built-in index finger sheath. Said embodiment further comprises an interior liner coupled to said outer shell comprising an insulation layer with an adjacent skin fabric also dimensioned with the built-in trigger finger sheath. Further features of the invention include: fleece “nose” wipe section, leather trigger finger 206, goat skin leather palm, elastic wrist segment 204, attachable drop cord strap 205, long wide cuff to fit over jacket, breathable fabric that also has a water repellent coating and is impervious to wind.

Referring to the Figures, a further embodiment of the invention comprises an outer element 100 and an inner element 200, said inner element being a hybrid mitten-glove 200 comprising an inner thumb sheath 202, index finger sheath 203, inner four-finger sheath 201, elastic wrist segment 204, strap 205, leather finger tip 206 and leather thumb tip 207, said outer element 100 being a larger, removable insulated mitten dimensioned to fit over said inner element as shown in FIG. 3, said outer element comprising an outer four finger sheath 101, an outer thumb sheath 102, and an opening 103 dimensioned to admit said index finger sheath 203 of said inner element so that said index finger sheath extends through said outer element, the user's index finger then being able to move independently in order to activate, for example, a trigger.

The outer element further comprises a throat cinch segment 104 coupled to a throat cinch drawstring 105, said drawstring acting to tighten the throat of said outer element when pulled, the throat of said outer element being the section around a wearer's wrist; said outer element further comprises on the free end of said throat cinch drawstring 105 a throat fastener 106a and 106b, said throat fastener comprising a hook-and-loop-type fastening system in which element 106a is a tab comprising a plurality of small plastic hooks and element 106b is a corresponding surface located on said outer element comprising a plurality of small plastic loops, said elements 106a and 106b becoming removably fastened to each other when pressed together. Similarly, said outer element further comprises a mouth cinch segment 107, mouth cinch drawstring 108, and mouth fasteners 109a and 109b, the mouth of said outer element being the opening at the base. Said outer element further comprises on the back surface a dexterity strap 401 operable to tighten or loosen said outer element four finger sheath 101 about a user's fingers.

Advantages of the hybrid mitten-glove with a thumb sheath, index finger sheath and a four-finger sheath invention include being operable to keep all fingers covered, hence warm and dry, during use while providing finger dexterity to perform tasks. Such a task includes, but is not limited to, using and firing weapons. The hybrid mitten-glove with a thumb sheath, index finger sheath and a four-finger sheath invention can be used by hunters, fishermen, skiers, snowmobilers, recreational users, military personnel, workers in, inter alia, the mining and gas industries.

The hybrid mitten-glove with a thumb sheath, index finger sheath and a four-finger sheath invention can be fabricated of a number of combination of materials. The invention further comprising being made of any single or combination of cloth, knitted, synthetic fiber, Kevlar™, felted wool, leather, rubber, latex, neoprene, textile and silk, metallized fabric. The invention is further comprised of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material, with or without insulation, each said layer being liquid impervious, or wicking, windproof, heat absorbing or heat reflecting. The following features of the invention are highlighted; A draw string attachment on the throat of the shell or a tab that can be operated easily in any temperature, with gloves or mittens on and secured out of the way when not in use. A draw string attachment around the wrist allows a user to operate the invention in in any temperature with mittens or gloves on. The invention can further include in an embodiment, a dexterity strap and donning pull on back of mitten shell. This allows a user to tighten the invention around the fingers for added dexterity. It also provides as a donning strap to make removal easy even while wearing mittens. Touchscreen capabilities enabled by adding a goat or other type of leather tip to the trigger finger and thumb of the inner garment or insert. The invention includes the waterproof breathable insert or inner garment to provide a complete waterproof system.

A further embodiment comprises a single integrated hybrid mitten-glove with a thumb sheath, index finger sheath and a four-finger sheath invention. Advantages of the integrated hybrid mitten-glove with a thumb sheath, index finger sheath and a four-finger sheath invention includes being operable to keep all fingers covered, hence warm and dry, during use while providing finger dexterity to perform tasks. Such a task includes, but is not limited to, using and firing weapons. The index (trigger) finger sheath (sleeve) can be tucked away into a pocket coupled to the four-finger sheath when not in use and trigger finger can be moved back to the four-finger sheath for added cold weather protection. The hybrid mitten-glove with a thumb sheath, index finger sheath and a four-finger sheath invention can be used by hunters, fishermen, skiers, snowmobilers, recreational users, military personnel, workers in, inter alia, the mining and gas industries.

The embodiments shown and described above are only exemplary. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, the disclosure is illustrative only and changes may be made within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms used herein. Various alterations, modifications and substitutions can be made to the disclosed invention without departing in any way from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An inner garment, comprising: a hybrid mitten-glove further comprising:an inner thumb sheath;an index finger sheath and: an inner four-finger sheath;said inner garment defining an inner garment mouth as being the opening at the base and defining an inner garment throat as being the section around a wearer's wrist.

2. The inner garment of claim 1, further comprising a strap having ends attached to opposite sides of said inner garment mouth.

3. The inner garment of claim 1, further comprising an embedded loop of elastic material positioned so that it encircles said inner garment throat.

4. The inner garment of claim 1, said inner garment being made of any single or combination of cloth, knitted, synthetic fiber, Kevlar™, felted wool, leather, rubber, latex, neoprene, textile and silk, metallized fabric.

5. The inner garment of claim 4, comprised of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material, with or without insulation, each said layer being liquid impervious, or wicking, windproof, heat absorbing or heat reflecting.

6. An outer garment, comprising: a mitten further comprising:an outer four-finger sheath;an outer thumb sheath; andindex finger opening, said index finger opening being dimensioned and located so that a wearer may extend his or her index finger therethrough, said outer garment defining an outer garment mouth as being the opening at the base, defining an outer garment throat as being the section located around a wearer's wrist, defining a front surface as being the surface adjacent to a wearer's palm, and defining a back surface as being the surface adjacent to the back of a wearer's hand.

7. The outer garment of claim 6, said outer garment further comprising an outer throat cinch segment, outer throat cinch drawstring and outer throat fastener; said outer throat cinch segment comprising a throat cinch channel encircling said outer garment throat and having an opening, said outer throat cinch drawstring running through said throat cinch channel, having one end extending outside said outer garment, and comprising on its free end an outer throat fastener element, said outer throat fastener being a two-element hook-and-loop-type fastening system, said outer garment further comprising on a location about the outer garment throat a corresponding outer throat fastener element, said outer throat fastener being operable to detachably secure said outer throat cinch drawstring at a desired outer garment throat tightness.

8. The outer garment of claim 6, said outer garment further comprising an outer mouth cinch segment, outer mouth cinch drawstring and outer mouth fastener; said outer mouth cinch segment comprising a mouth cinch channel encircling said outer garment mouth and having an opening, said outer mouth cinch drawstring running through said mouth cinch channel, having one end extending outside said outer garment, and comprising on its free end an outer mouth fastener element, said outer mouth fastener being a two-element hook-and-loop-type fastening system, said outer garment further comprising on a location about the outer garment mouth a corresponding outer mouth fastener element, said outer mouth fastener being operable to detachably secure said outer mouth cinch drawstring at a desired outer garment mouth tightness.

9. The outer garment of claim 6, said outer garment further comprising an embedded dexterity strap and adjustable dexterity strap mechanism, said dexterity strap running through a channel encircling a wearer's fingers, said adjustable dexterity strap mechanism being located on the back surface of said outer garment and being operable to loosen or tighten and secure said dexterity strap.

10. The outer garment of claim 6, said outer garment being made of any single or combination of cloth, knitted, synthetic fiber, Kevlar™, felted wool, leather, rubber, latex, neoprene, textile and silk, metallized fabric.

11. The outer garment of claim 10, comprised of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material, with or without insulation, each said layer being liquid impervious, or wicking, windproof, heat absorbing or heat reflecting.

12. The outer garment of claim 6, in combination with an inner garment comprising a hybrid mitten-glove further comprising:an inner thumb sheath;an index finger sheath and: an inner four-finger sheath.

13. The outer garment of claim 12, wherein the inner garment further defines an inner garment mouth as being the opening at the base and defining an inner garment throat as being the section around a wearer's wrist.

14. The outer garment of claim 13, wherein the inner garment further includes a strap having ends attached to opposite sides of said inner garment mouth.

15. The outer garment of claim 13, wherein the inner garment further comprises an embedded loop of elastic material positioned so that it encircles said inner garment throat.

16. The outer garment of claim 13, wherein said inner garment is made of any single or combination of cloth, knitted, synthetic fiber, Kevlar™, felted wool, leather, rubber, latex, neoprene, textile and silk, metallized fabric.

17. The outer garment of claim 13, wherein said inner garment is made of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material, with or without insulation, each said layer being liquid impervious, or wicking, windproof, heat absorbing or heat reflecting.

18. A garment system comprising an inner garment and an outer garment, said inner garment comprising a hybrid mitten-glove with an inner thumb sheath, index finger sheath and an inner four-finger sheath, said inner garment defining an inner garment mouth as being the opening at the base and defining an inner garment throat as being the section around a wearer's wrist;said outer garment comprising a mitten having an outer four-finger sheath, outer thumb sheath, and index finger opening, said index finger opening being dimensioned and located so that said index finger sheath can be extended therethrough, said outer garment defining an outer garment mouth as being the opening at the base, defining an outer garment throat as being the section located around a wearer's wrist, defining a front surface as being the surface adjacent to a wearer's palm, and defining a back surface as being the surface adjacent to the back of a wearer's hand, said outer garment being dimensioned so that it fits closely over said inner garment.