GB2597647A

GB2597647A - Disposable, partial glove

Info

Publication number: GB2597647A
Application number: GB2010060.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fisher Julian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-01
Filing date: 2020-07-01
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Also published as: GB202010060D0

Abstract

A glove 10 comprising: a thumb portion 12 covering the tip (14, fig. 7A) and extending passed the first joint (16, fig. 7A); an index finger portion 18 (preferably the longest portion) covering the tip (20, fig. 7A) and extending passed the first and second joints (22, 23, fig. 7B); and a middle finger portion 24 covering the tip (26, fig. 7A) and extending to before or at the third joint (28, fig. 8A); wherein, at least one of which may provide an interference fit. First and second links 30, 32, preferably of flexible webbing, are provided between the portions. Ring finger and little finger portions 40, 50 may also be provided, along with third and fourth links 46, 56. The glove is preferably for both right and left hands, leaving the hand palm (68, fig. 7A) and back (70, fig. 8B) uncovered. The glove may include a gripping portion 66 and may be stackable with similar gloves.

Description

TITLE

Disposable, partial glove.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a disposable, partial glove. Some relate to a disposable, partial glove in health and/or hygiene protection.

BACKGROUND

In many settings, it can be advantageous for a person to cover their hands, for example, to protect individuals from coming into contact with particles on surfaces and/or previously airborne droplets.

However, use of disposable gloves can be difficult, and wasteful.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provide a disposable, partial glove, comprising: a thumb portion configured to receive and cover a tip of a thumb of a user and to extend along the thumb past the first thumb joint from the thumb tip; an index finger portion configured to receive and cover a tip of an index finger of the user and to extend along the index finger past the first and second joints from the index finger tip; a middle finger portion configured to receive and cover a tip of a middle finger of the user and to extend along the middle finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint from the middle finger tip; a first linking portion between at least a portion of the thumb portion and at least a portion of the index finger portion; and a second linking portion between at least a portion of the index finger portion and at least a portion of the middle finger portion.

In some examples the thumb portion is configured to extend along the thumb to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the thumb tip.

In some examples, the index finger portion is configured to extend along the index finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint from the index finger tip.

In some examples, the middle finger portion is configured to extend along the middle finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the middle finger tip.

In some examples, the disposable, partial glove comprises: a ring finger portion configured to receive and cover a tip of a ring finger of the user and to extend along the ring finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint from the ring finger tip; and a third linking portion between at least a portion of the middle finger portion and at least a portion of the ring finger portion.

In some examples, the ring finger portion is configured to extend along the ring finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the ring finger tip.

In some examples, the disposable, partial glove comprises: a little finger portion configured to receive and cover a tip of a little finger of the user and to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint from the little finger tip; and a fourth linking portion between at least a portion of the ring finger portion and at least a portion of the little finger portion.

In some examples, the little finger portion is configured to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the little finger tip.

In some examples, the little finger portion is configured to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the first joint from the little finger tip.

In some examples, each finger portion has a length and the length of the index finger portion is greater than the length of the other finger portion or portions.

In some examples, the thumb portion and each finger portion comprises a tip portion and wherein at least one of the tip portions is configured to form an interference fit with a respective thumb or finger.

In some examples, at least one of the linking portions is formed from a flexible and/or stretchable material.

In some examples, at least one of the linking portions is formed from webbing.

In some examples, the disposable, partial glove comprises at least one gripping portion configured to assist in removal of the disposable, partial glove.

In some examples, the disposable, partial glove is configured to leave uncovered a palm and a back of the user's hand.

In some examples, the disposable, partial glove is configured for use on both a right hand and left hand.

In some examples, the disposable, partial glove is configured to stack with another disposable, partial glove that is similar and/or the same.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method comprising: providing a disposable, partial glove as described herein.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method comprising: using a disposable, partial glove as described herein.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a schematic example of a disposable partial glove; FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of a disposable partial glove; FIG. 3 shows an example of a disposable partial glove; FIG. 4 shows an example of a disposable partial glove; FIGS. 5A and 5B show examples of a disposable partial glove; FIGS 6A and 6B show examples of a disposable partial glove; FIGS. 7A and 7B show examples of a disposable partial glove; and FIGS. 8A and 8B show examples of a disposable partial glove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure relate to a disposable, partial glove 10 configured to protect contact surfaces of a user's hand.

In examples, the disposable, partial glove 10 protects the areas of the user's thumb and at least some of their fingers that require protection from coming into contact with surfaces, while reducing waste in the disposable, partial glove 10.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a disposable, partial glove 10.

In the example of FIG. 1, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises a thumb portion, an index finger portion 18, and a middle finger portion 24.

In the example of FIG. 1, the disposable, partial glove 10 also comprises a first linking portion 30 between at least a portion of the thumb portion 12 and at least a portion of the index finger portion 18, and a second linking portion 32 between at least a portion of the index finger portion 18 and at least a portion of the middle finger portion 24.

In examples, the thumb, index finger and middle finger can be considered first, second and third digits.

In examples, one or more of the features discussed in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2 can be found in one or more of the other figures.

The thumb portion 12 is configured to receive and cover a thumb tip 14 of a thumb of a user and to extend along the thumb past the first thumb joint 16 from the thumb tip 14 In examples, the thumb portion 12 can be considered to enclose and/or cover and/or protect and/or encase and/or sheath and/or surround at least a portion of the thumb of a user.

In some examples, the thumb portion 12 can be considered a receptacle and/or vessel and/or sheath and/or covering for at least a portion of the user's thumb.

In examples, joints of the thumb and/or fingers can be considered knuckles.

In examples, the thumb portion 12 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form. For example, the thumb portion 12 may have substantially a single length or, in other examples, may have one or more portions configured to extend different lengths along a user's thumb. In such examples, portions of the thumb portion 12 can be considered to have different lengths.

In examples, the thumb portion 12 can be formed or made from any suitable material or materials.

In some examples, the thumb portion 12 is configured to extend along the thumb to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the thumb tip 14.

In examples, substantially at the second joint 34 from the thumb tip 14 can be considered a point at which material of the thumb portion 12 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm 68 of the user.

The index finger portion 18 is configured to receive and cover a tip 20 of an index finger of the user and to extend along the index finger past the first and second joints 22, 23 from the index finger tip 20.

In examples, the index finger portion 18 can be considered to enclose and/or cover and/or protect and/or encase and/or sheath and/or surround at least a portion of the index finger of a user.

In some examples, the index finger portion 18 can be considered a receptacle and/or vessel and/or sheath and/or covering for at least a portion of the user's index finger.

In examples, the index finger portion 18 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form.

For example, the index finger portion 18 may have substantially a single length or, in other examples, may have one or more portions configured to extend different lengths along a user's index finger. In such examples, portions of the index finger portion 18 can be considered to have different lengths.

In examples, the index finger portion 18 can be formed or made from any suitable material or materials.

In examples, the index finger portion 18 is configured to extend along the index finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint 36 from the index finger tip 20.

In examples, substantially at the third joint 36 from the index finger tip 20 can be considered a point at which material of the index finger portion 18 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm of the user.

The middle finger portion 24 is configured to receive and cover a tip 26 of a middle finger of the user and to extend along the middle finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint 28 from the middle finger tip 26.

In examples, the middle finger portion 24 can be considered to enclose and/or cover and/or protect and/or encase and/or sheath and/or surround at least a portion of the middle finger of a user.

In some examples, the middle finger portion 24 can be considered a receptacle and/or vessel and/or sheath and/or covering for at least a portion of the user's middle finger.

In examples, the middle finger portion 24 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form.

For example, the middle finger portion 24 may have substantially a single length or, in other examples, may have one or more portions configured to extend different lengths along a user's middle finger. In such examples, portions of the middle finger portion 24 can be considered to have different lengths.

In examples, the middle finger portion 24 can be formed or made from any suitable material or materials.

In examples, substantially at the third joint 28 from the middle finger tip 26 can be considered a point at which material of the middle finger portion 24 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm of the user.

In examples, the middle finger portion 24 is configured to extend along the middle finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint 38 from the middle finger tip 26.

In examples, substantially at the second joint 38 from the middle finger tip 26 can be considered a point at which material of the middle finger portion 24 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm of the user.

In examples, the first linking portion 30 and second linking portion 32 can have any suitable size, shape and/or form. In examples, the first linking portion 30 and a second linking portion 32 can be the same, similar or different.

In examples, the first linking portion 30 can be considered at least one connection and/or coupling and/or joining and/or link and/or attachment and/or linkage between at least a portion of the thumb portion 12 and at least a portion of the index finger portion 18.

In examples, the second linking portion 32 can be considered at least one connection and/or coupling and/or joining and/or link and/or attachment and/or linkage between at least a portion of the index finger portion 18 and at least a portion of the middle finger portion 24.

In examples, the first and/or second linking portions 30, 32 can be a flexible, substantially planar structure.

In examples, one or more of the linking portions of the disposable, partial glove 10 can be located generally between the side portions of the respective thumb or finger portions. See, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4.

In examples, the linking portions of the disposable, partial glove 10 can be considered to be located in and/or across the gap between adjacent digits of the user's hand.

In some examples, the linking portions of the disposable, partial glove 10 can be considered to connect between side portions of the respective thumb and/or finger portions.

In examples, at least one of the linking portions is formed from a flexible and/or stretchable material. Any suitable material can be used.

In some examples, at least one of the linking portions is formed from webbing.

In general, the thumb and finger portions 12, 18, 24, 40, 50 and/or the linking portions 30, 32, 46, 56 can be made from any suitable material or materials that can be the same, similar or different for the various different portions of the disposable, partial glove 10.

For example, at least one of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

Additionally, or alternatively, in examples any suitable form of recyclable and/or compostable paper can be used In some examples, one or more portions of the disposable, partial glove can be reinforced. For example, one or more portions of the disposable, partial glove 10 can be made from any suitable form of recyclable and/or compostable reinforced paper.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a disposable, partial glove 10, comprising: a thumb portion 12 configured to receive and cover a tip 14 of a thumb of a user and to extend along the thumb past the first thumb joint 16 from the thumb tip 14; an index finger portion 18 configured to receive and cover a tip 20 of an index finger of the user to extend along the index finger past the first and second joints 22, 23 from the index finger tip 20; a middle finger portion 24 configured to receive and cover a tip 26 of a middle finger of the user and to extend along the middle finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint 28 from the middle finger tip 26; a first linking portion 30 between at least a portion of the thumb portion 12 and at least a portion of the index finger portion 18; and a second linking portion 32 between at least a portion of the index finger portion 18 and at least a portion of the middle finger portion 24.

In examples, each finger portion has a length L and the length of the index finger portion 18 is greater than the length of the other finger portion or portions. See, for

example, FIG. 3.

In some examples, the thumb portion 12 and each finger portion comprises a tip portion 64 and wherein at least one of the tip portions 64 is configured to form an interference fit with a respective thumb or finger.

A tip portion 64 can be considered a portion of the thumb or finger portion that covers and/or protects and/or encases a tip of the respective digit.

In examples, the at least one tip portion 64 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form to create an interference fit with respective thumb or finger when the respective thumb or finger is placed into the tip portion(s).

In examples, the at least one tip portion 64 comprises one or more internal protrusions to form the interference fit with the respective thumb or finger.

In some examples, the at least one tip portion comprises one or more protrusions located to correspond with a first joint of the respective thumb or finger to form an interference fit at that point. For example, the at least one tip portion 64 can comprise an annular protrusion configured to correspond with a first joint of a respective thumb or finger.

In examples, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises at least one gripping portion 66 configured to assist in removal of the disposable, partial glove 10.

This is illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 by the dashed box labelled 66.

The gripping portion 66 can comprise any suitable size, shape and/or form.

Additionally, or alternatively, the gripping portion 66 can be located at any suitable location on the disposable, partial glove 10.

For example, the at least one gripping portion 66 can comprise at least one tab and/or flap configured to allow a user to easily remove the disposable, partial glove 10 without touching the contact surfaces of the disposable, partial glove 10 around tip portions 64.

See, for example, FIG. 3.

In examples, the disposable, partial glove 10 is configured to leave uncovered a palm 68 and back 70 of the user's hand.

That is, in examples, the thumb portion 12 and finger portions of the disposable, partial glove 10 do not extend onto the palm 68 or back 70 of the user's hand.

In examples, it can be considered that the material of the disposable, partial glove 10 is limited to the fingers/thumb of the user's hand.

See, for example, FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B.

In examples, the disposable, partial glove 10 is configured for use on both a right hand and left hand. In such examples, the front and back of the disposable, partial glove 10 when worn on the right hand will therefore be the back and front of the disposable, partial glove 10 when worn on the left hand.

In examples, the disposable, partial glove 10 is configured to stack with another disposable, partial glove that is similar and/or the same.

For example, the disposable, partial glove 10 can be configured to nestle and/or fit within another similar disposable, partial glove 10 to form a stack.

The disposable, partial glove 10 is advantageous as it is configured to protect the hand of a user from coming into contact with potentially infected or otherwise dirty surfaces, for example within public lavatories, while reducing cost and waste by not covering areas of an individual's hand which would not ordinarily, in the course of normal use, come into contact with surfaces.

The disposable, partial glove 10 provides protection and secure fitting and the means to use the hand to push and grip objects safely, while being protected and while not wasting resources.

In some examples, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises one or more additional finger portions. See, for example, FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a disposable, partial glove 10.

In the example of FIG. 2, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises a thumb portion 12, an index finger portion 18, a middle finger portion 24, a first linking portion 30 and a second linking portion 32. These elements can be the same or similar to those described in FIG. 1 and therefore one or more of these elements can be as described in relation to FIG. 1.

In the example of FIG. 2, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises a ring finger portion 40 configured to receive and cover a tip 42 of a ring finger of the user and to extend along the ring finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint 44 from the ring finger tip 42.

In examples, the ring finger portion 40 can be considered to enclose and/or cover and/or protect and/or encase and/or sheath and/or surround at least a portion of the ring finger of a user.

In some examples, the ring finger portion 40 can be considered a receptacle and/or vessel and/or sheath and/or covering for at least a portion of the user's ring finger.

In examples, the ring finger portion 40 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form.

For example, the ring finger portion 40 may have substantially a single length or, in other examples, may have one or more portions configured to extend different lengths along a user's ring finger. In such examples, portions of the ring finger portion 40 can be considered to have different lengths.

In examples, the ring finger portion 40 can be formed or made from any suitable material or materials.

In examples, substantially at the third joint 44 from the ring finger tip 42 can be considered a point at which material of the ring finger portion 40 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm 68 of the user.

In the example of FIG. 2, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises a third linking portion 46 between at least a portion of the middle finger portion 24 and at least a portion of the ring finger portion 40.

In examples, the third linking portion 46 can be a linking portion as described in relation to Fig 1 with regard to the first and/or second linking portions 30, 32, but linking the middle finger portion 24 and the ring finger portion 40.

Accordingly, FIG. 2 illustrates a disposable, partial glove 10 comprising: a ring finger portion 40 configured to receive and cover a tip 42 of a ring finger of the user and to extend along the ring finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint 44 from the ring finger tip 42; and a third linking portion 46 between at least a portion of a middle finger portion 24 and at least a portion of a ring finger portion 40.

In examples, the ring finger portion 40 is configured to extend along the ring finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint 48 from the ring finger tip 42.

In examples, substantially at the second joint 48 from the ring finger tip 42 can be considered a point at which material of the ring finger portion 40 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm 68 of the user.

In the example of FIG. 2, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises a little finger portion 50 configured to receive and cover a tip 52 of a little finger of the user and to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint 54 from the little finger tip 52.

In examples, the little finger portion 50 can be considered to enclose and/or cover and/or protect and/or encase and/or sheath and/or surround at least a portion of the little finger of a user.

In some examples, the little finger portion 50 can be considered a receptacle and/or vessel and/or sheath and/or covering for at least a portion of the user's little finger.

In examples, the little finger portion 50 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form.

For example, the little finger portion 50 may have substantially a single length or, in other examples, may have one or more portions configured to extend different lengths along a user's little finger. In such examples, portions of the little finger portion 50 can be considered to have different lengths.

In examples, the little finger portion 50 can be formed or made from any suitable material or materials.

In examples, substantially at the third joint 54 from the little finger tip 52 can be considered a point at which material of the little finger portion 50 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm 68 of the user.

The disposable, partial glove 10 of the example of FIG. 2 also comprises a fourth linking portion 56 between at least a portion of the ring finger portion 40 and at least a portion of the little finger portion 50.

In examples, the fourth linking portion 56 can be a linking portion as described in relation to Fig 1 with regard to the first and/or second linking portions 30, 32, but linking the ring finger portion 40 and the little finger portion 50.

Accordingly, FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a disposable, partial glove 10 comprising: a little finger portion 50 configured to receive and cover a tip 52 of a little finger of the user and to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint 54 from the little finger tip 52; and a fourth linking portion 56 between at least a portion of the ring finger portion 40 and at least a portion of the little finger portion 50.

In examples, the ring finger can be considered a fourth digit and the little finger can be considered a fifth digit.

In some examples, the little finger portion 50 is configured to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint 58 from the little finger tip 52.

In examples, substantially at the second joint 58 from the little finger tip 52 can be considered a point at which material of the little finger portion 50 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm 68 of the user.

In some examples, the little finger portion 50 is configured to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the first joint 60 from the little finger tip 52.

In examples, substantially at the first joint 60 from the little finger tip 52 can be considered a point at which material of the little finger portion 50 covers at least a portion of the joint without extending onto the palm 68 of the user.

In the example of FIG. 2, the disposable, partial glove 10 also comprises at least one gripping portion 66, which can be as described in relation to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a disposable, partial glove 10.

The example of FIG. 3 shows, when considered from a lefthanded point of view, a front or palm-side of the disposable, partial glove 10. However, when considered from a righthanded point of view, the view in FIG. 3 is from the back or back of hand side of the disposable, partial glove 10.

The disposable, partial glove 10 can be a disposable, partial glove 10 as described in relation to FIG. 1 and/or 2 and one or more of the elements of the disposable, partial glove 10 of FIG. 3 can be as described in relation to FIG. 1 and/or 2.

In the example of FIG. 3, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises a thumb portion 12, an index finger portion 18, a middle finger portion 24, a ring finger portion 40 and a little finger portion 50. The disposable, partial glove 10 comprises first, second, third and fourth linking portions 30, 32, 46 and 56 between the respective thumb and finger portions 12, 18, 24, 40 and 50.

In the example of FIG. 3, the tip portion 64 of each thumb/finger portion is also indicated.

In the example of FIG. 3, the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises a gripping portion 66, in the form of a tab to assist in the removal of the disposable, partial glove 10.

It can also be seen in the example of FIG. 3 that the disposable, partial glove 10 comprises a plurality of openings 72 configured to receive the thumb/finger in respective portions 12, 18, 24, 40, 50. The openings 72 are at the opposite end of the various digit portions compared to the tip portions 64.

In the example of FIG. 3, only the opening to the little finger portion 50 is indicated.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, each of the thumb/finger portions 12, 18, 24, 40, 72 have a length L, along the direction of insertion of the user's thumb/fingers.

It can be seen in the example of FIG. 3 that the length of the index finger portion 18 is greater than the length of the other finger portion or portions 24, 40, 72.

This is advantageous as, for example, the index finger is significantly used by a user when gripping and interacting with objects and therefore having a longer length of index finger covering provides for improved stability in protection while ensuring material is not wasted.

It can be seen in the example of FIG. 3 that the disposable, partial glove 10 is configured to leave uncovered the palm and back of the user's hand.

It can also be seen in the example of FIG. 3 that the disposable, partial glove 10 is configured for use on both a right and left hand.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a disposable, partial glove 10.

The example shown in FIG. 4 is a different view of the disposable, partial glove 10 illustrated in the example of FIG. 3.

However, in the example of FIG. 4 the gripping portion 66 is not shown.

In the example of FIG. 4, when considered from a lefthanded point of view, a back or back of hand side of the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown.

However, when considered from a righthanded point of view, a front or palm-side of the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown in the example of FIG. 4.

Accordingly, the view shown in FIG. 4 is the other side of the disposable, partial glove 10 compared to the view shown in FIG. 3.

In the example of FIG. 4 the thumb portion 12 and finger portions 18, 24, 40 and 50 with linking portions 30, 32, 46 and 56 between are shown.

It can be seen that the linking portions 30, 32,46 and 56 are, in this example, generally planar structures between or connecting side portions of the thumb/finger portions.

Accordingly, in this example, the linking portions 30, 32, 46 and 56 are configured to connect across and/or be located across and/or at least partially cover the gaps or spaces between the user's digits.

Also indicated in the example of FIG. 4 are the openings 72 of the various thumb and finger portions 12, 18, 24, 40 and 50 FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a disposable, partial glove 10.

In the example of FIG. 5A a further, different view of the disposable, partial glove 10 of the example of FIG. 3 is shown.

In the example of FIG. 5A, a view substantially into the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown. The example can be considered a bottom view of the disposable, partial glove 10.

In the example of FIG. 5A, the opening 72 for each of the thumb portion 12, index finger portion 18, middle finger portion 24, ring finger portion 40 and little finger portion 20 50 can be seen In the illustrated example, the openings 72 are generally circular in shape. However, in examples, the openings, and the thumb/finger portions 12, 18, 24, 40, 50 in general, can have any suitable shape and/or form.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example of a disposable, partial glove 10.

In the example of FIG. 5B, a further, different view of the disposable, partial glove 10 of the example of FIG. 3 is shown. In particular, in the example of FIG. 5B, a view substantially opposite to the view of FIG. 5A is shown.

Accordingly, the view shown in FIG. 5B can be considered a top view of the disposable, partial glove 10 and generally towards the tip portions 64 of the disposable, partial glove 10.

Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 5B, the tip portion 64 of the thumb portion 12, index finger portion 18, middle finger portion 24, ring finger portion 40 and little finger portion 50 can be seen.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate examples of a disposable, partial glove 10.

In the examples of FIGS. 6A and 6B further, different views of the disposable, partial glove 10 of FIG. 3 are shown.

In the example of FIG. 6A, a view generally looking towards the little finger portion 50 of the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown.

In the example of FIG. 6B, a view generally towards the thumb portion 12 of the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown.

In examples, the examples of FIGS. 6A and 6B can be considered to show substantially opposite views of the disposable, partial glove 10.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate examples of a disposable, partial glove 10.

In the examples of FIGS. 7A and 7B further, different views of the disposable, partial glove 10 illustrated in the example of FIG. 3 are shown.

In the examples of FIGS. 7A and 7B the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown worn on a right hand of the user.

In the example of FIG. 7A, a view generally towards the front or palm-side of the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown. See, for example, FIG. 3 and/or 4.

In the example of FIG. 7A, the thumb tip 14, index finger tip 20, middle finger tip 26, ring finger tip 42 and little finger tip 52 are indicated.

The palm 68 of the user is also indicated.

In the example of FIG. 7A the first joint 16 and second joint 34 from the thumb tip 14 are indicated.

In the example of FIG. 7B, a view generally towards the thumb portion 12 of the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown. See, for example, FIG. 6B.

In the example of FIG. 7B, the first 22, second 23 and third 36 joints from the index finger tip 20 are indicated.

It can be seen from the examples of FIGS. 7A and 7B that the disposable, partial glove is configured to leave uncovered a palm 68 and back 70 of the user's hand while protecting the important contact surfaces of the user's hand and providing a secure fit to the user's hand.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate examples of a disposable, partial glove 10.

The examples of FIGS. 8A and 8B show further, different views of the disposable, partial glove 10 illustrated in the example of FIG. 3.

Similarly, to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the examples of FIGS. 8A and 8B show the disposable, partial glove 10 worn on a right hand of a user.

The example of FIG. 8A shows a view generally towards the little finger portion 50 of the disposable, partial glove 10. See, for example, FIG. 6A.

In the example of FIG. 8A, the second joint 38 and third joint 28 from the middle finger tip 26 are indicated.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 8A, the second joint 48 and third joint 44 from the ring finger tip 42 are also indicated In the example of FIG. 8B a view generally towards the back or back of hand side of the disposable, partial glove 10 is shown. See, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 8B the first joint 60, second joint 58 and third joint 54 from the little finger tip 52 are indicated.

Also provided is a method comprising: providing a disposable, partial glove 10 as described herein. For example, providing a disposable, partial glove 10 as described in relation to one or more of FIGS. 1 to 8B.

Any suitable method for providing a disposable, partial glove 10 as described herein can be used. For example, any suitable moulding and/or cutting and/or glueing and/or laminating and/or joining method, and so on, can be used.

In examples, providing a disposable, partial glove 10 can be considered manufacturing and/or producing a disposable, partial glove 10 as described herein.

Also provided is a method comprising: using a disposable, partial glove 10 as described herein.

For example, using a disposable, partial glove 10 as described in relation to one or more of FIGS. 1 to 8B.

In examples, using a disposable, partial glove 10 can be considered to be wearing and/or utilizing and/or applying and/or employing a disposable, partial glove 10 as described herein.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one..." or by using "consisting".

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term 'a' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A disposable, partial glove, comprising: a thumb portion configured to receive and cover a tip of a thumb of a user and to extend along the thumb past the first thumb joint from the thumb tip; an index finger portion configured to receive and cover a tip of an index finger of the user and to extend along the index finger past the first and second joints from the index finger tip; a middle finger portion configured to receive and cover a tip of a middle finger of the user and to extend along the middle finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint from the middle finger tip; a first linking portion between at least a portion of the thumb portion and at least a portion of the index finger portion; and a second linking portion between at least a portion of the index finger portion and at least a portion of the middle finger portion.
2. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thumb portion is configured to extend along the thumb to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the thumb tip.
3. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the index finger portion is configured to extend along the index finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint from the index finger tip.
4. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the middle finger portion is configured to extend along the middle finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the middle finger tip.
5. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising: a ring finger portion configured to receive and cover a tip of a ring finger of the user and to extend along the ring finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint from the ring finger tip; and a third linking portion between at least a portion of the middle finger portion and at least a portion of the ring finger portion.
6. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ring finger portion is configured to extend along the ring finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the ring finger tip.
7. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in claim 5 or 6, comprising: a little finger portion configured to receive and cover a tip of a little finger of the user and to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the third joint from the little finger tip; and a fourth linking portion between at least a portion of the ring finger portion and at least a portion of the little finger portion.
8. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in claim 7, wherein the little finger portion is configured to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the second joint from the little finger tip.
9. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the little finger portion is configured to extend along the little finger to a point before or substantially at the first joint from the little finger tip.
10. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each finger portion has a length and the length of the index finger portion is greater than the length of the other finger portion or portions.
11. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the thumb portion and each finger portion comprises a tip portion and wherein at least one of the tip portions is configured to form an interference fit with a respective thumb or finger.
12. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the linking portions is formed from a flexible and/or stretchable material.
13. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the linking portions is formed from webbing.
14. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in any preceding claim comprising at least one gripping portion configured to assist in removal of the disposable, partial glove.
15. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the disposable, partial glove is configured to leave uncovered a palm and a back of the user's hand.
16. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the disposable, partial glove is configured for use on both a right hand and left hand.
17. A disposable, partial glove as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the disposable, partial glove is configured to stack with another disposable, partial glove that is similar and/or the same.
18. A method comprising providing a disposable, partial glove as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 17.
19. A method comprising: using a disposable, partial glove as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 17