US20060196896A1

US20060196896A1 - Glove holding apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20060196896A1
Application number: US11/141,414
Authority: US
Inventors: Francis Pecor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-01
Filing date: 2005-05-31
Publication date: 2006-09-07

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for removably holding gloves to an article of clothing of a user when the gloves are not in use. The apparatus includes a connection assembly that secures a first clamp member to a second clamp member. The connection assembly permits the first and second clamp members to rotate about a common axis. Also, the connection assembly permits the first clamp member and the second clamp member to be pivotal with respect to said common axis relative to one another.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “Work Gloves Holder,” filed Mar. 1, 2005, and having Ser. No. 60/593,981. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/593,981 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present invention relates to a glove holding apparatus which allows gloves that are not being worn by the user to be removably attached to an article of clothing of the user, to aid in preventing the inadvertent loss of the gloves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gloves are an essential protective device used by workers in many working environments. For example, gloves are often used by workers at construction sites to protect their hands while performing various construction activities. For example, gloves are worn by welders to protect their hands from hot sparks and molten metal. Gloves are also worn by workers performing manual labor to prevent blisters and other injuries caused by repetitive activities. However, construction workers do not always wear the gloves when they are on the construction site. In fact, the continuous wearing of gloves can become a burden. For example, when filling out necessary paperwork or when the workers must attend meetings or other activities, the gloves may actually become a hindrance to the performance of their duties. Often times, workers do not like to use gloves when they are not needed for safety purposes. Protective gloves can not only be hot and uncomfortable, but they can also interfere with the ability of the wearer to do certain tasks like the handling of delicate objects.
When the worker is not wearing the gloves, it is the worker's responsibility to keep track of them. Many times workers will carry the gloves around within in their hands or under their arms. However, this often leads to the gloves being laid down allowing for a greater opportunity for them to be misplaced or even stolen. An alternative is for the worker to stick the gloves in their pants pockets. However, gloves are bulky and uncomfortable to be stored in such a place. At the same time, if the gloves are to be secured to the worker or articles of clothing of the worker, then the gloves should not become a hindrance or an impediment for the movement or actions of the user.
Therefore, a need for a simple solution exists to the current problems outlined above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain aspects of the invention, an apparatus for removably holding gloves to an article of clothing of a user includes a first clamp member having a head end and a handle end with a spring device disposed therebetween. The head end of the first clamp member has jaws capable of closing and opening to permit disposition on and removal from an article of clothing of the user, respectively. A second clamp member having a head end and a handle end with a spring device disposed therebetween is also provided. The head end of the second clamp member has jaws capable of closing and opening to permit holding and releasing of at least one glove, respectively. A connection assembly secures the handle end of the first clamp member to the handle end of the second clamp member. The connection assembly permits the first and second clamp members to rotate relative to each other about a common axis.
According to certain other aspects of the invention, an apparatus for removably holding gloves to an article of clothing of a user includes a first clamp member having a head end and a handle end with a spring device disposed therebetween. The head end of the first clamp member has jaws capable of closing and opening to permit disposition on and removal from an article of clothing of the user, respectively. A second clamp member having a head end and a handle end with a spring device disposed therebetween is also provided. The head end of the second clamp member has jaws capable of closing and opening to permit holding and releasing of at least one glove, respectively. A first eyelet is integral to the handle end of the first clamp member and a second eyelet is integral to the handle end of the second clamp member. The first and second eyelets interlock to secure the first clamp member to the second clamp member. The interlocked first and second eyelets permit an angle of rotation about a common axis of the first and second clamp members ranging from about 90° to about 180° and permit the first clamp member and the second clamp member to pivot with respect to the common axis relative to one another.
According to certain further aspects of the invention, an apparatus for removably holding gloves to an article of clothing of a user includes a first clamp member having a head end and a handle end with a spring device disposed therebetween. The head end of the first clamp member has jaws capable of closing and opening to permit disposition on and removal from an article of clothing of the user, respectively. A second clamp member having a head end and a handle end with a spring device disposed therebetween is also provided. The head end of the second clamp member has jaws capable of closing and opening to permit holding and releasing of at least one glove, respectively. A ball bearing assembly secures the handle end of the first clamp member to the handle end of the second clamp member. The ball bearing assembly permits the first and second clamp members to rotate relative to each other about a common axis.
All the features of the subject matter will be described in greater detail through the use of the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full an enabling disclosure of the present invention including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including references to the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a glove holding apparatus attached around an article of clothing of a user according to the present subject matter;
FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the glove holding apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2B illustrates another side view of the embodiment of the glove holding apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a partial side view of another embodiment of the glove holding apparatus according to the present subject matter; and
FIG. 4 illustrates a partial side view of a further embodiment of the glove holding apparatus according to the present subject matter.
It should be noted that the drawings discussed above and below are not to scale in all instances, but may have exaggerated dimensions in some respects to illustrate the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the figures. Each example is provided to explain the invention and not as a limitation to the invention. In fact, features described or illustrated as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations.
FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B illustrate a glove holding apparatus, or device, generally 10, which may be used to secure gloves not being worn by the user to an article of clothing that the user may be wearing. The glove holding apparatus 10 includes a first clamp member 12 secured to a second clamp member 22 by a connection assembly 30. The first clamp member 12 has a head end 14 and a handle end 16. The head end 14 includes a pair of jaws 15, which may be used to secure the first clamp member 12 to an article of clothing 40 or 42. The first clamp member is tensioned by a spring device 18 such that the jaws 15 reside in a closed resting position. The spring device 18 is positioned between the head end 14 and the handle end 16 of the first clamp member 12 to create the tension in the jaws 15.
Similarly, the second clamp member 22 also has a head end 24 and a handle end 26. The head end 24 includes a pair of jaws 25 which are used to secure a pair of gloves 46. The jaws 25 reside in a closed position due to a spring device 28 disposed between the handle end 26 and the head end 24 of the second clamp member 22.
The connection assembly 30 comprises a first eyelet 32 attached to the handle end 16 of the first clamp member 12 and a second eyelet 34 secured to the handle end 26 of the second clamp member 22. The first eyelet 32 forms an aperture 33, while the second eyelet 34 forms an aperture 35. The eyelets are interlocked so that the first eyelet 32 passes through the aperture 35 of the second eyelet 34 while the second eyelet 34 passes through the aperture 33 of the first eyelet 32. Since the first eyelet 32 is integral with the handle end 16 of the first clamp member 12 and the second eyelet 34 is integral to the handle end 26 of the second clamp member 22, the first clamp member 12 is securely attached to the second clamp member 22.
In the embodiment shown, the handle end 16 and head end 14 of the first clamp member 12 are formed by two side arms 17, which are integrally connected at connection point 19 on the handle end 16. The spring device 18 is secured between the two side arms 17 so that when the side arms 17 are squeezed, or forced toward one another, the spring device 18 compresses and the jaws 15 on the head end 14 of the first clamp member 12 open. When the squeezing force is removed from the side arms 17, then the spring device 18 decompresses pushing against the side arms 17 to force the jaws 15 into a closed resting position. In this manner, the first clamp member can be easily attached to an article of clothing such as a belt 42, or pants 40 at the point such as a belt loop 44, by squeezing the side arms 17 to open the jaws 15 of the head end 14, placing the jaws 15 around the article of clothing 40, 42, and then letting the jaws 15 close securely around or onto the article of clothing.
In a similar fashion, the second clamp member 22 in the embodiment shown has two side arms 27, which are integrally connected at connection point 29 at the handle end 26. The side arms 27 form the handle end 26 and the head end 24 of the second clamp member 22. The spring device 28 is disposed between the side arms 27 such that the spring device 28 pushes the side arms 27 outward so as to put the jaws 25 in a closed resting position. The side arms 27 can then be squeezed, or forced towards one another, so that the spring device 28 is compressed and the jaws 25 may be opened to receive the gloves the person is not currently using. The squeezing force may then be removed from the side arms 27 to allow the spring device 28 to push the jaws 25 closed to securely engage the gloves to be held.
While the embodiments illustrated in the figures shown clamp members having a connection point at the handle end 16, 26 between the two side arms 17, 27, other connection points are possible such as between the head end 14, 24 and the handle end 16, 26. In other embodiments (not shown) where the connection point between the side arms is between the handle end and the head end, the handle end may be made up of two separated handles that may be compressed toward one another to open the jaws. In such embodiments, the spring devices 18, 28 would be located between the respective handle ends and the head ends in such a manner that the spring devices 18, 28 would be disposed on the handle end side of the connection point. The connection assembly may be attached to either handle of the clamp member on the handle end.
In some embodiments, the first and second clamp members 12, 22 can be interchangeable, meaning that each clamp member 12, 22 may be used as either the clamp member that is secured to the article of clothing of the user or the clamp member that holds the pair of gloves 46. The first and second clamp members 12, 22 in other embodiments, however, may be designated for specific use, where the first clamp member 12 is specifically designed to be used to attach to the article of clothing of the user and the second clamp member 22 is specifically designed to be used to hold the pair of gloves 46. For example, the first clamp member 12 may be of a different construction than the second clamp member 22. For instance, the spring device 18 in first clamp member 12 may create a different tension force than the spring device 28 in second clamp member 22.
The spring devices 18, 28 in the shown embodiments are coiled springs. These spring devices 18, 28, however, may be other types of springs such as leaf springs or the like. The spring devices 18, 28 should be a distinctive separate feature within each clamp member. The spring devices 18, 28 is removable and replaceable to allow the spring devices 18, 28 to be changed as needed due to wear or a change in desired gripping force for the respective clamp member 12, 22. By allowing the spring device 18, 28 to be exchangeable, the glove holding apparatus 10 is adaptable to the needs of the user. The spring devices are vital to the holding/attaching capabilities of the glove holding apparatus 10. The exchangeability of the spring devices 18, 28 increases the life and the flexibility of the clamp members 12, 22 of glove holding apparatus 10 that other clamps which use other mechanisms to create a clamping force cannot obtain.
The use of spring devices 18, 28 within clamp member 12, 22 can create more clamping force and allow for an adjustability of this force. Other clamps, which use their own elastic tendencies of their structure and composing material to create this clamping force, cannot obtain the same amount of force or the flexibility. The memory of the composing material of such clamps greatly diminishes over time and with extended or frequent use, thereby rendering the clamps worthless. When such memory is diminished within those clamps, then the clamping force is diminished. Further, the clamping force for such clamps cannot be changed to suit the needs of the user.
Therefore, the spring devices 18, 28 provide a distinct advantage to glove holding apparatus 10. The spring devices help to create clamp members 12, 22 that are sturdier, more reliable, and more controllable, while increasing the longevity of the glove holding apparatus 10.
In the embodiment shown, the tension force created by the spring devices 18, 28 should be such that they do not cause the respective jaws 15, 25 at the head ends 14, 24 to damage or otherwise leave impressions on the articles to which they are attached. Thus, the tension force created by the spring devices 18, 28 should be such that they are strong enough to hold the glove holding apparatus to the article of clothing and hold the gloves within the glove holding apparatus but not strong enough to damage or mar the article of the clothing to which they are attached or the gloves which they may hold.
To this end, it can be beneficial if the jaws 15, 25 do not contain sharp teeth or points, but rather have a dull end which will not penetrate or scar the article of clothing or gloves to which they are attached. However, there should be enough friction created between the article of clothing or gloves and the jaws 15, 25 with which the article of clothing or gloves come in contact, so that the jaws 15, 25 will not slip from the article of clothing or gloves once the jaws 15, 25 are closed around that pair of gloves or article of clothing. Additionally, the jaws 15, 25 may create an open aperture 13, 23 between the closed jaws 15, 25, which allows the jaws to hook around an article of clothing such as a belt loop 44. In this manner, the jaws 15, 25 may close around that belt loop 44 or other article of clothing so that the jaws 15, 25 contact one another and the article passes through the aperture created between the jaws 15, 25. Thus, the jaws 15, 25 are effectively hooked around that piece of the article of clothing. For example, a belt loop, button hole of a jacket or shirt, or a tie loop on a pair of gloves may be used to hook such jaws 15, 25 thereto to attach the glove holding apparatus 10 to that article or pair of gloves.
By using the glove holding apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the gloves which are not being worn may be secured to an article of clothing of the user so that they are readily available to the user when the gloves should be placed back on the user's hands. Through the construction of the connection assembly 30 the gloves may lay flat against the body of the wearer whether, for example, the first clamp member 12 is attached to the belt 42 or the belt loop 44. The use of the first and second eyelets 32, 34 in the embodiment permit the first clamp member 12 and the second clamp member 22 to rotate about a common axis C₁in either rotational direction relative to one another as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
In this manner, when the first clamp member 12 is attached to an article of clothing, the second clamp member 22 may rotate so that the gloves lay flat against the body of the user or the article of clothing on which the glove holding apparatus resides. In the embodiment shown, due to the diameter of the apertures 33, 35 as well as the cross-sectional diameter of the rings that form the eyelets 32, 34, the second clamp member 22 has an angle of rotation A₁of about 180 degrees. Therefore, when the user attaches the first clamp member 12 to a belt 42 when the holding apparatus 10 is in an alignment shown in FIG. 2B, the second clamp member 22 can turn 90 degrees from its position as shown in FIG. 2B to the position that is shown in the alignment of the glove holding apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2A so that the gloves which are placed within the jaws 25 of the second clamp member 22 may lay flat against the body of the user. Similarly, if the first clamp member 12 is placed on a belt loop when the glove holding apparatus 10 is in an alignment shown in FIG. 2A, the second clamp member 22 may rotate around the common axis C, so that the first clamp member 12 and the second clamp member 22 align in the positions shown in FIG. 2B.
The angle of rotation A₁of the second clamp member 22 relative to the first clamp member 12 may depend on the type of connection assembly that is used and the construction of that connection assembly. For example, in the embodiment shown, as stated above, the angle of rotation A₁of the second clamp member 22 relative to the first clamp member 12 is about 180 degrees in either rotational direction. However, if the size of the rings of the eyelets 32, 34 were larger in their cross-sectional diameter and the apertures 35, 33 were smaller in diameter, then the angle of rotation A₁may be much less than 180 degrees. In other types of connection assemblies, which may be used, the angle of rotation A₁may be a full 360 degrees (or fully and freely rotatable) as will be discussed in other embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
Preferably, the angle of rotation A₁of the clamp members 12, 22 is large enough so that no matter how the first clamp member 12 is attached to an article of clothing of the user, the second clamp member 22 can be turned so that the gloves may reside against the body of the user without protruding outward thereby creating a possible impediment for the user. By having an angle of rotation greater than about 90 degrees, the user can be assured that the gloves should always have the opportunity to reside flat against his or her body. Thus, the eyelets and the apertures therein preferably are proportioned to allow an angle of rotation greater than about 90 degrees.
Another benefit of the connection assembly 30 shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B is that the first clamp member 12 and the second clamp member 22 can pivot relative to one another from the common axis C₁. As shown in FIG. 2B, the second clamp member 22 may pivot in either a direction P₁or P₂when the first clamp member 12 is secured to an article of clothing. In this manner, the user who has the glove holding apparatus 10 attached to his side may sit down and have the second clamp member 22 with the gloves therein pivot upward so as not to cause any discomfort or impediment when the user is in a seated position. Further, such pivotal action in either direction P₁or P₂allows the glove holding apparatus 10 and the gloves being held by the apparatus to readily move and bend with the user thereby decreasing the opportunity for the glove holding apparatus 10 or the gloves attached thereto to be caught or snagged on some obstruction that the user may pass by, thereby limiting the chance that the glove holder apparatus 10 may become an impediment to the user that wears it. Such a feature is especially useful when the glove holding apparatus 10 is worn around the waist.
The eyelets allow the clamps to pivot relative to one another without requiring the eyelets to be flexible. Therefore, the eyelets can be constructed on rigid and sturdy material, such as certain plastics or a metal such as aluminum, steel, iron, or the like. By not having to construct the eyelets 32, 34 out of flimsy material that can easily tear or pull apart from the clamp members 12, 22, the glove holding apparatus 10 also becomes sturdier.
The overall length of the glove holder apparatus 10 should be such that it is not a hindrance to the user's movement when it is hanging from the user's waist. For example, in some embodiments, the overall length of the glove holder apparatus 10 can be between about 6 inches and about 10 inches, though other lengths are contemplated. Similarly, the length of each clamp member 12, 22 should be such that it is not an impediment to the user when the user is entering a seated position when the glove holder apparatus 10 is worn around the waist.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate other types of connection assemblies that may be used to connect the first clamp member to the second clamp member of the glove holding apparatus. In FIG. 3, the connection assembly is a swivel device 130 which allows the first and second clamp members 112, 122 to rotate a full 360 degrees about a common axis C₂degrees (or fully and freely rotatable) relative to the other clamp member. The swivel device 130 has a first swivel component 132 attached to the first clamp member 112 and a second swivel component 134 attached to the second clamp member 122 of the glove holding apparatus 110.
The first swivel component 132 and second swivel component 134 are connected by a pin 136. The pin 136 has an axle 137 which passes through apertures (not shown) in the first swivel component 132 and the second swivel component 134. At either end of the pin 136, a stop 138, 139, respectively, is attached to the axle 137 of the pin 136. The stops 138, 139 are larger than the apertures in the swivel components 132, 134 through which the axle 137 passes. In this manner, the first swivel component 132 is secured to the second swivel component 134 and, thereby, the first clamp member 112 is secured to the second clamp member 122. Both the first swivel component 132 and the second swivel component 134 may rotate freely around the axle 137 of the pin 136. Thus, the first clamp member 112 and the second clamp member 122 may rotate fully around about the common axis C₂relative to the other clamp. Thus, the second clamp 122 may rotate 360 degrees relative to the first clamp 112 when the first clamp 112 is attached to an article of clothing of the user.
The attachment of the swivel components 132 and 134 to each of the respective clamp members 112, 122 may be a rigid connection or may be a connection which provides that the swivel components are moveable so that the first clamp member 112 and 122 are pivotal relative to one another about the common axis C₂. However, connections of the swivel components 132,134 to their respective clamp members 112, 122 may be rigid. In some such embodiments, the apertures of the swivel components 132, 134 and the length of the axle 137 of the pin 136 may allow the swivel components to be pivotal relative to one another.
For example, in FIG. 3 the length of the axle 137 of the pin 136 is such that the swivel components 132, 134 are separated by a space W₁. The swivel components have apertures through which the axle 137 extends that are wide enough to allow the swivel components 132, 134 to pivot in a limited manner relative to one another due to the space W₁provided between the two swivel components 132, 134. In this manner, the first and second clamp members 112, 122 may still be able to pivot relative to one another.
In FIG. 4, the glove holding apparatus 210 shows a connection assembly comprising a ball bearing joint 230. The ball bearing joint 230 includes an inner race component 234 and an outer race component 232. The inner race component 234 has arms 235 which connect to the second clamp member 222 of the glove holding device 210. The outer race component 232 has arms which extend upward which connect to the first clamp member 212. The inner race component 234 has a top that resides on the side walls of the outer race component 232 which creates a chamber in which ball bearings 240 reside. In this manner, the first clamp member 212 and the second clamp member 222 may rotate about a common axis C₃by having the outer and inner race components 232, 234 to which each respective clamp member 212, 222 is attached rotate relative to the other race component to which the other clamp member is attached. Through the use of the ball bearing connection assembly 230, the first clamp member 212 and the second clamp member 222 may rotate about the common axis C₃360 degrees (or fully and freely rotate) in either rotational direction relative to one another. It should be noted that within this specification when it is mentioned that a clamp member can rotate 360 degrees this is also to include such embodiments which may rotate more than 360 degrees or have a continuous range of motion in one direction of rotation and/or the other.
The outer and inner race components 232, 234 may be attached to their respective clamp members 212, 222 by pins 236, 238. These pins 236, 238 allow the respective clamp member 212, 222 to rotate about the pin 236, 238 relative to the respective outer and inner race component 232, 234 to which the clamp member 212, 222 is attached. In this manner the clamp members 212, 222 are capable of pivoting relative to one another. In other embodiments, the outer and inner race components 232, 234 may be rigidly attached to the respective clamp member 212, 222.
It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. It was intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations which come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for removably holding gloves to an article of clothing of a user when the gloves are not in use, said apparatus comprising:

a first clamp member having a head end and a handle end with a spring device disposed therebetween, said head end of said first clamp member having jaws capable of closing and opening to permit disposition on and removal from an article of clothing of the user, respectively;

a second clamp member having a head end and a handle end with a spring device disposed therebetween, said head end of said second clamp member having jaws capable of closing and opening to permit holding and releasing of at least one glove, respectively; and

a connection assembly securing said handle end of said first clamp member to said handle end of said second clamp member, said connection assembly permitting said first and second clamp members to rotate relative to each other about a common axis.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said connection assembly permits an angle of rotation about said common axis of said first clamp member and said second clamp member relative to one another ranging from about 90° to 360° or more.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said connection assembly comprises a swivel device.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said connection assembly comprises a ball bearing assembly.

5. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said connection assembly comprises a first eyelet integral to said handle end of said first clamp member and a second eyelet integral to said handle end of said second clamp member, said first and second eyelets interlocking to secure said first clamp member to said second clamp member.

6. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said first clamp member and said second clamp member are pivotal with respect to said common axis relative to one another.

7. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said jaws of said first clamp member are disposable around at least one of a belt or a belt loop.

8. An apparatus for removably holding gloves to an article of clothing of a user when the gloves are not in use, said apparatus comprising:

a first eyelet integral to said handle end of said first clamp member and a second eyelet integral to said handle end of said second clamp member, said first and second eyelets interlocking to secure said first clamp member to said second clamp member, said interlocked first and second eyelets permitting an angle of rotation about a common axis of said first and second clamp members ranging from about 90° to about 180° and permitting said first clamp member and said second clamp member to be pivotal with respect to said common axis relative to one another.

9. An apparatus for removably holding gloves to an article of clothing of a user when the gloves are not in use, said apparatus comprising:

a ball bearing assembly securing said handle end of said first clamp member to said handle end of said second clamp member, said ball bearing assembly permitting said first and second clamp members to rotate relative to each other about a common axis.

10. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said ball bearing assembly includes an outer race component secured to one of said first or second clamp members and an inner race component secured to the other of said first or second clamp members, said outer race component and said inner race component interlocking to create a chamber in which ball bearings reside.

11. An apparatus as in claim 10, wherein each of said outer race component and said inner race component is secured to said respective clamp member by a pin, said pins permitting said first clamp member and said second clamp member to be pivotal with respect to said common axis relative to one another.

12. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said ball bearing assembly permitting an angle of rotation about a common axis of said first and second clamp members of 360° or more.