US20070175933A1

US20070175933A1 - Glove inverter II

Info

Publication number: US20070175933A1
Application number: US11/724,444
Authority: US
Inventors: Gregory Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-01
Filing date: 2007-03-15
Publication date: 2007-08-02
Also published as: RU2006135451A; CN101119654A; RU2009102628A; JP2009541600A; CN100589728C; EP1784093A1; US20050189384A1; EP1784093A4; US7210603B2; WO2005084471A1; RU2357626C2

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, my glove inverter/reformer is a manual non-mechanized device that comprises a base and a pushrod. This is a device for inverting/reforming gloves expeditiously; especially suited for however not limited to substantially thick material gloves including industrial-heavy duty-lined-rubber gloves, ski gloves, leather gloves, heat resistant gloves, multi layered gloves etc. The present invention facilitates efficient cleaning and/or rapid drying of the lining and quick reformation to the proper side with a proper fit. The main objective of the present invention is to promote healthy, morbidity free hands in the workplace and at home.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention is a CIP (Continuation In Part) of patent application Ser. No. 10/790,505. The inventor of the present invention and the aforementioned application is one and the same. Subsequent to filing the aforementioned application, modifications were made that necessitated filing a CIP and it became apparent there are other significant applications this innovation provides.
This invention relates to the field of gloves as finished products; particularly substantially thick material gloves; notably however not limited to industrial heavy duty lined rubber gloves, ski gloves, leather gloves and multi layered gloves, heat resistant gloves, etc.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus employed to invert finished gloves expeditiously; especially suited however not limited to substantially thick material gloves such as ski gloves, leather gloves, multi layered heat resistant gloves and industrial heavy duty lined rubber gloves; that eliminates maladies of the hands including fungal infections associated with the use of unsanitary and/or damp gloves, thereby promoting healthy morbidity free hands. It also relates to the reformation of previously inverted gloves and eliminates stress and discomfort of the hands typically associated with the use of ill fitting, improperly reformed gloves. Moreover, this invention facilitates the expeditious reformation and subsequent proper fit of the gloves. Substantially thick material gloves are extremely difficult and frustrating and time consuming to invert and reform completely and properly by hand.
2. Prior Art
I would like to urge the reader to consider this as a brand new field per se. The present invention deals with a specific field of inversion/reformation that is notably absent in development. Most prior art in the field of inversion/reformation deals with tools and/or machines to assist in the manufacture of products. Others deal with oblong finished products such as belts, ties, stockings etc. The present invention deals with gloves as finished products; the purpose of which is to provide a means invert gloves expeditiously thus facilitating efficient cleaning and/or rapid drying of the lining and to reform previously inverted gloves properly thus eliminating discomfort and the concomitant stress associated with ill fitting and improperly reformed gloves thereby providing a means to promote healthy morbidity free hands for the users of a variety of thick material gloves.
Fabric inversion/reformation of all kinds have employed the use of numerous and varied apparatuses. One component of U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,111 by Hardwick appears similar in structure to the present invention, however there are significant differences, especially the configuration of the tip of the device and the technique employed to invert/reform a fabric and the specific field of application is dissimilar.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,572 to Smith is quite similar to the present invention on the surface. Even though it performs a similar function to the present invention, it consists of 3 components and requires twice as many steps and requires at least twice as much time to perform the function for which it was devised. Moreover it incurs an added expense to manufacture an additional component. Therefore the need exists for an improvement in the field that costs less to manufacture and is more efficient and requires less time to perform the function of inverting/reforming glove appendages. Also the present invention is lighter and more compact. Moreover, the technique is dissimilar. U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,572 employs a method of insertion: insert the tube into the glove appendage socket; subsequently insert the pushrod into the tube to invert the appendage. Whereas the present invention utilizes a technology based upon a guidance principal, wherein the depression of the tip of the pushrod provides the contact and stability necessary to eliminate slippage and disengagement of the tip of the glove appendage thereby resulting in complete inversion by virtue of a definitive guidance procedure. Furthermore there are significant improvements the present invention provides. The new technology of the present invention is practically unnoticeable. Precisely, the configuration of the upper section of the pushrod, configured with a slight inward taper to simulate the shape of a typical baby finger of a hand and more specifically the configuration of the tip of the pushrod; having a depression configured to conform to the shape of a typical fingertip thereby eliminating slippage and disengagement with the tip of the glove appendage, and as a result of the depression complete inversion is accomplished expeditiously and simultaneously as a result of the tapered upper section of the pushrod and the smooth surface thereof and the rounded smooth surface of the perimeter of the depression, complete reformation is accomplished expeditiously without hindrance, interference, encumbrance or marked unevenness of the inside or outside surface of the glove appendage.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,537,794 to Baum was not developed to stand-alone nor is it possible in and of itself to perform the function of inverting glove appendages. It was designed as an integral component of a larger more complex mechanized machinery. Please refer to U.S. Pat. No. 1,537,794 to Baum; Page 1 (line 9 thru 19, line 37 thru 42, line 51 thru 59, line 88 thru 97, line 107 thru 108); Page 2 (line 7 thru 9). Also the configuration is more closely related to a 2 sided tube with 2 sides exposed. There is absolutely no way to apply the aforementioned patent by itself to perform the function of inverting/reforming glove appendages.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,427,933 to Summers FIG. 4, No. 50 appears similar in configuration to the tip of the pushrod of the present invention however there is a significant dissimilarity; the tapered configuration and the rounded smooth perimeter of the depression. Even though the dissimilarity is practicably unnoticeable, upon scrutiny, it becomes apparent that the difference is substantial and I'm sure, subsequent to a thorough examination of the particular aspects of the present invention, a reasonable assessment would indicate the present invention does not infringe upon U.S. Pat. No. 2,427,933 to Summers or U.S. Pat. No. 1,537,794 to Baum considering it would not have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the pushrod of Baum (FIG. 1, 2, 3) by substituting the tip with the tip of the device of Summers (FIG. 4 no. 50); the reasoning being the aforementioned patents are components of machines of a more complex nature with numerous components that are interdependent on each other and require a variety of parts and mechanisms to perform the function of inverting/reforming glove appendages and they can not stand alone nor are they portable, whereas the present invention provides a simple manual, non-mechanized device that can be applied by most people almost anywhere under most circumstances and has only 2 components that can be permanently attached or removeably attached and easily transportable.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The purpose of the present invention is to promote a healthy, morbidity free environment in relation to the hands in the workplace and at home by offering an expeditious and trouble free device and method for inverting/reforming glove appendages thoroughly.
It is accordingly one object of the present invention to provide a device to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages that is easy to use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device to invert/reform glove appendages that eliminates the frustration and difficulty altogether of inverting/reforming gloves/glove appendages by hand.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a time saving device to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an expeditious method to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device to invert gloves/glove appendages that facilitates efficient cleaning and prompt drying of the lining.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device to reform glove appendages that eliminates encumbrance of the fingertips or marked unevenness of the inside surface of the glove appendages.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages that is durable and easy to manufacture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages that is economical to produce.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a device to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages that can be used on a variety of gloves and glove sizes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages that is manual, non-mechanized, lightweight and easily transportable.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a device to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages that can be applied by most people in almost any situation almost anywhere.
Finally, it is the main objective of the present invention to provide a device and method to invert/reform gloves/glove appendages that provides a means to eliminate maladies of the hands typically associated with the use of substantially thick material gloves and to promote and maintain healthy morbidity free hands.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, my glove inverter/reformer is a manual, non-mechanized device that comprises a base and unitary pushrod permanently attached or detachable. This is a device for inverting/reforming gloves expeditiously; especially suited for however not limited to substantially thick material gloves including industrial-heavy duty-lined-rubber gloves, ski gloves, leather gloves, heat resistant gloves, multi layered gloves etc. The present invention facilitates efficient cleaning, washing and/or rapid drying of the lining and quick reformation to the proper side with a proper fit. The main objective of the present invention is to promote healthy, morbidity free hands in the workplace and at home.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VIEWS

The present invention will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings that are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:
FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a glove appendage-inverting/reforming device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view of the separate components of the glove appendage-inverting/reforming device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates the initial procedure of the present invention.
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 with reference to the drawings the letters F and G represent finger (F) and glove (G) respectively.
FIG. 4 highlights a magnified view of the innovation the present invention provides; specifically the unobvious configuration of the upper tapered section, the chamber or depression and the perimeter of the chamber of this device.
FIG. 5 shows the end result of the method; a guidance principal; that manifests the glove appendage completely inverted/reformed

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Further characteristics and advantages according to the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment thereof.
The glove appendage-inverting/reforming device of the present invention is well suited however not limited to industrial, heavy duty, lined, rubber-gloves. It can also be used with any substantially thick material glove, such as ski gloves, leather gloves, heat resistant gloves, multi layered gloves, semi-rubber gloves etc.
The present invention is a manual, non-mechanized device that allows for the trouble free and expeditious inversion of a glove thereby facilitating efficient cleaning or washing and/or rapid drying of the lining and quick complete reformation resulting in a proper fit. Subsequent to applying the present invention, the inverted glove is placed in any location such as on a line with a clothes pin, on a tree branch, on a suspended member, on a flat surface, on the grass, in a window sill, on a dashboard or anywhere conducive to allow for aeration that eliminates accumulated moisture and facilitates the inside surface to dry. This invention provides a means to promote and maintain healthy morbidity free hands.
The present invention consists of a base (1) that has a flat level bottom side and a rounded top side with an opening (2) with a depth and size capable to receive, support and stabilize a longitudinally protracted unitary pushrod (3), having a first end (4) that is attached to the base (1) at the opening (2), a second end (5), having a depression that is incurvated, shaped to simulate and conform to the configuration of a typical fingertip including a typical thumb tip. The depression (5) is enclosed by a curvilinear perimeter (7) that is obtuse and has a smooth surface. Beginning in the upper section of the pushrod (3) below the second end (5) culminating with the curvilinear perimeter (7) is an oblique dimensional abatement (6), a symmetrical inward taper or conversely an outward taper beginning with a narrower circumference at the perimeter (7) and culminating with a wider circumference at the upper section (6) of the pushrod (3) simulating the configuration of a typical baby finger of a hand.
The base (1) could have semi-rotund topside. The bottom of the base (1) would be flat to provide stability on any horizontal surface and would be small and of a size and shape that fits comfortably in a hand. The base would have a smooth surface texture. The base (1) and pushrod (3) could be permanently attached or removeably attached. The pushrod (3) could be a longitudinally protracted unitary member with a symmetrical inward taper (6) culminating with 1 of 2 opposing ends or conversely an outward taper beginning with a narrower circumference at the perimeter (7) and culminating with a wider circumference at the upper section (6) and of a size sufficient to receive a glove appendage and a length sufficient to invert/reform the glove appendage without hindrance, encumbrance or interference. A first end (4) of a size that fits into the opening (2) in the base (1) and a second end (5) surrounded by a curvilinear perimeter (7) that is obtuse and has a smooth texture. The symmetrical inward taper (6) simulates and conforms to the configuration of a typical baby finger of a normal shaped hand and has a smooth surface. The pushrod (3) has a flush continuous smooth surface texture beginning perpendicular to the first end (4) including the taper (6) culminating with the perimeter (7) thereby eliminating encumbrance, hindrance, interference or marked unevenness to the outside surface of the glove appendage during the inversion process and eliminates encumbrance, hindrance, interference or marked unevenness to the inside surface of the glove appendage during the reformation process thus providing expeditious inversion of the glove. The second end (5) of the pushrod (3) is a depression that is of a size capable of receiving a fingertip of a gloved hand and is incurvated and shaped to simulate and conform to the configuration of a typical fingertip including a typical thumb tip and provides a means to insure continuous engagement of the tip of the glove appendage. The perimeter (7) of the depression (5) is obtuse and smooth further facilitating quick and complete inversion/reformation of gloves producing the desired effect with no marked unevenness to the inside or outside surface of the glove appendage in preparation for efficient cleaning and/or rapid drying of the lining and resulting in a proper fit. The smooth surface of this device further provides a means for safety in handling. Any material, rigid or flexible that is capable of withstanding the pressure necessary to perform the function of the present invention without fracturing or otherwise rendering it inoperable and can be molded, shaped, cut, cast, manufactured, etc. in the configuration according to the invention can be employed in the construction thereof.
One preferred however non-limiting method for applying the present invention that is likely the most efficacious is set forth as follows: for a removeably attached application; place the base (1) with a flat bottom side on a surface, fit the first end (4) of the pushrod (3) into the opening (2) in the base (1) to be securely inserted therein. The pushrod extends from the topside of the base (1) in a direction perpendicular to the surface. In the process of taking the glove off, invert it as much as possible. Engage the tip of a first gloved finger with a finger inside; the first gloved finger containing a finger is a gloved thumb containing a thumb in the second end (5) of the pushrod (3) substantially perpendicular to the surface. Use the finger inside the glove appendage to maintain continuous contact with the depressed chamber (5) of the pushrod (3) as you grasp the cuff of the glove with the second hand and peel the glove down in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface over the pushrod (3) until the first gloved finger is completely inverted. Repeat the same procedure with a gloved finger containing a finger selected from the group consisting of a second gloved finger containing a finger, a third gloved finger containing a finger, a fourth gloved finger containing a finger and a fifth gloved finger containing a finger until each gloved finger and the glove is completely inverted. Repeat the aforementioned steps to reform a previously inverted glove to turn the glove back to the proper side resulting in a complete and proper fit.
For a permanently attached application, the pushrod extends from the topside of the base (1) in a direction perpendicular to the surface. In the process of taking the glove off, invert it as much as possible. Engage the tip of a first gloved finger with a finger inside in the second end (5) of the pushrod (3) substantially perpendicular to the surface. Use the finger inside the glove appendage to maintain continuous contact with the depressed chamber (5) of the pushrod (3) as you grasp the cuff of the glove with the second hand and peel the glove down in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface over the pushrod (3) until the first gloved finger is completely inverted. Repeat the same procedure with a gloved finger containing a finger selected from the group consisting of a second gloved finger containing a finger, a third gloved finger containing a finger, a fourth gloved finger containing a finger and a fifth gloved finger containing a finger until each gloved finger and the glove is completely inverted. Repeat the aforementioned steps to reform a previously inverted glove to turn the glove back to the proper side resulting in a complete and proper fit.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, you can see that the present invention eliminates the difficulty and frustration of inverting/reforming glove appendages by hand altogether and dramatically reduces the time necessary to perform the function of inverting/reforming glove appendages. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied much easier, considerably faster and more effectively than by hand. Further still, complete inversion of glove appendages is accomplished expeditiously thereby facilitating efficient cleaning or washing and rapid drying of the lining. And complete reformation of glove appendages is accomplished expeditiously, eliminating hindrance, interference, encumbrance or marked unevenness of the inside surface of the glove appendage. Even further, the present invention provides a highly reliable, lightweight, manual, non-mechanized, permanently attached or detachable, portable, multi-faceted yet economical device that can be applied by persons of almost any age almost anywhere under most conditions or circumstances. Moreover, use of the present invention ameliorates the condition of the hands by providing a healthy, morbidity free environment thus eliminating stress which affects concentration which affects efficiency which affects productivity in the workplace or at home.
Although the detailed description above contains specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Other variations are possible. For example, the size can vary, the shape can vary, the material employed to construct the device can be any material(s); natural, artificial, composite, etc. that can be rigid or flexible, but capable of withstanding the pressure necessary to perform the function for which it is designed without fracturing or otherwise rendering the device inoperable. Moreover, this device can be used with or without the base.

Claims

1. A device to invert a glove comprising:

a longitudinally protracted unitary pushrod having a first end, a second end with a perimeter, and an outward taper beginning with a narrower circumference at the perimeter and culminating with a wider circumference at an upper section of said pushrod;

a base capable of supporting and stabilizing the unitary pushrod;

wherein the first end of the unitary pushrod is attached to the base; and

wherein the perimeter on the second end encloses a depression capable of receiving a fingertip of a gloved hand.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the unitary pushrod is permanently attached to the base.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the unitary pushrod is removeably attached to the base.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the shape of said taper simulates the configuration of a typical baby finger of a hand.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the depression conforms to the shape of a typical fingertip.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the perimeter of said second end is obtuse.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the base has a flat bottom side and a rounded top side.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the base, unitary pushrod, perimeter and taper have a surface texture that is smooth.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the base and unitary pushrod are non-mechanized.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the base is of a size and configuration to fit in a hand.

11. A method of inverting a glove with an inside and an outside comprising the steps of:

a. placing a base with a flat bottom side and a top side on a surface, wherein a unitary pushrod extends from said top side in a direction perpendicular to said surface and tapers to culminate in an end with a perimeter surrounding a depression that is of a size capable of receiving a tip of a gloved finger;

b. inserting the tip of a first gloved finger containing a finger in said depression wherein said gloved finger is substantially perpendicular to said surface;

c. grasping a cuff of said glove with a second hand;

d. peeling said cuff down in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to said surface while maintaining continuous contact between said gloved fingertip and said depression until the first gloved finger is inverted;

e. repeating steps (a) through (d) with a gloved finger containing a finger selected from the group consisting of a second gloved finger containing a finger, a third gloved finger containing a finger, a fourth gloved finger containing a finger and a fifth gloved finger containing a finger, until each gloved finger and the glove is inverted.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the first gloved finger containing a finger is a gloved thumb containing a thumb.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said inverted glove is washed and placed in a location to allow the inside of said glove to dry, promoting healthy and morbidity-free hands.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein said inverted glove is placed in a location to allow any accumulated moisture on the inside of the glove to dry, promoting healthy and morbidity-free hands.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising re-forming said inverted glove:

f. based on step (b), re-forming said inverted glove by inserting a tip of an inverted glove finger containing a finger in said depression wherein said inverted gloved finger is substantially perpendicular to said surface; and

g. repeating steps (c) through (f) with said inverted glove.

16. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

h. based on step (a), placing the base with the flat bottom side and an opening in the top side on a surface, securely inserting the unitary pushrod in the opening.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein said glove is a substantially thick glove.

18. A method of inverting a glove with an inside and an outside comprising the steps of:

a. placing a base with a flat bottom side and a top side on a surface, wherein a unitary pushrod extends from said top side in a direction perpendicular to said surface and tapers to culminate in an end with a obtuse perimeter surrounding a depression that is of a size capable of receiving a tip of a gloved finger, and wherein said unitary pushrod, taper, and perimeter are continuous, flush and smooth to allow expeditious inversion of said glove;

c. grasping a cuff of said glove with a second hand;

e. repeating steps (a) through (d) with a gloved finger containing a finger selected from the group consisting of a second gloved finger containing a finger, a third gloved finger containing a finger, a fourth gloved finger containing a finger and a fifth gloved finger containing a finger, until each gloved finger and the glove are inverted.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising re-forming said inverted glove:

g. repeating steps (c) through (f) with said inverted glove.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

h. based on (a), wherein said taper culminating in said perimeter are sized with a surface texture to eliminate hindrance, interference, encumbrance and marked unevenness when inverting said glove.