US20150250241A1

US20150250241A1 - Easy Release Glove

Info

Publication number: US20150250241A1
Application number: US14/201,887
Authority: US
Inventors: Carl Sapp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-09
Filing date: 2014-03-09
Publication date: 2015-09-10

Abstract

A glove that is operable to protect a user's hand from harsh materials wherein the glove is configured to promote the easy removal thereof. The glove includes a body having an integrally formed palm portion and plurality of digit members wherein the palm portion and plurality of digit members are operable to receive a palm and fingers therein. A cuff section is formed with the palm portion opposite the plurality of digit members. Integrally formed with the cuff section is a release member. The release member is v-shaped and is manufactured from a material that has a greater elasticity than the body of the glove. A gripping member is further mounted to the cuff section opposite the release member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protective devices, more specifically but nit by way of limitation, a protective form-fitting glove that includes a release member integrally formed into the cuff section so as to promote the easy removal thereof.

BACKGROUND

While performing various tasks whether at home or in a working environment, it is common to don a variety of safety gear. Items such as safety glasses are often worn to protect a user's eyes and apron's and the like are used to protect various parts of the human body during tasks that pose at least some risk to the user.
A common safety item that is routinely worn are gloves. Gloves are manufactured in numerous amounts of styles and are further manufactured from various materials. The style and material are typically directed towards the environment in which the glove will be used. By way of example but not limitation, leather gloves having a wide cuff member are often used by welders and other mechanics wherein the tasks being performed requires that the cuff member of the glove extend over the sleeve of the shirt of the user and that the glove be resistant to heat.
Another common glove that is used are rubber and/or nitrile gloves that are used during the handling of chemical materials such as but not limited to solvents. These gloves are made from form-fitting materials such as plastics and/or rubber and serve to protect the user's hands from chemical burns as well as general dirt, grease or numerous other materials. One problem with form-fitting gloves is the ability for a user to easily remove them from their hands subsequent use thereof. As conventional form fitting gloves, especially those with longer cuff members have limited elasticity, it is difficult for a user the stretch the material sufficiently enough to facilitate a smooth and easy removal of the glove.
Accordingly, there is a need for a form-fitting glove that includes a release member integrally formed into the cuff section of the glove so as to facilitate the easy removal of the form-fitting glove from the hand of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a form-fitting glove that includes a body having a first portion operable to receive a hand and fingers therein and a second portion that forms a cuff section extending up the forearm of a user.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting glove that includes a plurality of finger members being substantially hollow that are operable to receive therein the fingers and thumb of a user.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting glove that includes a release member wherein the release member is integrally formed into the cuff section of the form-fitting glove.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting glove wherein the release member is adjacent the inside wrist area of a user.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting glove wherein the release member is generally v-shaped.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting glove that includes a gripping member that is integrally secured to the cuff section opposite the release member.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting glove that is inexpensive and disposable.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a glove 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
Referring in particular to FIG. 1 the glove 100 includes a body 10 having an outer wall 15 that is formed so as to create a cavity operable to receive a human hand therein. The body 10 includes a palm portion 20 that is operable to be adjacent the palm of the user subsequent the glove 100 being donned thereby. The palm portion 20 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to rubber. Integrally formed with the palm portion 20 are the digit members 30. The digit members 30 are integrally formed with the palm portion 20 utilizing suitable manufacturing techniques. Each digit member 30 are includes a cavity (not illustrated herein) that functions to receive a human digit therein. As is known in the art, the digit members 30 are manufactured in different lengths so as to accommodate the natural different lengths of the fingers of a human hand. The digit members 30 includes an outer surface 35 that is manufactured of additional layers of material so as to provide more protection for the fingers disposed within the digit members. The outer surface 35 of each digit member 30 is further sectioned so as to promote the manipulation of each finger disposed within the digit members 30. The digit sections 40 are thicker in construction and have intermediate thereto a seam 45 that is of similar thickness to the palm portion 20 which is thinner than the digits sections. The thinner construction of the seams 45 promotes improved flexibility and manipulation of the digit members 30 during use of the glove 100. While not illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the palm portion 20 could have additional layers of protection and/or be constructed of a thicker material in the area adjacent the palm of a user so as to promote additional protection of the palm of a user.
The cuff section 50 is integrally formed with the palm portion 20 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The cuff section 50 is operable to extend at least partially along the wrist/forearm of a user of the glove 100. The cuff section 50 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to rubber and is operable to be form-fitting against the user's wrist/forearm area. The glove 100 is designed to be form-fitting so as to substantially inhibit materials and or solutions to propagate into the cavity thereof during use.
The cuff section 50 includes release member 60. Release member 60 is integrally formed with cuff section 50 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The release member 60 is manufactured from a material that possesses a greater elasticity than the material of the glove 100. While no specific material is required, good results have been achieved utilizing a material such as but not limited to nylon to construct the release member 60. The release member 60 functions to facilitate the improved removal of the glove 100. The release member 60 is generally v-shaped wherein the widest portion thereof is adjacent edge 62 and the width of the release member 60 tapers to point 63 adjacent to the palm portion 20. The shape of the release member 60 plays a critical role in promoting the functionality thereof. As the glove 100 is form-fitting wherein the construction and materials of the glove 100 promote a consistent bias against the hand/wrist of a user, the greater elasticity of the release member 60 facilitates the removal of the glove 100. The greater width of the release member 60 is proximate edge 62 so as to promote increase stretching thereof during the initial phase of removing the glove 100. As the user begins to pull the glove 100 off of their hand wherein the edge 62 is directed towards the digit members 30, the amount of stretching required to facilitate removal is diminished and as such the release member 60 is constructed in a v-shape. While in the preferred embodiment as described herein the release member 60 is generally v-shaped, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the release member 60 could be formed in various shapes so as to perform the functionality as described herein.
Integrally formed with the cuff section 50 opposite the release member 60 is gripping member 70. The gripping member 70 is manufactured from an inelastic hard material and is integrally formed with the cuff section 50 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The gripping member 70 functions to provide an area offering improved grip and stability so as to provide an element to grasp the glove 100 in order to begin the removal process. The gripping member 70 is generally square in shape and is manufactured of a suitable size so as to be easily grasped by a human hand. While the gripping member 70 is shown as being square in shape herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the gripping member 70 could be manufactured in numerous different shapes.
Referring to the drawings herein a description of the operation of the glove 100 is as follows. In use, ensuing donning of the glove 100 for use in a particular task, a user will grasp the gripping member 70 and begin to move the cuff section 50 towards the palm of the user's hand. As the gripping member 70 is pulled the release member 60 stretches so as to provide release of the cuff section 50 from the user's wrist/forearm area. The width of the release member 60 is greater proximate edge 62 so as to promote improved initial release of the cuff section 50. As the user continues removing the glove 100, the elasticity of the release member 60 facilitates improved removal of the glove 100.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A glove comprising:

a body, said body further including a palm portion and a plurality of digit members, said body being substantially hollow, said palm portion and said plurality of digit members being operable to receive the palm and fingers of a human hand;

a cuff section, said cuff section being integrally formed with said palm portion opposite said plurality of digit members, said cuff section operable to extend upward along a wrist of a user; and

a release member, said release member being formed in said cuff section, said release member being manufactured from a material that has a greater elasticity that said cuff section, said release member operable to facilitate removal of the glove from a user.

2. The glove as recited in claim 1, and further including a grip member, said grip member being integrally formed with said cuff section, said grip member being located opposite said release member on said cuff section.

3. The glove as recited in claim 2, wherein said release member greater in width distal to said palm portion and narrower in width proximate to said palm portion.

4. The glove as recited in claim 3, wherein plurality of digit members further includes digit pads, said digit pads being greater in thickness than said palm portion.

5. The glove as recited in claim 4, and further including a plurality of seams, said plurality of seams being intermediate said digit pads.

6. The glove as recited in claim 5, wherein the glove is manufactured from a chemical resistant material.

7. The glove as recited in claim 6, wherein said grip member is square in shape.

8. A form-fitting glove operable to protect a human hand comprising:

a body, said body having an outer wall forming a cavity of sufficient size to receive a human hand, said body further including a palm portion said palm portion operable to be adjacent a palm of a hand subsequent a hand being inserted into said cavity, said body further including a plurality of digit members, said plurality of digit member being integrally formed with said palm portion, said digit members being operable to receive a human finger therein,

a cuff section, said cuff section being integrally formed with said palm portion opposite said digit members, said cuff section of sufficient length to be adjacent at least a portion of a user's forearm subsequent the form-fitting glove being donned by a user, said cuff section having an outer edge; and

a release member, said release member being integrally formed with said cuff section, said release member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said release member being proximate said outer edge of said cuff section, said second end of said release member being proximate said palm portion, said release member being made of a material having a greater elasticity that the material of said body, said release member having a width greater proximate said first end than at said second end.

9. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 8, wherein said release member is v-shaped.

10. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 9, and further including a grip member, said grip member being formed with said cuff section opposite said release member, said grip member providing an interface to grasp said cuff section of the form-fitting glove for removal thereof.

11. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 10, wherein said grip member is square in shape.

12. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 11, wherein plurality of digit members further includes digit pads, said digit pads being greater in thickness than said palm portion.

13. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 12, and further including a plurality of seams, said plurality of seams being intermediate said digit pads.

14. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 13, wherein the form-fitting glove is manufactured from a chemical resistant material.

15. A form-fitting glove operable to protect a user's hand from harsh materials wherein the glove is operable to facilitate easy removal thereof comprising:

a cuff section, said cuff section being integrally formed with said palm portion opposite said digit members, said cuff section having an upper side and a lower side, said cuff section of sufficient length to be adjacent at least a portion of a user's forearm subsequent the form-fitting glove being donned by a user, said cuff section having an outer edge; and

a release member, said release member being integrally formed with said lower side of said cuff section, said release member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said release member being proximate said outer edge of said cuff section, said second end of said release member being proximate said palm portion, said release member being made of a material having a greater elasticity that the material of said body, said release member being v-shaped wherein the wider portion is proximate said outer edge of said cuff section.

16. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 15, and further including a gripping member, said gripping member being formed with said upper side of said cuff section opposite said release member, said gripping member providing an interface to grasp said cuff section of the form-fitting glove for removal thereof.

17. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 16, wherein said gripping member is square in shape.

18. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 17, wherein plurality of digit members further includes digit pads, said digit pads operable to provide enhanced protection to portions of a finger disposed with said plurality of digit members, said digit pads being greater in thickness than said palm portion.

19. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 18, and further including a plurality of seams, said plurality of seams being intermediate said digit pads.

20. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 19, wherein the form-fitting glove is manufactured from a chemical resistant material.