US20210227902A1

US20210227902A1 - Glove and method for making the same

Info

Publication number: US20210227902A1
Application number: US16/972,302
Authority: US
Inventors: Remigio Berlese
Original assignee: ABE SPORT GROUP Srl
Current assignee: ABE SPORT GROUP Srl
Priority date: 2018-07-04
Filing date: 2019-06-20
Publication date: 2021-07-29
Also published as: CA3102057A1; WO2020008291A1; IT201800006905A1

Abstract

A glove that includes at least a frontal first section and a dorsal second section, joined to each other so as to wrap and receive a hand, that are formed by at least a first synthetic lining material comprising at least a first thermoplastic resin. The glove includes at least a functional element formed by a second synthetic material that includes a second thermoplastic resin. Specifically, the functional element is fixed to the frontal first section and/or to the dorsal second section by means of ultrasonic welding

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention refers to a glove for sport or working activities, and to a method for making the same. Specifically, the present invention refers to a glove provided with functional elements, such as for example reinforcing pads, arranged in predetermined positions of the glove, and, moreover to a method for making it.

PRIOR ART

A glove is a clothing item that covers a hand, or a portion of the same, with a lining material that adapts to the anatomical shape of the hand. The glove protects the hand of a user during specific activities, such as, for example, sports or working activities, and the choice of the type of lining material depends on the specific activity carried out. In fact, the performance of different activities suggests or requires the use of gloves made to fulfil certain purposes, such as for example protect the hand during specific conditions of use, such as improving the grip of an object, and also offering a wearability adapted to guarantee freedom of movement of the hand and the fingers.
For example, for sports activities, such as when riding a motorcycle, the glove is designed to be provided with protecting functional elements, generally made with rigid or semi-rigid pads, arranged in preset positions so as to protect the hand of the user from accidental impacts while riding the vehicle. Typically, these protecting functional elements are positioned on the dorsal section of the hand so as to avoid, or limit, injuries caused, for example, by a fall.
Alternatively, again respecting sports activities such as riding a motorcycle, the glove is designed to be provided with reinforcing functional elements, generally made with soft pads, arranged in preset positions, for the purpose of limiting the wear of parts of the glove during its use and, consequently, increase its durability. Typically, these reinforcing functional elements are positioned on the frontal section of the hand, that is, on the section opposite the dorsal section.
Alternatively, for carrying out working activities, and particularly in a professional context, the gloves are designed to be provided with functional elements that modify the characteristics of its lining material, and are generally fixed to the frontal section of the glove. For example, the functional elements, fixed on the frontal section of the hand and in particular of the fingers, may be made with an elastomeric material adapted to increase the friction between the glove and the surface of an object so as to guarantee a better grip.
Eventually, the glove may also provide two different types of functional elements having different functions, such as for example one of protection and one of reinforcement, that are arranged respectively on the dorsal section and on the frontal section of the hand.
With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the state of the art a glove 10, used for the purposes described above and other similar purposes, is provided with functional elements 12 applied on the surface of the lining material 14 of the glove 10 on the frontal section (see FIG. 1A) and on the dorsal section (see FIG. 1B) of the hand. These functional elements 12, having for example different functions on the dorsal section and on the frontal section, are fixed on the surface of the lining material 14 by means of stitches 16 (shown in the figures with a broken line). The stitches 16 form corresponding stitching regions, generally along the peripheral edge of each functional element 12, and the formation of such stitches 16 presents some drawbacks.
In fact, the fixing of the functional elements 12 on the surface of the lining material 14 of the glove 10 by means of stitches 16 is rather complex because, typically, this step is generally carried out by hand, increasing the times and costs of production and, further, it does not guarantee a perfect homogeneity of the result between different lots of production, consequently decreasing the quality of the product. In recent years, in both the sport and work fields, particularly at the professional level, a greater homogeneity of the characteristics of a glove is constantly required, so as to guarantee the quality of the product.
Furthermore, the fixing of the functional elements 12 on the surface of the lining material 14 of the glove 10 by means of stitches 16 may be more difficult when the thickness of the functional elements 12 is relatively high and it is necessary to apply a relatively high force to form the holes through which the threads of the stitches 16 are to be inserted, especially if the functional elements 12 are made with plastic material.
Moreover, the presence of a large number of stitches 16 weakens the structure of the glove 10. In other words, in the stitching process the characteristics of the lining material 14 of the glove 10 are modified, forming on it a plurality of holes that represent weak points that cause the breakage of the lining material 14 of the glove 10 in the case, for example, of an accidental fall or after many steps of inserting and removing the hand in/from the glove 10.
Furthermore, the stitches 16 are made with threads that over time may wear out and finally break. In fact, due to the conditions of use, such as for example a mechanical stress that causes a wearing down of the surfaces of the glove 10, the threads, which protrude from said surfaces, may wear down and break, causing a dislodgement or a loss of one or more functional elements 12, consequently making the glove 10 unusable.
Eventually, to guarantee a better fixing of the functional elements 12 to the glove 10, it is possible to increase the number of stitches 16, which are normally provided only along the peripheral edge of each functional element 12. However, the increase of the number of stitches 16, in addition to further weakening the structure of the glove 10 as mentioned above, reduces the operating surface of the functional elements 12. In other words, considering for example functional elements 12 consisting of an elastomer adapted to improve the grip of an object, when the number of stitches 16 is increased, the corresponding stitching regions that fix the functional elements 12 to the glove 10 must be provided along the peripheral edge and through the body of each functional element 12, thus decreasing, when in use, the functional contact area between each functional element 12 and the object, consequently affecting the potential improvement of the characteristics provided by using the functional elements 12.
In addition, the increase in the number of stitches 16 decreases the flexibility of the structure of the glove 10, thus causing a decreased comfort in using the glove. In fact, as well-known, the stitches lower the prehensility of the fingers, or of the hand, since they hinder their flexibility when they are made at the articulation areas of the hand. Moreover, when the stitches 16 are made at the fingertips, they further interfere with the tactile sensitivity of the fingers, which inevitably has already been affected by the lining material 14 of the glove 10.
Moreover, in the design phase, the functional elements 12 must have a surface portion, generally along the peripheral edge, to be used as a stitching region. Thus, in the design phase of the glove 10, it is necessary to make the functional elements 12 so that they have a shape such as to include portions or slots necessary to form the stitching 16, thus limiting the design possibilities of the glove 10 and of its functional elements 12.
Finally, in place of the stitches 16, it is possible to provide glues to fix the functional elements 12 to the lining material 14 of the glove 10, however this solution has some drawbacks, since the glues do not guarantee the durability of the gluing. Moreover, the glues require specific procedures for their use and their disposal from the point of view of compliance with the safety of the operators and respect for the environment, consequently increasing the costs of production of the glove 10.
Consequently, there is a need to make a glove and to provide a method of production of the same that overcomes the drawbacks described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to make a glove and to provide a method for manufacturing the same wherein the functional elements are fixed to the lining material of the glove through junction regions that do not provide for the use of stitches or glues.
Within the above objective, one purpose of the present invention concerns a glove and a method for making the same that makes it possible to fix the functional elements to the lining material of the glove by means of an automated industrial process carried out with suitable equipment. In this manner, the times and costs for making the gloves are decreased and, moreover, the level of quality of the product is improved, guaranteeing the homogeneity of the characteristics.
A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a method for making the same wherein the thickness of the functional elements does not interfere with the formation of the junction regions between the functional elements and the lining material of the glove.
A further objective concerns the creation of a glove and of a method for making the same wherein the junction regions do not weaken the structure of the glove and do not alter the physical characteristics of its lining material, avoiding, for example, making holes, that is, points of weakness that would cause the breaking of the lining material in conditions of use.
A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a method for making the same wherein the junction regions between the functional elements and the lining material have a shape that does not influence, that is, does not limit, the choice of the shape of the functional elements in the design phase.
A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a method for making the same wherein the extension of the junction regions can be adjusted in the design phase, with respect to the extension of the functional elements that they fix, without affecting the properties thereof.
A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a method for making the same wherein the junction regions do not protrude from the surface of the glove and, therefore, are not subject to wearing out during the conditions of use, thus guaranteeing a more durable fixing of the functional elements to the glove.
A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a method for making the same wherein the junction regions do not hinder the movement of the hand and of its fingers so as to guarantee a flexibility of the glove and, consequently, a greater comfort in its use.
A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a method for making the same wherein the junction regions fix the functional elements to the lining material, making them integral to each other, and thus guaranteeing a greater strength and durability of the glove.
The above objectives and purposes, and others that will become more evident in the following description, will be achieved by means of a glove as defined in claim 1 and a method for making the glove as defined in claim 13.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The further characteristics and the advantages of the glove and of the method for making the same will become more evident in the following description relative to an embodiment given by way of example, non-limiting, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a plan view of a frontal part of a prior art glove;

FIG. 1B is a plan view of a dorsal part of the glove of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of a frontal part of a glove in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a plan view of a dorsal part of the glove of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a view in cross section along line A-A in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of an apparatus used to form part of the glove of FIG. 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description will be used the term “lining material” of a glove to indicate a plurality of materials of different types. As is well known, in fact, the materials used to make the lining material of a glove are typically natural leather, imitation leather, that is, synthetic leather, elastomers, and the like, or fabrics made with a weave of threads made up of natural materials, synthetic materials or a combination thereof.
In addition, the glove, that is, the lining material of the glove, may be made up of a plurality of coupled layers, each consisting of a different material, such as for example two layers consisting of a first layer of synthetic leather and a second layer of natural leather. However, in the following description, the term “lining material” refers to the material of the single layer or to the material of the more external layer of the glove.
Moreover, in the following description, the term “synthetic” will refer to a material comprising at least a thermoplastic resin. Therefore, from the group of synthetic materials are entirely excluded natural materials, such as natural leather and natural fabrics, while the group includes synthetic materials such as, for example, synthetic leather such as “Alcantara®” and “Clarino®”, which include resins such as polyurethane and polyester, “Lorica®”, which includes resins such as polyurethane and polyamide, and the like. In addition, in the group of synthetic materials are included synthetic fabrics comprising a weave of threads made with thermoplastic resins, such as for example synthetic fabrics comprising polyamide and/or polyester, and the like, or fabrics made with a combination of threads consisting of natural materials and threads consisting of synthetic materials, that is, comprising thermoplastic resins.
With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a glove 100 is shown comprising a frontal first section 102 and a dorsal second section 104, opposite the frontal first section 102, that are substantially symmetrical and are fixed, that is joined, to each other by means of stitching (not shown) made preferably at the peripheral edges of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104, leaving free a entrance third section 106 adapted to allow the insertion of a hand into the glove 100.
The frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 each comprise a hand receiving portion 108, a finger receiving portion 110 and a thumb receiving portion 112.
Specifically, the hand receiving portion 108 of the frontal first section 102 is adapted to receive when in use the whole palm of the hand or only a portion of the same, while the hand receiving portion 108 of the dorsal second section 104 is adapted to receive when in use the back of the hand, in its entirety or only a portion of the same. In fact, as is well known, some types of gloves, particularly in the sport field, wrap a portion of the palm, of the back, of the fingers and of the thumb, and/or some types of gloves wrap only some of the fingers and/or the thumb, depending on their use.
From the hand receiving portion 108 extend the finger receiving portion 110, adapted to receive when in use the fingers of the hand, such as generally the index, the ring finger, the middle finger and the small finger, and the thumb receiving portion 112, adapted to receive the thumb when in use. In this preferred embodiment, the glove 100 wraps entirely the palm, the back, the thumb and all the fingers of the hand.
Moreover, the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100 are formed with a lining material adapted for the specific use of the glove which, generally, is a soft and pliable material which allows the movement of the hand and of its fingers. As will be explained later, in this invention it is essential that the lining material be a synthetic material and, in this preferred embodiment, the synthetic lining material is synthetic leather, such as Clarino®, although this embodiment is not limitative.
Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the glove 100 also comprises functional elements 114 distributed on the surface of the glove 100. Specifically, the functional elements 114 are positioned in specific surface parts of the hand receiving portion 108, of the finger receiving portion 110 and of the thumb receiving portion 112, of the frontal first section 102 (see FIG. 2A) and of the dorsal second section 104 (see FIG. 2B) of the glove 100.
The term “functional element” is used here to indicate a body that may be rigid, semi-rigid (that is, partially rigid), pliable, soft, etc., that has a shape similar to a pad shaped so as to have an extension adapted to cover exterior parts of the glove 100. Specifically, this body is adapted to give different functions and/or characteristics to the synthetic lining material that forms the frontal first section 102 and/or the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100. In other words, the functional elements 114 modify the glove 100 giving it different functions and/or characteristics that otherwise it would not have if it was made with only the synthetic lining material. For example, the functional elements 114 may be pads adapted to protect from impacts and shocks parts of the hand inserted into the glove 100, or they may be pads adapted to reduce an excessive wearing down of surface parts of the frontal first section 102 and/or the dorsal second section 104 corresponding to the articulation areas of the hand, or the functional elements 114 may be pads formed with a material adapted to improve the grip of an object with the glove 100.
Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the functional elements 114 are illustrated by means of a dotted area, while, for clarity, one of the functional elements 114 is shown not applied to the glove 100, leaving visible a corresponding junction region 116 (indicated by a hatched area) with the frontal first section 102 (see FIG. 2A) and with the dorsal second section 104 (see FIG. 2B). In other words, the junction region 116 is the surface part of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104 on which is fixed the respective functional element 114 (as shown in the figures by means of a thick arrow). Specifically, each functional element 114 is fixed to the corresponding junction region 116 of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104 with a method that will be described later in detail.
The position and the number of the functional elements 114, that is, of the corresponding junction regions 116, are determined according to the design of the glove 100 and of its use and, in this preferred embodiment, the functional elements 114 are reinforcing pads adapted to reduce an excessive wearing down of the surface parts of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100.
Referring to FIG. 3, which is a view in cross section along line A-A of FIG. 2A, each functional element 114 is formed so that its surface which faces the corresponding section of the glove 100 (hereafter defined “coupling surface of the functional element”) is entirely fixed, or partially fixed, to the corresponding section of the glove 100, which in FIG. 3 is the frontal first section 102, through the respective junction region 116. Specifically, in this invention it is essential that the fixing, or the coupling, of each functional element 144 to the frontal first section 102 and to the dorsal second section 104, through the respective junction region 116, is achieved by means of ultrasonic welding.
The welding of pieces distinct from each other by means of ultrasonic energy, that is by means of ultrasonic welding, is a well-known process. The procedure is generally carried out by positioning the surfaces of the pieces to weld in a juxtaposed stacked relationship forming a contact region between the surfaces of the pieces to be welded, hereafter defined “interface”. Afterwards, a compression force is exerted between the pieces, that is between the surfaces of the interface, and then ultrasonic energy is applied to the pieces by means of an ultrasonic energy concentrator, also known as a “sonotrode”, which generates a vibration, that is a relative displacement, of the surfaces of the interface in a direction substantially parallel to the interface. Typically, in this phase, the ultrasonic energy has a frequency between 20 and 50 kHz. Thus, the dissipation of the ultrasonic energy causes, by means of friction, a fusion of the materials that is localized in the region of the interface and after a predetermined interval of time, usually from a fraction of a second to a few seconds, the ultrasonic energy is switched off to allow the molten materials to cool, that is, to solidify, so as to form a junction region, that is, a welding region by means of fusion between the pieces.
Thus, referring again to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, in order to fix each functional element 114 to the frontal first section 102 and to the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100 by means of ultrasonic welding through the respective junction region 116, that is between the surfaces at the interface, it is essential in the present invention that both the material of the functional element 114 and the lining material of the corresponding frontal section 102 and dorsal section 104 be formed with synthetic materials, that is comprising thermoplastic resins.
In other words, the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with a first synthetic lining material comprising at least a first thermoplastic resin, while the functional elements 114 are formed with a second synthetic material comprising at least a second thermoplastic resin. In this state, it is possible to guarantee, during the ultrasonic welding procedure, the melting and solidification of the materials in the interface region and, therefore, it is possible to guarantee the welding by means of melting in the junction region 116, or in the regions of the surfaces at the interface, between each functional element 114 and the respective surface part of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100.
Preferably, the first synthetic material and the second synthetic material comprise a percentage of thermoplastic resin of at least 25% in weight to guarantee the formation of the welding by means of melting.
Moreover, to guarantee the formation of the welding in the junction region 116, that is between the surfaces at the interface, it is essential in the present invention that the thermoplastic resins comprised in the first synthetic material and in the second synthetic material be weldable to each other by means of ultrasonic welding. In other words, the chemical nature and the physical and thermal characteristics (such as for example the melting temperature and the glass transition temperature) of the thermoplastic resins of the first synthetic material and of the second synthetic material to be welded to each other by means of ultrasonic welding must be appropriately selected to guarantee the formation of a welding by means of melting.
The choice of the combinations of thermoplastic resins that are weldable by means of melting can be carried out based on information obtained from industry manuals. For example, the welding to each other of pieces formed with the same synthetic material, that is that comprise the same thermoplastic resin, generally offers excellent welding characteristics. However, it is possible to achieve a welding to each other of pieces formed with synthetic materials of different chemical nature, that is that comprise thermoplastic resins that are different from each other, following the information from industry manuals which contain data relating to the weldability of thermoplastic resins that are different from each other. Moreover, as is well-known, there are suitable compositions of thermoplastic resins, comprising adhesion promoters or “compatibilizers”, that are adapted to guarantee weldability by means of melting for synthetic materials of different chemical nature, that is that comprise thermoplastic resins that are different from each other.
Specifically, referring again to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the functional elements 114, such as pads adapted to reduce an excessive wear of parts of the surface of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104, are formed with the same synthetic lining material as the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 to which they are fixed, which in this preferred embodiment is “Clarino®”.
In other words, in this preferred embodiment, in the junction regions 116 of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104 is formed a thickening of the synthetic lining material of the glove 100, by means of the functional elements 114.
It should be noted, however, that this embodiment is not limiting, and the second synthetic material with which the functional elements 114 are formed may be different from the first synthetic lining material of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104. However, it is essential in the present invention that the second synthetic material be weldable by means of ultrasonic welding to the first synthetic lining material, in other words, it is essential that the first thermoplastic resin of the first synthetic material and the second thermoplastic resin of the second synthetic material are ultrasonically weldable to each other.
Hereafter, with reference to FIG. 4, is described a method for making the glove 100 of the preferred embodiment previously described.
First, is provided an apparatus 200 for ultrasonic welding comprising a base 202 preferably stationary, a press 204 adapted to lower and maintain a sonotrode 206 pressed on the base 202 with a preferably adjustable pressure. Specifically, the sonotrode 206 is adapted to transmit to parts to be welded a vibration, generated by a piezoelectric transducer or converter (not shown), having a direction generally parallel to the base 202.
Subsequently, on the base 202 of the apparatus 200 is positioned a frontal first section 102 of a glove 100 previously formed, for example, by cutting it from a sheet consisting of the first synthetic lining material.
Functional elements 114 are then arranged on the surface of the frontal first section 102 at the respective junction regions 116 (as shown in the figure by means of a thick arrow). Specifically, in FIG. 4, for clarity, one of the functional elements 114 is shown not placed on the surface of the frontal first section 102 leaving the corresponding junction region 116 visible, as is shown by a hatched area.
Subsequently, the press 204 is activated so as to bring the sonotrode 206 into a contact relationship, through one of its surfaces defined below as “lower”, with each surface of the functional elements 114 which is opposite to the respective junction region 116 (defined below as “external surface of the functional element”). Preferably, the sonotrode 206 is provided with cavities (not shown in the figure) having a shape that is complementary to the external surface of the functional elements 114 that are distributed on the lower surface of the sonotrode 206 so that, when the press 204 is activated, each cavity is in a contact relationship with the external surface of the respective functional element 114.
Then, by means of the press 204 is applied a pressure, that is, a compression force, between the functional elements 114 and the frontal first section 102. In other words, a pressure is applied on the respective junction regions 116 between the surfaces at the interface of the functional elements 114 and of the frontal first section 102. Preferably, in this phase the pressure applied is about 8 atm.
Subsequently, ultrasonic energy is applied, that is, there is the generation of vibration transmitted to the junction region 116, that is to the region of the interface surfaces, through the sonotrode 206 and the respective functional elements 114. Preferably, in this phase the frequency of the vibration is about 20 kHz.
In this state, therefore, the first synthetic lining material of the frontal first section 102 and the second synthetic material of the functional element 114 are melted locally at the junction region 116, that is, at the respective surfaces of the interface. In other words, the first thermoplastic resin of the first synthetic lining material of the frontal first section 102 and the second thermoplastic resin of the second synthetic material of the functional element 114 are melted locally at the surfaces of the interface.
Advantageously, this localized heating does not extend outside the junction region 116, that is, outside the surfaces of the interface, thus maintaining unchanged the characteristics of the first synthetic lining material of the frontal first section 102.
Preferably, in this phase it is possible to adjust times and/or amplitude and/or frequency of the vibrations based on the type of the first synthetic lining material and of the second synthetic material, on the thicknesses of the frontal first section 102 and of the functional elements 114, etc.
Subsequently, the first synthetic lining material and the second synthetic material are allowed to stabilize by cooling them so as to reach a temperature adapted to maintain the functional elements 114 and the frontal first section 102 fixed to each other.
Finally, the press 204 is disabled by removing the pressure applied on the functional elements 114, and the frontal first section 102 of the glove is removed from the base 202 of the apparatus 200.
It should be noted that the frontal first section 102 of the glove 100, provided with the functional elements 114 formed integral with the same, can thus be used for further subsequent steps of production of the glove 100, such as for example the formation of the stitches by conventional methods, to join the frontal first section 102 to a dorsal second section 104 in order to complete the glove 100.
It is evident that different modifications of the glove 100 and of the method for making the same are possible, without departing from the scope of patent protection as defined by claims 1 and 13.
In the previously described embodiment, the functional elements 114 are formed integral with the frontal first section 102 and with the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100. However, it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the functional elements 114 are formed integral, for example, with one of the two sections: the frontal first section 102 or the dorsal second section 104.
In fact, in a more preferred embodiment of the present invention the functional elements 114 are fixed by means of ultrasonic welding to at least the frontal first section 102 which is operatively adapted to receive the palm of the hand and the fingers.
In normal operating conditions, the frontal first section 102 is particularly subjected to continuous mechanical stress that generate through friction a wearing down of its surface and of the surfaces of the functional elements 114 fixed to it. For example, during sport activities, by gripping a sport device or equipment, the frontal first section 102 and the functional elements 114 fixed to it are particularly subjected to continuous mechanical stress that cause their wear down.
Advantageously, if the functional elements 114 are fixed to the frontal first section 102 by means of ultrasonic welding, the corresponding junction region 116 is not subjected to such mechanical stress because it does not protrude from the surface of the glove 100. In this state, the junction region 116 is not worn out by the mechanical stress, thus guaranteeing an increased durability of the fixing of the functional elements 114 to the first section 102 of the glove 100. In other words, fixing the functional elements 114 to the frontal first section 102 by means of ultrasonic welding increases the durability of the glove 100 because no stitching is required with the use of threads, which would remain subjected to conditions of stress and which, therefore, would wear out and would break, causing the separation of the functional elements 114 from the frontal first section 102, consequently degrading the functionality of the glove 100.
Moreover, advantageously, fixing the functional elements 114 to the frontal first section 102 by means of ultrasonic welding, avoids a plurality of stitches that could interfere with the mobility of the hand and the fingers. Thus, unlike stitching, fixing by means of ultrasonic welding does not reduce the mobility and prehensility of the fingers, or of the hand, since it does not hinder the flexibility even when ultrasonic welding is used in the articulation areas of the fingers and/or the hand. This advantage is particularly significant in the frontal first section 102 since, in receiving the palm of the hand and the fingers, it is desirable to maintain a high degree of mobility, prehensility and tactile sensitivity of the fingers which, otherwise, would be deteriorated by the presence of stitching.
Moreover, advantageously, fixing the functional elements 114 to the frontal first section 102 by means of ultrasonic welding, avoids a plurality of stitches that could weaken the structure of the frontal first section 102. Specifically, this advantage is particularly significant in the frontal first section 102 which, as already mentioned, is particularly subjected to continuous mechanical stress in the conditions of use.
In the even more preferred embodiment, the functional elements 114 and the frontal first section 102 are made with the same synthetic material formed in synthetic leather, such as for example Clarino®, which guarantees characteristics of softness and pliability that maintain adequate mobility, prehensility and tactile sensitivity of the fingers, in addition to guaranteeing suitable characteristics of resistance to wear.
Moreover, in the foregoing description, the functional elements 114 act as reinforcements, forming a thickening of a surface part of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104. However, it is possible to provide functional elements 114 that act as protecting elements and are formed, for example, on the dorsal second section 104 by means of a second semi-rigid synthetic material that is joined by ultrasonic welding to the first synthetic lining material in the finger receiving portion 110 and in the hand receiving portion 108. Alternatively, the functional elements 114 may be adapted to increase the friction between the glove 100 and the surface of an object to be gripped and are formed, for example, on the frontal first section 102 in the finger receiving portion 110 and in the thumb receiving portion 112.
Moreover, in the foregoing description, the frontal first section 102, the dorsal second section 104 and the functional elements 114 are formed with the same material, such as synthetic leather. However, it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with the same synthetic lining material, and the functional elements 114 are formed with a second synthetic material different from the first synthetic lining material. For example, it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with a mixed natural and synthetic fabric, comprising polyamide, and the functional elements 114 are formed with polyamide adapted to be joined to the dorsal second section 104 by means of ultrasonic welding.
Moreover, in the foregoing description, each functional element 114 is fixed by means of a junction region 116 having an extension that corresponds substantially with the coupling surface of the respective functional element 114. However, it is possible to provide functional elements 114 provided on the coupling surface with projections or protrusions through which the respective junction region 116 can be formed. In other words, in this variant, the welding interface of the functional elements 114 to the frontal first section 102 and to the dorsal second section 104 is formed by the contact surfaces of the projections or protrusions with the respective frontal first section 102 and dorsal second section 104, defining in this manner the junction region 116, that is, the interface surfaces.
In addition, in the foregoing description, on the same junction region 116 is fixed a single type of functional element 114. However, it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein on the same junction region 116 are fixed a plurality of functional elements 114 having different functions. For example, it is possible to fix in the same junction region 116 of the hand receiving portion 108 of the frontal first section 102 a plurality of functional elements 114 of two types different from each other that act as reinforcing elements (first type) and as friction enhancing elements (second type) and that are distributed side by side on the same junction region 116 forming, eventually, a matrix structure. Advantageously, in this state, it is possible to apply on the same junction region 116 a plurality of functional elements 114 without using stitches, making it possible to fix functional elements 114 of different types, each having a relatively small area.
Additionally, in the previous description, each functional element 114 is a homogeneous body consisting of a single second synthetic material that can be weldable by means of ultrasonic welding to the first synthetic lining material of the glove 100. However, it is possible to provide so that the functional elements 114 are formed from a plurality of bodies formed with different materials and fixed to each other by means of conventional methods wherein the coupling surface of each functional element 114, adapted to fix itself to the first synthetic lining material of the glove 100, is formed with the second synthetic material.
Moreover, in the foregoing description, the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with the same synthetic lining material, however it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the material of the frontal first section 102 is different from that of the dorsal second section 104.
Moreover, in the foregoing description, the glove 100 comprises a frontal first section 102 and a dorsal second section 104 that are joined to each other by means of stitching. However, it is possible to provide a glove 100 comprising a plurality of sections joined to each other by means of conventional methods, such as for example stitching, possibly each formed with a different material.
In a further preferred embodiment, the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with the first synthetic lining material comprising at least a first thermoplastic resin, and are fixed to each other by means of ultrasonic welding along at least one portion of the peripheral edges of the same. Specifically, in a more preferred embodiment the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with the same synthetic material made of synthetic leather, such as for example Clarino®. Advantageously, in this state, eliminating the stitching between the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 further enhances the wearability of the glove 100 and, consequently, the characteristics of mobility, prehensility and tactile sensitivity of the fingers.
Furthermore, it is possible to provide for the glove of the present invention to be an intermediate product of a forming procedure of a glove with a more complex structure than the one previously described. In other words, it is possible to provide so that the glove 100 of the present invention may be subjected to additional steps such as, for example, the making of an additional lining of the external surface of the frontal first section 102, of the dorsal second section 104 and of the respective functional elements 114 fixed to them, by means of conventional methods such as the stitching of additional layers formed by additional lining materials.
Moreover, in the foregoing description, the method for forming the ultrasonic welding provides for fixing the functional elements 114 to the frontal first section 102 of the glove 100. However, it is possible to provide a method for forming the ultrasonic welding wherein the fixing of the functional elements 114 is carried out on a sheet made up of the first synthetic lining material of the glove 100 which, after the ultrasonic welding procedure, is shaped so as to form the frontal first section 102 of the glove 100 by means, for example, of die cutting.
Moreover, in the foregoing description, the method for making the ultrasonic welding provides a substantially smooth base 202 and a sonotrode 206 having a substantially smooth lower surface adapted to act with the base 202 through the frontal first section 102 and the respective functional elements 114. However, it is possible to provide a method for making the ultrasonic welding wherein the base 202 and/or the lower surface of the sonotrode 206 are provided with suitable projections, or arrangements for suitable projections, adapted to impress, or form, an ornamental and/or functional pattern, such as an inscription, symbols, grids and the like upon the application of the pressure on the external surface of the functional element 114 by means of the press 204.
Moreover, in the foregoing description, the method for forming the ultrasonic welding provides for the sonotrode 206 to apply, by means of the press 204, a pressure on the entire coupling surface of the functional element 114, that is, the welding interface coincides with the entire coupling surface of the functional element 114. However, it is possible to provide an appropriate shape of the lower surface of the sonotrode 206 such as to apply a pressure on only a portion of the coupling surface of the functional element 114, such as for example only on its peripheral portion, in this manner the welding interface coincides with only the peripheral portion of the coupling surface of the functional element 114.
Moreover, in the preceding description, the method for forming the ultrasonic welding provides a substantially flat base 202 and a sonotrode 206 having a substantially flat lower surface adapted to act with the base 202 through the frontal first section 102 and the respective functional elements 114. However, it is possible to provide a method for forming the ultrasonic welding wherein the base 202 may be shaped with a desired shape, forming for example a concave and/or convex surface, and the sonotrode 206 is shaped in a manner substantially complementary to the base 202. In this state, advantageously, it is possible to fix on the frontal first section 102 functional elements 114 and at the same time shape the latter according to the shape of the base 202. In this manner, the functional elements 114 can be shaped in a manner consistent with the shape of the corresponding portion of the hand, by adequately designing the shape of the base 202.
Finally, in the foregoing description, the method for forming the ultrasonic welding provides for the functional elements 114 to be interposed between the frontal first section 102 and the sonotrode 206, but it is possible to provide a method for forming the ultrasonic welding wherein the frontal first section 102 is interposed between the functional elements 114, that rest on the base 202, and the sonotrode 206. In this state, the vibration is transmitted to the junction region 116, that is to the interface between the surface to weld, through the sonotrode 206 and the frontal first section 102.
From what is described above it is evident that important results have been achieved, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art, making it possible to achieve a glove and a method for making the same wherein the functional elements 114 are fixed to the synthetic lining material of the glove 100 through junction regions 116 that do not provide for the use of stitching or glues.
In addition, the method for making the glove 100 makes it possible to achieve a fixing of the functional elements 114 to the synthetic lining material of the glove 100 by means of an industrial procedure capable of completely automating the manufacture of the same, cutting times and costs for making the glove 100 and, moreover, enhancing the level of quality of the product. Specifically, with the method described in the present invention, all the functional elements 114 are fixed simultaneously to the frontal first section 102 and to the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100 in a single step, unlike the traditional methods that require a plurality of stitching steps carried out for each functional element 114.
Moreover, the formation of the junction regions 116 with the method described herein is not substantially impaired by relatively large thicknesses of the functional elements 114. In fact, the ultrasonic welding process is localized in the interface region between the functional elements 114 and the respective surface part of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100.
Moreover, the junction regions 116 formed with the method described herein do not weaken the structure of the glove 100 and do not alter the physical characteristics of the synthetic lining material that forms it.
In addition, the junction regions 116 have an extension, with respect to the extension of the functional elements 114, that can be adjusted in the design phase. Specifically, the junction regions 116 may have an extension that coincides with the entire coupling surface of the functional elements 114, thus guaranteeing a high degree of fixing of the functional elements 114 to the synthetic lining material of the glove 100, or the junction regions 116 may have an extension that coincides with a part of the coupling surface of the functional elements 114, such as for example the one corresponding with their peripheral edge. In fact, it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the functional element 114 is fixed through a junction region 116 having an extension that substantially corresponds to the peripheral portion of the coupling surface of the respective functional element. In this state, advantageously, the welding step and the configuration of the sonotrode in the method for making the glove 100 are simplified.
Moreover, the junction regions 116 formed with the method described herein have a shape and extension that can be adjusted in the design phase so as to avoid weakening the structure of the glove and to avoid reducing the effective surface of the functional elements 114 fixed on the synthetic lining material of the glove 100.
Moreover, the junction regions 116 formed with the method described herein do not protrude from the surface of the glove 100 and, therefore, are not subject to wearing down during the conditions of use, thus guaranteeing an increased durability of the fixing of the functional elements 114 to the frontal first section 102 of the glove 100 and to the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100.
Moreover, the glove 100 and the method for manufacturing the same make it possible to form the functional elements 114 integral with the respective frontal first section 102 and dorsal second section 104, thus guaranteeing strength and durability of the glove 100.
Finally, the junction regions 116 formed with the method described herein do not hinder the movement of the hand and its fingers and guarantee a flexibility of the structure of the glove 100 independently of the extension of the junction region 116.
Naturally, the materials and equipment used for implementing the present invention, as well as the shape and dimensions of the individual components, can be the most appropriate to meet the specific requirements.

Claims

1. A glove comprising at least a frontal first section and at least a dorsal second section mutually joined so as to wrap and to receive a hand,

at least one of said frontal first section and of said dorsal second section being made of at least a first synthetic lining material comprising at least a first thermoplastic resin, said glove further comprising at least a functional element fixed to said frontal first section and/or to said dorsal second section through a junction region, said at least a functional element comprising a coupling surface to said junction region, said at least a functional element being made of at least a second synthetic material comprising at least a second thermoplastic resin,

wherein,

said at least a functional element is fixed to said frontal first section and/or to said dorsal second section by means of ultrasonic welding.

2. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a first thermoplastic resin of said at least a first synthetic lining material and said at least a second thermoplastic resin of said at least a second synthetic material are ultrasonically weldable to each other.

3. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a first thermoplastic resin of said at least a first synthetic lining material and said at least a second thermoplastic resin are the same thermoplastic resin.

4. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a first synthetic lining material and said at least a second synthetic material are the same synthetic material.

5. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a functional element is fixed by means of ultrasonic welding to at least said frontal first section operatively adapted to receive the palm of the hand, said frontal first section being made of said at least a first synthetic lining material comprising said at least a first thermoplastic resin.

6. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a functional element is fixed by means of ultrasonic welding only to said frontal first section operatively adapted to receive the palm of the hand, said frontal first section being made of said at least a first synthetic lining material comprising said at least a first thermoplastic resin.

7. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a first synthetic lining material and said at least a second synthetic material are made of synthetic leather.

8. The glove according to claim 7, wherein said synthetic leather is Clarino®.

9. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said frontal first section and said dorsal second section are made of said at least a first synthetic lining material comprising said at least a first thermoplastic resin, and

said frontal first section and said dorsal second section being fixed to each other along at least a portion of the respective peripheral edges by means of ultrasonic welding.

10. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said junction region corresponds to the entire extent of said coupling surface of said at least a functional element.

11. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said junction region corresponds to the peripheral portion of said coupling surface of said at least a functional element.

12. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a functional element is provided with projections on said coupling surface, and

said junction region corresponds to the contact surface of said projections with said frontal first section and/or with said dorsal second section.

13. A method for making a glove according to claim 1, comprising the steps:

a. providing at least a section of said glove on a base of an apparatus for ultrasonic welding,

b. providing at least a functional element on a surface of said at least a section of said glove,

c. applying a pressure at said at least a functional element by means of a press and through a sonotrode of said apparatus,

d. applying an ultrasonic vibration at the interface between said at least a functional element and said at least a section of said glove by means of said sonotrode,

e. melting a first thermoplastic resin of a first synthetic lining material of said at least a section, and a second thermoplastic resin of a second synthetic material of said at least a functional element at the interface,

f. allowing the synthetic materials of said at least a section and of said at least a functional element of said glove to stabilize at the interface until they reach a condition adapted to maintain joined together at the interface said at least a section and said at least a functional element of said glove.

g. removing the pressure from said at least a functional element.

14. The method for making a glove according to claim 13, wherein after step c) it comprises the step of shaping said at least a functional element according to a shape of said base properly shaped.

15. The method for making a glove according to claim 13, wherein after step c) it comprises the step of forming an ornamental and/or functional pattern on an outer surface of said at least a functional element by means of projections provided on said base and/or on a lower surface of said sonotrode.

16. The method for making a glove according to claim 13, wherein during step c) pressure is applied at a portion of the coupling surface of said at least a functional element.