WO2014058991A2 - Conductive glove with conductive lining and conductive waterproof bladder - Google Patents

Abstract

A glove for use with a capacitive touchscreen includes a shell and a lining. The shell has a plurality of fingertips such that at least one of the fingertips includes a conductive embroidery on a distal portion of the fingertip. The lining includes a plurality of fingertips corresponding to the fingertips of the shell. At least one of the fingertips of the lining includes a conductive embroidery on a distal portion of the fingertip. The lining is positioned within the shell such that the conductive embroidery of the lining is adjacent to the conductive embroidery of the shell.

Description

CONDUCTIVE GLOVE WITH CONDUCTIVE LINING AND

CONDUCTIVE WATERPROOF BLADDER

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

61/711,515, filed October 9, 2012, entitled "Conductive Glove with Conductive Lining and Conductive Waterproof Bladder," the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates to a glove for operating an electronic device, particularly a device with a touchscreen. To operate capacitive touchscreens requires electric conductivity between the screen and a user's fingers. Thus, users of such electronic devices can find it difficult to operate the device while wearing gloves. To overcome this difficulty, gloves have been provided with conductive fingertips. Generally, conductive gloves allow current to travel from a user's hand (e.g., a user's finger, thumb, etc.) on the inside of the glove to the touchscreen on the outside of the glove. Such conductive gloves may be provided in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2011/0047672, entitled "Glove with Conductive Fingertips," published March 3, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0003] Lined and waterproof gloves present additional challenges because they include additional materials between the conductive materials on the conductive glove shell and the user's hand. There have been attempts to address this problem. Some prior art linings for use within a conductive shell include a cut finger/thumb tip. The cut tips allow the wearer to access the backside of the shell conductive embroidery to complete the connection from the human body to the outside of the glove or touchscreen device. This is not the best solution for warmth, because the cut tips are not lined. In other prior art gloves, conductive fabric is pieced into the lining at the fingertips. This is insufficient to solve the problem because the conductive fabric is thin and does not allow for consistent lining fabric throughout the glove. For example, a plush lining would have flat conductive fabric tips, so fingertips will not have the same shape/loft/handfeel as the balance of the lining. Another attempt has been made using a lining with conductive yarn. Conductive yarn is knit into the fingertips of an otherwise non-conductive knitted lining. This is insufficient to solve the problem because this method works only on knitted linings and it is not always desirable to use a knitted lining.

SUMMARY

[0004] A glove includes a lining with conductive embroidery that works together with an outer glove shell, which also has conductive embroidery. The electricity is passed from the hand through the conductive embroidery on the lining to the conductive embroidery on the shell to the touchscreen device. This conductive embroidered lining can be used in any glove types including knitted gloves, stretch gloves, leather sized gloves, mixed material gloves, waterproof gloves, suede gloves, etc. The present development further allows the use of cut and sew linings, which allow linings that are warm, plush, with a higher pile and/or fashion colors/textures.

[0005] While a variety of gloves have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used an invention as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an exemplary glove;

[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of the glove of FIG. 1 ;

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded front view of a shell of the glove of FIG. 1;

[00010] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of a conductive fingertip patch for use with the shell of

FIG. 3;

[00011] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a conductive thumb patch for use with the shell of

FIG. 3;

[00012] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of another exemplary glove;

[00013] FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a conductive fingertip patch for use with the glove of FIG. 6;

[00014] FIG. 8 depicts a front view of a conductive thumb patch for use with the glove of

FIG. 6;

[00015] FIG. 9 depicts a front view of another exemplary glove;

[00016] FIG. 10 depicts a rear view of the glove of FIG. 9;

[00017] FIG. 11 depicts a front view of a conductive fingertip patch for use with the glove of FIG. 9; [00018] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of a conductive thumb patch for use with the glove of

FIG. 9;

[00019] FIG. 13 depicts a front view of a lining for use with the glove of FIG. 1;

[00020] FIG. 14 depicts a partial front view of a fingertip for use with the lining of FIG.

13;

[00021] FIG. 15 depicts a front view of an embroidery of the fingertip of FIG. 14;

[00022] FIG. 16 depicts a partial front view of a fingertip for use with the lining of FIG.

13;

[00023] FIG. 17 depicts a front view of an embroidery of the fingertip of FIG. 16;

[00024] FIG. 18 depicts a front view of another exemplary lining for use with the glove of

FIG. 1;

[00025] FIG. 19 depicts a front view of another exemplary lining for use with the glove of

FIG. 1;

[00026] FIG. 20 depicts a partial front view of a fingertip of the lining of FIG. 19;

[00027] FIG. 21 depicts a front view of another exemplary lining for use with the glove of

FIG. 1;

[00028] FIG. 22 depicts a partial front view of a fingertip of the lining of FIG. 21;

[00029] FIG. 23 depicts a front view of another exemplary lining for use with the glove of

FIG. 1;

[00030] FIG. 24 depicts a partial front view of a fingertip of the lining of FIG. 23;

[00031] FIG. 25 depicts a front view of an exemplary waterproof bladder for use with the glove of FIG. 1; [00032] FIG. 26 depicts a partial front view of the bladder of FIG. 25; and

[00033] FIG. 27 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the bladder of FIG. 25.

[00034] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00035] The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[00036] In this application, the word "finger" and "fingertip" apply equally to fingers/fingertips and thumbs/thumbtips. Similarly, the word "thumb" and "thumbtips" apply equally to thumbs/thumbtips and fingers/fingertips. "Glove" can also mean mitten. The words "yarn" and "thread" can be used interchangeably.

[00037] I. Exemplary Shell

[00038] FIGS. 1-2 show an exemplary glove (10) having a shell (12) that is constructed by assembling cut fabrics together using processes known in the art (e.g., sewing together cut fabrics forming seams). In the present example, shell (12) comprises a palm fabric (16), a backhand fabric (18), a sidewall fabric (19), an index finger fabric (21), and a thumb fabric (22). These fabrics are coupled together to form a first end (14) comprising an opening (not shown) for a user to insert their hand, and a second end (15) where the distal portion of fingertips (20) are located. The proper dimensions for a particular size and style of glove (10) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Fabrics (16, 18, 19, 21 , 22) are generally non-conductive fabrics. Such examples of non-conductive fabrics include spandex (77% nylon, 23% Spandex) that is laminated to 100% polyester fleece to form shell (12). In some versions shell (12) is made of stretch fleece (94% polyester, 6%> Spandex), or shell (12) is made of stretch fleece and jersey sides with gripper silicone printing (142) on palm fabric (16). In other versions, shell (12) includes textured stretch material (60%> Tactel, 30%) Coolmax, 10%> Lycra Spandex) laminated to 100% polyester fleece for use in backhand fabric (18). Another version includes stretch ottoman (96% polyester, 4% spandex) in the backhand fabric (18). In other versions, textured water resistant or water repellant micro fiber fabric is laminated to 100% polyester fleece. Still in other versions, shell (12) is made of textured knit (100% polyester) laminated to 100% polyester fleece. Leather, either hairsheep or goatskin, can be used in the backhand fabric (18) of glove (10) in some versions. The cuffs, palm, and fourchettes of gloves (10) can be made of a blend of 80%> nylon and 20%> Lycra Spandex, or a blend of 79% nylon and 21% Lycra Spandex, or a stretch fleece material (94%> polyester, 6%> Lycra Spandex) that can also be used for sidewall fabric. Synthetic suede (60%> polyurethane, 40%> nylon) can be used as appliques or tabs. Gloves (10), in some versions, include palm patches made of pigsplit or embossed polyurethane. In view of the teachings herein, other materials of construction for gloves (10) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. [00040] As shown in FIG. 1, shell (12) of glove (10) further comprises conductive patches (30, 36) that cover at least a portion of index finger fabric (21) and thumb fabric (22), which will be described in greater detail below. FIG. 3 shows palm fabric (16) and thumb fabric (22) without conductive patches (30, 36). Index finger fabric (21) and thumb fabric (22) comprise a conductive embroidery (24, 26) applied to a distal portion of index finger fabric (21) and thumb fabric (22). Conductive embroideries (24, 26) provide conductive pathways between the user's fingertip and a touchscreen. In the present example, conductive embroideries (24, 25) are configured as a strip extending longitudinally along index finger fabric (21) and thumb fabric (22). Other suitable embroidery configurations may be used to cover at least a portion of the finger and/or thumb that is used to operate a touchscreen.

[00041] Any well-known embroidery technique may be used to apply conductive embroidery (24, 26) to shell (12). Embroideries (24, 26) can be done before the fabrics (21, 22) are assembled to form shell (12) or after the fabrics (21, 22) have been assembled to form shell (12). In either approach, embroideries (24, 26) pass from the inner surface of shell (12) to the outer surface of shell (12). Any conductive thread can be used in making embroideries (24, 26) so long as there is sufficient conductivity to conduct an electrical impulse from the user's finger to the touchscreen. For example, the thread may be configured to conduct 82 ohms/foot to 114 ohms/foot, or the thread can be comprised of a finer thread with four ends that conducts 90 ohms/foot to 95 ohms/foot. Such conductive thread can be a 100% nylon thread with silver coating, with a thickness before coating of 280D and 340D after coating. In some versions, embroideries (24, 26) have about a 100%) density, while in other versions, embroideries (24, 26) have about a 75% density. In view of the teachings herein, other types of conductive thread or configurations for use in making embroideries (24, 26) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. [00042] As shown in FIG. l, conductive patches (30, 36) are applied onto distal portions of index finger fabric (21) and thumb piece (22) such that conductive patches (30, 36) cover embroideries (24, 26). Patches (30, 36) may thereby increase the surface area of the conductive pathway on the exterior of shell (12). FIG. 4 shows conductive patch (30) of index finger fabric (21) in greater detail. Conductive patch (30) is formed from a conductive material and is sized to correspond to index finger fabric (21). In the present example, patch (30) is positioned on index finger fabric (21) such that patch (30) extends proximally from the distal end of index finger fabric (21) to cover embroidery (24) of index finger fabric (21). Accordingly, the conductive material of patch (30) is in communication with the conductive threading of embroidery (24). With this construction, conductive patch (30) extends from an outer surface of glove (10) to embroidery (24), embroidery (24) then extends to an inner surface of glove (10) to create a conductive pathway from the user's fingertip, which contacts the inner surface of glove (10), to a touchscreen, which contacts the outer surface of glove (10).

[00043] Patch (30) further comprises a seam allowance portion (32) and tabs (34) extending outwardly from patch (30), as shown in FIG. 4. Seam allowance portion (32) and tabs (34) may be used to sew patch (30) into glove (10) such that they are positioned inside of shell (12). Seam allowance portion (32) and tabs (34) thereby secure patch (30) to an exterior surface of index finger fabric (21). While two tabs (34) are shown in the present example, any other suitable number of tabs (34) may be used to secure patch (30) to index finger fabric (21). Seam allowance portion (32) and tabs (34) may or may not be formed of a conductive material. In the present example, patch (30) further extends proximally on index finger fabric (21) to a tapered end (31). Of course, other configurations of patch (30) may be used. The shape and the length of index finger fabric (21) that includes conductive patch (30) can take into consideration the portion of the finger that is used to operate a touchscreen. For example, patch (30) may cover areas of index finger fabric (21) (e.g., pad, sides, tip, etc.) in an amount and arrangement sufficient to create the electrical pathway between the user's finger and the touchscreen. However, it should be noted that patch (30) is merely optional such that embroidery (24) may be used in direct contact with a touchscreen.

[00044] FIG. 5 shows conductive patch (36) of thumb fabric (22) in greater detail.

Conductive patch (36) is similar to patch (30) and is sized to correspond to thumb fabric (22). In the present example, patch (36) is positioned on thumb fabric (22) such that patch (36) extends proximally from the distal end of thumb fabric (22) to cover embroidery (26) of thumb fabric (22). Accordingly, the conductive material of patch (36) is in communication with the conductive threading of embroidery (26). With this construction, conductive patch (36) extends from an outer surface of glove (10) to embroidery (26), embroidery (26) then extends to an inner surface of glove (10) to create a conductive pathway from the user's thumb, which contacts the inner surface of glove (10), to a touchscreen, which contacts the outer surface of glove (10).

[00045] Patch (36) further comprises a seam allowance portion (38) extending outwardly from patch (36), as shown in FIG. 5. Seam allowance portion (38) may be used to sew patch (36) into glove (10) such that they are positioned inside of shell (12). Seam allowance portion (36) thereby secures patch (36) to an exterior surface of thumb fabric (22). Seam allowance portion (36) may or may not be formed of a conductive material. In the present example, patch (36) further extends proximally on thumb fabric (22) to a tapered end (37). Of course, other configurations of patch (36) may be used. The shape and the length of thumb fabric (22) that includes conductive patch (36) can take into consideration the portion of the thumb that is used to operate a touchscreen. For example, patch (36) may cover areas of thumb fabric (22) (e.g., pad, sides, tip, etc.) in an amount and arrangement sufficient to create the electrical pathway between the user's thumb and the touchscreen. However, it should be noted that patch (36) is merely optional such that embroidery (26) may be used in direct contact with a touchscreen.

[00046] While index finger fabric (21) and thumb fabric (22) are conductive in the present example, it should be noted that the conductive embroidery and/or patches may be applied to all finger/thumb tips or any varying number of finger/thumb tips. While the illustrated version in FIGS. 1-5 show conductive patches (30, 36) on index finger fabric (21) and thumb fabric (22), in other versions conductive embroideries (24, 26) and/or patches (30, 36) can be applied to only a single finger position, at all finger positions, or even other places throughout glove (10). In view of the teachings herein, various other configurations and modifications to glove (10) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. By way of example only, and not limitation, conductive embroideries (24, 26) may be embroidered or stitched into any decorative pattern so long as there is sufficient conductive thread to conduct an electrical impulse from the user's finger to the touchscreen. In some versions, all or some of the fingertips of one glove (10) from a pair of gloves are conductive, while in other versions all or some of the fingertips of both gloves (10) from the pair are conductive.

[00047] FIGS. 6-8 show another exemplary glove (110) for use with a touchscreen. Shell

(112) of glove (110) is similar to shell (12) of glove (10), except that conductive patches (130, 136) of glove (110) define different shapes. As shown in FIG. 7, patch (130) of index finger fabric (121) defines a generally oval shape. Conductive patch (136) is positioned on thumb fabric (122) such that patch (136) defines a point (137) on the proximal end of patch (136), as shown in FIG. 8. Of course, other suitable configurations for conductive patches (130, 136) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[00048] For instance, FIGS. 9-12 show another exemplary glove (210). Glove (210) is similar to glove (10), except that conductive patches (230, 236) of glove (210) wrap around the distal tips of index finger fabric (221) and thumb fabric (222). As shown in FIG. 11, conductive patch (230) comprises a front portion (235) and a back portion (233) connected by a neck portion (232). Front portion (235) comprises a tapered tip (231). In the present example, patch (230) is applied to index finger fabric (221) such that front portion (235) is positioned on the palm side of index finger fabric (221), neck portion (232) is positioned on the distal end of index finger fabric (221), and back portion (233) is positioned on the back side of index finger fabric (221). Accordingly, a user may use the front, tip, and/or back portion of their index finger to operate a touchscreen.

[00049] FIG. 12 shows a conductive patch (236) for thumb fabric (222). Conductive patch

(236) comprises a front portion (239) and a back portion (234) connected by a neck portion (238). Front portion (239) comprises a tapered tip (237). In the present example, patch (236) is applied to thumb fabric (222) such that front portion (239) is positioned on the palm side of thumb fabric (222), neck portion (238) is positioned on the distal end of thumb fabric (222), and back portion (234) is positioned on the back side of thumb fabric (222). Accordingly, a user may use the front, tip, and/or back portion of their thumb to operate a touchscreen. Neck portions (232, 238) may be about 3/16 inches wide, or any other suitable width that will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Other suitable configurations for conductive patches (230, 236) will also be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, patches (230, 236) may be applied to one or any number of fingertips (220), index finger fabric (221) and/or thumb fabric (222).

[00050] II. Exemplary Lining

[00051] In some instances, it may be desirable to include a lining within a shell (12, 112,

212) of a glove (10, 110, 210) to provide more warmth. FIG. 13 shows in an exemplary lining (40) that may be readily incorporated for use with gloves (10, 110, 210). Lining (40) comprises thumb portion (44), index finger portion (41), and other finger portions (42). Lining (40) can be a 100% Polyester fabric, in fleece as well as plush fabrications. Alternative fabrications can include (but are not limited to) fleece, thinsulate, stretch pile fabrics, microfiber fabrics, tricot fabrics. A conductive embroidery (48) is applied to thumb portion (44) and a conductive embroidery (46) is applied to index finger portion (41). Embroideries (46, 48) are made similar to conductive embroideries (24, 26) on shells (12, 112, 212). Lining (40) may be positioned within a shell (12, 112, 212) such that embroideries (46, 48) of lining (40) are aligned with embroideries (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212). Accordingly, conductive patch (30, 26, 130, 136, 230, 236) extends from an outer surface of shell (12, 112, 212) to an embroidery (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212). Embroidery (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212) then extends to an embroidery (46, 48) of lining (40). Embroidery (46, 48) of lining (40) then extends an inner surface of lining (40) to create a conductive pathway from a user's finger, which contacts the inner surface of glove (10), to a touchscreen, which contacts the outer surface of glove (10).

[00052] This may allow the use of cut and sew linings. In the present example, embroideries (46, 48) are applied to index finger portion (41) and thumb portion (48) in a line extending transversely across index finger portion (41) and thumb portion (48). Of course, embroideries (46, 48) may be applied to one or any number of index finger portion (41), thumb portion (44) and/or other finger portions (42). Embroideries (46, 48) may also be applied to lining (40) in other configurations that maximize contact with the conductive materials on the inside of glove shell (12, 112, 212) while minimizing the amount of conductive thread needed.

[00053] For instance, FIGS. 14-15 show another exemplary conductive embroidery (146) that may be applied to a lining (40). Embroidery (146) comprises a first portion (141) and a second portion (143) that is positioned transversely to first portion (141) to define a "t" shape. The width of first and second portions (141, 143) may each be about 2 mm. First portion (141) may have a length of about ¾ in. Second portion (143) may have a length of about 8 mm. Second portion (143) may be positioned about 1/8 in. from the distal end of first portion (141). Of course, other suitable dimensions for first and second portions (141, 143) of embroidery (146) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[00054] FIGS. 16-17 show another exemplary conductive embroidery (246) that may be applied to lining (40). Embroidery (246) comprises a first portion (241), a second portion (243), and a third portion (245) that are coupled to form a "y" shape. The width of portions (241, 243, 245) may be about 2 mm. The length of first portion (241) may be about ½ in. The length of second and third portions (243, 245) may be about ¼ in. The distal ends of second and third portions (243, 245) may be positioned about 4.5 mm. apart. Of course, other suitable dimensions for portions (241, 243, 245) of embroidery (246) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should be noted that embroideries (146, 246) are merely exemplary and other suitable embroidery configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[00055] Another exemplary lining (340) is shown in FIG. 18. Lining (340) is similar to lining (40), except that lining (340) comprises metal rivets (346, 348) positioned in the distal portions of index finger fabric (341) and thumb fabric (344). Rivets (346, 348) are made from a conductive metal. Rivets (346, 348) are configured to be aligned with embroideries (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212) to create a conductive pathway from a user's finger to a touchscreen. Although rivets (346, 348) are shown on index finger fabric (341) and thumb fabric (344), rivets (346, 348) may be applied to one or any number of index finger fabric (341), thumb fabric (344) and/or other finger portions (342).

[00056] In some versions, conductive threading is used to mimic rivets (346, 348). FIGS.

19-20 show another exemplary lining (440) that is similar to lining (340). However, lining (440) comprises embroideries (446, 448) in place of rivets (346, 348). Embroideries (346, 348) may be made similar to embroideries (46, 48, 146, 246). As shown in FIG. 20, embroidery (346) comprises circular portion (445) and a line portion (443) extending transversely across index finger fabric (441). Circular portion (445) is configured to mimic rivet (346). Circular portion (445) may have a diameter of about 6 mm. Line portion (443) may have a width of about 2 mm. Of course, other suitable dimensions may be used. Embroidery (446) may be centrally located on the palm side of index finger fabric (441) about 7 mm. from the distal tip. Embroidery (448) positioned on thumb fabric (444) is substantially similar to embroidery (446) positioned on index finger fabric (441). However, embroidery (448) may be located about 10 mm. from the distal tip of thumb fabric (444). Embroidery (448) may also be off-center on thumb fabric (444) such that the circular portion of embroidery (448) is about 5 mm. from the center of thumb fabric (444) towards index finger fabric (441). Other suitable positions for embroideries (446, 448) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art such that embroideries (446, 448) align with embroideries (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212) to create a conductive pathway from a user's finger to a touchscreen.

For instance, FIGS. 21-22 show another exemplary lining (540) with embroideries (546, 548). Embroideries (546, 548) are similar to embroideries (446, 448), except that embroideries (546, 548) comprise a first line portion (547) distal of circular portion (543) and a second line portion (545) proximal to circular portion (543). Line portions (545, 547) are oriented longitudinally along index finger fabric (541) and thumb fabric (544), as shown in FIG. 21. First line portion (547) may have a length of about 2 mm. and second line portion (545) may have a length of about 7 mm. Embroidery (548) on thumb fabric (544) is similar to embroidery (546) on index finger fabric (541). In some versions, embroidery (546) is substantially centered relative to the palm side of index finger fabric (541), while embroidery (546) is off-center relative to the palm side of thumb fabric (544). Other suitable positions for embroideries (546, 548) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art such that embroideries (546, 548) align with embroideries (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212) to create a conductive pathway from a user's finger to a touchscreen.

[00058] FIGS. 23-24 show another exemplary lining (640) with embroideries (646, 648) that are similar to embroideries (546, 548) in that embroideries (646, 648) comprise a circular portion (645) and a line portion (643) extending proximally from circular portion (645). In the present example, line portion (643) is oriented substantially longitudinally along index finger fabric (641) and thumb fabric (644). Of course, embroideries (646, 648) may be positioned on any one or a number of index finger fabric (641), thumb fabric (644), and/or finger portions (642). Embroideries (646, 648) may have a total length of about 13 mm. Embroideries (646, 648) are merely exemplary and other suitable positions for embroideries (646, 648) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art such that embroideries (646, 648) align with embroideries (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212) to create a conductive pathway from a user's finger to a touchscreen.

[00059] III. Exemplary Waterproof Bladder

[00060] In some instances it may be desirable to waterproof gloves (10, 110, 210). FIGS.

25-27 show an exemplary waterproof bladder (50) that may be inserted between a shell (12, 112, 212) of a glove (10, 110, 210) and a lining (40, 340, 440, 540, 640). Bladder (50) comprises thumb portion (54), index finger portion (51), and other finger portions (53). Bladder (50) is sized to correspond with shell (12, 112, 212) and can be made of 100% thermoplastic polyurethane or other materials known in the art for use as a waterproof bladder.

[00061] Bladder (50) further comprises tabs (52). In the present example, a tab (52) is positioned on the distal end of thumb portion (54), index finger portion (51), and each of the other finger portions (53). Part of tab (52) extends outside of bladder (50) and part of tab (52) extends on the inside of each finger of bladder (50). Tabs (52) are tacked in place inside to secure and prevent bladder (50) from shifting inside the glove. Each tab (52) on the inside of bladder (50) is tacked to lining (40, 340, 440, 540, 640) and each tab (52) on the outside of bladder (50) is tacked to glove shell (12, 112, 212). FIG. 27 shows tabs (52) as being rectangular, but other suitable shapes for tabs (52) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[00062] To allow for a waterproof conductive glove (10, 110, 210), tabs (52) positioned on thumb portion (54) and index finger portion (51) may be made from a conductive material. Tabs (52) positioned on the middle, ring, and pinky finger portions (53) may be made from a nonconductive material. However, one could use more or fewer conductive tabs (52), depending on the number of fingers one wished to be conductive in the finished glove (10, 110, 210). Conductive bladder (50) is inserted between embroidered lining (40, 340, 440, 540, 640) and embroidered outer shell (12, 112, 212). Tabs (52) are coupled to this conductive embroidery thread, so the conductive tab (52) on the outside of bladder (50) is connected to the conductive embroidery thread in glove shell (12, 112, 212) and the conductive tab (52) on the inside of bladder (50) is connected to the conductive embroidery thread in lining (40, 340, 440, 540, 640). These connections can be made in the same ways that a bladder (50) is connected to glove (10, 110, 210) and lining (40, 340, 440, 540, 640) in a non-conductive glove. Conductive bladder (50) provides a waterproof glove with the ability to ensure a conductive current to pass through all layers from the wearer's fingers to the touchscreen of the electronic device.

[00063] Accordingly, a conductive patch (30, 26, 130, 136, 230, 236) extends from an outer surface of shell (12, 112, 212) to an embroidery (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212). Embroidery (24, 26) of shell (12, 112, 212) then extends to a tab (52) of bladder (50). Tab (52) of bladder (50) then extends to an embroidery (46, 48, 146, 246, 446, 448, 546, 548, 646, 648) and/or a metal rivet (346, 348) of lining (40, 340, 440, 540, 640), which extends to an inner surface of lining (40, 340, 440, 540, 640) to create a conductive pathway from a user's finger, which contacts the inner surface of glove (10), to a touchscreen, which contacts the outer surface of glove (10).

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

I/we claim:

1. A glove comprising:

(a) a shell comprising a plurality of fingertips, wherein at least one of the fingertips comprises a conductive embroidery on a distal portion of the fingertip; and

(b) a lining comprising a plurality of fingertips corresponding to the fingertips of the shell, wherein at least one of the fingertips of the lining comprises a conductive embroidery on a distal portion of the fingertip, wherein the lining is positioned within the shell such that the conductive embroidery of the lining is adjacent to the conductive embroidery of the shell.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the shell further comprises a conductive patch covering the conductive embroidery of the shell.

3. The glove of claim 2, wherein the conductive patch defines a tapered proximal end.

4. The glove of claim 2, wherein the conductive patch comprises a tab extending outwardly from the conductive patch.

5. The glove of claim 2, wherein the conductive patch has an ovular shape.

6. The glove of claim 2, wherein the conductive patch is configured to wrap around a distal tip of the at least one fingertip of the shell.

7. The glove of claim 1, wherein the conductive embroidery of the lining is positioned transversely across the at least one fingertip of the lining.

8. The glove of claim 1, wherein the conductive embroidery of the lining is positioned longitudinally along the at least one fingertip of the lining.

9. The glove of claim 1, wherein the conductive embroidery of the lining defines a "t" shape.

10. The glove of claim 1, wherein the conductive embroidery of the lining defines a "y" shape.

11. The glove of claim 1 , wherein the conductive embroidery of the lining comprises a circular portion and a line portion extending from the circular portion.

12. The glove of claim 1, wherein the conductive embroideries of the shell and the lining are positioned on an index finger portion of the glove.

13. The glove of claim 12, wherein the conductive embroideries of the shell and the lining are substantially centered on a palm side of the index finger portion of the glove.

14. The glove of claim 1, wherein the conductive embroideries of the shell and the lining are positioned on a thumb portion of the glove.

15. The glove of claim 14, wherein the conductive embroideries of the shell and the lining are positioned off-center on a palm side of the thumb portion of the glove.

16. The glove of claim 1 further comprising a bladder, wherein the bladder comprises at least one conductive tab, wherein the bladder is positioned between the shell and the lining such that the at least one conductive tab is positioned between the conductive embroidery of the shell and the lining.

17. The glove of claim 16, wherein the bladder is tacked within the gloves.

18. The glove of claim 1, wherein the conductive embroidery comprises a nylon thread having a silver coating.

19. A glove comprising : (a) a shell comprising a plurality of fingertips, wherein at least one of the fingertips comprises a conductive embroidery extending from an inner surface of the shell to an outer surface of the shell; and

(b) a lining comprising a plurality of fingertips corresponding to the fingertips of the shell, wherein at least one of the fingertips of the lining comprises a conductive extending from an inner surface of the shell to an outer surface of the shell; wherein the lining is positioned within the shell such that at least a portion of the conductive embroidery of the lining is adjacent to at least a portion of the conductive embroidery of the shell to thereby create a conductive pathway from an inner surface of the glove to an outer surface of the glove.

A glove comprising:

(a) a shell comprising a conductive embroidery;

(b) a bladder comprising at least one conductive tab adjacent to the conductive embroidery of the shell; and

(c) a lining comprising at least one conductive embroidery adjacent to the conductive tab of the bladder; wherein the conductive embroidery of the shell, the conductive tab of the bladder, and the conductive embroidery of the lining create a conductive pathway from an inner surface of the glove and an outer surface of the glove.