U.S. patent application number 10/138370 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-06 for elastomeric flexible article and manufacturing method.
Invention is credited to Chou, Belle L..
Application Number | 20030204893 10/138370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29249763 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030204893 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chou, Belle L. |
November 6, 2003 |
Elastomeric flexible article and manufacturing method
Abstract
An anti-microbial elastomeric flexible article is disclosed
which includes a thin layer of an anti-microbial preparation
disposed on an inside surface of the elastomeric flexible article,
such as a glove. For example, the preparation may include an acidic
substance. Preferably, the preparation further includes a buffer.
Preferably, the preparation is in a substantially deyhdrated form
and is activated by exposure to perspiration during use.
Inventors: |
Chou, Belle L.; (Union City,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Otto O. Lee
12 South First Street, Suite 1205
San Jose
CA
95113
US
|
Family ID: |
29249763 |
Appl. No.: |
10/138370 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.6 ;
2/167 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 42/00 20160201;
A41D 31/30 20190201; A61L 31/16 20130101; A61L 2300/404 20130101;
A41D 31/305 20190201; A61L 2300/21 20130101; A41D 19/0055
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/161.6 ;
2/167 |
International
Class: |
A41D 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An article comprising: a disposable protective glove, the
disposable protective glove having an interior surface; and a
preparation disposed on the interior surface of the disposable
protective glove, wherein the preparation includes an
anti-microbial substance, and wherein the preparation includes a
buffer that helps resist change in pH during wearing of the
disposable protective glove.
2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the anti-microbial
substance is acidic during a period when the protective glove is
worn, and wherein acidity of the anti-microbial substance
contributes substantially to anti-microbial properties of the
anti-microbial substance.
3. The article according to claim 2, wherein the preparation has pH
within a range of 4.5 to 5.8 during a period in which the
preparation is moist.
4. The article according to claim 2, wherein the anti-microbial
substance includes an acid that exists naturally in a plant.
5. The article according to claim 2, wherein the anti-microbial
substance includes an alpha-hydroxy acid.
6. The article according to claim 1, wherein the preparation has
been dehydrated onto the interior surface of the protective
glove.
7. The article according to claim 6, wherein the anti-microbial
substance is to be activated by moisture from hand perspiration
during wearing of the protective glove.
8. The article according to claim 7, wherein the preparation has pH
within a range of about 4.5 to about 6.0 during a period of being
worn.
9. The article according to claim 6, wherein prior to completion of
dehydrating the preparation onto the interior surface of the
protective glove, the preparation included an acid in a range of
about 0.1 percent to about 20 percent by weight.
10. The article according to claim 6, wherein prior to completion
of dehydrating the preparation onto the interior surface of the
protective glove, the preparation included an acid in a range of
about 0.2 percent to about 5 percent by weight.
11. The article according to claim 1, wherein the buffer includes a
weak organic acid and a conjugate base of the weak organic
acid.
12. The article according to claim 13, wherein the buffer includes
an amino acid and an amino acid salt.
13. The article according to claim 1, wherein the anti-microbial
substance includes an acid that exists naturally in an edible
plant.
14. The article according to claim 1, configured wherein, after the
article, in finished form as would be donned by an end user, has
been placed in a chamber at over 30 degrees Celsius and 100%
humidity and at least standard pressure for at least 30 minutes,
the preparation has pH within the range of 3.8 to 6.0.
15. The article according to claim 1, wherein the disposable
protective glove is made from a material selected from the group
consisting of a resinous material and a polymer material.
16. The article according to claim 1, wherein the preparation is
evenly distributed on the interior surface of the disposable
protective glove.
17. The article according to claim 1, wherein the preparation does
not include antiperspirant.
18. The article according to claim 1, wherein the disposable
protective glove is without any layer of porous material
19. An article comprising: a disposable protective glove, the
disposable protective glove having an interior surface; and a
preparation disposed, during factory production of the article, on
the interior surface of the disposable protective glove, wherein
the preparation includes an anti-bacterial substance, and wherein
the preparation includes a buffer that helps resist change in pH
during wearing of the disposable protective glove.
20. The article according to claim 19, wherein the buffer includes
a weak inorganic acid and a conjugate base of the weak inorganic
acid.
21. The article according to claim 19, wherein the buffer includes
a quartenized phosphate ester.
22. The article according to claim 19, wherein the anti-bacterial
substance includes acid that exists naturally in an edible plant,
and the preparation includes substantially no anti-bacterial
substance other than the acid that exists naturally in an edible
plant.
23. The article according to claim 19, wherein the anti-bacterial
substance includes an organic acid.
24. The article according to claim 23, wherein the anti-bacterial
substance includes a hydroxy acid.
25. The article according to claim 19, wherein the anti-bacterial
substance includes an acid selected from the group consisting of an
aliphatic acid, an aromatic acid, salicylic acid, aromatic,
aliphatic components, alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, citric
acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, hydroxycaprylic acid,
mandelic acid, leucic acid, azelaic acid, ethylglycolic acid,
beta-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, beta-hydroxypropionic acid and
beta-hydroxybutyric acid, monocarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid,
polycarboxylic acid, glucuronic acid, glutamic acid, allantoin
galacturonic acid, allantoin glycyrrhetinic acid, allantoin
polygalacturonic acid, animal collagen amino acids, animal elastin
amino acids, animal keratin amino acids, aspartic acid, folic acid,
hyaluronic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, orotic acid,
palmitoyl animal collagen amino acids, ribonucleic acid, silk amino
acid, uric acid, urocanic acid, dilinoleic acid, trilinoleic acid,
alanine, 6-aminocaproic acid, arginine, asparagine, carbocysteine,
cysteine, cystine, glycine, histidine, hydroxyproline, isoleucine,
leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine,
threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, biotin, o-cresotic acid,
glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrihizic acid, lanolin acid, and mixtures
thereof and carboxylic acids, amino acids, or an organic acid
having an ionizable hydrogenated atom.
26. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation is
constituted to have pH within a range of about 3.8 to about 6.0
during a period in which the preparation is moist.
27. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation was
disposed onto the disposable examination glove not in powder
form.
28. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation is
attached to the interior surface of the disposable examination
glove due at least in part to a force provided by dehydration.
29. The article according to claim 28, wherein prior to completion
of dehydrating the preparation onto the interior surface of the
protective glove, the preparation included an acid in a range of
about 0.2 percent to about 10 percent by weight.
30. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation does
not include any antiperspirant selected from the group consisting
of aluminum-zirconium tetraclorohydrex glycine, alcloxa, aluminum
cloride, aluminum chlorohydrex, aluminum PCA, zirconium
chlorohydrates, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrates, and
aluminum chlorohydrates.
31. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation
further includes a skin soothing substance.
32. The article according to claim 31, wherein the skin soothing
substance includes dehydrated aloe vera.
33. The article according to claim 31, wherein the preparation
includes no skin soothing substance other than aloe vera.
34. The article according to claim 31, wherein the skin soothing
substance includes a dehydrated lotion.
35. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation
includes no aloe vera.
36. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation
includes a thickener.
37. The article according to claim 36, wherein the thickener is
selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid,
polyacrylate, polymethacrylic acid, polyacreylamide, sodium
alginate, gelatin, xantham gum, acacia, aga carboxymethyl
cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salt, polyvinyl alcohol,
polyvinyl acetal, polyvinylpyrrolidone, magnesium aluminum
silicate, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate; a water-soluble
polymer, like a polyvinylalcohol, a polybutene, a polyethylene
glycol, or a polyethylenimine, gum, xanthan gum,
hydroxyethylcellulose, karaya gum, carrageenen, hydroxypropyl guar,
methylcellulose, tragacanth gum, and hydroxypropylcellulose.
38. The article according to claim 19, wherein the disposable
protective glove is made of a single layer of natural rubber latex,
acrylonitrile, vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride.
39. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation
forms a layer with thickness of about 0.01 mm.
40. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation
forms a layer with thickness that is about {fraction (1/16)} of
thickness of the disposable protective glove.
41. The article according to claim 19, wherein the disposable
protective glove is without any absorbent material.
42. The article according to claim 19, wherein the anti-bacterial
substance is constituted to be activated by skin perspiration.
43. The article according to claim 19, wherein the preparation
includes no detectable oil-based substance.
44. A protective glove comprising: only a single layer of a
fluid-impermeable flexible material having an inner surface and
forming a cavity to receive a hand; and an anti-microbial
preparation coated on the inner surface, wherein no aloe vera is
coated on the inner surface, and wherein the anti-microbial
preparation was factory pre-coated onto the inner surface.
45. The glove according to claim 44, wherein the anti-microbial
preparation includes an acid.
46. The glove according to claim 45, wherein the glove is a
disposable medical glove.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to elastomeric flexible
articles, for example, gloves or the like.
[0002] Disposable gloves, for example, disposable examination
gloves, have been widely used as a protective measure to insulate
hands from objects handled by the glove wearer. To allow ease in
handling objects, disposable gloves typically are made of thin and
elastic material to minimize the space between the skin and the
glove. Due to poor air circulation resulting from a tight fit, hand
perspiration can be a common problem among glove wearers. Prolonged
wearing of disposable gloves can cause a moist environment on the
surface of the hand that allows viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungus
and other infectious agents to grow and multiply. Itchiness and
irritation can be a frequent result of wearing disposable
examination gloves for extended periods.
[0003] Powders are commonly used on the inner surface of disposable
gloves to alleviate perspiration and to make donning, wearing and
removal of gloves easier. However, there are several disadvantages
that can be associated with powders. Continuous perspiration can
easily overwhelm the thin layer of powder that is commonly attached
to the surface of the glove. This is especially the case when
continuous and frequent wearing of gloves is required. For example,
dentists may continuously wear gloves during a dental surgical
procedure for up to 40 minutes or more. In addition, hand washing
is necessary after the use of powdered gloves. Frequent hand
washing to remove powders is inconvenient and may also cause
excessive dryness of the skin.
[0004] Aside from gloves intended primarily to protect the hand
during performing of tasks, special-purpose gloves have been
constructed that are intended primarily to surround the hand with
lotions to condition and sooth the skin. Typically, these gloves
contain multiple layers in the glove design. For example, these
moisturizing gloves can contain a middle layer saturated with
lotion and a porous inner layer that allows the lotion to pass
through and contact the user's skin. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,202.
Other examples of moisturizing gloves can contain an inner lining
made of a lotion absorbent material. By impregnating the lotion
into the absorbent material, the lotion can condition the hands
while the gloves are worn. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,445 or
4,185,330.
[0005] Compared to single layer disposable gloves, the complex
design of multiple layer gloves can make their production far more
costly. More importantly, the thickness of the layers and the
complicated structures of the gloves can hinder hand flexibility
and sensitivity when the glove wearer tries to pick up and
manipulate objects. Such multiple layer designs can be suitable for
moisturizing hands, but are generally not suitable for use in
manipulating objects, especially for professions that require
performing of fine tasks with precision.
[0006] In order to treat or protect skin, some people apply
lotions, creams, or powders onto their skin, for example, onto
their hands. Some people apply such lotions, creams, or powders
immediately before donning disposable gloves to perform fine tasks.
See, for example, International Patent Application No. WO94/12115.
However, separate application of the preparations by users remains
unsatisfactory in a variety of ways.
[0007] For example, the extra step of separately applying such
preparations by a glove user is inconvenient. The extra step also
tends to be omitted, due to forgetfulness and/or inconvenience.
Further, manual application by the user can result in application
of inconsistent quantities of the preparations or significantly
uneven distributions of the preparations. Applying too much or
uneven distributions of a preparation can lead to discomfort or
unfamiliar inhibition of hand dexterity or sensitivity. Applying
too little of a preparation can lead to insufficient beneficial
effect. Further, use of powders within gloves has drawbacks, as has
been discussed; such drawbacks are especially pronounced if the
amount or distribution of the powder is not or cannot be well
controlled, for example due inappropriate reliance on a mere
ordinary glove user to apply the powder. Even aside from other
drawbacks of using powder, if an ordinary glove user applies too
much powder or poorly distributed powder into a glove, the powder
can actually start falling out of the glove during use, which can
be unacceptable.
[0008] Still further, conventional skin preparations for gloves may
be incapable of prolonged effectiveness within gloves, in the
presence of accumulating perspiration and other substances that can
overwhelm the preparations. Still further, conventional skin
preparations for gloves may contain substances that are undesirable
to some users for some applications, for example, substances that
are unfamiliar to users (for example, antibacterial agents that do
not occur naturally) or substances that are suspected of being
harmful (for example, conventional antiperspirants).
SUMMARY
[0009] There exists a need for elastomeric flexble articles, for
example, gloves or the like, for example, disposable examination
gloves or the like, that apply helpful substances to skin during
use.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an
article includes: a disposable protective glove, the disposable
protective glove having an interior surface; and a preparation
disposed on the interior surface of the disposable protective
glove, wherein the preparation includes an anti-microbial
substance, and wherein the preparation includes a buffer that helps
resist change in pH during wearing of the disposable protective
glove.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an
article includes: a disposable protective glove, the disposable
protective glove having an interior surface; and a preparation
disposed, during factory production of the article, on the interior
surface of the disposable protective glove, wherein the preparation
includes an anti-bacterial substance, and wherein the preparation
includes a buffer that helps resist change in pH during wearing of
the disposable protective glove.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
protective glove includes: only a single layer of a
fluid-impermeable flexible material having an inner surface and
forming a cavity to receive a hand; and an anti-microbial
preparation coated on the inner surface, wherein no aloe vera is
coated on the inner surface, and wherein the anti-microbial
preparation was factory pre-coated onto the inner surface.
[0013] According to other embodiments of the present invention,
there is a method for making any glove according to any embodiment
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Features, aspects and advantages of some embodiments of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the accompanying drawings, which are not to be considered
limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely
illustrative.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of
the present invention, in which the elastomeric flexible article is
a glove.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the elastomeric flexible
article shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The description above and below and the drawings of the
present document discuss one or more currently preferred
embodiment(s) and also describe some exemplary optional feature(s)
and alternative embodiment(s). The description and drawings are for
the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Section titles are
terse and are for convenience and not limitation.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided an elastomeric flexible article. According to an
embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of
manufacturing.
[0019] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an elastomeric flexible
article according to some embodiments of the present invention has
a preparation 10 on the inner surface of the elastomeric flexible
article. The flexible article is shown as a glove in FIGS. 1 and 2,
but other forms of articles may also be be used. During use, the
coated inner surface of the elastomeric flexible article is in
contact with human skin and intermingles with perspiration from the
skin and, due to presence of the preparation 10, has a property of
being anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, or anti-viral, or a combination
thereof.
[0020] For example, the coated inner surface in contact with human
skin is more anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and/or anti-viral than it
would be if it were bare and not coated with the preparation 10.
The preparation 10 is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and/or
anti-viral preparation. Preferably, the preparation 10 is an
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and/or anti-viral preparation that has
been dehydrated. The preparation 10 may be attached onto the inner
surface of the elastomeric flexible article due to an affiliation
force provided by dehydration of the preparation 10.
[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the
elastomeric flexible article is a protective glove. For example,
the glove may be embodied as a disposable examination glove made of
a single layer of fluid-impermeable material, which is simple and
convenient to use and allows the user to wear the glove and to
perform fine tasks with precision. For example, the protective
glove may be embodied as a glove without any layer of porous
material overlying the hand, e.g., without any layer of porous
material. For example, the protective glove may be embodied to be
without any absorbent material overlying the hand, e.g., without
any absorbent material.
[0022] The protective glove can be made of various materials to
form a layer 12. To those of ordinary skill in the art, resinous
materials such as vinyl or the like or polymer materials such as
acrylonitrile or the like are common choices. Three commonly used
materials for making disposable gloves are natural rubber latex,
acrylonitrile, and polyvinyl chloride, although any other
elastomeric material may also be used. Still other materials, for
example, polyurethane, chloroprene, neoprene, butadiene, or the
like, or any elastomeric material known to those with ordinary
skill in the art may also be used. Preferably, the preparation is
evenly distributed on the interior surface of the disposable
protective glove.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, during
use of the glove, the environment encountered by the hand within
the glove is acidic, due to presence of the preparation. For
example, the preparation may be an acidic preparation that has been
dried onto the inner surface of the glove, and perspiration from
the hand moistens the dried acidic preparation. The acidic
preparation may be a mixture that includes an acidic solution, and
the mixture may, but need not, itself be a solution. Preferably,
the preparation contains a buffer, to help maintain the pH and
stabilize pH drift. Whether or not the preparation was dried onto
the inner surface of the glove, the preparation during use is
acidic in the embodiment. Preferably, the pH of the preparation
during use is lower than about 6, for example, between about 3.8 to
about 6, or, more preferably, between about 4.5 to about 6, or
between about 5 to about 5.8. Preferably, the preparation is
formulated to maintain pH within the desired range even after some
prolonged use, e.g., even after some prolonged perspiration.
[0024] One embodiment of the invention is formulated such that,
when exposed to increased moisture over time, pH within a desired
range is still successfully obtained. For example, pH within an
above-discussed desired range is still successfully obtained using,
for example, the following test scenario or its like. According to
a test scenario, the preparation (for example, the dried
preparation) upon a glove's surface is exposed to a moist
environment. For example, the glove is placed into a chamber having
high humidity for some duration of time. The humidity moistens the
preparation. If pH is then measured on the moist preparation, the
measurement result is an acidic pH, for example, of between 3.8 and
6, or, more preferably, between 4.5 to 6 or between 5 to 5.8. For
example, the high humidity may be about 100% humidity; the
temperature in the chamber may be at least 30 degrees Celsius; the
duration of time may be at least about 30 minutes; the pressure in
the chamber may be at least standard pressure (i.e., at least one
bar) through the duration; pH may be measured using any
conventional system, for example, a conventional probe-type or
litmus-paper-type system; and the glove may be arranged inside out,
with its coated surface facing outward, for example, supported by a
hand-shaped mechanical form onto which the inside-out glove is
"worn". Other test scenarios, for example, similar scenarios, may
also be used.
[0025] Prolonged contact between latex and oil-based substances can
adversely affect durability and flexibility of the latex. Most
commercially available lotions typically contain oil-based
substances. The use of such conventional lotions can substantially
shorten the shelf life of a latex glove.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastomeric
flexible article is a disposable glove, coated as discussed above,
and the glove is made of natural rubber latex. In this embodiment,
the preparation preferably does not contain any oil-based
substances that would be conventionally detectable and that would
come into contact with the glove. Optionally, the preparation also
does not contain any oil-based substances that would be
conventionally detectable and that would come into contact with
skin during use.
[0027] Another embodiment of the present invention is a glove,
coated according to any discussion in the present document, in
which the underlying glove is made of acrylonitrile polymer. As
mentioned above, in still other embodiments, a glove is made of
still any other elastomeric material, coated according to any
discussion in the present document.
[0028] The preparation may be disposed onto the elastomeric
flexible article by any manner whatsoever. For example, the
preparation may be disposed onto the elastomeric flexible article
in dry (e.g., powder) or moist (e.g., wet mixture) form. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the preparation is preferably
disposed onto the elastomeric flexible article, e.g., glove, in
non-powder form. Preferably, the preparation is disposed onto the
elastomeric flexible article in non-dry form and then is preferably
fully or at least substantially dehydrated. Preferably, the
dehydration is conducted such that the preparation is dehydrated
onto the elastomeric flexible article, and such that there is a
force provided by the dehydration that attaches the preparation to
a surface of the elastomeric flexible article. Preferably, the
preparation is disposed onto the elastomeric flexible article
during factory production, and not by an end buyer or end owner or
end wearer of the article.
[0029] In wet form, the preparation preferably includes, as
mentioned above, an acidic solution. The acidic solution has pH
lower than 7. For example, the acidic solution may have pH lower
than about 6. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
acidic solution has pH no lower than about 3.8, for example, within
the range of about 3.8 to about 6. A pH no lower than about 3.8 is
believed to be less likely to irritate skin. In another embodiment
of the present invention, the acidic solution has a pH no lower
than about 4.5, for example, within the range of about 4.5 to about
6 or within the range of about 4.5 to about 5.8. Or, the acidic
solution may have a pH no lower than about 5, for example, within
the range of about 5 to about 6 or within the range of about 5 to
about 5.8. Such pH no lower than about 4.5 or no lower than about 5
is believed to be less likely to have significant skin-exfoliation
properties. Less exfoliation can be desirable in embodiments meant
for frequent or prolonged wearing. Despite the mentioned preferred
pH ranges, acidic solutions with even lower pH can nevertheless
still be used if desired, for example, for intended infrequent or
short-duration use, or with other ingredients in the preparation
that have been selected according to conventional knowledge to
mitigate or ameliorate the potential for skin irritation. Low pH,
for example down to about 3.8 or even lower, may also be desired if
skin exfoliation is desired.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
preparation contains, as mentioned above, a buffer to help maintain
the pH and stabilize pH drift. Typical buffers include and are not
limited to weak inorganic acids with its conjugate base, weak
organic acids with its conjugate base, amino acids and amino acid
salts, for example. In one embodiment of the present invention,
enough buffer will be used, according to conventional knowledge and
experience, to exhibit a pH drift of, for example, about 0.15 pH
unit or less. However, less or more buffer may also be used.
Generally, it is well known to those skilled in the art that
quartenized phosphate esters can reduce the pH drift of a solution
from about 0.2 to 0.3 pH units to about 0.15. Any competent buffer
can be used. Buffers are well known to those of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0031] Still further, optionally, thickeners can be used in the
preparation to promote more even coating. Typical thickeners used
preferably are non-greasy and non-oily compounds. Exemplary
polymers and thickeners are listed in the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient
Handbook, 1st Ed., J. M. Nikitakis ed., The Cosmetic, Toiletry and
Fragrance Association, Washington, D.C. (1988) (hereafter CTFA
Handbook), at pages 30, 47, 48, 67 and 97-100, incorporated herein
by reference. Example thickening agents include but are not limited
to polyacrylic acid, polyacrylate, polymethacrylic acid,
polyacreylamide, sodium alginate, gelatin, xantham gum, acacia, aga
carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salt, polyvinyl
alcohol, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinylpyrrolidone, magnesium aluminum
silicate, sold under the tradename VEEGUM and available in various
grades from R. T. Vanderbilt Co., Inc., Norwalk, Conn.; aluminum
starch octenylsuccinate; a water-soluble polymer, like a
polyvinylalcohol, a polybutene, a polyethylene glycol, or a
polyethylenimine; or a gum, like xanthan gum,
hydroxyethylcellulose, karaya gum, carrageenen, hydroxypropyl guar,
methylcellulose, tragacanth gum, or hydroxypropylcellulose.
[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the preparation can
include other optional ingredients, for example, antiperspirants
and/or skin soothing substances, or the like. Skin soothing
substances include, for example, skin moisturizing substances or
skin anti-irritant substances. In addition, the preparation can
also include other optional ingredients, for example, glycerin,
which is a water-soluble emollient and emulsion aid, preservatives,
fragrances, or dyes, or the like.
[0033] Examples of antiperspirants include aluminum-zirconium
tetraclorohydrex glycine, alcloxa, aluminum cloride, aluminum
chlorohydrex, aluminum PCA, zirconium chlorohydrates, aluminum
zirconium tetrachlorohydrates, and aluminum chlorohydrates, and the
like, or any other antiperspirant, for example, antiperspirants
known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0034] Examples of skin soothing substances include, for example, a
skin moisturizing agent, especially for embodiments of the
invention that are not dried onto the glove. Examples also include
aloe vera, lotions, creams, and the like.
[0035] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
preparation does not include any antiperspirant, for example, no
antiperspirant from among aluminum-zirconium tetraclorohydrex
glycine, alcloxa, aluminum cloride, aluminum chlorohydrex, aluminum
PCA, zirconium chlorohydrates, aluminum zirconium
tetrachlorohydrates, and aluminum chlorohydrates.
[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, the
preparation does not include any skin soothing substance. In some
embodiments of the present invention, the preparation does not
include any aloe vera. In some embodiments of the present
invention, the only skin soothing substance in the preparation is
aloe vera.
[0037] The acidic solution within the preparation typically
includes an organic acid, such as a hydroxycarboxylic acid, herein
termed a "hydroxy acid". The acidic solution within the mixture
typically includes an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, herein termed
an "alpha-hydroxy acid". In accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, the acid solution present typically is a
hydroxycarboxylic acid, generally an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid,
for example, glycolic acid.
[0038] The particular amount of acid included in the preparation is
dependent upon the type of acid, the production method and
equipment, and the intended end use for the preparation-coated
glove, for example, frequent or long-duration wearing, infrequent
or short-duration wearing, use primarily to deter infection, or use
to deter infection and also to exfoliate skin.
[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the preparation
contains about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of an acid, before being
dry. Toward the higher end of this range, skin exfoliation
abilities tends to be greater. In another, more preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the preparation contains about
0.1% to about 10% by weight of an acid, before being dry. In
another embodiment of the present invention, the preparation
contains about 0.2% to about 2% by weight of an acid, before being
dry. The acid may be a hydroxy acid, or another type. Whatever the
actual concentration or type of acid used, whether explicitly
listed herein or not, the invention is preferably embodied so as
also to achieve the earlier-discussed desired pH values.
[0040] Generally, cosmetologists and dermatologists use high
concentrations of hydroxy acids (for example, 50 to 70 percent by
weight) as superficial peels, to smooth rough skin, and to remove
fine lines, acne scars, age spots, irregular pigmentation, and
precancerous scaly patches. Moderate concentrations of hydroxy
acids have typically been seen (for example, 10 to 50 percent by
weight) to help control acne by unplugging pores, and to enhance
the effectiveness of Retin-A and skin bleaches. However, at these
concentrations, the hydroxy acid-containing products often provide
dramatic results, but the potential to irritate or burn the skin is
high. At hydroxy acid concentrations of, for example, 30% by weight
or more, the compositions are capable of chemically burning the
skin.
[0041] Accordingly, it is helpful to balance the acidic nature of
an acidic solution with the skin-irritation potential of the
solution. Many acid-containing compositions, including hydroxy
acid-containing compositions, often warn the user that a tingling
or burning sensation may be felt after the first several
applications of the composition to the skin. In accordance with
some embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable to
provide an elastomeric flexible article, such as a disposable
glove, that minimizes or avoids the tingling or burning sensation
or irritation that can be associated with chemical burns due to
acids, yet provide the beneficial antibacterial, anti-fungal,
antiviral effects of these acids.
[0042] The hydroxy acid, or any other organic acid, in the acid
solution can be present in the free acid form, in the salt form, or
as a mixture of the free acid and salt form. Often, the acid is
present as a mixture of the free acid form and salt form in order
to provide a solution having a pH in a desired range, such as those
mentioned above. When the hydroxy acid is present in the salt form,
the hydroxy acid is neutralized with a water-soluble alkali until
the desired pH is achieved. The water-soluble alkali can be for
example, ammonia or ammonia hydroxide, a water-soluble amine, or an
alkali metal hydroxide. Preferred water-soluble alkalis include but
are not limited to ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, diethanolamine,
triethylamine, methylamine, triethanolamine, potassium hydroxide,
sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, or a primary, secondary or
tertiary amine having alkyl or hydroxyalky groups containing one to
three carbon atoms.
[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the hydroxy acid in the acidic solution may be any acid. For
example, the hydroxy acid can be an aliphatic acid, e.g., glycolic
acid; an aromatic acid, e.g., salicylic acid; or have aromatic and
aliphatic components, e.g., mandelic acid. Exemplary hydroxy acids
include the alpha-hydroxy acids, such as, but not limited to,
glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid and malic
acid. These alpha-hydroxy acids are naturally-occurring acids found
in fruit, and have been used in skin care and skin treatment
compositions for several years. It has been theorized that glycolic
acid and lactic acid are the most effective alpha-hydroxy acids, if
exfoliation is desired, because these acid molecules are small and
more able to penetrate skin. Hydroxycaprylic acid is a synthetic
alpha-hydroxy acid that has been used in skin care compositions.
Other useful alpha-hydroxy acids are, for example, mandelic acid,
leucic acid, azelaic acid and ethylglycolic acid.
[0044] Beta-hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid,
beta-hydroxypropionic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid, also are
useful in the acidic solution of an embodiment of the present
invention. In general, any aliphatic alpha- or beta-hydroxy acid
having an aliphatic carbon chain containing two through ten carbon
atoms can be used in the acidic solution. The hydroxy acid can be a
monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid or a polycarboxylic
acid.
[0045] The acid in the acidic solution is not limited to hydroxy
acids. Essentially any acid that is used, or can be used, in
cosmetic compositions for skin can be incorporated into the present
solution. The acids traditionally are organic acids.
[0046] Specific acids that can be incorporated into the acidic
solution include, but are not limited to, glucuronic acid, glutamic
acid, allantoin galacturonic acid, allantoin glycyrrhetinic acid,
allantoin polygalacturonic acid, animal collagen amino acids,
animal elastin amino acids, animal keratin amino acids, aspartic
acid, folic acid, hyaluronic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid,
orotic acid, palmitoyl animal collagen amino acids, ribonucleic
acid, silk amino acids, uric acid, urocanic acid, dilinoleic acid,
trilinoleic acid, alanine, 6-aminocaproic acid, arginine,
asparagine, carbocysteine, cysteine, cystine, glycine, histidine,
hydroxyproline, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine,
phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine,
biotin, ocresotic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrihizic acid,
lanolin acid, and mixtures thereof. Other organic acids, either
carboxylic acids, amino acids, or an organic acid having an
ionizable hydrogenated atom, also can be incorporated into the
acidic solution.
[0047] In one preferred embodiment, the anti-bacterial solution
includes an acid that exists naturally in a plant, preferably in an
edible plant. Preferably, the anti-bacterial solution includes
substantially no antibacterial substance other than the acid that
exists naturally in a plant, or in an edible plant.
[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the acidic
solution contains malic acid. Optionally, the acidic solution
contains no other acid other than malic acid. Malic acid is a
natural organic acid found in food sources such as green apples,
currants and other fruits. It has a very strong but pleasant sour
taste. Malic acid is commonly used in the winemaking process to
control wine acidity and tartness. It is also used in fruit juice,
soda water and soft drinks. Malic acid is also used as an
acidulant, flavoring agent and color stabilizer in food processing.
It is known to be one of the gentler food acids and is considered
to be a safe substance for ingestion or use on the skin.
Preferably, the mixture containing the malic acid solution also
includes a buffer.
[0049] The acidic glove according to an embodiment of the present
invention retains the characteristic of a disposable examination
glove without any externally visible structural modification, and
is easy and convenient to use. The affiliation between the acidic
mixture (for example, a buffered malic acid solution) and the glove
surface may be through a force provided by dehydration. Such
affiliation is loosened when perspiration dissolves the dehydrated
acidic pH solution. The longer a glove is worn, the more likely the
hand will perspire, and consequently more acidic solution will be
dissolved and disassociated from the glove surface, and be applied
to the hand. The acidity of the solution can then condition hand
skin and prevent microorganisms from growing under the wet
condition.
[0050] In one embodiment, a solution of malic acid with a pH of
about 5.5 is used to coat the gloves. Malic acid solution is
distributed on the inner surface of the glove at a thickness of
about 0.01 millimeter. Preferably, the distribution of the Malic
acid is substantially even and uniform. Preferably, the association
between malic acid and the surface is achieved at least in part due
to a non-covalent force provided through dehydration.
[0051] In one specific embodiment, the preparation is formulated,
for example, as follows (percentages are by weight): 0.5% Aloe Vera
200.times. concentrated powder; 0.04% Sodium Bensoate (99.5%
concentrate, as a preservative); 0.04% Potassium Sorbate (98.0%
concentrate, as a preservative); 0.02% Carboxymethylcellulose
Sodium (90% concentrate, as a thickener); 1.0% Citric Acid (99.0%
concentrate, acid to make pH 5.5); 4.0% Trisodium Citratedihydrate
(99.0% concentrate, alkaline to make pH 5.5); 94.4% Deionized
Water. For example, about 1.5 kg of the preparation is used per
about 30 kg of gloves. Each glove weighs, for example, about 6-8
grams, depending, for example, on the size of the glove.
[0052] Coated gloves according to the specific embodiment just
discussed is prepared, for example, by a process that includes:
remove excessive powder from gloves; arranging gloves inside out;
chlorinating the gloves; post-process leaching the gloves in hot
water; post-leaching in water; removing excessive water (using
centrifuge); initial drying; applying (e.g., spraying) the
preparation onto loose gloves; second drying; arranging gloves
inside in; final drying; cooling; inspecting gloves; and packaging
gloves. Some steps of the process may be omitted. Processes are
discussed below in further detail.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that illustrates a process 300,
according to some embodiments of the present invention, for making
a coated elastomeric flexible article. FIG. 3 is labeled for
embodiments in which the elastomeric flexible article is a glove,
but FIG. 3 can also be interpreted more generally for non-glove
articles.
[0054] As shown, the process 300 includes preparing (314) a
preparation, for example, any preparation as discussed in the
present document. Further, the process 300 includes applying (316)
the preparation to a surface of an elastomeric flexible article.
Some embodiments of the process 300 include only the steps 314 and
316. However, other embodiments of the process 300 further include
some or all of optional steps 310, 312, 318, and 320.
[0055] In the preferred embodiment of the process 300, the
preparation is then dehydrated (318) at least partially, and
preferably at least substantially or fully onto the elastomeric
flexible article. Further, as necessary, the elastomeric flexible
article is arranged (320) into a final configuration that is
inside-in. For example, in an embodiment for making coated gloves,
the applying step 316 was preferably onto gloves arranged
inside-out, such that the surface that will touch a hand while worn
is on the outside. For such a embodiment for making coated gloves,
the step 318 is preferably taken to arrange the gloves
inside-in.
[0056] The step 316 of applying the preparation probably is taken
with a clean elastomeric flexible article. Thus, the step 316 is
preferably preceded by cleaning (312) the surface of the
elastomeric flexible article onto which the preparation will be
applied. For increased efficiency, the process 300 is an integrated
manufacturing process that includes manufacturing (310) the
underlying elastomeric flexible article itself.
[0057] The process 300 is preferably operated at a factory where
coated elastomeric flexible articles are made in great numbers, for
example, at least thousands in each manufacturing session. After
their manufacture at the factory, the manufactured gloves are
preferably packaged in a form suitable for distribution to end
owners and end users via a commercial distribution channel, for
example, via wholesalers and other distributors.
[0058] As mentioned above, the preparation is preferably at least
substantially dehydrated on the article. Accordingly, as the
preparation dehydrates, the proportion of ingredients in the
preparation will change. Put another way, the preparation as
discussed may be diluted excessively by a volatile substance, e.g.,
water or the like, and then the volatile substance may be allowed
to evaporate, at least partially. Furthermore, repeated
applications of the preparation and multiple (at least partial)
evaporations/dehydrations may be used, for example, to compensate
for using excessively diluted preparation. Nevertheless, even if a
preparation is excessively diluted, at some time during its
evaporation/dehydration process, the preparation will no longer be
excessively diluted, relative to the present description, and the
proportions of its ingredients can be considered.
[0059] Manufacturing processes for treated elastomeric flexible
articles may be explained by discussing processes for making
treated gloves, with an understanding that the processes may be
used to make non-glove treated elastomeric flexible articles as
well. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a
process for manufacturing a treated elastomeric flexible article is
based on any process discussed in either or both of the following
two references, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety for
all purposes and which are commonly-owned with the present
invention: U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,154, entitled "Aloe Vera Glove and
Manufacturing Method", or U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/938,715, Publication Document Number 20020025335, entitled "Aloe
Vera Glove and Manufacturing Method". Some embodiments of the
present invention are any process as discussed in the two
just-mentioned references, but instead of using an "Aloe Vera
solution" or the like to coat an article (e.g., glove) as discussed
in the two references, a preparation as discussed in the present
document is prepared and used to coat an article (e.g., glove).
[0060] Some embodiments of the present invention, for making
elastomeric flexible articles, will now be discussed. These
embodiments include processes based on processes discussed in the
just-mentioned two references.
[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
method of manufacturing gloves includes treating a commercially
available disposable glove to eliminate residue powders, soluble
substances, and microorganisms, turning the glove inside out,
dipping it into a preparation (any discussed in the present
document) and heating the glove to cause water to evaporate.
[0062] A glove is preferably first treated with a chlorine solution
or chlorine gas. Chlorine solution can help to sterilize the
gloves, to wash off powders, and most importantly for natural latex
gloves, to dissolve residual proteins that could potentially
trigger severe allergic reactions among repeat users. After the
outside surface of the glove is treated with the chlorine solution,
it is turned inside out, and the glove is again treated with the
chlorine solution. The residue chlorine is neutralized by using
ammonia and the gloves are then dried.
[0063] The preparation will then be prepared, as discussed above.
To associate the preparation with the surface of the glove, the
preparation can be sprayed onto the surface of the glove.
Alternatively, the glove can be immersed into the preparation. The
latter method is preferred because it creates a complete and even
distribution of the preparation.
[0064] In one preferred embodiment, the dipping process is
accomplished by grouping a number of gloves in a batch to achieve
higher manufacturing efficiency. The gloves are immersed in the
preparation for at least 10 minutes to allow adequate
absorbency.
[0065] The preparation is attached to the surface of the glove
through a controlled dehydration process. The water in the
preparation solution is caused to evaporate through heating.
Although a higher temperature will cause water to evaporate
quicker, excess heat may damage the gloves. For example, gloves
exposed to excessive heat of over 70.degree. C. may turn brownish
and become brittle. To shorten the heat exposure time, a heating
oven is preheated to about 45.degree. C. before the gloves are
introduced. The oven has a temperature control mechanism to
maintain a maximum temperature. In a preferred embodiment the
maximum temperature is set at approximately 65.degree. C. and the
heating process lasts from about 35 to 40 minutes. The dehydration
process provides an affiliation force so that the preparation can
remain associated with the glove surface for an extensive period of
time.
[0066] Even distribution of the preparation on the glove surface
maximizes effectiveness and minimizes contact between the skin and
the glove's composite material. Stationary drying is not preferred
because the preparation solution tends to flow in the direction of
the force of gravity. In a preferred embodiment the heating oven
has a device to tumble during the heating to make the preparation
distribute evenly on the glove surface and to form a uniform
coating.
[0067] Afterward the gloves are cooled to room temperature. The
gloves are then inverted so that the surface with the preparation
faces inside.
[0068] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 400 for
manufacturing treated gloves, for example, using spraying,
according to an embodiment of the present invention, using any
preparation as discussed in the present document. The application
of the preparation to gloves preferably begins with gloves that are
clean and free of protein residue, powder, or other surface
contaminants. Therefore, the method 400 preferably begins with a
step 410 of cleaning the gloves to remove such contaminants. Next,
the preparation is applied to the gloves (step 412), preferably by
spraying a batch of clean loose gloves that are arranged inside
out. The gloves are tumbled (step 414) so that more gloves become
better exposed to current or future applying of the preparation.
Preferably, the tumbling of the gloves in the step 414 occurs, or
continues to occur, after the spraying of the preparation in the
step 412 has already stopped. The steps 412 and 414 are then
preferably repeated for a desired number of iterations (as shown by
decision box 416 in FIG. 4). After the last iteration of the step
412 of applying the preparation, the gloves are dried (step 418, or
the step 418 and the last iteration of the step 414).
[0069] The optional (but preferred) step 410 of cleaning the gloves
of surface contaminants can be performed using any competent
technique (including any conventional technique). For example, as
discussed above, a chlorine solution may be used, and the chlorine
solution itself is preferably neutralized and cleaned away at the
end of the cleaning step. Cleaning items such as gloves of surface
contaminants, for example, using chlorine solution, is a known
technology, and the specifics of such cleaning would be readily
apparent, depending on the particular type of cleaning equipment
being used. For example, for a sufficiently large commercial
chlorine washer, a batch of about 3000 to 4000 gloves may be washed
using any conventional cycle, for example, a cycle of about 20 to
30 minutes, say, about 23 minutes. Optionally, for extra assurance
of cleanliness, the batch of gloves may be further rinsed with
water, preferably in a separate commercial washing tank, for
example first with hot water and then with cold (e.g.,
room-temperature) water for any desired amount of time, for
example, about 20 to 30 minutes or more. For the method 400, the
water is preferably drained well from the gloves. For example, the
gloves may be spun dry in the commercial washing tank in
conventional manner.
[0070] Preferably, the steps 412, 414, and 418 are all performed
within a commercial heat tumble dryer, for example, as follows.
After the optional water bath at the end of the optional cleaning
step 410, the gloves are removed from the water bath and dumped
into the heat tumble dryer. The dryer then starts tumbling the
gloves. Preferably, the tumbling is accompanied by heating of the
gloves by hot air and continues until the gloves are dry or mostly
dry. Then, a spray nozzle configured to spray the preparation as a
fine mist starts spraying the preparation onto the gloves in the
dryer. During the spraying, the tumbling may either continue or may
continue at a slower pace or may be stopped, and heating of the air
may be continued or reduced or stopped. Depending on the level of
integration between the spray nozzle and the dryer, the door of the
dryer may be opened to allow access to the spray nozzle during
spraying. After a period of spraying, the spraying stops and the
tumbling continues, or resumes, preferably accompanied by resumed,
or continued, heating of the air. The spraying and tumbling are
repeated for several iterations. After the last iteration of
spraying, the gloves are dried, preferably by tumbling with heating
until the gloves are dry. The number and durations of iterations
and the amount of solution to use should be chosen to be
sufficient, given the particular dryer and spray nozzle
configuration, to leave at least a desired minimum thickness,
and/or no more than a desired maximum thickness, of dehydrated
preparation on substantially every glove.
[0071] For example, for a batch of about 3000 gloves, two kilograms
of preparation may be sprayed in about 4 or 5 spray iterations,
with the spray iterations spaced about 2 to 5 minutes apart, and
with each spray iteration's having a spray duration of about 30 to
90 seconds in a dryer that is the oven discussed above (i.e., one
that is limited to a maximum temperature of about 65.degree. C.
(preferred) or less than about 80.degree. C.). As shown in FIG. 4,
each spray iteration is preferably followed by a tumbling
iteration. The final iteration of tumbling is of sufficient
duration to dry the gloves and especially should include heating.
For example, the final iteration of tumbling may be chosen so that
the total duration of tumbling and heating gloves having
preparation over all the steps is about 35 to 40 minutes.
[0072] Preferably, the method 400 is performed and completed using
only two or only three holding containers in which washing,
spraying, or tumbling are actually performed. If two containers are
used, they would be the chlorine washer and the heat tumble dryer.
If three containers are used, they would be the chlorine washer,
the water washer, and the heat tumble dryer.
[0073] FIG. 4 can also serve as a flow diagram for the
earlier-discussed embodiment of the present invention that is a
method that uses immersion (e.g., dipping) to apply the
preparation. If FIG. 4 is interpreted to describe the method that
uses immersion, then preferably the decision box 416 reflects
having only a single iteration of immersing (the step 412), and the
box for step 414 can be interpreted to refer to agitation of the
immersion tank, for example, in the manner of a washing machine.
After the immersion (e.g., the Steps 412 and 414), the step 418
refers to tumble drying, as has been discussed earlier. If FIG. 4
is used to describe the immersion method, then preferably an extra
holding container would be used, namely, an immersion tank that
contains the preparation. Thus, if the method 400 is embodied so as
to use immersion, then the method 400 is preferably performed and
completed using only three or only four holding containers in which
washing, immersion, or tumbling are actually performed. If three
containers are used, they would be the chlorine washer, the
immersion tank for preparation, and the heat tumble dryer. If four
containers are used, they would be the chlorine washer, the washer
for water, the immersion tank for preparation, and the heat tumble
dryer.
[0074] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for
manufacturing treated gloves is integrated with, and/or includes,
the manufacturing of the underlying preparation-free gloves
themselves. This other embodiment is especially preferred for
produce large quantities of treated gloves efficiently.
[0075] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 500,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 500
is a method for manufacturing treated gloves that is integrated
with, and includes, the manufacturing of the underlying
preparation-free gloves themselves. Preferably, the method 500 is
fully automated within a production line. In a step 510, gloves are
formed on molds using any competent technique, for example, using
conventional processes. The forming of gloves on molds is a
conventional art and is well known. For example, each mold is
shaped to be at least reminiscent of a hand such that the resulting
gloves will fit hands. The forming and formed gloves undergo
processing on the molds in the step 510 using, for example,
conventional processing.
[0076] In a step 512, a preparation, for example, any preparation
discussed earlier, is applied to the gloves while the gloves are
still on the form. The application of the preparation can be via
any competent technique, for example, spraying, immersing, pouring,
overfilling, dipping, and the like, (which are not mutually
exclusive techniques). In a step 514, the preparation that coats
the gloves undergoes at least partial, and preferably full or at
least substantial, dehydration. Next, in a step 516, the gloves are
removed from the molds. Preferably, after removal from the molds,
the gloves are further dried and cured by heat, in a step 518.
[0077] In the step 510, the gloves formed on the mold are
preferably considered to be inside out such that that the interior
of each glove, as later to be worn on the hand, faces outward. The
gloves are formed and processed using whatever technique is
competent to produce a glove of the desired material. The preferred
material is natural rubber latex. After a glove is formed, while on
the mold, the later hand-facing surface of the glove is preferably
made safer, and/or easier to slide during donning, for later
contact with hands, either by cleaning off any residual proteins,
chemicals, and the like, for example, using chlorine, or by coating
the surface with a thin insulating layer that will attempt to
insulate the hand from contact with the residual proteins,
chemicals, and the like during wearing of the glove. By being
cleaned, the glove is likely to be slicker and easier to slide over
skin during donning, especially if the glove is made of natural
rubber latex. Similarly, the insulating layer is preferably made of
a substance that is more slippery than the underlying glove. For
example, even if the glove is a vinyl glove of a type that is not
made significantly safer or more slippery by cleaning, it may still
be coated with an insulating layer to increase its slippery-ness
and thereby be made easier to don. The insulating layer is, for
example, a polymer layer, for example, of silicone or
polyurethane,
[0078] In the step 512, preparation, such as has already been
described, is applied to the gloves while the gloves are still on
the molds, either by dipping or by spraying. If spraying is used,
it should be thorough enough so as to leave a desired amount of
solution on the gloves' inside out surfaces, for example, an amount
comparable to that which would be obtained from dipping.
[0079] In the step 514, the gloves undergo at least partial, and
preferably full or at least substantial, dehydration. For example,
fanned heated air may be blown across the gloves on the molds. For
natural rubber latex gloves, especially, the air is preferably not
more than about 80.degree. C., and even more preferably, the air is
not more than about 65.degree. C. Preferably, the preparation is
sufficiently dried to provide sufficient adhesion between the
preparation and the glove so that the coated glove can withstand
the next step 516.
[0080] In the step 516, the gloves are stripped from the molds.
[0081] In the optional step 518, the loose gloves are further
cured, and their coatings are even further dehydrated by heat, for
example, in a dryer as has been discussed earlier.
[0082] The forming and processing of gloves on molds in the step
510, in one example, includes, on an automatic production line:
cleaning porcelain formers (molds) using hot water (for example,
about 40.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.); drying the porcelain
formers in hot air (for example, at about 40.degree. C. to
100.degree. C.); dipping the formers in coagulant (for example, at
about 40.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.); drying the coagulant on the
formers in hot air (for example, at about 35.degree. C. to
140.degree. C.); dipping the coagulant-coated formers in latex (for
example, at about 25.degree. C. to 45.degree. C.); curing the latex
on the formers in hot air (for example, at about 60.degree. C. to
140.degree. C.); leaching the gloves on the formers; beading the
edge of the gloves on the formers; and then making the glove
surfaces safer, and easier to don, for later contact with hands,
either by cleaning or by coating the surface, as discussed above.
If cleaning is used in the making-safer/making-easier-to-don step,
then the forming and processing further includes: further curing
(for example, at about 80.degree. C. to 140.degree. C.); rinsing
with cold water (for example, at no more than room temperature);
chlorination (for example, at no more than about 30.degree. C.);
preferably preceded by further rinsing with cold water (for
example, at no more than room temperature); neutralization; further
rinsing (for example, with hot followed by cold water); and
dehydration and further curing in hot air. Alternatively, if
coating is used in the making-safer/making-easier-to-don step, then
the forming and processing further includes: drying in hot air (for
example, at about 80.degree. C. to 150.degree. C.); coating with
polymer (for example, at no more than about 45.degree. C.); and
further drying and curing in hot air (for example, at about
80.degree. C. to 150.degree. C.).
[0083] In addition to the preferred natural rubber latex, the
present invention may be embodied as preparation-coated gloves of
acrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, chloroprene,
neoprene, butadiene, or the like, and their manufacturer.
[0084] Further, in addition to the specific preparations discussed
in the present document, or an Aloe Vera solution as discussed in
the two references incorporated above (U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,154 or
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/938,715), the present invention
may be embodied to alternatively or additionally use any other
substance (e.g., any preparation) that can be dried onto the inside
of a glove and that, in the dry form, is mixed with moisture that
consists only of perspiration from a hand during wearing of the
glove and is beneficial to the hand.
[0085] Throughout the description and drawings, example
embodiments, for example, products and methods, are given with
reference to specific embodiments and configurations. However, the
present invention is not limited to those specific embodiments or
configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0086] For example, although glove embodiments are illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2, any other article or form that contacts skin may
also embody the present invention. For example, the present
invention may be embodied as elastomeric flexible peels, articles,
wraps, and (other) medical devices. Similarly, the composition and
application of the preparation may be varied without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, various
different preparations may be utilized to obtain an ultimate final
elastomeric flexible article, for example, a glove, that has
characteristics as described within the present document. For
example, the formulations of the preparation may be varied in order
to have a thicker or thinner coating, as desired to control comfort
in use, dexterity, sense of feel, or protection. Still other
changes would be apparent.
[0087] The scope of the invention is not limited merely to the
specific example embodiments or configurations of the foregoing
description, but rather is indicated by the appended claims. All
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents
within the claims are intended to be understood as being embraced
within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *