U.S. patent application number 11/974949 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for handwear item having a flexible impermeable liner.
Invention is credited to Jean Zicarelli.
Application Number | 20080034466 11/974949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46329497 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080034466 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zicarelli; Jean |
February 14, 2008 |
Handwear item having a flexible impermeable liner
Abstract
A reusable handwear item, including: an outer layer of a woven
material; at least one gripping element fixed to an outside surface
of the outer layer; and a liner made of a flexible impermeable
material and secured to the outer layer only along at least a
portion of a periphery for the outer layer. An inside surface of
the liner is arranged to contact a hand of a person wearing the
handwear item and the at least one gripping element enables the
hand to grip an object which would not otherwise be possible
without the gripping element. In some aspects, the liner is
attached to the outer layer only at a cuff for the outer layer. In
some aspects, the liner is at least partially removable from inside
the outer layer to expose at least a portion of the inside surface
of the liner.
Inventors: |
Zicarelli; Jean; (West
Falls, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIMPSON & SIMPSON, PLLC
5555 MAIN STREET
WILLIAMSVILLE
NY
14221-5406
US
|
Family ID: |
46329497 |
Appl. No.: |
11/974949 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11025394 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
|
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11974949 |
Oct 17, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/158 ; 2/164;
2/167 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/001 20130101;
A41D 19/01 20130101; A41D 19/0013 20130101; A43B 23/07
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/158 ;
002/164; 002/167 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/01 20060101
A41D019/01; A41D 19/00 20060101 A41D019/00 |
Claims
1. A reusable handwear item, comprising: an outer layer of a woven
material; at least one gripping element fixed to an outside surface
of the outer layer; and, a liner made of a flexible impermeable
material and secured to the outer layer only along at least a
portion of a periphery for the outer layer, wherein an inside
surface of the liner is arranged to contact a hand of a person
wearing the handwear item and the at least one gripping element
enables the hand to grip an object which would not otherwise be
possible without the gripping element.
2. The handwear item of claim 1 wherein the liner is attached to
the outer layer only at a cuff for the outer layer.
3. The handwear item of claim 2 wherein the liner is at least
partially removable to expose at least a portion of the inside
surface of the liner.
4. The handwear item of claim 1 wherein the at least one gripping
element has a higher coefficient of friction than the outside
surface of the outer layer.
5. The handwear item of claim 1 wherein a material for the at least
one gripping element is selected from the grouping consisting of a
rubber-based material, a plastic-based material, and a
silicon-based material.
6. The handwear item of claim 1 wherein a material for the outer
layer and a configuration of the outer layer are selected such that
the handwear item substantially maintains a specific shape.
7. The handwear item of claim 1 wherein the liner and the outer
layer are arranged to form a mitten having a first portion for
fingers of the hand and a second portion, at least partially
separate from the first portion, for a thumb of the hand.
8. The handwear item of claim 1 wherein the liner and the outer
layer are arranged to form a glove having a plurality of first
portions, each first portion for one or more fingers of the hand,
and a second portion, at least partially separate from the
plurality of first portions, for a thumb of the hand.
9. A reusable mitten, comprising: an outer layer of a woven
material, an outside surface of the outer layer having a first
coefficient of friction; at least one gripping element fixed to the
outside surface of the outer layer and having a second coefficient
of friction higher than the first coefficient of friction; and, a
liner made of a flexible impermeable material attached to the outer
layer only at a cuff for the outer layer, wherein an inner surface
for the liner is arranged to contact a hand of a person wearing the
handwear item, the at least one gripping element enables the hand
to grip an object which would not otherwise be possible without the
gripping element, and the liner is at least partially displaceable
to expose at least a portion of the inner surface of the liner.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/025,394 filed on Dec. 29, 2004 which
application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an item worn by a
person, and more particularly, to a hand wear item, for example, a
mitten-like item, having a liner in contact with a wearer's hand
and made of a flexible impermeable material and an outer layer made
of a woven cloth material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A common treatment for dry skin or other medical or
aesthetic conditions of the hand is to apply oil, unguent, or
medication to the affected area of the hand. To maximize the
curative affect of the treatment, the medication should remain in
contact with the hand for an extended period of time, for example,
overnight. It is known to apply the medication and then cover the
treated hand with a glove or mitten made of an absorbent material
such as cotton. Unfortunately, the medication soaks into the
material, lessening the curative affects of the treatment and
causing possible staining of the glove or mitten or other items in
contact with the glove or mitten.
[0004] It is known to wrap a treated hand with an impermeable
material and then place a separate cloth or mitten over the
wrapping. Unfortunately, the wrapping process can be awkward, may
be difficult for some patients to perform, and may trap heat and
prevent air movement around the hand. As a result, the wrapped hand
can be sweaty and uncomfortably hot.
[0005] It is known to use a single layer, disposable glove made of
an impermeable material. Unfortunately, such gloves are not
reusable, increasing the cost of using these gloves, the outer
surface of the gloves presents a surface that is not comfortable to
other body parts that may come in contact with the gloves, and the
gloves provide little or no heat retaining ability. Further, the
gloves are form-fitting and relatively tight on a user's hand,
making the gloves more difficult to put on and uncomfortable to
wear for extended periods of time, for example, overnight.
[0006] U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0244132 (Ouellette et al.)
discloses a disposable mitt or glove with an impermeable liner and
an outer liner of a non-woven material. The outer liner is
impregnated with a cleaning or other chemical compound and the mitt
or glove is designed to be used to apply the compound.
Unfortunately, the glove or mitt is not suitable for application of
oil, unguent, or medication to a hand. The compounds impregnated in
the outer layer would make contact between the outer layer and
other body parts unpleasant if not harmful. Further, the outer
surface is made deliberately slippery, to enhance application of
the compound, making it difficult to grip any objects with the mitt
or glove.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,087,675 (Sansonetti) discloses a multi-piece
assembly of a glove made of an impervious material and a separate
heated mitten for use over the glove. Unfortunately, the outer
mitten is relatively expensive, complicated, and cumbersome.
Further, the mitten is separate from the glove, creating potential
problems with respect to missing or misplaced parts. Also, the
gloves are disposable, increasing the cost of using the
assembly.
[0008] Therefore, what is needed is an item of handwear to keep a
therapeutic compound in contact with a wearer's hand in a more
comfortable and cost effective manner, while enabling more
functionality during use of the item, for example, the ability to
easily grip and hold objects.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention broadly comprises a reusable handwear
item, including: an outer layer of a woven material; at least one
gripping element fixed to an outside surface of the outer layer;
and a liner made of a flexible impermeable material and secured to
the outer layer only along at least a portion of a periphery for
the outer layer. An inside surface of the liner is arranged to
contact a hand of a person wearing the handwear item and the at
least one gripping element enables the hand to grip an object which
would not otherwise be possible without the gripping element. In
some aspects, the liner is attached to the outer layer only at a
cuff for the outer layer. In some aspects, the liner is at least
partially removable from inside the outer layer to expose at least
a portion of the inside surface of the liner.
[0010] In some aspects, the at least one gripping element has a
higher coefficient of friction than the outside surface of the
outer layer. In some aspects, a material for the at least one
gripping element is selected from the grouping consisting of a
rubber-based material, a plastic-based material, and a
silicon-based material. In some aspects, a material for the outer
layer and a configuration of the outer layer are selected such that
the handwear item substantially maintains a specific shape. In some
aspects, the liner and the outer layer are arranged to form a
mitten having a first portion for fingers of the hand and a second
portion, at least partially separate from the first portion, for a
thumb of the hand. In some aspects, the liner and the outer layer
are arranged to form a glove having a plurality of first portions,
each first portion for one or more fingers of the hand, and a
second portion, at least partially separate from the plurality of
first portions, for a thumb of the hand.
[0011] A general object of the present invention is to provide an
item of handwear to comfortably keep a therapeutic compound in
contact with a wearer's hand, using safe materials.
[0012] This and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become readily apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art from a reading and study of the following
detailed description of the invention, in view of the drawing and
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention
will now be more fully described in the following detailed
description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing
figures, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a present invention handwear
item;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
handwear item shown in FIG. 1 taken generally along line 2,3-2,3 in
FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
handwear item shown in FIG. 1 taken generally along line 2,3-2,3 in
FIG. 1; and,
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a present invention handwear
item with a finger opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While
the present invention is described with respect to what is
presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be
understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the
disclosed aspects.
[0019] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not
limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications
described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of
the present invention, which is limited only by the appended
claims.
[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now
described.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of present invention handwear
item 100.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
handwear item 100 shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2,3-2,3 in FIG.
1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
handwear item 100 shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2,3-2,3 in FIG.
1. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through 3. In
the discussion below handwear item 100 may be referred to as mitten
100. However, it should be understood that handwear item 100 is not
limited to a mitten and that other types of handwear, for example,
gloves, are included in the spirit and scope of the claims. Mitten
includes liner 102 made of a flexible, impermeable material and
outer layer 104 made of a flexible woven material. Inner surface
106 of the liner is arranged to contact a hand (not shown) of a
person wearing the mitten, in particular and as further described
infra, to contact a hand to which a treatment compound has been
applied. By impermeable, we mean the material forming liner 102
does not allow liquids to pass. In particular, liner 102 does not
allow therapeutic compounds, which are described further below, to
pass. In some aspects, liner 102 enables the passage of air or
vapor. The mitten includes at least one gripping element 108 fixed
to outside surface 110 of the outer layer.
[0024] The liner is secured to the outer layer long at least a
portion of a periphery for the outer layer. Alternately stated, the
liner and outer layer are separate elements, for example, not
bonded or layered together, that are partially joined together.
That is, liner 102 and layer 104 are free to be at least partially
moved with respect to one another. In particular, liner 102 is free
to be moved with respect to layer 104. This arrangement allows
liner 102 and the user's hand to "float" within layer 104. The
"floating" arrangement reduces binding of the user's hand, thus
increasing the comfort of the user. For example, in some aspects
and as shown in FIG. 2, the liner is only connected to the outer
layer along cuff 112. In these aspects, the liner is at least
partially removable from inside the outer layer to expose inner
surface 106 of the liner. That is, the mitten can be turned "inside
out" to expose surface 106, which enables the surface to be cleaned
or otherwise treated, enhancing the usability, reusability, and
longevity of the mitten. The ability to wash or treat surface 106
also enhances the range of uses of the mitten. For example,
treatment compounds used with the mitten can be washed off the
inner surface after use of the mitten, preventing undesirable
mixing of various compounds used later with the mitten. In some
aspects, cuff 112 is elastic. In some aspects and as shown in FIG.
3, liner 102 and layer 104 also are joined at other points besides
the cuff, for example, along all or parts of edge 113. Cuff 112 can
be made elastic by any means known in the art, including the use of
elastic band 114 within the cuff.
[0025] Gripping element 108 enables the hand placed in the mitten
to grip an object which would not otherwise be possible without the
gripping element. For example, as noted supra, some known handwear
items are made of non-woven materials that are inherently slippery
and such slipperiness is an intentional and necessary aspect of
these handwear items. Thus, while wearing mitten 100 a user can
still grasp and hold objects, increasing the functionality of the
mitten and the range of actions possible while wearing the mitten.
For example, the increase in hand function possible with the mitten
enables a user to wear mitten 100 for longer periods of time, with
subsequent increases in efficacy for treatment compounds used with
the mitten. As a simple example, a wearer using the mitten at
bedtime is much more able to hold a glass of water or a toothbrush.
Gripping element 108 is made of a material having a coefficient of
friction higher than the coefficient of friction for outer surface
110 of the outer layer. Any material known in the art, including,
but not limited to a rubber-based material, a plastic-based
material, or a silicon-based material can be used for element 108.
Mitten 100 is not limited to a particular number, shape, size, or
configuration of elements 108. In some aspects, elements 108 are
applied only to a side of the mitten designated as a "palm," or
front, side. In some aspects, elements 106 are applied to both the
front and back side of the mitten.
[0026] Any process known in the art can be used to apply elements
108. For example, heat treatment can be used to apply the material
forming elements 108 in a liquid or softened state to enhance the
bonding of the material to surface 110. In some aspects a thermal
graphic process is used to apply an ink-like material to form
elements 108.
[0027] The material for layer 104 can have different degrees of
flexibility as described below. In some aspects, the materials for
liner 102 and layer 104 are not particularly elastic or stretchy.
As a result, liner 102 rests against portions of a user's hand, but
is not stretched over or pressed against the user's foot by an
elasticity of liner 102 or layer 104. Thus, the hand is less
encased by the liner and the hand may feel less constricted to the
user. In some aspects, the material of liner 102 or layer 104 is
more elastic That is, liner 102 is stretched over or pressed
against the user's hand due to a greater elasticity of the liner or
outer layer. Alternately stated, the liner or outer layer squeezes
the hand and conforms the liner to contours of the hand. The
aspects with a more elastic liner or outer layer are useful for
situations in which it is desirable to maintain a closer contact
between a user's hand and the liner.
[0028] In general, item 100 is used in conjunction with a
therapeutic compound or compounds applied to a user's hand.
However, it should be understood that the present invention is not
limited to just use with a therapeutic compound. By therapeutic
compound we mean any compound know in the art having soothing,
healing, and/or generally medicinal properties. Therapeutic
compounds include, but are not limited to, lotions, oils, creams,
and unguents. Liner 102 is impermeable, therefore, the compound is
not absorbed by liner 102, and the compound advantageously remains
in contact with the user's hand. Further, liner 102 prevents the
compound from touching other objects in contact with item 100. For
example, if the user applies the compound and dons item 100 for an
overnight treatment, liner 102 prevents the compound from staining
the user's bedding. Layer 104 provides protection for liner 102,
enabling liner 102 to be made as thin, lightweight, and inexpensive
as possible, thus increasing the comfort and cost-effectiveness of
item 100. As described below, layer 104 also can provide padding,
insulation, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance for item
100.
[0029] In some aspects, item 100 is reusable and in some aspects,
item 100 is disposable. By reusable we mean item 100 is designed
and constructed for a larger number of repetitions or uses. By
disposable, we mean the item is designed and constructed for a
limited number of uses, typically a single use. Typically, a
disposable item 100 is made of thinner or less durable materials to
minimize a cost associated with the slipper. On the other hand, a
substantially reusable item 100 is typically made of heavier or
more durable materials to enable the item to be used a greater
number of times and in some cases to allow the item to be washed
and reused.
[0030] Liner 102 and layer 104 can be joined at cuff 112 using any
method known in the art. For example, folding layer 104 over
elastic band 114 to form the cuff. Then, liner 102, layer 104 and
the band are stitched together, for example by stitching 116. It
should be understood that the present invention is not limited to
any particular stitching arrangement and other stitching
arrangements are included within the spirit and scope of the
claims. Other methods of forming the cuff include, but are not
limited to, gluing and heat treatment. The method of joining liner
102 and layer 104 to form the cuff can be selected according to the
materials used for liner 102 and layer 104 or the intended use of
item 100, for example, whether the item is disposable or
reusable.
[0031] Layer 104 can be formed by any means known in the art. In
some aspects, layer 104 includes halves 118 and 120 joined together
along edge, or periphery, 113 by any means known in the art. In
some aspects, stitching 124 is used to join the halves. It should
be understood that the present invention is not limited to any
particular stitching arrangement. Other methods of joining the
halves include, but are not limited to, gluing and heat treatment.
Liner 102 can be formed by any means known in the art. In some
aspects, the liner is a single, seamless piece. In other aspects,
the liner is formed of separate pieces joined by any means known in
the art. The method of forming liner 102 or layer 104 can be
selected according to the materials used for liner 102 and layer
104 or the intended use of item 100, for example, whether the item
is disposable or reusable.
[0032] Liner 102 can be made of any flexible impermeable material
known in the art that is suitable for contact with human flesh.
Another criterion for selecting a material for liner 102 is the
desired degree of elasticity for liner 102. Examples of materials
suitable for making liner 102 include, but are not limited to:
cellulose acetate, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene,
polytetrafluoro ethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and vinylchloride
acetate. Thickness 126 of liner 102 can be determined according to
the material used for liner 102 or the intended use of item 100.
For example, certain materials are more durable than other
materials and can therefore be used in thinner layers to provide a
same degree of durability. For a disposable item 100, thinner or
less durable materials may be acceptable, since a disposable item
100 is subjected to a limited number of uses.
[0033] Layer 104 can be made of any flexible woven material known
in the art. For example, layer 104 can be made of natural materials
such as cotton or wool, synthetic materials such as polyester, or
natural/synthetic blends such as cotton and polyester. It should be
understood that layer 104 is not limited to any particular
material. As with liner 102, the material for layer 104 can be
chosen according to the intended use of item 100. For example, a
more durable and/or washable material for layer 104 may be
preferable for a reusable item 100. There are additional
considerations regarding layer 104. Layer 104 can provide padding
or cushioning; therefore, a thicker material may be preferable.
Layer 104 can provide an insulating layer; therefore, a "warmer"
material, such as synthetic fleece, may be preferable. Also, layer
104 can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance; therefore, a
brightly colored or patterned material may be preferable. The
relative costs for materials suitable for liner 102 and layer 104
also are a factor in selecting these materials.
[0034] Item 100 is not limited to any particular shape. In some
aspects, layer 104 is made of a firmer material to substantially
maintain a specific, predetermined shape for item 100, for example,
a traditional mitten or glove shape. In some aspects, the liner and
the outer layer are arranged to form a mitten having portion 128
for fingers of the hand and portion 130, at least partially
separate from portion 128, for a thumb of the hand. In some aspects
(not shown), the liner and the outer layer are arranged to form a
glove having a plurality of first portions, each first portion for
one or more fingers of the hand, and a second portion, at least
partially separate from the plurality of first portions, for a
thumb of the hand. In some aspects (not shown), layer 104 is made
of a more flexible material and item 100 can take a plurality of
amorphous or "baggy" shapes. For example, layer 104 may be too
flexible to maintain a single, specific shape. In some aspects,
item 100 includes only a single portion or compartment which
receives both a user's fingers and thumb.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of present invention handwear
item 200 with finger opening 202. In general, the discussion
regarding item 100 in the descriptions of FIGS. 1 through 3 is
applicable to item 200. For example, the discussion of liner 102,
layer 104, surface 106, and elements 108 is applicable to liner
202, layer 204, surface 206, and elements 208. Item 200 includes at
least one additional opening 209 beyond the opening formed by the
cuff. In general opening 209 is positioned to allow at least a
portion of one or more fingers or a thumb of a user of item 200 to
extend beyond item 200. Opening 209 is not limited to any
particular size or shape. It should be understood that openings can
be located in other parts (not shown) of item 200.
[0036] The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through
4. Although item 100 is used as an example in the discussion below,
it should be understood that the discussion also is applicable to
any present invention item. Item 100 is not limited to any
particular size. In some aspects, item 100 can be configured as a
"one size fits all." For example, this can be accomplished by using
a more flexible material for liner 102 and layer 104 or providing
generous amounts of liner 102 and layer 104. In some aspects, item
100 can be configured to correspond to traditional glove or mitten
sizes or ranges of glove or mitten sizes. Item 100 is not limited
to any particular appearance. Layer 104 can be made of materials
having various colors and/or patterns. Appendages (not shown) can
be added to item 100 to make create a desired appearance. For
example, playful colors, patterns, or appendages make item 100 more
attractive to children and increase their compliance with treatment
involving item 100.
[0037] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention
are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the
invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill
in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the
spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood
that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present
invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore,
other embodiments of the present invention are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *