U.S. patent application number 12/768953 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for knitted glove having a single layer with a plurality of yarns.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ansell Healthcare Products LLC. Invention is credited to James H. Moreland, Cherilyn N. Nelson, Norberto Hector Perales Solis, Sean Sweeney, Eric Thompson, Steven M. York.
Application Number | 20100275341 12/768953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029257 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sweeney; Sean ; et
al. |
November 4, 2010 |
Knitted Glove Having A Single Layer With A Plurality Of Yarns
Abstract
A seamless, single layer, multi-yarn glove or glove liner is
disclosed. The glove or glove liner includes a first type of yarn
and a second type of yarn that is different from the first type of
yarn. The glove or glove liner has a single layer that includes the
first type of yarn and the second type of yarn knitted together to
form a hand-like structure that includes a thumb section, a
plurality of finger sections and a palm section. The first type of
yarn is different that the second type of yarn. For example, the
first type of yarn may be a cut resistant yarn and the second type
of yarn may be an inexpensive elastic yarn such as Spandex. An
optional cuff is part of the single layer, the cuff optionally
comprising a tab to aid in donning and doffing. The glove can
further comprise a tab with indicia, where the indicia can be, for
example, shape or color to convey information about the glove such
as size or cut resistant properties. Padded protection on the
knuckles can also be provided.
Inventors: |
Sweeney; Sean; (Jackson,
NJ) ; Thompson; Eric; (Central, SC) ;
Moreland; James H.; (Central, SC) ; Nelson; Cherilyn
N.; (Seneca, SC) ; York; Steven M.; (Avon,
IN) ; Perales Solis; Norberto Hector; (Ciudad Juarez,
MX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DIEHL SERVILLA LLC
33 WOOD AVE SOUTH, SECOND FLOOR, SUITE 210
ISELIN
NJ
08830
US
|
Assignee: |
Ansell Healthcare Products
LLC
Red Bank
NJ
|
Family ID: |
43029257 |
Appl. No.: |
12/768953 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61173811 |
Apr 29, 2009 |
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61222552 |
Jul 2, 2009 |
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61242487 |
Sep 15, 2009 |
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61242936 |
Sep 16, 2009 |
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61242929 |
Sep 16, 2009 |
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61243372 |
Sep 17, 2009 |
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61243376 |
Sep 17, 2009 |
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61294923 |
Jan 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/164 ; 2/167;
66/174 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D04B 1/28 20130101; A41D
19/01505 20130101; D04B 1/126 20130101; A41D 2500/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/164 ; 66/174;
2/167 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00; D04B 7/34 20060101 D04B007/34 |
Claims
1. A knitted glove, comprising: a first yarn; a second yarn
different from the first yarn; a continuous single layer that
includes the first yarn and the second yarn knitted together to
form a hand-like structure that comprises a thumb section, a
plurality of finger sections and at least one palm section.
2. The glove of claim 2 wherein the first type of yarn and the
second type of yarn are knitted together using a single jersey
stitch.
3. The glove of claim 1, wherein the hand-like structure comprises
four finger sections, three palm sections, and a wrist section.
4. The glove of claim 1, wherein the first yarn is a first color
and the second yarn is a second color.
5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the first yarn is a cut resistant
yarn and the second yarn is a non-cut resistant yarn.
6. The glove of claim 5, wherein the cut resistant yarn comprises
an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a
para-aramid, or both.
7. The glove of claim 1, further comprising an elastomeric coating
over at least a part of the single layer.
8. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a cuff section attached
to the palm section.
9. The glove of claim 1, wherein the thumb section comprises the
first yarn and either one of the plurality of finger sections or
the at least one palm section comprises the second yarn.
10. The glove of claim 1, wherein the at least one palm component
comprises the first yarn and one of the plurality of finger
sections comprises the second yarn.
11. The glove of claim 1, wherein the glove includes only the
single layer without any reinforced areas.
12. The glove of claim 1, wherein the first and second yarns are
selected from the group consisting of: a cut resistant yarn and a
highly absorbent yarn, a cut resistant yarn and an abrasion
resistant yarn, a first cut resistant yarn and a second cut
resistant yarn, a cut resistant yarn and a comfort thermal
regulating yarn, a cut resistant yarn and an antimicrobial yarn, a
plied yarn and a non-plied yarn, a spun yarn and a filament yarn, a
composite (gimped) yarn and a noncomposite yarn, a synthetic yarn
and a natural yarn, a first blended synthetic yarn and a second
blended synthetic yarn, a first composite yarn and a second
composite yarn, a first synthetic yarn and a second synthetic yarn,
a first natural yarn and a second natural yarn, and a textured yarn
and a non-textured yarn.
13. The glove of claim 1, wherein the continuous single third payer
further comprises a third yarn different from the first yarn and
the second yarn.
14. The glove of claim 1 comprising: a continuous layer of at least
two different yarns knitted together to form a thumb section, three
palm sections, and four finger sections; wherein one of the two
different yarns is located in two of the palm sections and any one
of the four finger sections and the other of the two different
yarns is located in the thumb section, the remaining palm section,
and the remaining finger sections; and a cuff section attached to
the palm section.
15. The glove of claim 14, wherein the two different yarns comprise
a first yarn having a first color and a second yarn having a second
color.
16. The glove of claim 14, further comprising a tab with indicia
for donning and doffing the glove.
17. The glove of claim 14, further comprising a patch on a knuckle
side covering substantially at least one knuckle.
18. A method of protecting hands and handling tools and equipment
comprising: wearing a knitted glove comprising: a first yarn; a
second yarn different from the first yarn; a continuous single
layer that includes the first yarn and the second yarn knitted
together to form a hand-like structure that comprises a thumb
section, a plurality of finger sections and at least one palm
section.
19. A method of wearing a glove having a desired property to a
wearer, the method comprising: locating a knitted glove liner
having a continuous single layer with two different yarns, the
single layer comprising four finger sections, a thumb section a
palm section, and a cuff, each of these sections having a palm side
and a knuckle side, wherein the cuff comprises a tab with indicia;
identifying that the indicia of the tab corresponds to the desired
property; and donning or doffing the glove by contacting the tab
with the thumb of the wearer.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the tab comprises a carrier, a
color component, and a thumb contour, and the desired property is
size.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/173,811, filed
Apr. 29, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/222,552, filed
Jul. 2, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/242,487, filed
Sep. 15, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/242,936, filed
Sep. 16, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/242,929, filed
Sep. 16, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/243,372, filed
Sep. 17, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/243,376, filed
Sep. 17, 2009; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/294,923,
filed Jan. 14, 2010, each which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to knitted gloves and knitted
glove liners having a single layer.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The importance of gloves in protecting the hands of today's
work force is growing. For example, many gloves are now
incorporating cut resistant high performance yarns to provide cut
protection to persons wearing the glove. Known gloves, particularly
those providing increased functionality typically have multiple
plies or layers to incorporate the different types of yarns
required. Alternatively, known gloves rely on reinforced areas to
incorporate the different types of yarns required.
[0004] Existing gloves that incorporate multiple types of yarns are
therefore expensive because of the extra plies and layers used in
the manufacturing process. Further the extra plies and layers in
the gloves frequently can have a cost in performance. For example,
gloves having extra plies and layers often have decrease dexterity
because of the thickness of the layers. The thickness in the layers
can contribute to less than optimum breathing capability of a glove
as well. Thus, there is a need for a new type of glove and a new
type of glove liner.
SUMMARY
[0005] Provided are knitted gloves and liners having a single layer
of at least two different yarns. In accordance with one aspect, a
knitted glove that includes a first type of yarn and a second type
of yarn is provided. This glove is continuously knit, which
simplifies processing steps and any need for manual handling of the
glove to incorporate a second type of yarn. The first type of yarn
is different than the second type of yarn. The glove includes a
single layer that includes the first type of yarn and the second
type of yarn knitted together to form a hand-like structure. The
hand-like structure typically includes a thumb section, a plurality
of finger sections and a palm section. In one embodiment, the thumb
section, the plurality of finger sections and the palm sections are
seamless, including the interface between each of these sections.
The difference between the first yarn and the second yarn can be
the color of the yarns. Alternatively, entirely different types of
yarns can be used in the single layer of the knitted glove. For
example, the first yarn can be a cut resistant yarn and the second
yarn can be a standard elastic yarn, such as spandex, which is not
cut resistant. The cut resistant yarn can be, for example, Dyneema
or Kevlar.
[0006] The glove may also optionally include a coating over at
least a part of the single knitted ply. The coating can be from a
natural rubber latex or synthetic rubber latex, or other
elastomeric polymer coatings. The coating can be applied by dipping
the knitted glove into the coating material or by spraying the
coating onto the glove. Coating the knitted gloves of this
invention can improve the grip of the glove in handling dry and
oily items when the coating is on the outside of the glove. The
coating can be, by way of example only, polyurethane, nitrile,
carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene; the coating can be unfoamed
or foamed.
[0007] The glove may also optionally include a cuff section
attached to the palm section. There can also be a slit in the cuff
section and a strap can be provided on the cuff section. Velcro can
be provided on the strap and on the cuff section to allow the strap
to be secured.
[0008] The different yarns in the single knitted layer of the glove
can be provided anywhere in the glove. For example, the first yarn
and the second yarn can be in a single layer in the thumb section.
Additionally, the first yarn and the second yarn can be in the
single layer in one of the finger sections. Further, the first yarn
can be in the single knitted layer in one of the finger sections
and the second yarn can be in the same single knitted layer in
another of the finger sections. Also, the first yarn and the second
yarn can be in the single knitted layer in the palm section.
[0009] In accordance with other aspects, the first yarn can be
provided in the single layer in the thumb section and the second
yarn can be provided in the single knitted layer in either one of
the plurality of finger sections or in the palm section. Also, the
first yarn can be provided in the single knitted layer in the palm
section and the second yarn can be provided in the single knitted
layer in one of the plurality of finger sections.
[0010] The glove, in accordance with a further aspect, can also
include only the knitted single layer without any reinforced
areas.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The following description of the figures provide
non-limiting embodiments that shall serve to illustrate various
aspects of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a glove having a knitted continuous
single layer with two different yarns;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a section of a glove showing integration
of two different yarns into a single layer;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates further aspects of a glove;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a glove having a strap around its
cuff;
[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate each side of a glove with
multiple zones, each of which can be made with one or more
different types of yarns;
[0017] FIG. 6 further illustrates the construction of an exemplary
protective glove;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a tab of a glove;
[0019] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9 further illustrate a tab of a glove;
and
[0020] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a glove with knuckle
protection.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Gloves provided are suitable for comfortably working for
long periods of time handling tools, fine instruments, wires,
piping, small and large mechanical parts where dexterity and hand
protection are needed. Such gloves provide multiple functionalities
in a single ply of knit. The use of multiple colors, for example,
can provide visual indicators for safety purposes. The use of cut
resistant yarns in targeted areas, for another example, provide
protection where needed while using lower cost and potentially more
comfortable yarns in other areas.
[0022] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a glove 10 having
a thumb section 12, a plurality of finger sections 14, 16, 18 and
20 and a palm section 22. The glove 10 can also be a glove liner.
The glove 10 or glove liner includes only a single layer of at
least two knitted yarns. Thus, in accordance with one aspect, there
is no second layer of knitted yarns. Also, in accordance with
another aspect, there are no reinforced patches attached to the
single layer of knitted yarns that the glove 10 comprises. As
desired, however, the glove 10 or glove liner can also be used as a
single knitted layer in a multi-layer glove or with reinforced
patches.
[0023] The glove 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1, includes two
different types of yarns. The first yarn is shown in the figure by
a first texture depicted in the thumb section 12, in the finger
sections 14, 16, 18 and 20 and in the lower palm section 22. The
second yarn is shown in the figure by a second texture depicted in
the upper palm section 24.
[0024] The first yarn is different from the second yarn. The first
and second yarns can differ in color. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 1,
the yarn in the upper palm section 24 can be darker than the yarns
used in the thumb section 12, in the finger sections 14, 16, 18 and
20 and in the lower palm section 22. Such a color difference can be
implemented in unlimited variations among any area(s) of the glove
10. Further, more than two yarns having differing properties such
as color can be used in any area of the glove 10.
[0025] The different colored yarns can be used in any desired
combination in any part of the glove 10 to provide a unique look.
Additionally, the different colored yarns can be used in any
desired combination in any part of the glove 10 to provide
additional functionality. Thus, for example, if it was desired to
highlight the index finger 14 to assist a wearer of the glove 10 in
some fashion, the index finger 14 can be made with a first yarn
having a first color and the rest of the glove 10, including the
thumb section 12, the finger sections 16, 18 and 20 and the upper
and lower palm sections 22 and 24, could be made with a yarn having
a second color. Other areas of the single layer glove 10 can be
highlighted in a similar fashion by knitting two different yarns
together into a single layer.
[0026] If different functionality is required in different parts of
the glove, two different yarns having different functional
properties can be incorporated into the single layer of the glove
10 in accordance with aspects. Thus, if it is important to provide
cut resistance to the fingers only, including the thumb, then the
thumb section 12 and the finger sections 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be a
cut resistant yarn, such as an ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE) (sold, for example, under the trade name
Dyneema.RTM.) or a para-aramid (sold, for example, under the trade
name Kevlar.RTM.) or any other cut resistance yarn. In conjunction
with this, the upper and lower palm sections 22 and 24 could be a
low cost elastic yarn. By way of example, the low cost elastic yarn
can be spandex (sold under the trade name Lycra.RTM.).
[0027] In accordance with another aspect, a first yarn having a
first characteristic such as cut resistance and a second yarn
having a different characteristic, such as absorption, can be
knitted together into a single layer, and can be used in any part
of the glove 10. Thus, a unique combination of characteristics--cut
resistance and moisture absorption--can be obtained.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a section of a glove where the
integration of two different yarns into a layer of a glove is
shown. Six rows of yarns are shown in FIG. 2, including rows 40,
42, 44, 46, 48, and 50, where the row follows the path of the yarn.
Only the top of the yarn in row 40 is shown and only the bottom of
the yarn in row 50 is shown. A first yarn is used in rows 40, 42
and 44, which are knitted together using standard knitting
techniques, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] A second yarn different from the first yearn is used in rows
46, 48, and 50. This is indicated by the contrasting color of the
rows 46, 48, and 50. This is accomplished by instructing a knitting
machine to introduce the new yarn into the rows 46, 48, and 50, and
by knitting the different yarns together in the glove 10 as
illustrated. As previously described, the yarn in rows 40, 42 and
44 can differ in color from the yarn in rows 46, 48, and 50.
Alternatively, the yarn in rows 40, 42 and 44 can be a low cost
elastic yarn such as spandex while the yarn introduced in rows 46,
48, and 50 can be a higher performance yarn such as Kevlar or
Dyneema.
[0030] Another combination can be the use of a yarn having a high
absorption rate, such as wool, in rows 40, 42 and 44 and the use of
a high performance, cut resistant yarn, such as Kevlar or Dyneema
in rows 46, 48, and 50. Other combinations are possible.
[0031] For example, the first yarn used in rows 40, 42 and 44 could
be a cut resistant yarn and the second yarn used in rows 46, 48,
and 50 could be an abrasion resistant yarn. Thus, the cut resistant
yarn could be Kevlar or Dyneema or wire-containing. The abrasion
resistant yarns are made from a material able to withstand the
effects of wear. In accordance with an aspect, abrasion resistant
yarns include a high hardness material such as fiberglass or other
materials having a Mohs hardness of 3 or greater. An examples of
abrasion resistant yarns that can be used in rows 46 and 48 include
2/70/34 textured nylon 66 filament and 2/70/34 textured nylon
6.
[0032] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 includes a first type of cut resistant yarn and a second type of
cut resistant yarn. Thus, the first cut resistant yarn can be used
in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the second cut resistant yarn can be
used in rows 46, 48, and 50. The first cut resistant yarn can be
Kevlar and the second cut resistant yarn can be Dyneema.
[0033] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a cut resistant yarn and a comfort thermal regulating yarn.
Thus, the cut resistant yarn can be used in rows 40, 42 and 44
while the comfort thermal regulating yarn can be used in rows 46,
48, and 50. The cut resistant yarn can be Kevlar or Dyneema. The
comfort thermal regulating yarn includes a phase change material.
Examples of the comfort thermal regulating yarn include the
Outlast.RTM. Acrylic and the Outlast.RTM. Viscose yarns.
[0034] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a cut resistant yarn and an antimicrobial yarn. Thus, the cut
resistant yarn can be used in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the
antimicrobial yarn can be used in rows 46, 48, and 50. The cut
resistant yarn can be Kevlar or Dyneema. The antimicrobial yarn
includes antimicrobial ingredients embedded in fibers. Examples of
antimicrobial yarns include A.M.Y..RTM. yarns from Unifi or yarns
treated with AEGIS Microbe Shield.RTM. technology from AEGIS
Environments.
[0035] Further combinations of yarns can be used in the glove 10.
Thus, a plied yarn and a non-plied yarn can be used in the glove
10. The plied yarn can be used in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the
non-plied yarn can be used in rows 46, 48, and 50. Examples of
plied yarns include 16/2 Kevlar.RTM. or 10/3 cotton. Examples of
non-plied yarns include 16/1 Kevlar.RTM. or 10/1 cotton.
[0036] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a spun yarn and a filament yarn. The spun yarn can be used in
rows 40, 42 and 44 while the filament yarn can be used in rows 46,
48, and 50. Examples of spun yarns include 16/1 Dyneema.RTM.
--nylon blend or 14/1 cotton or 36/1 DRYENERGY.TM. polyester/cotton
from Achieve o2. Examples of filament yarns include 2/70/34 air-jet
textured nylon 66 or 2/70/68 Nilit.RTM. Aquarius textured nylon
66.
[0037] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a composite (gimped) yarn and a noncomposite yarn. The
composite (gimped) yarn can be used in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the
noncomposite yarn can be used in rows 46, 48, and 50. Examples of
composite (gimped) yarns include Powerguard.RTM. yarns containing
Kevlar.RTM., modacrylic, and glass from Culimeta-Saveguard.
Examples of noncomposite yarns include 16/1 Kevlar.RTM. or 14/1
cotton.
[0038] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a synthetic yarn and a natural yarn. The synthetic yarn can
be used in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the natural yarn can be used in
rows 46, 48, and 50. Examples of synthetic yarns include 12/2
polyester or 4/70/34 nylon 66 or 40 denier spandex. Examples of
natural yarns include 14/1 alpaca or 8/1 bamboo or 20/2 cotton.
[0039] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a first synthetic blended yarn and a second synthetic blended
yarn. The first blended synthetic yarn can be used in rows 40, 42
and 44 while the second blended synthetic yarn can be used in rows
46, 48, and 50. Examples of blended synthetic yarns that can be
used include 16/2 Kevlar.RTM./nylon/Spandex blend or 14/1
Dyneema.RTM./nylon blend.
[0040] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a first composite yarn and a second composite yarn. The first
composite yarn can be used in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the second
composite yarn can be used in rows 46, 48, and 50. Examples of
composite yarns that can be used include steel core wrapped by
nylon 66 filament yarn or fiberglass core wrapped by spun polyester
and steel.
[0041] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a first synthetic yarn and a second synthetic yarn. The first
synthetic yarn can be used in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the second
synthetic yarn can be used in rows 46, 48, and 50. Examples of
synthetic yarns that can be used include 10/2 nylon 66 or 2/70/68
nylon 6.
[0042] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a first natural yarn and a second natural yarn. The first
natural yarn can be used in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the second
natural yarn can be used in rows 46, 48, and 50. Examples of
natural yarns that can be used include 40/1 cotton or 10/2 wool or
20/2 cashmere.
[0043] Another combination of yarns that can be used in the glove
10 is a textured yarn and a non-textured yarn. The textured yarn
can be used in rows 40, 42 and 44 while the non-textured yarn can
be used in rows 46, 48, and 50. Examples of textured yarns that can
be used include 2/70/34 air-jet textured nylon 66 or 2/100/92
false-twist textured nylon 66. Examples of non-textured yarns that
can be used include 70/68 flat nylon 66 or 940 denier Innegra.TM. S
polypropylene from Innegrity.
[0044] The knitting structure shown in FIG. 2 and the knitting of
the second yarn to the first yarn in a single layer of a glove can
be accomplished in a satisfactory manner using a SWG-type knitting
machine. SWG-type knitting machines are available from Shima Sieki.
It is believed that gloves in accordance with the various aspects
can also be made in a satisfactory manner with other types of
knitting machines.
[0045] The yarn type or a color change previously described can be
accomplished by either knotting the two different yarns together,
floating the unused yarn out of the way until the pattern calls for
that color, or by leaving a tail (string) at the changeover. This
may vary according to the yarn feeder used.
[0046] In some cases, such as making stripes of alternating colors,
the yarn of one color can simply be pulled out of the way and
floated down the glove while the other color stripe is knitted.
When a new yarn starts, in some cases, there may be just a small
tail of unknit yarn at the start or end of the knitting, which
appears as a small string inside the glove.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a cuff 26 can be provided on the glove
10. The cuff 26 can be formed as an integral part of the single
layer of knitted yarns shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the cuff 26
can be attached to the palm section 22. For example, the cuff 26
can be sewn to the palm section 22. When the cuff section 26 is
sewn to the palm section, the thumb section, the plurality of
finger sections and the palm sections and the interface between
each of these sections. When the cuff 26 section is formed as an
integral part of the single layer of knitted yarns shown in FIG. 1,
then the interface between the cuff section 26 and the palm section
22 is also seamless.
[0048] FIG. 3 also illustrates a glove 50 with a cuff 52. A slit 54
can be provided in the cuff. The slit allows the glove 50 to be
easily put on a hand as well as permitting easy removal of the
glove 50 from a hand. Referring to FIG. 4, a strap 60 can be
provided around the cuff 52 to allow the glove 50 to be securely
placed on a hand. The strap 60 can include a plate 62, shown in
FIG. 5A, that allows the strap 60 to be secured once the glove is
placed on a hand. The strap 60 can be sewn into the cuff 52. FIGS.
3 and 4 also illustrate the glove 50 having a coating 64. A single
layer, multi-yarn glove liner, having the construction as described
herein can be dipped in a coating material using conventional
techniques. The coating can be from a natural rubber latex or a
synthetic latex either of which is foamed or unfoamed. Nitrile, and
more specifically, carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene is
desirable for its chemical resistance. Foamed nitrile further
provides grip. A polyurethane coating provides breathability. The
coating used can depend on the preferred characteristics of the
glove. It may also depend on the type of yarns used. The coating
can be selectively applied over any desired area of the glove.
[0049] FIG. 5A shows a front or palm side that contacts the palm
and FIG. 5B shows a back or knuckles side that contacts the
knuckles of a glove 70, both sides can be divided into multiple
zones. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, nine zones, including finger components
1, 2, 3, 4, thumb component 6, palm components 5, 5., and 7, and
wrist component 8 are shown. Any of the zones can be a different
yarn to accomplish the desired function in the glove 70. Thus, any
two zones shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be made with a different
yarn in a single layer of multiple yarns to form the two zones. So
zones 5 and 7 may be formed from a single layer of knitted yarns
with zone 7 a thicker yarn to provide improved protection to the
hand and zone 5 can be a thinner yarn to provide improved dexterity
to a part of the hand that flexes more than other parts. Of course,
each of the zones can also be manufactured from with a single layer
using two or more different yarns.
[0050] The gloves described herein may also be a glove liner used
to form the inner layer of a protective glove. Glove liners can
range from very thick 7 gauge plaited liners to ultra-thin 18 gauge
single layer liners (including 10 gauge, 13 gauge, 15 gauge). The
present invention can be used on all size glove liners, but has
particular application on glove liners including 13 gauge and
smaller yarns arranged in a single layer. Thus, the present
invention can also be used on glove liners having 15 gauge yarns or
smaller yarns arranged in a single layer. It can also be used on
glove liners having 18 gauge yarns or smaller yarns arranged in a
single layer.
[0051] In accordance with one aspect, the articles shown in the
drawings are used as glove liners that are coated with nitrile or
polyurethane to provide the final glove product. In this case, in
accordance with a further aspect, the glove liner is a single layer
of knitted yarns that does not include a second layer of yarns or
any further reinforced areas of yarns sewn or knitted into the
glove liner, so that a truly single layer glove liner is
provided.
[0052] In addition to the use of two different yarns to form a
glove or glove liner having a single layer, the present invention
contemplates the use of three different yarns to form a glove or a
glove liner having a single layer or to form a portion of a glove
or glove liner having a single layer. As before, these multi-yarn
single layers of knitted yarns are preferably continuous. Thus, it
is contemplated that any combination of three of the different
yarns previously mentioned herein can be used to form a single
layer glove or glove liner. By way of example only, two different
cut resistant yarns can be knitted into a single layer with a
moisture absorbent yarn.
Glove with Indicia
[0053] In accordance with a further aspect, FIG. 6 shows a tab 150
for donning and doffing the glove that is coded with indicia to
provide information about properties of the glove. Reference to
"indicia" means something that conveys unique information about the
properties of the glove. Properties of the glove can include size,
cut resistance, yarn content, latex content, and the like. The
indicia may be, for example, a component having a particular shape
such as circle, triangle, or square to denote size, such as large,
medium, or small. The indicia may also be, as an example, a colored
portion of the tab. Turning to FIG. 7, in a detailed embodiment,
the indicia is a colored component 161 of the tab 150 in the form
of a dot, circle, or other geometric shape. A different color
represents a different property or characteristic of the glove. The
indicia will preferably be different colors such as red, orange,
yellow, blue, green, violet, black or white to denote different
sizes such as 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
[0054] The tab with indicia 150 is shown in FIG. 5 to be fastened
at or on the cuff 8. The tab with indicia 150 can be positioned as
a single tab at or about at the center of outside of the cuff on
the palm side of the cuff. The tab with indicia 150 may also be
placed elsewhere on the outside of the cuff, for instance
off-center closer to the thumb or anywhere else where a tab is
helpful for donning or doffing the glove. In accordance with one
aspect, the tab 150 has a portion extending over the edge of the
cuff 8. The amount of the portion extending over the cuff 8 can be
from a very short length to one inch. It may be desirable to
configure the cuff with a triangular or other suitable shape to
accommodate the extended portion of the tab.
[0055] As a further aspect, two tabs may be provided at the same
position or close to the same position on a cuff at the inside and
the outside of the cuff. This allows a person to have a better grip
at the cuff for donning and doffing the glove.
[0056] The tab with indicia 150 can be provided with a component of
a specific color to indicate a property or characteristic of the
glove. The tab with indicia 150 is manufactured from a material
that is preferably flexible and non-irritating to the skin. The tab
with indicia 150 comprises at least one element that conveys
information, such as a coded shape or color. Turning to FIG. 7, the
tab with indicia 150 comprises a carrier 162, a thumb contour 165,
and a color component 161, the tab with indicia 150 being attached
to the cuff 8. In one embodiment, the carrier 162 may be sewn to
the cuff 8, for instance, along a stitch-line 163. The carrier 162
may also be bonded or stapled to the cuff. In a further embodiment,
the carrier 162 may be an integral part of the cuff, for instance,
by knitting a desired configuration into the cuff at a desired
location. Also, a pocket knitted into the cuff can be affixed with
a tab with indicia. The elements of the tab with indicia 150 may be
made of one or a combination of materials such as a natural or a
synthetic rubber, a polymer, a woven or a knitted cloth, or of any
flexible material that provides a grip to a user. The color
component 161 may be provided in a color that indicates a glove
property or a characteristic. For instance, the color component 161
may indicate a size of the glove. As an example, a color component
161 that is green may indicate a glove that is size 9. Other
elements of the tab 150 may be made of the same color as the color
component 161 for further visual reinforcement of the code. That
is, the carrier 162 and/or the thumb contour 165 may be the same
color as the color component 161. A color and/or shape may also
indicate if a glove is a right hand glove or a left hand glove.
[0057] The color component 161 may be a piece of material, for
instance in the shape of a circle, that has a specific color and
that is part of the carrier 162 or has been fixed to the carrier
162. For instance, a hole, partial or complete, in the carrier in a
shape such as a circle can receive a material of a specific color
to form the color component 161. The tab 150 may be formed, for
instance, in a molding process, from a first polymer of a first
color to make the carrier 162 and with a second polymer of a second
color as the color component 161 with a second color. It may be
desirable to provide the color component 161 with a specific shape
that indicates a property of the glove, for instance, shapes such
as circle, square, and triangle to indicate for instance sizes
small, medium and large may be used.
[0058] The color component 161 may be a piece of material separate
from the carrier 162. It may be a polymer, a natural rubber, metal,
yarn, wood or any other material that can be colored and affixed to
the carrier 162. The color component 161 may also be part of the
carrier 162 that is treated locally with a dye, a pigment or an ink
or any other coloring that will create the color component 161 on
the carrier 162.
[0059] As a further aspect, the color component 161 is positioned
away from the edge of the cuff 8. Thus, a person grabbing the tab
150 with their fingers to don the glove on their hand will still be
able to see the color component 161.
[0060] In accordance with yet a further aspect, a thumb contour 165
is located on or as part of the carrier 162. Should it be desired,
the thumb contour 165 can be affixed directly to the cuff or be
made integrally with the cuff. The color and/or shape of the thumb
contour may indicate a property of the glove. The thumb contour 165
itself provides a grip for a user for donning or doffing the glove.
In accordance with a further aspect, the thumb contour 165 is made
of a material that provides a non-slippery grip of a glove user.
Preferably the thumb contour material is resistant to oil and
chemicals. Furthermore, the thumb contour preferably has a pleasant
texture or feel for a user. In one embodiment, the thumb contour
165 is made of neoprene. In another embodiment, the thumb contour
is 165 textured.
[0061] In a further embodiment, the thumb contour 165 has a slight
dimple to receive the thumb or a finger of a user to provide a
better grip. This is illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9. FIG. 8A
shows the thumb contour 165 from a top view, having a width W and a
length L. FIG. 8B shows the thumb contour in a cross-sectional view
166, where a dip or dimple in the thumb contour has a thickness T
at its edge where it is substantially flush with the intermediate
layer 164 and a maximum depth D relative to its edge. This provides
excellent fit for a finger or a thumb for donning or doffing of the
glove. In one embodiment, the thumb contour 165 has an oval shape
with a length L in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 inches, preferably
about 1 inch, and a width W in the range of 0.25 to 0.27 inches,
preferably about one-half inch. The dimensions may be smaller or
greater, depending on the size of the glove and/or the size of a
thumb of a user. The shape of the thumb contour 165 may also be
circular, rectangular, or polygonal. The thumb contour 165 is
preferably flexible and compressible under compression by a thumb
and a finger of a user. Alternatively, the thumb contour may also
be made of substantially inflexible material. The depth D of the
dip or dimple may vary. In a specific embodiment, D is in the range
of 1/24 inch to 2/24 inch. The thumb contour 165 may also have no
dip or dimple. The dip or dimple depth may also be greater than
2/24 inch.
[0062] The thumb contour 165 has a thickness T at its edges. In an
embodiment, T is 2/24 inch and D is 1/24 inch. In another
embodiment, T is 1/24 inch and D is negligible. T may also be
greater for instance 5/24 inch or even greater.
[0063] FIG. 9 shows a color-coded tab 150 from a top view. The top
view shows the carrier 162, the stitch-line 163, the color
component 161, and the thumb contour 165. In one embodiment, the
top of the thumb contour 166 aligns at its edges with the top of
the carrier 162 to provide a flush alignment.
[0064] The carrier 162 may be less compressible than the thumb
contour 165 to provide the user with a feel of a positive grip on
the tab. Thus the carrier 162 can be made with a material that is
harder than the thumb contour 165. By having the thumb contour 165
made from a material like neoprene, the tab with indicia 150 may
provide a comfortable experience of gripping the tab, which can
facilitate donning and doffing the glove. In a further embodiment,
the thumb contour 165 is omitted and the carrier 162 provides a
gripping location, which may have a measurable dip. The grip is
then provided by the profile of the carrier 162 only.
[0065] In one embodiment, the carrier 162 can be omitted and only
the thumb contour 165 is provided for donning and doffing the
glove. In such a case, the thumb contour 165 is coded by color or
shape or otherwise and/or provided with a coded component that
signifies a property of the glove. The thumb contour 165 in such an
embodiment may also have a dip or a dimple and may be compressible
between two fingers or a thumb and a finger. In such an embodiment,
the thumb contour 165 may be neoprene. The thumb contour may also
be rigid. It may be stitched or bonded on the cuff. The cuff can
have with a pocket for affixing the thumb contour.
[0066] In yet a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a glove is
provided with a cushioned patch 151 on the knuckle side. The
cushioned patch 151 can cover one or more of the following
locations: the top of the hand, the knuckles of the fingers, the
knuckle of the thumb, areas of the fingers. In one embodiment, the
cushioned patch 151 only covers the knuckles of the fingers. The
patch may be manufactured from a rubber, a polymer, a yarn, a metal
or any other material that may protect the knuckles from an impact.
The patch may be stitched or bonded to the glove. A pocket on the
glove can be configured to receive and store the patch. A user may
have to put his hand into fairly narrow spaces with unknown or
unseen edges, angles or objects. During entering such spaces with a
hand or manipulating an object in such a space one can easily hit
and hurt the knuckles or other outside parts of the hand by direct
impact with an object, as one is unable to see directly what is
going on. A patch is helpful to dull or diminish the effect of an
impact in those situations and helps to protect the user. The patch
151 can include a logo or other writings to indicate the source of
the glove of other information about the glove.
[0067] In one embodiment, the cushioned patch 151 only covers the
knuckles of the fingers that are most exposed to being hit: the
index finger, the middle finger and the fourth finger or ring
finger, but not the little finger or pinky and not the thumb. In a
further embodiment, the cushioned patch may only cover the knuckles
of two fingers or even one finger. In yet a further embodiment, the
cushioned patch may cover the four fingers and not the thumb. In
yet a further embodiment, the cushioned patch may cover the
knuckles of all fingers and the thumb.
[0068] In one embodiment, a single cushioned patch covers only one
knuckle. This is shown in FIG. 10 wherein the knuckle side of glove
1900 has an individual patch on each knuckle, for instance 1901 for
the thumb knuckle, 1902 for the index finger knuckle, 1903 for the
middle finger knuckle, 1904 for the fourth finger knuckle and 1905
for the little finger knuckle. The patches may be of any shape,
including circle, oval, and rectangular.
[0069] In a further embodiment a cushioned patch may cover 2
knuckles. This is illustrated in FIG. 20 wherein the knuckle side
of glove 2000 has patch 2001 that covers two knuckles (index and
middle finger), patch 2002 also covers two knuckles (the fourth and
the little finger), and patch 2004 covers the middle finger and the
fourth finger.
[0070] Preferably, the cushioned patch 151 is not bulky, almost or
substantially flush with the glove surface and substantially
flexible so it does not limit the movement of the hand in the
glove, nor does the patched glove diminish access to narrow spaces
because of the added patch. In one embodiment, the patch is formed
of a substantially rigid material with an optional a layer of
padding under the rigid material to further dull the impact to the
hand when hitting an object. The cushioned patch 151 in an
embodiment is provided with a logo that identifies a company or an
organization. The logo is preferable placed in such a manner that
the user will see the logo as being upside-down, as shown in FIG.
6.
[0071] The invention has been described with specific reference to
the embodiments and modifications thereto described above. It is to
be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of
construction or process steps set forth in the following
description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced in various ways. Further modifications and
alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the
specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *