U.S. patent application number 12/733777 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-13 for illuminated glove device.
Invention is credited to Mark W. Fortuna.
Application Number | 20110004973 12/733777 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40511889 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110004973 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fortuna; Mark W. |
January 13, 2011 |
ILLUMINATED GLOVE DEVICE
Abstract
An illuminated glove device for safety and recreational use is
provided. The device preferably includes a first layer of glove
material, a second layer of laminate material on which a circuit is
provided, and a third layer bonded to the second layer for
providing a protective coating of the circuit. The circuit may
include one or more light sources positioned along a perimeter of
the glove so as to form an outline of a human hand. A switch on the
glove allows a user to turn the glove on and off or switch colors,
for example, from amber, to red to green. The circuit may be
battery powered and the switch may be adapted to allow the glove to
alternate between a variety of modes. The device is suitable for
various applications recreational, safety, emergency and other
low-light applications.
Inventors: |
Fortuna; Mark W.;
(Topsfield, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Family ID: |
40511889 |
Appl. No.: |
12/733777 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
September 26, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/77983 |
371 Date: |
September 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60995299 |
Sep 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.6 ;
2/167 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/0157
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/161.6 ;
2/167 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00 |
Claims
1. An illuminated glove device, comprising: a first layer for
contacting a user's hand; a circuit provided on a second layer,
wherein the second layer comprises a thermoplastic laminate
material and the circuit includes a plurality of light sources; and
a third layer connected to the second layer for providing a
protective coating of the circuit.
2. The illuminated glove device of claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of a material of the first layer is selected from the group
consisting of: fleece, leather, rubber, polyvinyl, microfiber,
knit, polyester, nylon and spandex.
3. The illuminated glove device of claim 1, wherein a material of
the second layer is selected from the group consisting of: ethylene
vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyester and polyamide.
4. The illuminated glove device of claim 1, wherein a material of
the third layer is selected from the group consisting of: ethylene
vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyester and polyamide.
5. The illuminated glove device of claim 1, wherein the light
sources are light emitting diodes.
6. The illuminated glove device of claim 5, wherein the circuit is
configured to selectively illuminate the light sources of different
colors.
7. The illuminated glove device of claim 6, wherein the circuit is
configured to operate in a plurality of modes.
8. The illuminated glove device of claim 7, wherein the modes are
selected from the group consisting of an on mode, an off mode, a
blinking mode, and an alternating color mode.
9. The illuminated glove device of claim 7, further comprising a
control switch configured to alternate between the modes.
10. The illuminated glove device of claim 7, further comprising a
replaceable battery for powering the circuit.
11. The illuminated glove device of claim 1, wherein the light
sources are positioned along a perimeter of the illuminated glove
device so as to form an outline of a human hand.
12. The illuminated glove device of claim 1, wherein the second
layer is connected to the third layer by a laminate.
13. An illuminated glove device configured to be worn by a user,
comprising: at least one layer including a plurality of light
sources arranged in a circuit, the circuit being encased in a
laminated textile material.
14. The illuminated glove device of claim 13, wherein the laminated
textile material is selected from the group consisting of: ethylene
vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyester and polyamide.
15. The illuminated glove device of claim 13, further comprising at
least one additional layer for contacting a user's hand.
16. The illuminated glove device of claim 13, further comprising at
least an outer layer for protecting the laminated textile layer
from the atmosphere.
17. The illuminated glove device of claim 13, wherein the circuit
is operable in a plurality of modes, including at least one of an
on/off mode, a blinking mode, and an alternating color mode.
18. The illuminated glove device of claim 13, wherein the light
sources arranged in the circuit include light emitting diodes of a
plurality of different colors, the light sources being arranged in
a predetermined pattern.
19. The illuminated glove device of claim 13, wherein the light
sources are positioned along a perimeter of the illuminated glove
device so as to form an outline of a human hand.
20. An illuminated glove device configured to be worn by a user,
comprising: a first layer for contacting the user's hand; a circuit
provided on a second layer, wherein the second layer comprises a
thermoplastic laminate material and the circuit includes a
plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a predetermined
pattern of a plurality of colors, and operable in a plurality of
modes; and a third layer connected to the second layer for
providing a protective coating of the circuit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of copending application
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/995,299 filed on Sep. 26,
2007, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject invention is related to an illuminated glove
device. More particularly, the subject invention is related to an
illuminated glove device for use in traffic control, military,
roadside assistance, emergency personnel, recreational, and other
illumination purposes for low-light, night vision, signaling and/or
safety applications. The illumination device preferably includes a
contact switch capable of controlling operation of the device in
various modes, where the contact switch can be activated by
pressing the switch at the base of the glove.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It has long been known that individuals participating in
recreational outdoor activities, traffic control, military,
roadside assistance, emergency assistance, and other activities
particularly in low light or dark conditions may require the
assistance of illumination. In addition, construction, road crews,
police officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, first
responders, joggers, or even pedestrians can be exposed to injury
when not seen. This, of course, is particularly true in low light
conditions or at night, but can be true even in inclement weather
conditions, such as snow storms and the like. Further, individuals
participating in recreational activities and sports, such as
biking, skiing, snowboarding, sledding or the like may also be
exposed to injury in inclement weather when vision is impaired.
[0004] While attempts have been made to provide means for making an
individual more visible in such low light or dark conditions, they
are less than satisfactory. For example, individuals participating
in outdoor activities have placed reflective tapes on their
clothing, worn bright-colored clothing, utilized reflective
holograms, surface-mounted beams of light and/or reflective or
transmitting devices but, as will be appreciated, unless a
motorist's lights strike the reflective material precisely or the
motorist can recognize or see a beam of light, the individuals
remain at risk. Warning materials have even been incorporated into
articles of clothing, such as reflective tape on gloves, vests,
shoes etc. Gloves have also been provided with illuminating
substances having phosphorescent or florescent properties.
[0005] The subject invention provides a device for optimally
illuminating the hand of an individual participating in various
activities under low light, no light or inclement weather
conditions and overcomes the shortcomings in prior art systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The subject invention is directed to an illuminated glove
device for use in recreational and safety applications. The
illuminated glove device preferably includes at least a first layer
in contact with a user's hand, a second layer made of a laminate
material on which a circuit is provided, and a third layer operably
connected to the second layer for providing a protective coating of
the circuit contained in the second layer. The circuit preferably
includes one or more light sources, such as light emitting diodes
(LEDs) for illuminating the hand of a user while in use. The first
layer is typically a fleece material, but can also be leather,
rubber, polyvinyl, microfiber, knit, polyester, nylon, spandex, or
any other natural or synthetic material or composite material
suitable for a given application. The second and third layers can
be laminate textiles, and are preferably flexible thermoplastic or
thermo-fusible materials including but not limited to: ethylene
vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyester and polyamide.
[0007] The circuit can be adapted and configured to include a
number of different colored light emitting sources such as red,
green and amber. In addition, the circuit can be configured to
enable selective and alternate illumination of these light sources
so that light sources of a single color or a combination of colors
can be illuminated if desired.
[0008] The illuminated glove device of the subject invention can
also be adapted and configured to operate in a plurality of modes
such as all on, all off, strobe, and blinking. These modes are
accessed by a user by engaging a switch positioned on the
illuminated glove which serves to control which mode of operation
the illuminated glove device is maintained. The circuitry also
includes a replaceable battery for powering the circuit. Because
the battery is replaceable, this allows for lower manufacturing
costs.
[0009] The subject invention can be used in a variety of
applications such as recreational activities, traffic control,
military, roadside assistance, and by persons such as emergency
construction road crews, police officers, firefighters, emergency
personnel, first responders, joggers, bikers or even pedestrians.
These and other aspects and advantages of the subject invention
will become more readily apparent from the following description of
the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects
of the present invention, reference is made to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing figures wherein like reference characters denote
corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional perspective view of an
illuminated glove device according to the subject invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a
circuit showing a plurality of LEDs according to the subject
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional exploded parts view of the
illuminated glove device showing the various layers of circuitry
protection;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible cord that
holds together front and back portions of glove material of the
illuminated glove device;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exemplary circuit diagram of a circuit operable
for one side of an illuminated glove device of the subject
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exemplary circuit diagram of a circuit operable
for two sides of an illuminated glove device of the subject
invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows a battery pack for powering the circuitry of
the illuminated glove device;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a two-dimensional perspective front view of an
illuminated glove device showing a user-operated switch according
to the subject invention; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a two-dimensional perspective back view of an
illuminated glove device showing the battery pack according to the
subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The subject invention relates to an illuminated glove device
for safety and recreational use. The illuminated glove device (also
referred to herein as "glove") may be fabricated from a full length
glove covering each of the fingers, or a partial glove, where a
portion of one or more of the fingers is exposed. The illuminated
glove device includes an electrical circuit in which one or more
light emitting components, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs),
are connected by a wire in a closed circuit. The circuit may be
present on one or both sides of the glove; in other words, only a
single circuit may be used to illuminate light emitting components
on one or both sides of the glove, or alternatively, multiple
circuits may be used to illuminate one or both sides of the glove.
A tactile switching mechanism preferably is provided on the glove
which allows a user to turn the glove on and off or switch colors,
for example, between amber, red, and green. The circuit and switch
may also be adapted to allow the glove to alternate between a
variety of modes. These modes include on, off, blinking and strobe,
and encompass the ability to selectively and alternately illuminate
different colors or groups of light sources. The circuitry is
preferably battery powered, with a battery housed within a battery
pack positioned on the glove, typically on the back portion of the
glove. This device is suitable for various applications including
use in traffic control, military, roadside assistance, emergency,
recreational, warning, night vision, signaling and safety
illumination applications.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional perspective view of an
illuminated glove device 10 according to the subject invention. A
plurality of light sources such as LEDs 20 are connected in series
by a wire 30, such as a Kevlar.RTM. wire. However, the LEDs 20 in
the circuitry may be substituted with any suitable optical
illuminator such as fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, liquid
crystal display (LCD) devices, etc. FIG. 1 also depicts the
orientation of the terms used to describe the illuminated glove
device 10 throughout this application. The proximal direction P is
toward a wrist or opening of the glove, the distal direction D is
toward the tips of the fingers, the front side F of the glove
referring to a palm side of the glove and the back side B of the
glove referring to the side opposite the palm.
[0022] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, isolated perspective view of a
portion of a circuit 40 showing a plurality of LEDs 20 according to
the subject invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the LEDs 20
are spaced along a perimeter of each finger and continue lengthwise
down the illuminated glove device 10, thus forming the shape of a
human hand. This particular configuration of LEDs 20 enables a
person viewing the illuminated glove device 10 at a distance to
recognize a user's hand form. In other words, the arrangement of
LEDs 20 that approximate the outline of the user's hand can enhance
visibility of the glove, and thus alert viewers to the presence of
the user and distinguish the user from other potential sources of
illumination in the vicinity of the user. However, the LEDs or
other light sources may be arranged in any particular manner
suitable for a given application.
[0023] Because the illuminated glove device 10 is configured to be
used in wet conditions or may otherwise come into contact with
moisture, oil or dirt from the hand of the user, the subject
invention provides for waterproof protection of the circuit 40.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated glove device 10
showing various layers of circuitry protection for the circuit 40
that are arranged in conjunction with the glove material. These
layers include at least a first layer of glove material 50, a
flexible layer 60 that is preferably operably connected to the
circuit 40, and an outer or surface layer 70. The glove material 50
preferably is made of a fiber material such as fleece, leather,
rubber, polyvinyl, microfiber, knit, polyester, nylon, spandex, or
any other natural or synthetic material or composite material
suitable for a given application. In one embodiment, the glove
material 50 is a micro-fleece material. The glove material 50 is
configured to come into contact with the skin and helps shield and
protect the skin of the user's hand.
[0024] The flexible layer 60 is typically a laminated textile
material that is configured to be connected to the glove material
50. For example, the laminated textile material can be a
thermoplastic or thermo-fusible material such as ethylene vinyl
acetate, polyethylene, polyester, or polyamide. The flexible layer
60 must be suitably elastic to allow the user to perform hand
signals, gripping or other manual functions while the illuminated
glove device 10 is in use. As shown, the circuit 40 is adhered to
the flexible layer 60 using thermofusion, epoxy, glue, or another
adhesive or connecting element for securing the circuit 40 to the
flexible layer 60.
[0025] A surface layer 70 preferably is connected to the flexible
layer 60 to shield the circuit 40 from the atmosphere, thereby
providing a partial or complete seal against moisture. The surface
layer 70 can be a clear laminate and may be the same material as
the flexible layer 60, namely thermoplastic or thermo-fusible
materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyester,
and polyamide, or optionally may be a different material. The
connection between the flexible layer 60 and the surface layer 70
is preferably achieved by using a lamination process. During the
process, an adhesive such as a reactive laminate powder can be used
to bond the surface layer 70 to the flexible layer 60. The powder
or other adhesive, for example, can be activated by heat in a
heated press which bonds the layers 60, 70 together. The lamination
process is used to seal the circuit 40, providing waterproof
protection from outside moisture and contamination.
[0026] A front portion of the glove material 50 preferably is
connected to a back portion of the glove material 50 by a woven or
stitched flexible cord 80. A cross-sectional view of the flexible
cord 80 connecting the front and back portions of the glove
material 50 is shown in FIG. 4. The flexible cord 80 can be woven
with a cross stitch or web pattern, for example, and connects the
two halves of the glove material to each other in order to form the
shape of the illuminated glove device 10. By using the flexible
cord 80, the illuminated glove device 10 is adjustable in size, and
thus can expand so as to be suitable for various glove sizes. The
use of cross-stitched or woven flexible cord 80 also increases the
durability of the illuminated glove device 10. The flexible cord 80
can be made of elastic or any other suitable stretch material.
[0027] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a circuit 150 for one side
of the illuminated glove device 10 of the subject invention. The
circuit has a plurality of LEDs 20, operational amplifiers 160,
additional voltage regulating circuitry 180 and a switch 120 for
activating the circuit 150. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary circuit
diagram of an electrical circuit 170 for both the front F and the
back B sides of the illuminated glove device 10 of the subject
invention, having a plurality of LEDs 20, operational amplifiers
160, additional voltage regulating circuit 180 and a switch 120 for
activating the circuit 170. Circuits 150, 170 may also be adapted
to allow the illuminated glove device 10 to alternate between a
variety of modes. These modes include, on, off, blinking or strobe,
as well as the ability to alternate the color of LEDs 20
illuminated. LEDs 20 may be placed in an alternating pattern of any
one of red, green or amber, etc. depending on a desired
application.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a battery pack 100 that preferably includes a
battery 90, battery casing 110, and battery cover 130. When the
battery cover 130 is returned to a closed position, in the
direction of the arrow as shown, a closed circuit is formed
connecting the battery 90, or power source, to the circuit 40. The
battery 90 may also be replaceable in order to reduce costs. The
battery pack 100 may be held in place by the wristband 140 of the
illuminated glove device 10. The wristband 140 may also incorporate
a strap with a hook and loop mechanism such as a Velcro.RTM. latch
or other clasping mechanism to secure the battery pack 100.
[0029] FIGS. 8 and 9 are two-dimensional perspective views of the
front and back of the illuminated glove device 10, respectively. A
placement of the switch 120 and battery pack 100 are also shown.
With regard to the switch 120, in this embodiment, a user, with the
same hand, is capable of controlling an operation of the
illuminated glove device 10 by pressing the switch 120 and also
alternating between a variety of illumination modes. In one
embodiment, the switch 120 is a rocker on/off switch. In another
embodiment, the switch 120 is a momentary switch so that one needs
to hold it down for a predetermined time before it is operative,
thus preventing the illuminated glove device 10 from being
inadvertently turned on or off by accidentally touching the switch
120. The illuminated glove device 10 may also be adapted with a
hook or loop mechanism (not shown), such as a band of material or
strap to hold an additional mini flashlight, alternative
illumination device or other accessory on the lateral portion of
the hand.
[0030] The present invention has been described in detail,
including preferred embodiments. However, it should be recognized
that those skilled in the art, upon considering this disclosure,
may make modifications and improvements within the spirit and scope
of this invention.
* * * * *