U.S. patent application number 13/692097 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for glove.
This patent application is currently assigned to Towa Corporation Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Towa Corporation Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Tsuneo TANAKA, Yukiko TSUCHIMOCHI.
Application Number | 20130091618 13/692097 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45927567 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130091618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TANAKA; Tsuneo ; et
al. |
April 18, 2013 |
GLOVE
Abstract
The present invention provides a glove that can reduce a humid
feeling during usage while realizing a grip force, usability,
workability, and breathability. The glove of the present invention
includes a hand-shaped base layer (2a, 2b) made of fibers having a
stretching property, a coating (3a, 3b) formed on the surface of
the base layer (2a, 2b), at least on the surface of a palm of the
base layer, and a plurality of breathing pores (4a, 4b) formed in
the coating (3a, 3b), wherein the opening areas of the breathing
pores (4b) when the glove is worn are larger than the opening areas
of the breathing pores (4a) when the glove is not worn.
Inventors: |
TANAKA; Tsuneo; (Kurume-Shi,
JP) ; TSUCHIMOCHI; Yukiko; (Kurume-Shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Towa Corporation Co., Ltd.; |
Kurume-Shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Towa Corporation Co., Ltd.
Kurume-Shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
45927567 |
Appl. No.: |
13/692097 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2011/071469 |
Sep 21, 2011 |
|
|
|
13692097 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.8 ;
2/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/0065 20130101;
A41D 31/102 20190201; A41D 19/02 20130101; A41D 19/01558
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/161.8 ;
2/169 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/015 20060101
A41D019/015; A41D 19/02 20060101 A41D019/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 4, 2010 |
JP |
2010-224526 |
Sep 13, 2011 |
JP |
2011-199826 |
Claims
[0326] 1. A glove comprising: a hand-shaped base layer made of
fibers having a stretching property; a coating formed on a surface
of said base layer, at least the surface of a palm of said base
layer; and a plurality of breathing pores formed in said coating,
wherein the opening area of said breathing pores when the glove is
worn is larger than the opening area of said breathing pores when
the glove is not worn.
2. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said base layer has a
plurality of stitches, and when said breathing pores are opened by
wearing the glove, the stitches and said breathing pores
communicate with each other.
3. The glove according to claim 2, wherein the total opening area
of the plurality of stitches is larger than the total opening area
of said plurality of breathing pores when said plurality of
breathing pores are opened.
4. A glove according to claim 2, wherein the opening area of one of
the plurality of stitches is larger than the opening area of one of
said plurality of breathing pores when the one of said plurality of
breathing pores is opened.
5. A glove according to claim 2, wherein the total opening area of
the stitches on a palm of the glove is larger than the total
opening area of the stitches on a palm back of the glove.
6. A glove according to claim 1, wherein said coating is formed
over substantially the whole surface of said base layer, or at
least on a palm, fingers, and the bases of the fingers of said base
layer in the surface of said base layer.
7. A glove according to claim 1, wherein at least either one of the
number of said breathing pores per unit area (hereinafter, called
"unit number") and the total opening area of said breathing pores
per unit area (hereinafter, called "unit opening area) differs
according to parts of the glove.
8. A glove according to claim 7, wherein at least either one of the
unit number and the unit opening area in the bases of the fingers
of the glove is more than or larger than at least either one of the
unit number and unit opening area in the palm of the glove.
9. A glove according to claim 7, wherein at least either one of the
unit number and unit opening area in the fingers of the glove is
more than or larger than at least either one of the unit number or
unit opening area in the palm of the glove.
10. A glove according to claim 9, wherein the size of a finger of a
former for manufacturing a glove is smaller than a standard size
thereof, and the size of a palm of the former is equal to or larger
than a standard size thereof.
11. A glove according to claim 7, wherein at least either one of
the unit number and the unit opening area in the fingers of the
glove is less than or smaller than at least either one of the unit
number and the unit opening area in the palm of the glove.
12. A glove according to claim 11, wherein the size of the finger
of a former for manufacturing a glove is equal to or larger than a
standard size thereof, and the size of a palm of the former is
smaller than a standard size thereof.
13. A glove according to claim 1, wherein said breathing pores are
formed by at least either one of rupturing air bubbles contained in
said coating and attaching particles to said coating according to a
step of dipping said coating in a solvent.
14. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the fingers of the glove
are in a bent state to the side of the palm when the glove is not
worn.
15. A glove according to claim 2, wherein at least one of said
plurality of breathing pores communicates with more than one of the
stitches when the glove is worn.
16. A glove according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the
plurality of stitches communicates with more than one of said
breathing pores when the glove is worn.
17. A glove according to claim 2, wherein the stitches are formed
by knitting reference yarns having a low stretching property and
yarns having a stretching property.
18. A glove according to claim 17, wherein the reference yarns
include bamboo fibers.
19. A glove according to claim 1, wherein said coating is formed on
the surfaces of the fingers and the palm, excluding at least part
of the bases of the fingers and finger joints of the glove.
20. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of said
coating on the bases of the fingers and the finger joints of the
glove is thinner than the thickness of said coating on the fingers
and the palm of the glove.
21. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of said
coating on the fingers of the glove is thinner than the thickness
of said coating on the palm.
22. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of said
coating on fingertips of the glove is thicker than the thickness of
said coating on at least either one of the fingers and the
palm.
23. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the chromaticity of said
base layer contains darker part than the chromaticity of said
coating.
24. A method for manufacturing the glove according to claim 1,
comprising: dipping a surface of said hand-shaped base layer made
of fibers having a stretching property, at least the surface of the
palm, in a coagulant; dippling the surface of said base layer, at
least the surface of the palm, in a mixed liquid containing at
least either one of air bubbles and particles; dipping said coating
in a solvent to swell said coating; and drying said coating.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a glove, and in particular
to a glove with a coating which makes it easy to grasp an object
and is grippy and which is intended to prevent water penetration,
while being capable of preventing a hand from feeling humid due to
the coating.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, a variety of gloves are used in different
situations, such as manufacturing operation in a factory,
agricultural work, gardening, light work, and construction
operation. A glove achieves a high efficiency of work, as well as
protecting a worker's hand. Here, gloves can be classified into a
type of glove obtained by knitting fibers, such as a cotton work
glove, and a type of glove made of rubber or resin mainly for the
purpose of a waterproof property.
[0005] A glove obtained by knitting fibers, such as a cotton work
glove, is excellent in breathability and workability, but has the
problems that the glove is slippery when an object is grasped with
the glove and that water easily infiltrates into the glove. On the
other hand, a glove having a high waterproof property has the
problem that breathability and workability are poor.
[0006] Under these circumstances, in order to achieve workability,
breathability, prevention of feeling humid, and slip resistance,
respectively, a glove is suggested whose part, which is part of the
surface of a base layer obtained by knitting fibers and which is a
palm part, is provided with a coating of resin or the like. The
part covered with the coating is expected waterproof property to
some extent, and a part which is not covered with the coating
exerts breathability. In addition, since the material of the
coating part is resin, rubber, or the like, the coating part can be
expected to have a non-slip effect, thereby improving a gripping
property. This is because it is made easy to grasp an object
securely, since the material of the coating or the coating
increases frictional force.
[0007] In a case where a worker works with such a glove on,
however, in practice, the worker tends to sweat more and more
easily feel humid on the palm part provided with the coating than
on a palm back part which is not provided with the coating. In this
case, since the palm part is covered with the coating, it is
difficult to diffuse sweat or water generated on the palm. As a
result, a condition under which it becomes easily humid occurs
inside the glove, and the worker feels uncomfortable.
[0008] In addition, while the coating makes the glove grippy in
relation to an object to be grasped, the problem occurs that inside
the glove, water on the palm makes the glove slippery in relation
to the hand or, on the other hand, the glove becomes difficult to
take off. As a result, the glove provided with the coating on the
palm side has the problem that usability or workability becomes
worse.
[0009] On the other hand, such a glove provided with the coating on
part of the palm or the surface is used in a variety of situations.
In using the glove in such situations, (1) slip resistance in
grasping an object, (2) a certain waterproof property which can be
expected externally in grasping an object, (3) a certain waterproof
property expected in not using the glove, are expected to be
achieved. If these requirements can be achieved, then a structure
by which usability or workability is improved is required.
[0010] For this purpose, a technique for securing breathability
while providing the coating has been suggested (for example, see
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129418 and Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-84975). Alternatively, a
technique for forming breathing pores in a glove when the coating
is formed has been suggested (for example, see Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. H10-53908 and Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 2001-131813). Furthermore, a technique for breathing
pores due to rupture of air bubbles has been suggested (for
example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. S63-58922 and National
Publication of International Patent Application No. 2009-527658).
[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2002-129418 [0012] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 2007-84975 [0013] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. H10-53908 [0014] Patent Document 4:
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-131813 [0015] Patent
Document 5: Japanese Patent Publication No. S63-58922 [0016] Patent
Document 6: National Publication of International Patent
Application No. 2009-527658
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0017] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129418
discloses a glove whose breathability is secured by, after forming
a sol-like resin layer, attaching discrete particles to the resin
layer, and perforating the resin layer when removing the discrete
particles. That is, the glove disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129418 satisfies both of an
anti-slip or certain waterproof effect due to the resin layer and
securing of breathability.
[0018] However, the glove disclosed in Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 2002-129418 is provided to a worker with the resin
layer perforated. When being provided in such a state, the glove
has the problem that when the glove is not in use, water might
penetrate the glove through the pores in the resin layer and damps
the inside of the glove. In addition, the glove disclosed in
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129418 has the
problem that since optimization of securing of breathability and
how the inside of the glove get humid are not performed,
workability, breathability, and usability for a worker to work with
the glove on cannot be secured.
[0019] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-84975
discloses a glove whose breathability is secured by coating with
resin an unprocessed sewn or knitted supporting liner provided with
fine protrusions.
[0020] Regarding the glove disclosed in Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 2007-84975, however, a specific configuration of the
breathing pores is not disclosed. Further, as in the case of the
glove in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129418, a
certain waterproof property when the glove is not in use is not
considered. In addition, there is the problem that optimization of
securing of breathability and how the inside of the glove get humid
is not performed, workability, breathability, and usability for a
worker to work with the glove on cannot be secured.
[0021] In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
H10-53908 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-131813
disclose techniques of rupturing air bubbles in a foamed resin
coating to form breathing pores in the surface of a glove. These
conventional techniques, however, do not disclose that a user wears
the glove, thereby opening the breathing pores. Therefore, the
gloves disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
H10-53908 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-131813
cannot achieve both a certain waterproof property expected when the
glove is not in use, and breathability when the glove is in
use.
[0022] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-131813 and
Japanese Patent Publication No. S63-58922 disclose techniques of
allowing ventilation through ruptured air bubbles. The techniques
in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-131813 and
Japanese Patent Publication No. S63-58922, however, do not disclose
that breathing pores are opened by wearing the glove, and the
openings of the breathing pores are small when the glove is not
worn.
[0023] As described above, regarding the gloves in the conventional
techniques, it is disclosed that breathability is secured by
forming breathing pores, but there is the problem that (1) a
certain waterproof property expected when the glove is not in use
and breathability when the glove is in use, (2) optimization of
securing of breathability and how the inside of the glove get
humid, (3) securing of usability of the glove, and the like, cannot
be achieved.
[0024] In particular, in the case of work with use of a glove, the
glove which is not worn might be left on a work table, so that in
this situation there is the problem that water might penetrate the
glove in the above situation. Once water penetrates the glove, the
penetrating water causes an uncomfortable feeling when a user puts
on the glove. During wearing of the glove, sweat mainly on the palm
causes an uncomfortable feeling. In consideration of conditions of
use of a glove, it is important to secure breathability and
usability obtained from the breathability in order not to impair
the workability of the glove.
[0025] An object of the present invention is to provide a glove
that can reduce a humid feeling when the glove is in use, while
achieving grip force, usability, workability, and
breathability.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0026] Under these circumstances, a glove according to the present
invention includes a hand-shaped base layer made of fibers having a
stretching property, a coating formed on the surface of the base
layer, at least the surface of a palm of the base layer, and a
plurality of breathing pores formed in the coating, wherein the
opening areas of the breathing pores when the glove is worn are
larger than the opening areas of the breathing pores when the glove
is not worn, and the base layer has a plurality of stitches so that
the stitches and the breathing pores communicate with each other
when the breathing pores are opened by wearing the glove.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Since the glove according to the present invention has the
coating layer formed on a part, including the palm side, of the
glove, breathability can be secured by the breathing pores formed
in the coating layer, with improved object grip force. Furthermore,
since the breathing pores are expanded when the glove is worn, the
glove is not easily penetrated by water when the glove is not worn,
and breathability can be secured when the glove is worn. As a
result, an uncomfortable feeling due to the externally penetrating
water when the glove is worn is eliminated, and an uncomfortable
feeling due to water, such as sweat on the palm, during wearing of
the glove is reduced. That is, the glove can deal with both of the
causes of uncomfortable feelings that might arise before and during
wearing of the glove.
[0028] In addition, a wearer sweats on the palm or the bases of
fingers more than on the other parts in the glove, and in the glove
according to the present invention, the density or areas of the
breathing pores in parts corresponding to such parts of a hand of
the wearer is made high or large. As a result, a humid feeling
during wearing of the glove and during working is reduced, and a
difference in grip force between the inside and outside of the
glove is reduced, so that the glove becomes difficult to take
off.
[0029] In addition, if the breathing pores are differently formed
according to respective parts of the glove, it becomes possible to
maintain the durability of the glove while responding to
breathability different from part to part. Furthermore, by applying
an idea to coating formation parts variously, a humid feeling or an
uncomfortable feeling can be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glove according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the glove according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 3A and 3B are partially enlarged views of a coating
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a relationship between a base
and breathing pores of the glove according to the first
embodiment;
[0034] FIGS. 5A and 5B are descriptive views showing how the
breathing pores expand according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a front view of a glove according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a front view of the glove according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of a glove according to a
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a descriptive view showing a process of
manufacturing breathing pores 4 according to a fourth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a front view of a glove according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0043] FIG. 14 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] A glove according to a first aspect of the present invention
includes a hand-shaped base made of fibers having a stretching
property, a coating formed on the surface of the base layer, at
least the surface of a palm of the base layer, and a plurality of
breathing pores formed in the coating, wherein the opening area of
the breathing pores when the glove is worn is larger than the
opening area of the breathing pores when the glove is not worn.
[0045] This configuration makes it possible to achieve
breathability due to the breathing pores while securing high
durability, gripping property, and a certain waterproof property
due to the coating.
[0046] In a glove according to a second aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the first aspect, the base layer has a
plurality of stitches, and when the breathing pores are opened by
wearing the glove, the stitches and the breathing pores communicate
with each other.
[0047] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to
breathe air or exhaust air between the surface of a hand of a
wearer and the outside of the glove.
[0048] In a glove according to a third aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the second aspect, the total opening area
of the plurality of stitches is larger than the total opening area
of the plurality of breathing pores when the plurality of breathing
pores are opened.
[0049] According to this configuration, the openings near a humid
or damp surface of the hand becomes so large that the sweat or
humidity on the surface of the hand is sufficiently exhausted.
[0050] In a glove according to a fourth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the second or third aspect, the opening
area of one of the plurality of stitches is larger than the opening
area of one of the plurality of breathing pores when the one of the
plurality of breathing pores is opened.
[0051] According to this configuration, enlarges the openings near
a humid or damp surface of the hand becomes so large that the sweat
or humidity on the surface of the hand is sufficiently
exhausted.
[0052] In a glove according to a fifth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the second to fourth aspects,
the total opening area of the stitches on a palm side of the glove
is larger than the total opening area of the stitches on a palm
back side of the glove.
[0053] According to this configuration, the humidity on the surface
of the hand is sufficiently exhausted.
[0054] In a glove according to a sixth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
the coating is formed over substantially the whole surface of the
base layer, or at least on a palm, a finger, and the base of a
finger of the base layer in the surface of the base layer.
[0055] According to this configuration, the coating can increase
the gripping property or ease in handling of the glove.
[0056] In a glove according to a seventh aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the first to sixth aspects, at
least either one of the number of the breathing pores per unit area
(hereinafter, called "unit number") of a plurality of breathing
pores and the total opening area of the breathing pores per unit
area (hereinafter, called "unit opening area) of a plurality of
breathing pores differs according to respective parts of the
glove.
[0057] According to this configuration, the breathing pores can
enhance breathing air or exhausting air preferentially in a part
where sweat or humidity easily collects. In addition, the
durability of the glove is not reduced.
[0058] In a glove according to an eighth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, at least either one
of the unit number and the unit opening area in the base of the
finger of the glove is more than or larger than at least either one
of the unit number and unit opening area in the palm of the
glove.
[0059] According to this configuration, the breathing pores can
preferentially breathe air or exhaust air at the base of the finger
where sweat or humidity easily collects. In addition, the
durability of the glove is not reduced.
[0060] In a glove according to a ninth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, at least either one
of the unit number and unit opening area in the finger of the glove
is more than or larger than at least either one of the unit number
or unit opening area in the palm of the glove.
[0061] According to this configuration, the breathing pores can
preferentially breathe air or exhaust air in the finger whose shape
is complicated. In addition, the durability of the glove is not
reduced.
[0062] In a glove according to a tenth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the ninth aspect, the size of a finger of
a former for manufacturing a glove is smaller than a standard size
thereof, and the size of a palm of the former is equal to or larger
than a standard size thereof.
[0063] According to this configuration, the unit number or unit
opening area in the finger can be made more than or larger than the
unit number or unit opening area in the palm.
[0064] In a glove according to an eleventh aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, at least either one
of the unit number and the unit opening area in the finger of the
glove is less than or smaller than at least either one of the unit
number and the unit opening area in the palm of the glove.
[0065] According to this configuration, breathability or an air
exhausting property can be performed preferentially in the palm
whose surface area is large. Of course, the durability of the glove
is not reduced.
[0066] In a glove according to a twelfth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the eleventh aspect, the size of the
finger of a former for manufacturing a glove is equal to or larger
than a standard size thereof, and the size of a palm of the former
is smaller than a standard size thereof.
[0067] According to this configuration, the unit number or unit
opening area in the palm can be made more than or larger than the
unit number or unit opening area in the finger.
[0068] In a glove according to a thirteenth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the first to twelfth aspects,
the breathing pores are formed by at least either one of rupturing
air bubbles contained in the coating and attaching particles to the
coating.
[0069] According to this configuration, the breathing pores are
easily formed.
[0070] In a glove according to a fourteenth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the first to thirteenth
aspects, the finger of the glove is in a bent state to the side of
the palm when the glove is not worn.
[0071] According to this configuration, the breathing pores in the
finger are easily opened wider than the breathing pores in the
palm.
[0072] In a glove according to a fifteenth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the second to fourteenth
aspects, at least one of the plurality of breathing pores
communicates with more than one of the stitches when the glove is
worn.
[0073] According to this configuration, the glove can increase the
degree of breathability due to the breathing pores.
[0074] In a glove according to a sixteenth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the second to fourteenth
aspects, at least one of the plurality of stitches communicates
with more than one of the breathing pores when the glove is
worn.
[0075] According to this configuration, the glove can increase
durability against deterioration of the coating due to expansion of
the breathing pores while securing breathability.
[0076] In a glove according to a seventeenth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the second to sixteenth
aspects, the stitches are formed by knitting a reference yarn
having a low stretching property and a yarn having a stretching
property.
[0077] According to this configuration, it becomes easy for the
stitches to keep their opening. As a result, breathability produced
in communication with the breathing pores increases.
[0078] In a glove according to an eighteenth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to the seventeenth aspect, the reference
yarn includes bamboo fiber.
[0079] According to this configuration, the reference yarn can
reduce the stretching property.
[0080] In a glove according to a nineteenth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the first to eighteenth
aspects, the coating is formed on the surfaces of the finger and
the palm, excluding at least part of the base of the finger and a
finger joint of the glove.
[0081] According to this configuration, breathability at a part in
which sweat or water collects easily and which has less effect on
gripping property.
[0082] In a glove according to a twentieth aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the first to nineteenth
aspects, the thickness of the coating on the base of the fingers
and the finger joint of the glove is thinner than the thickness of
the coating on the finger and the palm of the glove.
[0083] According to this configuration, breathability at a part in
which sweat or water collects easily and which has less effect on
gripping property can be increased.
[0084] In a glove according to a twenty-first aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the first to nineteenth
aspects, the thickness of the coating on the finger of the glove is
thinner than the thickness of the coating on the palm.
[0085] According to this configuration, breathability of the finger
where sweat or water is problematic can be increased by a simpler
method.
[0086] In a glove according to a twenty-second aspect of the
present invention, in addition to any one of the first to
nineteenth aspects, the thickness of the coating on a fingertip of
the glove is thicker than the thickness of the coating on at least
either one of the finger and the palm.
[0087] According to this configuration, the glove can increase the
grip force of the fingertip.
[0088] In a glove according to a twenty-third aspect of the present
invention, in addition to any one of the first to twenty-second
aspects, the chromaticity of the base layer contains darker part
than the chromaticity of the coating.
[0089] According to this configuration, the glove can make a user
indirectly grasp the presence of the breathing pores or the
openings thereof.
First Embodiment
[0090] A first embodiment will be described.
[0091] (Overall Summary)
[0092] First, the summary of a glove according to the first
embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The
glove according to the first embodiment has a shape conforming with
the shape of a human hand, and is used in a state where a user who
is an ordinary human is wearing the glove on his/her hand.
[0093] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the glove according to the
first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a palm side
view of a glove 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the glove
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 2 shows a palm back side view of the glove 1, which is
the opposite side from in FIG. 1.
[0095] The glove 1 includes a base layer 2, a coating 3 formed on a
surface of the base layer 2, and a plurality of breathing pores 4
formed in the coating 3. The base layer 2 has the shape of a hand,
and is made of fibers having a stretching property. The coating 3
is formed on the surface of the base layer 2, at least on the
surface of a palm 5. It is preferred that the coating 3 has a
waterproof property similar to that of resin, artificial leather or
the like. The plurality of breathing pores 4 is located in the
coating 3, though not visible in FIG. 1 or 2. The opening area of
the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is worn is larger than the
opening area of the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is not
worn.
[0096] FIGS. 3A and 3B are partially enlarged views of the coating
in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows the
state of the coating 3 when the glove 1 is not worn (that is, shows
a state that the coating 3 is not stretched), and FIG. 3B shows the
state of the coating 3 when the glove 1 is worn (that is, shows a
state that the coating 3 is stretched by wearing of the glove 1).
The coating 3 includes the plurality of breathing pores 4. These
breathing pores 4 are irregularly shaped, and have various
shapes.
[0097] In FIG. 3A, since the glove 1 is not worn, the base layer 2
and the coating 3 which form the glove 1 are each not stretched.
Therefore, each of the plurality of breathing pores 4 included in
the coating 3 is closed or slightly opened. On the other hand, in
FIG. 3B, since the glove 1 is worn, the base layer 2 and the
coating 3 which form the glove 1 stretch along a hand on which the
glove is worn, respectively. With this stretch, the opening area of
each of the plurality of breathing pores 4 included in the coating
3 increases. The opening area of the breathing pore 4 shown in FIG.
3B is obviously larger than the opening area of the breathing pore
4 shown in FIG. 3A.
[0098] Thus, by inserting a user's hand into the glove 1, the base
layer 2 having a stretching property expands. Since the coating 3
is attached to the surface of the base layer 2, the coating 3 also
expands inevitably according to the expansion of the base layer 2.
Due to this expansion, namely, stretch, of the coating 3, each of
the plurality of breathing pores 4 included in the coating 3
increases its opening area.
[0099] Since the coating 3 is formed from a material having a
waterproof property, such as resin or artificial leather,
penetration of water through the palm 5 can be reduced. In
addition, since the coating 3 is formed from resin, artificial
leather, or the like, slip resistance when a user handles an object
with the glove 1 worn on his/her hand can be achieved, or
improvement of grip force can be achieved.
[0100] In addition, the coating 3 includes the plurality of
breathing pores 4, and the plurality of breathing pores 4 increase
their opening areas when the glove 1 is worn more than when the
glove 1 is not worn. Therefore, when a user wears the glove 1, the
opening areas of the plurality of breathing pores 4 increase with
the stretch of the coating 3, and breathability is obtained through
these expanded breathing pores 4. When the glove 1 is not worn,
these opening areas of the plurality of breathing pores 4 are
smaller than those when the glove 1 is worn, or, in some cases, are
not sufficiently opened, so that water is prevented from
unnecessarily penetrating through the palm into the glove 1 when
the glove 1 is not in use.
[0101] Thus, the glove 1 according to the first embodiment can
achieve both a certain waterproof property expected when the glove
is not in use, and grip force and breathability when the glove is
in use.
[0102] Since the base layer 2 is made from fiber, the base layer 2
has a plurality of stitches created by knitting fibers. The stitch
is defined as an opening space created between fibers. FIG. 4 is a
front view showing the relationship between the base layer and the
breathing pores of the glove according to the first embodiment. The
base layer 2 is formed by knitting fibers 21. Therefore, a stitch
22, which is an opening space, is formed by combining lengthwise
and crosswise fibers 21. The base layer 2 is made by knitting a
plurality of fibers 21 lengthwise and crosswise, which results in
that the base layer 2 has a plurality of stitches 22. That is, it
can be said that the plurality of stitches 22 constitute the base
layer 2.
[0103] The coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2,
which results in that the coating 3 is formed on the surface of the
stitches 22. The breathing pores 4 are provided in this coating 3,
and the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 increase by wearing
of the glove 1. Therefore, by wearing of the glove 1, the opening
areas of the breathing pores 4 increase, and then the breathing
pores 4 communicate with the stitches 22 of the base layer 2. The
stitches 22, of course, ventilates the surface of the hand, which
results in that the surface of the hand, the stitches 22, the
breathing pores 4, and the outside communicate with each other. As
a result, humidity or water on the surface of the hand is released
to the outside through the breathing pores 4, so that the
breathability of the glove 1 increases. Of course, temperature
lowering inside the glove 1 is promoted, so that a humid feeling is
also reduced.
[0104] (Base Layer)
[0105] The base layer 2 is a fundamental part of the glove 1 having
an outer shape of a knitted glove made of fibers. The base layer 2
is manufactured by knitting natural materials, such as cotton or
hemp, or synthetic fiber, such as nylon or polyester. Especially,
it is preferred that woolly finished yarn is used. At this time,
the base layer 2 is manufactured as a knitted fabric or woven
fabric. In addition, if cellulose fiber, such as cotton or hemp, is
used, the base layer 2 has a high humidity absorbing property. On
the other hand, in terms of an antibacterial property, good
texture, a humidity desorbing property, and a quick-drying
property, it is also preferred that bamboo fiber is used. Regarding
the bamboo fiber, a method of manufacturing the same is disclosed
in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-101291. In
addition, the details of fiber identification and consumption
characteristics of bamboo fiber are disclosed in Bulletin of Study
No. 1 of Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research
Institute, 2006.
[0106] In either case, the base layer 2 is made from a fibrous
material, and therefore the base layer 2 has a stretching property.
This stretching property of the base layer 2 allows the glove 1 to
stretch when a user wears the glove 1. When the user takes off the
glove 1, of course, the glove 1 is relieved from the stretch and
returns to its original size.
[0107] The glove 1 is manufactured with use of a former having the
shape of a human hand. The shape and size of this former determine
the shape and size of the glove 1. Therefore, the shape or size of
the glove 1 can be changed by changing the former. For example, a
change in shape or size, such as child size, adult size, male size,
female size, or senior citizen size, or S size, M size, or L size,
is realized by changing formers for manufacturing the glove 1.
[0108] Since the base layer 2 is made from material made of fibers,
the base layer 2 has a plurality of stitches. The plurality of
stitches allows the glove 1 worn on a hand of a user to breathe.
The plurality of breathing pores 4 communicate with the stitches,
thereby realizing breathability between the hand in the glove 1 and
the outside. Therefore, the breathability of the glove 1 increases
or decreases according to the shape, size, or position of the
plurality of stitches included in the base layer 2.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base layer 2 includes the
palm 5, lingers 6, a wrist 7, and a palm back 8. A former used for
manufacturing the glove 1 includes elements of these palm 5,
fingers 6, wrist 7, and palm back 8, and fibers are knitted along
this former, so that the base layer 2 obtains a shape including
these elements. The elements of these palm 5, fingers 6, wrist 7,
and palm back 8 not only correspond to the shape of a user's hand,
but also relate to the differences in level of necessity for
breathing air. Therefore, these elements cause various kinds of
variations of breathability secured by the breathing pores 4.
[0110] (Coating)
[0111] The coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2.
By dipping the manufactured base layer 2 in a liquid material, such
as liquid resin which is a material for the coating 3, the coating
3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2. The coating 3 is
formed on the surface of the base layer 2, but the coating 3 may be
formed on the entire surface of the base body 2, or may be formed
at least on the surface of the palm 5 of the base layer 2, or may
be formed at least on the surfaces of the palm 5 and the finger 6
of the base layer 2, or may be formed on the surfaces of the palm
5, the fingers 6, and the palm back 8 of the base layer 2 (in the
last case it means that the coating 3 is formed on the surface of
the base layer 2 except for the wrist 7). The coating 3 aims at
securing at least one of slip resistance, grip force enhancement, a
simple waterproof property and safety when a user works with the
glove 1 on his/her hand. Therefore, according to these aims, the
coating 3 is formed partially or entirely on the surface of the
base layer 2.
[0112] Generally, the coating 3 is formed on the surfaces of the
palm 5 and the fingers 6. FIGS. 1 and 2 show this state. As shown
in FIG. 1, the coating 3 is formed on the palm 5 and palm sides of
the fingers 6. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the coating 3
is not formed on the palm back 8. Thus, since the coating 3 is not
formed on the palm back 8, a hand in the glove 1 is not entirely
covered with the coating 3. As a result, in a part where the
coating 3 is not formed (in FIG. 2, for example, the wrist 7, the
palm back 8, and the like), the stitches of the base layer 2 can
secure breathability.
[0113] The coating 3 is formed from material, such as rubber latex
or resin emulsion. As rubber latex, natural rubber latex or
synthetic resin latex, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber
(hereinafter, called "NBR") or styrene-butadiene rubber
(hereinafter, called "SBR"), is used. In addition, as resin
emulsion, polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic resin, urethane resin,
or the like is used.
[0114] All of these materials have a waterproof property, a high
gripping property, and a protecting property, and the coating 3
formed on the surface of the base layer 2 can provide various
effects when a user wears the glove 1. Ignoring the presence of the
breathing pores 4, a waterproof property occurs in parts formed
with the coating 3 due to the properties of these materials used
for the coating 3.
[0115] The coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2
by dipping the base layer 2 in a liquid material, which is a
material such as rubber latex or resin emulsion, which forms the
coating 3. For example, a material, such as liquid rubber latex or
resin emulsion, is stored in a container, and the base layer 2 is
put into the container. For example, only the palm 5 of the base
layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material. The dipping for a
predetermined period of time allows the liquid material to
infiltrate into the fibers constituting the base layer 2. When
dried, the infiltrating liquid material becomes solid. By this
solidification, the coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base
layer 2.
[0116] It should be noted that the coating 3 may be formed in such
a manner that the base layer 2 kept worn on a former is dipped in
the liquid material in order to prevent the base layer 2 from
deforming. At this time, first, the base layer 2 is dipped in a
coagulant, and then dipped in a liquid material obtained by mixing
rubber latex or resin emulsion with a necessary compounding agent.
This is because preliminary dipping in a coagulant allows the
infiltrating liquid material to become solid easily on the surface
of the base layer 2. When the liquid material becomes solid, the
coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2.
[0117] In addition, if necessary, a stabilizer, a cross-linking
agent, a cross-link dispersing element, an anti-aging agent, a
thickener, a plasticizer, a defoamer, or the like is added to the
liquid material which forms the coating 3. The liquid material with
these additives infiltrates into the base layer 2, thereby forming
the coating 3 on the surface of the base layer 2.
[0118] The cross-link dispersing element can be obtained by
dispersing solid matter, such as an accelerator, such as BZ, TT,
CZ, or PZ, or an accelerator activator, such as zinc oxide, or an
anti-aging agent, in water, in addition to a cross-linking agent,
such as sulfur or peroxide. The cross-link dispersing element is
mainly used when the liquid material is rubber latex. Addition of a
cross-link dispersing element to a rubber latex liquid material
causes binding of rubber molecules in the form of a net, thereby
improving physical properties of a resin coating, such as
strength.
[0119] A described above, by dipping the surface of the base layer
2 in the liquid material, such as rubber latex or resin emulsion,
the coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2. In
particular, by dipping the surface of the base layer 2 in the
liquid material, the coating 3 is formed on various desired parts
of the base layer 2. The coating 3 not only improves the gripping
property or handling ease of the glove 1, but also provides a
balance with breathability, as described later, and therefore it is
preferred that a part to be formed with the coating 3 on is
determined as desired.
[0120] (Breathing Pores)
[0121] Next, the breathing pores 4 will be described.
[0122] The breathing pores 4 is formed in the coating 3, and the
opening areas of the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 are worn is
larger than the opening areas thereof when the glove 1 is not worn.
By wearing the glove 1 on a user's hand, the opening areas of the
breathing pore 4 are made larger than those when the glove 1 is not
worn. As a result, a user of the glove 1 can secure
breathability.
[0123] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a state that the opening areas of the
breathing pores 4 have been expanded by wearing of the glove 4. In
FIG. 3A showing that the glove 1 is not worn, the opening areas of
the breathing pores 4 are small, but, in FIG. 3B showing that the
glove 1 is worn, the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 are
large. Since the base layer 2 has a stretching property, the
coating 3 formed on the surface of the base layer 2 also has a
stretching property. The breathing pores 4 are formed in the
coating 3, in other words, the breathing pores 4 are like tears,
cracks, holes, and cuts generated in a plurality of locations in
the coating 3.
[0124] Since the coating 3 is stretched by wearing of the glove 1,
these tears, cracks, holes, and cuts are expanded. Such expansion
causes the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 to expand as
shown in FIG. 3B. Due to expansion of the opening areas of the
breathing pores 4, the breathing pores 4 communicate with openings
of the stitches of the base layer 2, the surface of the human hand
communicates with the outside, and thus airflow paths are formed.
This airflow paths release humidity or steam (caused by sweat or
the like) generated on the surface of the human hand to the
outside, so that a user using the glove 1 can be kept
comfortable.
[0125] FIGS. 5A and 5B are descriptive views showing how the
breathing pores expand according to the first embodiment of the
present invention. FIGS. 5A and 5B show a partial side view of the
glove, showing that the plurality of breathing pores 4 formed in
the coating 3 expands according to wearing of the glove 1 on a hand
of a user.
[0126] FIG. 5A shows a partial side view of the glove 1 in an
unworn state of the glove 1. A coating 3a is formed on the surface
of a base layer 2a. The base layer 2a has stitches, and the base
layer 2a and the coating 3a are not stretched when the glove 1 is
not worn. Therefore, breathing pores 4a formed in the coating 3a
still have small opening areas (not sufficiently opened). An
encircled part in FIG. 5A shows an enlarged view of the side view
of the glove 1. As shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 5A, when the
glove 1 is not worn, the breathing pores 4a are closed or not
sufficiently opened.
[0127] FIG. 5B shows a partial side view of the glove 1 in a worn
state of the glove 1. An encircled part shows a partially enlarged
view of the side view. A base layer 2b has stitches, and a coating
3b is formed on the surface of this base layer 2b. This coating 3b
includes a plurality of breathing pores 4b, and by wearing of the
glove 1, the base layer 2b and the coating 3b are stretched. With
this stretch, the breathing pores 4b expand. This is also obvious
from the encircled enlarged view. The breathing pores 4b expand,
and openings of the breathing pores 4b communicate with the
stitches of the base layer 2. This communication allows humidity or
the like on the surface of the hand to be released to the
outside.
[0128] (Openings of the Breathing Pores 4)
[0129] The statement that the opening areas of the breathing pores
4 when the glove 1 is worn are larger than the opening areas of the
breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is not worn includes various
conditions.
[0130] An example is a condition that when the glove 1 is not worn,
the breathing pores 4 are opened but insufficiently opened and have
small opening areas, and when the glove 1 is worn, the breathing
pores 4 are sufficiently opened and have large opening areas. That
is, the example is a condition that regardless of whether the glove
1 is worn or not worn, the breathing pores 4 are opened, but, when
the glove 1 is worn, the opening areas of the breathing pores 4
expand.
[0131] In addition, another example is a condition that when the
glove 1 is not worn, the breathing pores 4 are closed (shut up),
and, when the glove 1 is worn, the breathing pores 4 are opened.
That is, a condition that the breathing pores 4 become opened from
their closed state is included.
[0132] In addition, the coating 3 includes the plurality of
breathing pores 4, and the breathing pores 4 may be tears, cracks,
holes, or cuts. Therefore, the plurality of breathing pores 4 may
be a mixture of breathing pores 4 which opens from their closed
state and breathing pores 4 which opens wider from their opened
state. For example, when the glove 1 is not worn, some of the
plurality of breathing pores 4 are closed, and the rest of the
breathing pores 4 are opened. When the glove 1 is worn, the closed
breathing pores 4 open, and the opened breathing pores 4 open
wider.
[0133] Alternatively, there may be some of the plurality of
breathing pores 4 which remain closed or remain small in opening
area even if the glove 1 is worn. On the contrary, there may be
some of the breathing pores 4 whose opening areas become small
according to the degree of stretch of the base layer 2 or the
coating 3 when the glove 1 is worn. For example, the palm 5 is
easily stretched by wearing of the glove 1, but the base of the
finger 6 or the sides of the palm 5 may be rather compressed. This
is because, in this case, the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5
expand their opening, but the compression can prevent the breathing
pores 4 at the base of the finger 6 or the sides of the palm 5 from
expanding their opening, or can narrow the breathing pores 4
thereat.
[0134] Since the coating 3 includes the plurality of (numerous)
breathing pores 4, when the glove 1 is not worn, there are various
breathing pores 4, (1) some of which are closed, (2) some of which
are slightly opened, and (3) some of which are opened, and, when
the glove 1 is worn, there are various breathing pores 4, (1) some
of which become opened from their closed state, (2) some of which
become larger in opening area than when the glove 1 is not worn,
(3) some of which remain unchanged in opening area from when the
glove 1 is not worn, and (4) some of which become smaller in
opening area than when the glove 1 is not worn. Even in such a
mixed state, most of the breathing pores 4 expand their opening
area according to the stretch of the glove 1. As a result,
breathability in the coating 3 is secured.
[0135] In addition, some of the breathing pores 4 are opened in a
longitudinal direction of the glove 1, some of them are opened in a
lateral direction thereof, some of them are opened in an oblique
direction thereof, and some of them are opened in other directions.
Which direction the breathing pores 4 are opened in depends on the
locations or shapes of the breathing pores 4.
[0136] The opening area of each of the plurality of breathing pores
4 may become larger when the glove 1 is worn than when the glove 1
is not worn, or the total opening area of the plurality of
breathing pores 4 may become larger when the glove 1 is worn than
when the glove 1 is not worn. That is, in terms of one of the
plurality of breathing pores 4, the opening area of this breathing
pore 4 increases when the glove 1 is worn, so that the
breathability is improved in the location where the breathing pore
4 is present. On the other hand, when the plurality of breathing
pores 4 are considered as a whole, the total opening area of the
breathing pores 4 increases, so that the glove 1 breathes well in
total.
[0137] Regarding the glove 1 according to the first embodiment, the
statement that the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 when the
glove 1 is worn are larger than the opening areas of the breathing
pores 4 when the glove 1 is not worn includes various patterns, and
does not preclude the presence of different patterns in some of the
plurality of breathing pores 4. In addition, the breathability may
be improved by increasing the opening area of the breathing pore 4,
or the breathability may be improved by increasing the total
opening area of the breathing pores 4.
[0138] (Relation Between the Breathing Pores and the Base
Layer)
[0139] Next, the communication between the breathing pores 4 and
the base layer 2 will be described. The way that the breathing
pores 4 and the stitches 22 communicate with each other is as
described above with reference to FIG. 4.
[0140] Since the base layer 2 has a fibrous structure, the base
layer 2 has a plurality of stitches. The breathing pores 4
communicate with these stitches, thereby allowing air to pass
between the surface of the hand and the outside. The stitches
spread throughout the base layer 2, and the stitches are covered
with the coating 3. Therefore, when the breathing pores 4 located
in the coating 3 are opened, the stitches, which are opened in
their initial state (the stitches in this case further increase
their opening area according to wearing of the glove 1),
communicate with the openings of the breathing pores 4, so that air
is allowed to pass between the surface of the hand and the outside.
Therefore, the way of breathing varies according to the
relationship between the openings of the stitches and the openings
of the breathing pores 4.
[0141] For example, the total opening area of the plurality of
stitches during wearing of the glove 1 is larger than the total
opening area of the plurality of breathing pores 4. Since the
stitches are included in the base layer 2, the stitches come into
direct contact with the surface of the hand. On the other hand, the
breathing pores 4 come into indirect contact with the surface of
the hand. Ventilation of the glove 1 is performed in two
directions: a taking-in direction in which air is taken into the
glove 1 from the outside; and a discharging direction in which
humidity or the like is released from the surface of the hand to
the outside. Regarding these two directions, in order to maintain
the comfort of a user of the glove 1, discharging performance in
the discharging direction is important.
[0142] Since the opening areas of the stitches, which are closer to
the surface of the hand, are larger than the opening areas of the
breathing pores 4, which are farther from the surface of the hand,
the openings of the stitches first suck a lot of humidity or steam
from the surface of the hand, and then the openings of the
breathing pores 4 release the humidity or steam passing through the
stitches to the outside. Making the openings of the breathing pores
4 excessively large might cause the coating 3 to be torn or broken,
so it is not preferred that the breathing pores 4 are made
excessively large. This results in deterioration in glove
durability. On the other hand, if the openings of the stitches are
made small in the same manner as the breathing pores 4, the
breathability in the discharging direction from the surface of the
hand to the outside deteriorates. Thus, making the total opening
area of the stitches larger than the total opening area of the
breathing pores 4 improves breathing performance in the discharging
direction from the surface of the hand to the outside, without
lowering the durability of the glove 1.
[0143] In addition, the relationship between the openings of the
stitches and the openings of the breathing pores 4 may be
determined in terms of the total opening area, as described above,
or may be determined in terms of the relationship between one of
the plurality of stitches and one of the plurality of breathing
pore 4.
[0144] For example, the opening area of one of the plurality of
stitches is larger than the opening area of one of the plurality of
breathing pores 4. It should be understood that in the relationship
between the opening areas of the plurality of stitches and the
opening areas of the plurality of breathing pores 4, the opening
area of some stitch may be larger than the opening area of some
breathing pore 4, or the opening area of some stitch may be smaller
than the opening area of some breathing pore 4. That is, when the
relationship between some stitch and some breathing pore 4 is
considered, the opening area of the stitch is large.
[0145] Thus, making the opening area of one of the plurality of
stitches larger than the opening are of one of the plurality of
breathing pores 4 improves breathability in the discharging
direction from the surface of the hand to the outside, as in the
case of the total opening area. As a result, the comfort of a user
of the glove 1 increases.
[0146] Since the glove 1 is composed of the base layer 2 including
the stitches and the coating 3 including the breathing pores 4, an
aspect based on the interrelation between the stitches and the
breathing pores 4 leads to enhancement or improvement in
breathability. As described above, making the total opening area of
the stitches or the opening area of some stitch larger than the
total opening area of the breathing pores 4 or the opening area of
some breathing pore 4 improves the breathability in the discharging
direction which is important in breathability. It should be noted
that making large the opening area of the stitches which come into
contact with the surface of the hand can provide the advantage that
the stitches absorb hot air from the surface of the hand higher in
temperature than the outside, and then easily release the hot air
to the outside.
[0147] In addition, it is also preferred that the total opening
area of the stitches in the palm 5 of the base layer 2 is larger
than the total opening area of the stitches in the palm back 8 of
the base layer 2.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 2, in many cases, the coating 3 is provided
on the palm 5, but not provided on the palm back 8. Therefore, the
base layer 2 is exposed in the palm back 8, so that breathability
can be secured even if the opening areas of the stitches of the
base layer 2 are small. In addition, there is also the problem that
excessively large opening areas of the stitches in the palm back 8
weaken a structural retentive ability of the glove 1.
[0149] On the other hand, since the palm 5 is covered with the
coating 3 in many cases, it is important for the palm 5 to secure
breathability. The coating 3 includes the breathing pores 4 whose
opening areas expand according to wearing of the glove 1, and the
breathing pores 4 can communicate with the stitches, thereby
securing the breathability of the glove 1. Therefore, it is
important to make the opening areas of the stitches larger in order
to improve the breathability (in particular, to improve the
breathability in the discharging direction from the surface of the
hand to the outside). In terms of breathability, large opening
areas of the stitches are effective in the palm 5. It is necessary,
of course, to keep a limit at which the glove 1 can exert its
structural retentive ability. However, since the palm 5 are covered
with the coating 3, even if the opening areas of the stitches of
the base layer 2 are large, the glove 1 can exert its structural
retentive ability.
[0150] Thus, making the total opening area of the stitches of the
base layer 2 larger in the palm 5 than in the palm back 8 can
realize well-balanced breathability of the whole glove 1, while
keeping the structural retentive ability of the glove 1.
[0151] It should be noted that the difference in the total opening
area of the stitches between the palm 5 and the palm back 8 may be
determined by the number of the stitches, or may be determined by
the opening areas of individual stitches, or may be determined by
multiplying the number of the stitches by the opening of the
stitch.
[0152] As described above, since the breathing pores 4 provided in
the coating 3 expand their opening areas according to wearing of
the glove 1, the glove 1 according to the first embodiment can
realize breathability, without impairing the grip force or ease in
handling of the glove 1.
Second Embodiment
[0153] Next a second embodiment will be described. Regarding the
second embodiment, the relationship between the parts of the glove
1 and the breathing pores 4 will be described.
[0154] The glove 1, of course, is worn on a human hand. The glove 1
of the present invention expands the opening areas of the breathing
pores 4 according to wearing of the glove 1, thereby securing
breathability. Here, when a person with his/her hand worn with a
glove works, sweat or humidity is collected at different locations
on his/her hand. Further, in addition to the difference in location
where sweat or humidity is collected, the level of discomfort due
to sweat or humidity varies for respective locations. For example,
the base of the finger 6 is easily depressed because of its
structure, and sweat or water easily collects in this
depression.
[0155] Thus, it may be necessary to provide differences in level of
breathability among parts of a hand (parts of the glove 1). It is
preferred that the differences in level of breathablity are set by
various parameters, such as the number, opening area, or total
opening area of breathing pores 4, or the number, opening area, or
total opening area of stitches.
[0156] Therefore, it is also preferred that at least either one of
the number of the breathing pores 4 per unit area (hereinafter,
called "unit number") of a plurality of breathing pores 4 and the
total opening area of the breathing pores 4 per unit area
(hereinafter, called "unit opening area") of a plurality of
breathing pores 4 differs according to respective parts of the
glove 1. Based on this difference, differences in level of
breathability occur according to the part of the glove 1 (that is,
according to parts of a human hand). Differences in level of
breathability can be optimally adapted to user's discomfort.
[0157] In the glove 1 according to the second embodiment, the fact
that at least either one of the unit number and unit opening area
of the breathing pores 4 differs according to parts of the glove
causes unevenness in level of breathability, but the difference of
breathability varies according to the feeling of a user or the
aspect of use of the glove. Therefore, some examples will be shown
below.
Example 1
Giving Priority to the Base of a Finger Over a Palm
[0158] The unit number in a base 61 of the finger 6 of the glove 1
is larger than the unit number in the palm 5 of the glove 1.
Alternatively, the unit opening area in the base 61 of the finger 6
of the glove 1 is larger than the unit opening area in the palm 5
of the glove 1. Only one of the unit number and unit opening area
may be more or larger, or both the unit number and the unit opening
area may be more or larger.
[0159] FIG. 6 is a front view of the glove according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the breathing
pores 4 larger than what they should be originally, so that the
distribution of the breathing pores 4 can be easily understood. All
circles drawn in the surface of the coating 3 in FIG. 6
schematically represent the breathing pores 4.
[0160] As shown in FIG. 6, the unit number in the base 61 of the
finger 6 is more than the unit number in the palm 5. In a user's
hand, a depression is easily formed in the base of a finger, in
which sweat or humidity inevitably easily collects. In addition,
since the base of a finger is in contact with an adjacent finger,
sweat or humidity collecting in the base of a finger causes a user
to feel discomfort. On the other hand, since the palm has a large
area, it can be thought that even if the unit number is small in
the palm, sweat or humidity does not easily collect in the
palm.
[0161] Therefore, it is preferred that the unit number in the base
61 of the finger 6 of the glove 1 corresponding to the base of a
finger of a user's hand is larger than the unit number in the palm
5 of the glove 1 corresponding to the palm of a user's hand. This
is because as the unit number increases, it becomes easier to
release steam or humidity from the base 61 of the finger 6 in which
sweat or humidity easily collects.
[0162] In addition, FIG. 6 shows the difference in unit number, but
the difference in unit opening area makes no difference. That is,
making the unit opening area in the base 61 of the finger 6 larger
than the unit opening area in the palm 5 increases the
breathability in the base of a finger where sweat or humidity more
easily collects. As a result, a high degree of comfort of a user of
the glove 1 is kept.
[0163] It should be understood that even if either one of the unit
number and unit opening area in the base 61 of the finger 6 is
smaller than either one of the unit number and unit opening area in
the palm 5, the breathability in the base 61 of the finger 6 can be
made higher than the breathability in the palm 5 by making the
other in the base 61 of the finger 6 larger than the other in the
palm 5. Of course, when any one of the plurality of breathing pores
4 is considered, even if the opening area of any one of the
plurality of breathing pores 4 in the base 61 of the finger 6 is
smaller than the opening area of any one of the plurality of
breathing pores 4 in the palm 5, it is only required that there is
a difference in least either one of the unit number and unit
opening area as a whole. It is preferred that such a difference
makes the breathability of the base 61 of the finger 6 larger than
the breathability of the palm 5 for the purpose of user's
comfort.
[0164] It should be noted that this comparison between the base 61
of the finger 6 and the palm 5 of the glove 1 means a comparison
between the design of the breathing pores 4 formed in the coating 3
in a location corresponding to the base 61 of the finger 6 of the
glove 1 and the design of the breathing pores 4 formed in the
coating 3 in a location corresponding to the palm 5 of the glove
1.
Example 2
A Case where Breathing of a Finger is Given Priority Over Breathing
of a Palm
[0165] At least either one of the unit number and unit opening area
of the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6 of the glove 1 is more or
larger than at least either one of the unit number and unit opening
area of the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5 of the glove 1. That
is, the unit number in the finger 6 of the glove 1 is more than the
unit number in the palm 5 of the glove 1. Alternatively, the unit
opening area in the finger 6 of the glove 1 is larger than the unit
opening area in the palm 5 of the glove 1. Alternatively, both the
unit number and unit opening area in the finger 6 of the glove 1
are more or larger than the unit number and unit opening area in
the palm 5 of the glove 1.
[0166] That is, the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6 of the glove
1 have higher breathing performance than the breathing pores 4 in
the palm 5 of the glove 1 on the basis of the number or opening
area thereof. The breathing pores 4 increase their opening areas
when the glove 1 is worn. By this increase in opening area, the
breathing pores 4 allow breathing between the surface of the hand
and the outside. Therefore, since the unit number or unit opening
area in the finger 6 is larger than the unit number or unit opening
area in the palm 5, the breathing performance of the breathing
pores 4 in the finger 6 is higher than the breathing performance of
the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5.
[0167] Since the unit number in the finger 6 is more than the unit
number in the palm 5, the finger 6 has a larger number of airflow
paths between the surface of the hand and the outside than the palm
5. Since the number of airflow paths is more, the breathability in
the finger 6 becomes relatively higher than the breathability in
the palm 5. This is also achieved by making the unit opening area
in the finger 6 larger than the unit opening area in the palm
5.
[0168] In a human hand, a finger has a complicated shape and has a
plurality of joints. Therefore, sweat or humidity easily collects
in the finger due to the joints or complicated shape. In this
regard, as described above, since at least either one of the unit
number and unit opening area in the finger 6 is more or larger than
at least either one of the unit number and unit opening area in the
palm 5, sweat or humidity that collects easily in the finger can be
released more efficiently. As a result, user's comfort can be kept.
In addition, since the unit number or unit opening area in the palm
5 is relatively few or small, the coating 3 can be prevented from
being damaged.
[0169] It should be noted that the unit number or unit opening area
represents the number or total opening area of the breathing pores
4 in a predetermined unit area (for example, 1 cm.sup.2 or the
like), and the predetermined unit area can be determined optionally
and flexibly. In addition, regarding the difference in number or
unit opening area, it is only required to show a tendency to have
the difference, and it is not required to prove an exact difference
in unit number or unit opening area. For example, even if a region
where the unit number in the finger 6 is less than the unit number
in the palm 5 and a region where the unit number in the finger 6 is
more than the unit number in the palm 5 exist in a mixed manner due
to change of a region representing a unit area, as long as the unit
number in the finger 6 has a tendency to be larger than the unit
number in the palm 5, the unit number in the finger 6 is regarded
to be more than the unit number in the palm 5. This is also applied
to the case of the unit opening area.
[0170] In addition, while the unit number in the finger 6 is more
than the unit number in the palm 5, the unit opening area in the
finger 6 may be smaller than the unit opening area in the palm 5.
On the contrary, while the unit opening area in the finger 6 is
larger than the unit opening area in the palm 5, the unit number in
the finger 6 may be less than the unit number in the palm 5. In
either case, it is only required that the aspect of the glove 1
where the breathing performance in the finger 6 is higher than the
breathing performance in the palm 5 appears based upon the shape,
number, opening area, or total opening area of the breathing pores
4.
[0171] (Manufacturing Method)
[0172] The breathing pores 4 are formed by various means, such as
air bubbles in the coating 3 or attaching particles to the coating
3. Therefore, the glove 1 described in Example 2 where the unit
number in the finger 6 is more than unit number in the palm 5 is
manufactured by making the number of air bubbles in the coating 3
or the number of particles to be attached to the coating 3 more in
the finger 6 than in the palm 5.
[0173] On the other hand, the glove 1 described in Example 2 where
the unit opening area in the finger 6 is larger than the unit
opening are in the palm 5 is manufactured by making the sizes of
individual air bubbles or the sizes of a particles to be attached
larger in the finger 6 than in the palm 5.
[0174] In addition, not on the basis of an element that is
difficult to control in manufacture, such as air bubbles or
particles by which the breathing pores 4 are formed, but on the
basis of the design of a former for manufacturing the glove 1, an
aspect that the unit opening area in the finger 6 is made larger
than the unit opening area in the palm 5 can be realized.
[0175] In the former for manufacturing the glove 1, the size of a
finger is smaller than a standard size thereof, and the size of a
palm is larger than a standard size thereof. For example, a small
size is used for the size of the finger of the former is, and a
middle size for the size of the palm. Of course, combination of
other sizes may be used. Since the size of a finger of the former
is smaller than a standard size thereof, and the size of a palm is
larger than a standard size thereof, the glove 1 to be manufactured
has a size of a finger 6 relatively smaller than the size of palm
5.
[0176] When the glove 1 is worn, since the size of the finger 6 is
relatively smaller than the size of the palm 5, the finger 6 is
stretched more than the palm 5 according to wearing of the glove 1.
The breathing pores 4 increase their opening areas according to the
stretch of the glove 1 (base layer 2). Therefore, when the degree
of stretch of the finger 6 is larger than the degree of stretch of
the palm 5, the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6 open wider than
the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5. As a result, the unit opening
area of the finger 6 becomes easier to expand than the unit opening
area of the palm 5. In consideration of the fact that a hand is
inserted into the glove 1 when the glove 1 is worn, the glove 1 is
so manufactured as to be unbalanced in order to adjust the opening
areas of the breathing pores 4.
[0177] Thus, since the former for manufacturing the glove 1 has a
finger and a palm in an unbalanced relationship, the unit opening
area in the finger 6 becomes larger than the unit opening area in
the palm 5.
Example 3
A Case where Breathing of a Palm is Given Priority Over Breathing
of a Finger
[0178] At least either one of the unit number and unit opening area
in the finger 6 of the glove 1 is less or smaller than at least
either one of the unit number and unit opening area in the palm 5
of the glove 1. That is, the unit number in the finger 6 of the
glove 1 is less than the unit number in the palm 5 of the glove 1.
Alternatively, the unit opening area in the finger 6 of the glove 1
is smaller than the unit opening area in the palm of the glove 1.
Alternatively, both the unit number and unit opening area in the
finger 6 of the glove 1 are less or smaller than both the unit
number and unit opening area in the palm 5 of the glove 1.
[0179] FIG. 7 is a front view of the glove according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an aspect of the
glove 1 where the unit number in the finger 6 is less than the unit
number in the palm 5.
[0180] That is, the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5 of the glove 1
have higher breathing performance than the breathing pores 4 in the
finger 6 of the glove 1 on the basis of the number or opening areas
of the breathing pores 4. The breathing pores 4 increase opening
areas when the glove 1 is worn. This increase in opening area
allows the breathing pores 4 to breathe air between the surface of
the hand and the outside. Therefore, since the unit number or unit
opening areas in the palm 5 is larger than the unit number or unit
opening areas in the finger 6, the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5
have higher breathing performance than the breathing pores 4 in the
finger 6.
[0181] Since the unit number in the palm 5 is more than the unit
number in the finger 6, the palm 5 has a larger number of airflow
paths between the surface of the hand and the outside of the glove
1 than the finger 6 has. Since the palm 5 has a larger number of
the airflow paths, the breathability in the palm 5 becomes higher
relative to the breathability in the finger 6. This can also be
achieved by making the unit opening area in the palm 5 larger than
the unit opening area in the finger 6.
[0182] In a human hand, a palm is thought to sweat the most. This
is because a palm has a large surface area, and performs bending or
grasping, or comes into thermal contact with a grasped object. In
addition, since a palm is bent when an object is grasped with a
hand, produced sweat easily collects on the surface of the palm.
Furthermore, the grasped object acts as an obstacle that makes it
difficult to release sweat or humidity collecting on the surface of
the palm. In order to solve such a problem, by making at least
either one of the unit number or unit opening area in the finger 6
less or smaller than at least either one of the unit number or unit
opening area in the palm 5, like Example 3, it is made possible for
the sweat or humidity that collects easily on the surface of the
palm to be released efficiently to the outside.
[0183] Here, since the unit number or unit opening area in the
finger 6 is relatively less or smaller than the unit number or unit
opening area in the palm 5, openings due to the breathing pores 4
in the whole coating 3 is not increased excessively. As a result,
the durability or strength of the coating 3 is not affected
adversely.
[0184] It should be noted that the unit number or unit opening area
in an arbitrary region in the finger 6 and the unit number or unit
opening area in an arbitrary region in the palm 5 can be compared
with each other, and that it is only required that at least either
one of the unit number or unit opening area in the finger 6 shows a
tendency to be less or smaller than at least either one of the unit
number or unit opening area in the palm 5. That is, the possibility
is not excluded that the unit number or unit opening area in a
certain region in the finger 6 may be more or larger than the unit
number or unit opening area in a certain region in the palm 5. Even
if such a reverse aspect is detected, as long as it is found that
as a whole, the unit number or unit opening area in the finger 6
has a tendency to be less or smaller than the unit number or unit
opening area in the palm 5, it can be determined that at least
either one of the unit number and unit opening area in the finger 6
is less or smaller than at least either one of the unit number and
unit opening area in the palm 5. That is, regarding the difference
in number or unit opening area, it is only required to show a
tendency to have the difference, and it is not required to prove an
exact difference in unit number or unit opening area.
[0185] In addition, such an aspect can be adopted that the unit
number in the finger 6 is less than the unit number in the palm 5,
while the unit opening area in the finger 6 is larger than the unit
opening area in the palm 5. On the contrary, such an aspect can be
adopted that the unit opening area in the finger 6 is smaller than
the unit opening area in the palm 5, while the unit number in the
finger 6 is more than the unit opening area in the palm 5.
[0186] In any case, it is only required that the aspect of the
glove 1 where the breathing performance in the palm 5 is higher
than the breathing performance in the finger 6 appears based upon
the shape, number, opening areas, or total opening area of the
breathing pores 4.
[0187] In addition, the unit opening area used in describing
Examples 1, 2, and 3 is based on the opening areas of the breathing
pores 4 when the glove 1 is worn, and this accepts the possibility
that the worn state of the glove 1 can vary according to respective
wearers. In addition, the unit opening area based on the opening
areas of the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is not worn is not
excluded.
[0188] Manufacturing Method
[0189] A method for manufacturing the glove 1 corresponding to the
aspect of the Example 3 will be described.
[0190] The breathing pores 4 are formed by various means, such as
forming air bubbles in the coating 3 or attaching particles to the
coating 3. Therefore, the glove 1 described in Example 3 where the
unit number in the finger 6 is less than the unit number in the
palm 5 is manufactured by making the number of air bubbles in the
coating 3 or the number of particles attached to the coating 3 less
in the finger 6 than in the palm 5.
[0191] On the other hand, the glove 1 described in Example 3 where
the unit opening area in the finger 6 is smaller than the unit
opening area in the palm 5 is manufactured by making the size of an
individual air bubble or the size of an attached particle smaller
in the finger 6 than in the palm 5.
[0192] In addition, not on the basis of an element that is
difficult to control in manufacture, such as air bubbles or
particles that form the breathing pores 4, but by the design of the
former for manufacturing the glove 1, the glove 1 can obtain an
aspect where the unit opening area in the finger 6 is smaller than
the unit opening area in the palm 5.
[0193] The size of a finger of the former for manufacturing the
glove 1 is equal to or larger than the standard size of the
corresponding finger of a human hand, and the size of a palm of the
former is smaller than the standard size of the palm of a human
hand. For example, while the size of the finger of the former is a
middle size, a small size is used as the size of the palm. Of
course, combination of other sizes may be used. Since the size of
the finger of the former is equal to or larger than the standard
size and the size of the palm of the former is smaller than the
standard size, the manufactured glove 1 has the finger 6 that is
large relative to the size of the palm 5.
[0194] For example, when the original patter is of a large size,
the following values are applied:
[0195] Standard: a middle finger circumference of 68 mm; and a palm
circumference of 220 mm
[0196] Example: a middle finger circumference of 68 mm; and a palm
circumference of 180 mm.
[0197] As can be seen from this example, in a comparison of middle
finger circumference between the standard and the example, 68 mm/68
mm=1.0, but, in a comparison of palm circumference between the
standard and the example, 180 mm/220 mm=0.8. Thus, the size of the
finger of the example is equal to or larger than the size of the
finger of the standard, and the size of the palm of the example is
smaller than the size of the palm of the standard. Here, the
standard represents a size obtained on the basis of an average
value calculated from numerous measured examples by the
inventors.
[0198] When the glove 1 is worn, since the size of the palm 5 is
small relative to the size of the finger 6, the palm 5 stretches
more than the finger 6 according to wearing of the glove 1. The
opening areas of the breathing pores 4 increase according to the
stretch of the glove 1 (base layer 2). Therefore, when the degree
of stretch of the palm 5 is higher than the degree of stretch of
the finger 6, the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5 open wider than
the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6. As a result, the unit
opening area of the palm 5 becomes easier to expand than the unit
opening area of the finger 6. In consideration of the fact that a
hand is inserted into the glove 1 when the glove 1 is worn, the
opening areas of the breathing pores 4 is adjusted by manufacturing
the glove 1 to be unbalanced in advance.
[0199] Thus, since the former for manufacturing the glove 1 has a
finger and a palm in an unbalanced relationship, the unit opening
area in the palm 5 becomes larger than the unit opening area in the
finger 6.
[0200] The breathing pores 4, of course, becomes more breathable as
the number of the breathing pores 4 or the opening area of the
breathing pore 4 increases. However, the breathing pore 4 is formed
in the coating 3, and the breathing pores 4 are tears or cracks
penetrating the coating 3. Therefore, if the number of the
breathing pores 4 or the opening area of the breathing pore 4
increases excessively, the coating 3 may be torn or damaged,
resulting in the glove 1 being no longer usable.
[0201] As described in the second embodiment, both preventing the
coating 3 from being damaged and securing breathability required
depending on the parts of the coating 3 can be satisfied by making
the unit number or unit opening area of the breathing pores 4
different according to the parts of the glove 1. Since differences
in level of breathability are required according to respective
parts of a human hand, as described in the second embodiment, it is
preferred that the differences in level of breathability are
provided in consideration of ensuring the compatibility with damage
prevention of the coating 3.
Third Embodiment
[0202] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third
embodiment, a design for opening the breathing pores 4 more easily
will be described.
[0203] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of the glove 1 in the third
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A shows a side view of
the glove 1 in an unworn state, and FIG. 8B shows a side view of
the glove 1 in a worn state.
[0204] As shown in FIG. 8A, the finger 6 of the glove 1 is bent to
the side of the palm 5 when the glove 1 is not worn. Since the
glove 1 is manufactured in such a manner that the finger 6 is bent
to the side of the palm 5 when the glove 1 is not worn, the coating
3 is also bent toward the side of the palm 5. That is, the coating
3 is put in a shrunk state toward the side of the palm 5. When the
coating 3 is shrunk toward the side of the palm 5, the breathing
pores 4 formed in the coating 3 have small opening areas.
[0205] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the glove 1 is
worn, the finger 6 is stretched straight in such a manner that the
finger 6 bent toward the side of the palm 5 becomes nearly parallel
to the palm back 8. As a result, the coating 3 formed on the palm 5
is so stretched as to bend backward. This stretch allows the
breathing pores 4 formed in the coating 3 on the palm 5 to open
sufficiently. When the breathing pores 4, in particular the
breathing pores 4 on the palm 5, are opened sufficiently, air
exhaust or breathing on the surface of a palm on which sweat or
humidity easily collects is improved. This is because it is
generally thought that the palm of a hand sweats more easily than
the palm back, and sweat more easily collects on the palm than on
the palm back.
[0206] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, since the finger 6 has been
bent toward the side of the palm 5 in a manufactured stage of the
glove 1, when the glove 1 is worn, the palm 5 or the finger 6 on
the side of the palm 5 are easily stretched, of course. In view of
a waterproof property or durability, it is not preferred that the
breathing pores 4 are opened wide when the glove 1 is not worn, but
it is difficult to design the shape of the breathing pores 4 so
that the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 expand when the
glove 1 is worn. On the other hand, if the coating 3 on the palm 5
is easily stretched by wearing of the glove 1, it becomes possible
to open the breathing pores 4 sufficiently without applying extra
stress to the coating 3 or the breathing pores 4 (and, of course,
without giving a user consideration or stress in wearing the glove
1).
[0207] On the other hand, when the glove 1 is manufactured with the
finger 6 has not been bent toward the side of the palm 5 in the
manufactured stage of the glove 1 (for example, imagine the state
shown in FIG. 8B), the coating 3 on the palm 5 is not easily
stretched even when a user wears the glove 1. As a result, the
breathing pores 4 on the palm 5 are not opened wide. As a result,
breathing of the palm where sweat or humidity easily collects
becomes insufficient.
[0208] In addition to the state that the finger 6 has been bent
toward the side of the palm 5, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the
palm 5 may be curled inward, or respective fingers 6 may be put in
different bent states. This is because by wearing of the glove 1,
the coating 3 on the palm 5 or the finger 6 naturally stretches,
resulting in expansion of the breathing pores 4. Of course, when it
is desired that breathing of the palm back 8 be enhanced, in the
opposite manner from what is shown in FIG. 8A, the glove 1 can be
so manufactured as to have the finger 6 bent toward the side of the
palm back 8.
[0209] As described above, since the glove 1 according to the third
embodiment is so manufactured as to have a bent shape in advance,
the breathing pores 4 expand by wearing of the glove 1. As a
result, the glove 1 can be realized with high breathability or a
high air exhausting property.
Fourth Embodiment
[0210] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
[0211] In the fourth embodiment, a method for forming the breathing
pores 4 will be described.
[0212] The breathing pores 4 are formed in the coating 3. An
element is identified as a pore like the breathing pore 4, but
includes not only a circular or oval pore but also a wide variety
of through-holes having unspecified shapes, such as a tear or a
crack. Therefore, the pore shape of the breathing pore 4 includes
various shapes, such as a circle, oval, square, rectangle, rhombus,
bar-like shape, straight-line shape, or broken line shape.
[0213] Since the breathing pores 4 are formed in the coating 3, the
breathing pores 4 are formed by various methods in the stage of
formation of the coating 3.
[0214] Since the coating 3 is formed by dipping the base layer 2 in
a liquid material, the breathing pores 4 are formed when the base
layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material or in the process before
or after dipping.
[0215] (Formation by Foaming)
[0216] The coating 3 is made from a foaming liquid material, and
the breathing pores 4 are formed by drying the liquid material
infiltrating the dipped base layer 2, and then rupturing air
bubbles. FIG. 9 is a descriptive view showing a process for forming
the breathing pores 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 9 shows side faces of the base layer 2 and
the coating 3.
[0217] The coating 3 is infiltrated into the base layer 2 as a
liquid material. The liquid material has foaming property, and has
a plurality of air bubbles 4A. The air bubbles 4A are kept while
the coating 3 is in the form of a liquid, but rupture according to
drying of the coating 3 after the infiltration. The bottom half of
FIG. 9 shows that the air bubbles 4A have been ruptured. Traces of
the air bubbles 4A define the breathing pores 4 that connect the
base layer 2 and the outside of the glove 1. Of course, there is
the possibility that some of the air bubbles 4A are not so ruptured
as to reach the base layer 2, but, in that case, the breathing
pores 4 can be torn to the base layer 2 through the use of the
glove 1.
[0218] Since the base layer 2 is dipped in a preliminarily foamed
liquid material, the coating 3 containing the air bubbles 4A is
formed, and the rupture of the air bubbles 4A forms the breathing
pores 4. By taking advantage of such air bubbles 4A, the breathing
pores 4 are easily formed.
[0219] An existing mechanical method or chemical method is used to
cause the liquid material to contain air bubbles. In a mechanical
method, air is supplied into the liquid material while the liquid
material is being stirred, and when a predetermined volume is
reached, the air supply is stopped, and the liquid material is
stirred until the bubbles are stabilized.
[0220] It is preferred that the amount of air bubbles contained in
the coating 3 is less than 15 vol % per unit volume of the coating
3. More preferably, the amount thereof is 5 to 10 vol %. More than
10 vol % of air bubbles improves breathability but reduces wear
resistance. On the contrary, less than 5 vol % of air bubbles
deteriorates breathability, but improves wear resistance.
Therefore, it is preferred that the amount of air bubbles is 5 to
10 vol %.
[0221] The amount of air bubbles is measured according to the
following procedure. First, 500 ml of the liquid material is poured
into a graduated cylinder whose weight is known so that the weight
of this liquid material is measured. Since the specific gravity of
liquid material is generally "1", the amount of air bubbles is
determined by the calculation formula "the amount of air
bubbles=(500-the weight of the liquid material)/500".
[0222] (Formation by Particles)
[0223] In addition, the liquid material that forms the coating 3
contains particles, and the base layer 2 is dipped in this liquid
material containing particles serving as the coating 3 so that the
liquid material containing particles infiltrates into the base
layer 2. In the process of drying the infiltrating liquid material
to form the coating 3, the particles fall off or damage the coating
3, thereby forming the breathing pores 4. This is because due to
the fall of the particles or the damages by the particles, the
coating 3 is perforated so that the base layer 2 and the outside of
the glove 1 are connected to each other.
[0224] Alternatively, the particles may be attached to the surface
of the coating 3 after the base layer 2 is dipped in the liquid
material. Similarly, the attached particles fall off or damage the
coating 3, thereby forming the breathing pores 4. In addition, it
is also preferred that in the process of drying the liquid
material, the breathing pores 4 are forcibly formed in the coating
3 by removing the particles or moving the particles on the coating
3 forcibly.
[0225] As described above, the breathing pores 4 are formed in the
process of dipping the base layer 2 in the liquid material that
forms the coating 3 or in the process after the dipping.
[0226] It should be understood that the above processes are only
examples of forming the breathing pores 4, and a needle-like tool
may be used to form the breathing pores 4.
Fifth Embodiment
[0227] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth
embodiment, an actual process of manufacturing the glove will be
described.
[0228] (Manufacture of the Base Layer)
[0229] First, the base layer 2 is manufactured.
[0230] The base layer 2 is manufactured by knitting or weaving a
fabric from natural fiber, such as cotton, or synthetic fiber, such
as nylon or polyester. In this regard, it is preferred that such a
material as natural fiber or synthetic fiber is woolly finished. In
addition, as described in the third embodiment, the size of the
finger of the former may be smaller than the standard size, and the
size of the palm of the former may be equal to or larger than the
standard size. Alternatively, the size of the linger of the former
may be equal to or larger than the standard size, and the size of
the palm of the former may be smaller than the standard size. In
either case, the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 of the
finger 6 and the opening areas of the breathing pore 4 of the palm
5 may be made different from each other.
[0231] In addition, as described in the first embodiment, using
bamboo fiber is also preferred.
[0232] (Manufacture of a Liquid Material that Forms the
Coating)
[0233] The coating 3 is formed by dipping the base layer 2 in such
a liquid material as resin.
[0234] It is preferred that rubber latex or resin emulsion is used
as the liquid material. The rubber latex includes natural rubber
latex, and synthetic resin latex, such as NBR and SBR. The resin
emulsion includes polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic resin, urethane
resin, and the like.
[0235] The liquid material is prepared by adding a stabilizer, a
cross-linking agent, a cross-link dispersing element, an anti-aging
agent, a thickener, a plasticizer, an defoamer, or the like, if
necessary, to these kinds of rubber latex or resin emulsion. By
dipping the base layer 2 in the liquid material thus prepared, the
coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2. The coating
3 is provided for the purpose of improving not only waterproof
property but also the gripping property of the glove 1.
[0236] This coating 3 includes the breathing pores 4, and the
breathing pores 4 are formed by tears, cracks, cuts or the like in
the coating 3. Specifically, the breathing pores 4 may be formed
such that a force applied by wearing of the base layer 2 (the base
layer 2 may be worn on a human hand or may be worn on the former
used in manufacture) generates tears, cracks, or cuts in the
coating 3 formed on the surface of the base layer 2. Therefore, it
is preferred that the coating 3 is easily torn or broken.
[0237] Since the coating 3 is made easily tearable or breakable,
the following ideas are applied to the manufacturing process of the
liquid material itself or to the manufacturing process of the
coating 3.
Example 1
[0238] The liquid material is prepared by mixing a main material,
such as rubber latex, with an additive, such as a stabilizer. This
liquid material is matured for a predetermine period of time. By
making this maturing period longer than usual, the liquid material
is excessively matured. The excessively-matured liquid material can
form the coating 3 that is easily tearable or breakable.
Example 2
[0239] It is also preferred that the rubber purity is reduced by
mixing the liquid material with a lot of filler. If the rubber
purity is reduced, the liquid material can form the coating 3 that
is easily tearable or breakable.
Example 3
[0240] As described in the fourth embodiment, it is also preferred
that the liquid material is preliminarily foamed. Foaming may be
performed by stirring the liquid material (in particular, stirring
while supplying air). The breathing pores 4 are easily formed by
communication or rupture of air bubbles obtained by foaming. In
addition, of course, the liquid material containing air bubbles due
to foaming can form the coating 3 that is easily tearable or
breakable. In addition, it is also preferred that air bubbles are
ruptured at the step of dipping the coating 3 in a solvent
(swelling the coating 3).
Example 4
[0241] It is also preferred that the liquid material is mixed with
particles or powder. Since the liquid material is mixed with
particles or powder, the particles or powder is also attached to
the coating 3. Stresses are concentrated around the particles or
powder, so that the coating 3 is easily torn. That is, such a
liquid material can form the coating 3 that is easily tearable or
breakable. It should be noted that particles may be attached at the
step of dipping the coating 3 in a solvent (swelling the coating
3).
Example 5
[0242] It is also preferred that the coating 3 is thinned. This is
because if the coating 3 is thin, of course, the coating 3 is
easily tearable or breakable. The thickness of the coating 3 is
adjusted, for example, according to the time for which the base
layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material, the viscosity of the
liquid material, or the like.
Example 6
[0243] After dipping the base layer 2 in the liquid material, the
coating 3 is dipped in a solvent having a similar solubility
parameter to the coating 3. As a result, the coating 3 is swollen.
Thereafter, when the coating 3 is dried, the coating 3 is shrunk
and becomes rough. That is, the surface of the coating 3 is very
finely corrugated. Such roughness makes the coating 3 easily
tearable or breakable.
[0244] As described above, the coating 3 formed according to any
one method of Examples 1 to 6 is easily tearable or breakable, so
that the breathing pores 4 are easily formed.
[0245] In addition, respective parts of the glove 1, such as the
finger 6, the base 61, and the palm 5, may be dipped in different
liquid materials prepared by any one of Examples 1 to 6. For
example, if it is desired that the number or the total opening area
of the breathing pores 4 of the finger 6 increases, the liquid
material in which the finger 6 is dipped is prepared by any one of
Example 1 to 6, while the liquid material in which the palm 5 is
dipped is not treated by any one of Examples 1 to 6. On the other
hand, if it is desired that the number or the total opening area of
the breathing pores 4 of the palm 5 is larger than that of the
finger 6, the liquid material in which the palm 5 is dipped is
prepared by any one of Examples 1 to 6, while the liquid material
in which the finger 6 is dipped is not treated by any one of
Examples 1 to 6.
[0246] In addition, it is also preferred that the liquid material
is subjected to maturing process. The liquid material obtained by
mixing resin with various substances is matured for an arbitrary
period of time at a temperature of 30.degree. C. The liquid
material after such maturing process affects the coating 3 to be
formed.
[0247] (Formation of the Coating 3)
[0248] The base layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material.
[0249] First, the base layer 2 is put on the former, and subjected
to temperature adjustment. Thereafter, the base layer 2 is dipped
in a coagulant. Furthermore, the base layer 2 is dipped in the
liquid material. After the dipping, the base layer 2 is taken out
of the liquid material, and the coating 2 is formed by performing
such a treatment as drying.
[0250] For coagulation of the liquid material, a salt coagulation
method, a heat-sensitive coagulaton method, a straight dipping
method, or the like is used. The salt coagulation is a method for
gelation of the liquid material with salt. The thermal corrugation
method is a method for thermal gelation of the liquid material
preliminarily added with a heat sensitizing agent. The straight
dipping method is a method for gelation of the liquid material by
drying without using a coagulation agent or a heat sensitizing
agent. For the coagulation agent used in the salt coagulation
method, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, or the like is used.
[0251] The liquid material may be dried by hot wind, or dried by
being left at room temperature.
[0252] (Formation of the Breathing Pores 4)
[0253] After the coating 3 is formed according to drying of the
liquid material, the breathing pores 4 are formed in the coating 3
by such an event as wearing of the glove 1. Since the breathing
pores 4 are formed from cracks, tears, cuts, or the like in the
coating 3, there are two patterns of formation of the breathing
pores 4: the breathing pores 4 formed at the time of shipping the
glove 1; and the breathing pores 4 formed by using the glove 1.
Therefore, the number or the opening areas of the breathing pores 4
can vary. As described in Examples 1 to 6, since the liquid resin
so prepared as to make the coating 3 easily tearable or breakable
forms the coating 3 (part or all of the coating 3), the breathing
pores 4 are easily formed by wearing of the glove 1.
[0254] As described above, the number or the total opening area of
the breathing pores 4 (unit number or unit opening area) in each
part of the glove 1 depends on level of the strength of the coating
3.
[0255] Next, various examples or comparative examples for affecting
the unit number or unit opening area of the breathing pores 4 will
be described.
[0256] In the example, the glove 1 in which the breathing pores 4
are easily formed and in which the number or opening areas of the
breathing pores 4 differs between respective parts of the glove 1
will be described. In the comparative examples, unlike the
examples, a case where it is difficult to form the breathing pores
4, or a case where a difference in breathing pores 4 between parts
of the glove 1 cannot be realized will be described.
Example 1
[0257] In the glove 1 of the example 1, the coating 3 was formed
from a liquid material subjected to maturing process for a
predetermined period of time. In the former for manufacturing the
glove 1, the ratio of linger circumference (the ratio of the former
to the standard size) was 1.0, and the ratio of palm circumference
(the ratio of the former to the standard size) was 0.8. The base
layer 2 was made of woolly polyester. The base layer 2 was heated
to 60.degree. C. by former temperature adjustment, dipped in a
coagulant (methanol solution containing 1% calcium chloride), and
dipped in a liquid material that was matured for 24 hours at
30.degree. C. Thereafter, the base layer 2 was dipped in a solvent
(toluene), and then dried and vulcanized for 30 minutes at
110.degree. C., and thus the glove was formed.
[0258] In this example 1, the unit number or unit opening area of
the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5 was more or larger than the
unit number or unit opening area of the breathing pores 4 in the
finger 6. Due to unevenness of the former for manufacturing the
glove 1 and maturing of the liquid material, the difference in unit
number or unit opening area could be realized.
Example 2
[0259] The glove 1 in the example 2 was manufactured in the
following process. First, the base layer 2 (100% woolly polyester)
worn on the former was dipped in a coagulant (methanol solution
containing 1% calcium chloride), and then dipped in the matured
liquid material. Thereafter, the based 2 was dried and dipped in a
solvent (toluene solution), and the infiltrating liquid material,
which was the coating 3, was swollen, and then the base layer 2 was
dried for 30 minutes at 110.degree. C.
[0260] In the glove 1 of the example 2 thus manufactured,
irregularity occurs on the coating 3, and the breathing pores 4
were easily formed by wearing the glove 1.
[0261] In addition, it is also preferred that plural kinds of
liquid materials different in maturing time are preliminarily
formed, and that the maturing time of the liquid material is
changed according to respective parts of the glove 1. This is
because, as a result, respective parts of the glove 1 have
different irregularities, so that the unit number or unit opening
area of the breathing pores 4 becomes different according to the
parts of the glove 1.
Example 3
[0262] The glove 1 of the example 3 was manufactured by dipping the
base layer 2 in the liquid material containing 10 vol % air
bubbles. It should be understood that the liquid material may be
dried after the dipping.
[0263] In the glove 1 thus manufactured of the example 3, the
breathing pores 4 were easily formed by rupturing the air bubbles.
In addition, it is also preferred that two types of liquid material
are preliminarily prepared: a liquid material containing a large
amount of air bubbles; and a liquid material containing a small
amount of air bubbles, so that the amount of air bubbles in the
liquid material is changed according to the part of the glove 1.
This is because, in this case, the unit number or unit opening area
of the breathing pores 4 can be made different according to the
part of the glove.
Example 4
[0264] The glove 1 of the example 4 was manufactured through the
process of dipping the base layer 2 in the liquid material
containing 5% powder natural rubber. It should be understood that
the liquid material may be dried after the dipping.
[0265] In the glove 1 manufactured according to the example 4, the
breathing pores 4 could be easily formed by stress of the powder
natural rubber. In addition, it is also preferred that plurality
kinds of liquid material are preliminarily prepared: a liquid
material having a high mixing ratio of powder natural rubber; and a
liquid material having a low mixing ratio of powder natural rubber,
so that the mixing ratio of powder natural rubber in the liquid
material is changed according to respective parts of the glove 1.
This is because, in this case, the unit number or the unit opening
area of the breathing pores 4 can be made different according to
the parts of the glove.
[0266] As described above, the gloves 1 of the examples 1 to 4
makes it possible to form the breathing pores 4 easily, or to make
the unit number or unit opening area different according to the
parts of the glove 1.
[0267] In addition, the comparative examples for comparison to the
examples 1 to 4 will be described. The comparative examples 1 to 4
resulted in a failure to form the breathing pores 4, insufficient
formation of the breathing pores 4, or a difficulty in uneven
formation of the breathing pores 4.
Comparative Example 1
[0268] The comparative example 1 was manufactured without
conducting the maturing process of the liquid material.
[0269] In the glove 1 manufactured in the comparative example 1
without the maturing process of the liquid material, the breathing
pores 4 could not be formed.
Comparative Example 2
[0270] In the comparative example 2, the glove 1 was manufactured
using the former for manufacturing the glove 1 with a ratio of
finger circumference (the ratio of the employed former to the
standard size) of 0.8, and a ratio of palm circumference (the ratio
of the employed former to the standard size) of 0.8.
[0271] In the glove 1 manufactured in the comparative example 2,
the unit number or unit opening area of the breathing pores 4 in
the finger 6 was similar to the unit number or unit opening area of
the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5. This was because since the
differences did not differ according to parts of the base layer 2,
a difference in unit number or unit opening area was not generated
according to the parts.
Comparative Example 3
[0272] In the glove 1 of the comparative example 3, the base layer
2 was made of Fibers having no stretching property (for example,
cotton). The rest of the glove 1 was manufactured in the same
manufacturing process as the example 1.
[0273] Since the base layer 2 did not have a stretching property,
the coating 3 was not stretched even when the glove 1 of the
comparative example 3 was worn, and therefore the breathing pores 4
were not formed.
Comparative Example 4
[0274] The glove 1 of the comparative example 4 was manufactured
using the former for manufacturing the glove 1 with a ratio of
finger circumference (the ratio of the employed former to the
standard size) of 1.0, and a ratio of palm circumference (the ratio
of the employed former to the standard size) of 1.0.
[0275] In the glove 1 of the comparative example 4, since the
finger 6 and the palm 5 were not stretched by wearing of the glove
1, the breathing pores 4 were not formed.
[0276] As described above, the comparative examples 1 to 4 have the
problem that the breathing pores 4 were not formed, that the
breathing pores 4 were insufficiently formed, or that the breathing
pores were differently formed.
Sixth Embodiment
Communication Between the Breathing Pores and the Stitches
[0277] When the breathing pores 4 are opened by wearing the glove
1, the breathing pores 4 opened communicate with the stitches 22 of
the base layer 2, so that breathing air between the surface of the
hand and the outside is achieved.
[0278] Here, the breathing pores 4 and the stitches 22 communicate
with each other via relationships. FIG. 10 is a front view of a
glove according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows a palm side where the coating 3 is formed. The glove
1 in FIG. 10 has the coating 3 on the surface of the palm, and the
coating 3 has the breathing pores 4. An encircled part shows an
enlarged view of the breathing pore 4 and its surroundings.
[0279] The coating 3 has a plurality of breathing pores 4. At this
time, at least one of the breathing pores 4 may communicate with
more than one of the stitches 22. FIG. 10 shows that one of the
breathing pores 4 thus communicates with more than one of the
stitches 22. Since one of the breathing pores 4 communicates with
more than one of the stitches 22, the breathability increases. This
is because though the breathing pores 4 provide breathability
between the surface of the hand and the outside of the glove 1,
communication of one of the breathing pore 4 with more than one of
the stitches 22 enhances the breathing performance.
[0280] Since one of the breathing pores 4 allows air to pass
through more than one of the stitches 22, the volume of breathing
of an individual breathing pore 4 increases. Thus, the
communication between one of the breathing pores 4 and more than
one of the stitches 22 provides the advantage that the breathing
performance is enhanced.
[0281] FIG. 11 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention. In the glove 1 shown in FIG.
11, unlike the glove 1 in FIG. 10, at least one of the stitches 22
communicates with more than one of the breathing pores 4. An
encircled part in FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the breathing
pores 4 and their surroundings.
[0282] As shown in the enlarged view, one of the stitches 22
communicates with more than one of the breathing pores 4. This is
realized when the breathing pores 4 are small. Alternatively, this
is also realized when the stitches 22 are large. The breathability
of the glove 1 is provided by communication between the breathing
pores 4 and the stitches 22, but ultimately the openings of the
breathing pores 4 control the breathing performance. Therefore, in
communication of more than one of the breathing pores 4 with one of
the stitches 22, each of the breathing pores 4 has low breathing
performance. However, there is the advantage that the presence of
many small breathing parts secures uniform breathability over the
glove 1. Alternatively, since the sizes of the openings of the
breathing pores 4 are relatively small, there is the advantage that
the durability of the coating 3 is improved.
[0283] Since the breathing pores 4 and the stitches 22 communicate
with each other in such various patterns, the breathability can be
balanced with the durability or the like. It should be noted that
both FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show that the breathing pores 4 open when
the glove 1 is worn, thereby communicating with the stitches
22.
[0284] In addition, the breathing pore 4 that communicates with
more than one of the stitches 22, as shown in FIG. 10, and more
than one of the breathing pores 4 that communicate with one of the
stitches may be present in a mixed manner in one glove 1. Since
various types of communications are present in a single glove 1,
the glove 1 can keep breathability and durability in balance.
[0285] (Formation Of the Stitches)
[0286] The stitches 22 are formed by knitting the base layer 2 with
fibers. A region surrounded by knitting of fibers is the stitch 22.
Since the base layer 2 needs to have a stretching property, it is
preferred that the fibers that form the base layer 2 also have
stretch properties.
[0287] Here, it is also preferred that the base layer 2 is formed
by knitting a reference yarn having a low stretching property and a
yarn having a stretching property. Since the reference yarn has a
low stretching property while the yarn combined with the reference
yarn has a stretching property, lines having a low stretching
property and high lines having a high stretching property intersect
with each other. For example, when the reference yarns are used for
the welt and the yarns are used for the warp, stretching directions
tend to be concentrated in a vertical direction. As a result, when
the base layer 2 is stretched, the stitches 22 expand easily on a
basis of the reference yarns. In addition, due to the presence of
the reference yarns having a low stretching property, only the
yarns having a stretching property expand, so that the stitches 22
do not easily collapse. Since the stitches 22 do not easily
collapse, breathing regions to communicate with the breathing pores
4 are secured.
[0288] The reference yarns may be used for the weft of the base
layer 2, or may be used for the warp. In either case, as long as
the reference yarns having a low stretching property is combined
with the stretch yarns, the stitches 22 that do not easily collapse
are formed by the reference yarns.
[0289] The reference yarn is only required to be made of a material
having a low stretching property, for example, bamboo fiber.
Alternatively, the reference yarn may be made of wood fiber or
chemical fiber having a low stretching property.
[0290] (Forming Location of the Coating)
[0291] The coating 3 is formed at least on the surface of the palm
of the glove 1. The coating 3 provides the glove 1 with a certain
waterproof property, and improves the gripping property of the
glove 1. This is because the coating 3 exerts a high friction
force, thereby providing the glove 1 with an anti-slip function.
However, the coating 3 described in this text prevents the glove 1
from breathing air, and therefore providing the coating 3 can
obtain the gripping property but deteriorates the breathability or
comfort of the glove 1. The breathing pores 4 included in the
coating 3 keep the breathability and comfort of the glove 1.
[0292] Here, a hand covered with the glove 1 produces sweat or
water, thereby causing an uncomfortable feeling, but sweat or water
is produced at various spots on the surface of a hand. Generally,
when fingers of a hand are covered with a glove, a spatial volume
per one finger is small, so that humidity or water easily stays in
a small space (On the other hand, the spatial volume of a palm or a
palm back part covered with a glove is larger, and therefore air is
allowed to circulate, so that humidity or water less easily
stays).
[0293] Therefore, it is also preferred that the coating 3 is not
formed in such a part that sweat or water easily collects. On the
other hand, in order to keep the gripping property, it is important
to provide the coating 3 to where the coating 3 is needed.
[0294] FIG. 12 is a front view of a glove according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention. In the glove 1 shown in FIG.
12, the coating 3 is formed on the surfaces of fingers and a palm,
except for the bases of the fingers. Since respective ones of the
fingers are covered with the glove 1, as described above,
inevitably sweat or water easily stays in the fingers. In
particular, the base of each finger is a part where sweat or water
easily collects, since sweat produced on the finger falls down and
collects in the base of the finger.
[0295] On the other hand, the bases of the fingers do not need much
slip resistance when a user of the glove 1 grasps an object.
Therefore, the bases of the fingers without the coating 3 are less
problematic in terms of the gripping property. Therefore, it is
also preferred that the coating 3 is formed on the fingers (and the
palm), except for the bases of the fingers. That is, the base layer
2 at the bases of the fingers is exposed. Since the coating 3 is
not formed on the bases of the fingers, the exposed base layer 2
allows efficient air circulation through the stitches 22 of the
base layer 2, thereby discharging sweat or water collecting in the
bases of fingers. Therefore, the user can reduce his/her
uncomfortable feeling due to sweat or water that easily collects at
the bases of the fingers.
[0296] It should be understood that the breathability in parts
covered with the coating 3, such as a palm or fingers, can be
secured by communication of the breathing pores 4 with the stitches
22.
[0297] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, it is also preferred
that the coating 3 is formed on the fingers (and the palm), except
for not only the bases of the fingers but also the finger joints.
FIG. 13 is a front view of a glove according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0298] Sweat or water collects at the finger joints as easily as in
the bases of the fingers. Easy collection of sweat or water
increases an uncomfortable feeling. On the other hand, as shown in
FIG. 13, when the coating 3 is not formed (the base layer 2 is
exposed) at the finger joints, high breathability is secured. With
this high breathability, sweat or water produced at the finger
joints is easily discharged to the outside of the glove 1, so that
a comfortable feeling increases.
[0299] The finger joints have a roll in grasping, but are less
important in grasping than the fingers or the palm. Therefore, the
finger joints without the coating 3 do not affect the grip force of
the entire glove 1 very much. On the other hand, as described
above, high breathability at the bases of the fingers increases the
comfort of the glove 1. That is, the glove 1 shown in FIG. 13 has a
balance between the gripping property and the comfort.
[0300] Of course, the glove 1 may be such that the coating 3 is
formed on the fingers, except for the bases of the fingers and the
finger joints, or the glove 1 may be such that the coating 3 is
formed except for the bases of the fingers or the coating 3 is
formed except for the finger joints. The forming location of the
coating 3 can be determined based on the specifications of the
glove 1.
[0301] It should be noted that in order not to form the coating 3
on such parts of the glove 1 as the bases of the lingers or the
finger joints, it is possible to eliminate dipping such parts in
the liquid material that forms the coating 3, or to remove the
coating 3 from such parts later.
[0302] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, by the fact that the coating 3
(exposing the base layer 2) is not provided in a part in which
sweat or water particularly easily collects and which does not
negatively affect the gripping property, in combination with the
function of the breathing pores 4, the glove 1 which satisfies both
a gripping property and breathability is realized.
[0303] In addition, in FIGS. 12 and 13, the glove 1 is described
where the coating 3 is not formed in the bases of the fingers and
the finger joints where sweat or water easily collects, but the
glove 1 with the coating 3 thinned on these parts is also
preferred. That is, the thickness of the coating 3 on the bases of
the finger and the finger joints is thinner than the thickness of
the coating 3 on the fingers or the palms.
[0304] This is because when the coating 3 is thinned, the breathing
pores 4 are opened wider by wearing of the glove 1, so that the
breathing increases. Of course, the thin coating 3 also provides
the advantage that a humid feeling is reduced.
[0305] Thus, even if the coating 3 is formed on the bases of the
fingers or the finger joints, as long as the thickness of the
coating 3 is thinner on the bases of the fingers or the finger
joints than on the other parts, it is possible to increase the
usability or comfort of the glove 1.
[0306] In addition, in the fingers, sweat or water easily collects
at the base of the fingers or the finger joints (this is because,
as described above, sweat or water produced on the fingers falls
down and collects in a depression at the bases of the fingers or
the finger joints). It is also preferred that the coating 3 is not
formed in the bases of the fingers or the finger joints, as shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13, or that the thickness of the coating 3 is
thinned, but these designs make the manufacturing process of the
glove 1 complicated.
[0307] Therefore, it is also preferred that the thickness of the
coating 3 on the fingers is thinner than the thickness of the
coating on the palm. The fingers require the coating 3 in order to
increase the gripping property. Here, the coating 3 secures
breathability through the breathing pores 4. At this time, if the
thickness of the coating 3 on the fingers 3 is thin, the breathing
pores 4 in the fingers expand more easily, so that the
breathability of the fingers increases. Of course, the thin coating
3 leads to a reduction in the humid feeling.
[0308] In addition, in the manufacturing process, it is easy to
make the thickness of the coating 3 on the entire fingers thinner
than the thickness of the coating 3 of the other parts. This is
because it is unnecessary to change the thickness of the coating 3
according to respective parts of the glove 1.
[0309] Thus, in view of the face that sweat or water collects
easily in the finger, it is possible to design the coating 3 so
that a balance between the gripping property and the breathability
of the glove 1 can be optimized.
[0310] (Improvement of the Gripping Property)
[0311] The glove 1 utilizes the coating 3 to increase the gripping
property. Therefore, the coating 3 is an element that can adjust
the gripping property. The glove 1 can hold an object in the palm,
or frequently pinches an object with the fingertips. Therefore, it
is also preferred that the thickness of the coating 3 on the
fingertips is thicker than the thickness of the coating 3 on the
fingers or the palm.
[0312] If the thickness of the coating 3 on the fingertips is
thick, the pressure of the fingertips against a pinched object
increases. Of course, the thick coating 3 also improves durability.
If the fingertips have high durability, a user can pinch an object
firmly with his/her fingertips. As a result, the grip force of the
fingertips further increases. Thus, the coating 3 on the fingertips
thicker than the coating 3 on the other parts contributes to an
improvement in the grip force.
[0313] Of course, the breathing pores 4 are also formed in the
coating 3 on the fingertips to secure breathability. Since the
coating 3 on the fingertips stretches in a convex fashion, the
breathing pores 4 easily expand. Therefore, the breathability of
the fingertips is sufficiently obtained. In addition, it is also
preferred that the coating 3 on the fingertips is not only thick
but also irregularity or the like is formed by the coating 3. The
irregularity provides the fingertip with an anti-slip function.
[0314] (Confirmation of the Opening of the Breathing Pore)
[0315] The breathing pores 4 expand theirs opening areas when the
glove 1 is worn. The openings of the breathing pore 4 can secure
the breathability of the glove 1. However, the breathing pores 4
are so small that the breathing pores 4 is not easily visible.
Therefore, sometimes a user of the glove 1 cannot easily confirm
visually whether or not the breathing pores 4 are really provided,
or whether or not the breathing pores 4 are sufficiently opened
when he/she wears the glove 1. Of course, even if the breathing
pores 4 are not visible, there is no problem in the performance of
the glove 1 as an actual product, but if the user can confirm the
breathing pores 4 visually, there is the advantage that the
reliability of the product increases.
[0316] It is often difficult to visually confirm the openings of
the breathing pores 4 easily, but it is possible to make the user
understand that the breathing pores 4 are opened.
[0317] It is preferred that the chromaticity of the base layer 2
contains a darker part than the chromaticity of the coating 3 in
order to recognize the openings of the breathing pores 4. The
breathing pores 4 are formed in the coating 3. The coating 3 is
formed on the surface of the base layer 2, but it includes the
breathing pores 4 and, when the opening areas of the breathing
pores 4 increase, it becomes possible to visually confirm the color
of the base 2 behind the coating 3 through the breathing pores 4.
This is because when the chromaticity of the base layer 2 is darker
than the chromaticity of the coating 3, the presence of many
breathing pores 4 included in the coating 3 allows the color of the
base layer 2 to be seen through the coating 3. That is, the color
of the base layer 2 can be seen through the coating 3.
[0318] Except for a case where the coating 3 is very thin, as long
as the breathing pores 4 are not formed in the coating 3, the color
of the base layer 2 cannot be seen through the coating 3. On the
other hand, when many breathing pores 4 are included in the coating
3, the color of the base layer 2 can be seen through the coating 3.
In particular, when the chromaticity of the base layer 2 is darker
than the chromaticity of the coating 3, the color of the base layer
2 can be more reliably seen through the coating 3. The statement
that the chromaticity is dark means, for example, when the coating
3 is beige or white in color, the base layer 3 is black or brown in
color. In particular, when the breathing pores 4 are opened by
wearing of the glove 1, the color of the base layer 2 can be
further seen through the coating 3.
[0319] Thus, since the color of the base layer 2 can be seen
through the coating 3, the user can notice that the breathing pores
4 are formed. Of course, when it is confirmed that the color of the
base layer 2 is more clearly seen through the coating 3 after
wearing of the glove 1, the user can feel the expansion of the
opening areas of the breathing pores 4 by wearing of the glove
1.
[0320] As described above, since the chromaticity of the base layer
2 is darker than the chromaticity of the coating 3, the breathing
pores 4 allow the color of the base layer 2 to be seen through the
coating 3. Since the base layer 2 is thus seen through, the user
can recognize that the breathing pores 4 are formed and that the
breathing pores 4 are opened by wearing of the glove 1. Since the
breathing pores 4 can be recognized, the user feels safe with the
glove 1, and the provider of the glove 1 can establish the
reliability of the glove 1.
[0321] In addition, not only the chromaticity of the base layer 2
is darker than the chromaticity of the coating 3, but it is also
preferred that the base layer 2 has a pattern which is darker in
chromaticity than the coating 3. FIG. 14 is a front view of a glove
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the
glove 1 in FIG. 14, the pattern of the base layer 2 is visible
through the coating 3. In a case where the breathing pores 4 are
included in the coating 3, the presence of the breathing pores 4
and the openings of the breathing pores 4 allow the pattern of the
base layer 2 to be seen through the coating 3. This is due to the
same reason as described above. That is, the pattern with dark
chromaticity can be partially seen through the breathing pores 4,
and is entirely visible to the user through the coating 3. In FIG.
14, polka dots 28 patterned in the base layer 2 can be seen through
the coating 3. Due to the presence of the plurality of breathing
pores 4 in the coating 3, the polka dots 28 are seen through the
coating 3 in such a manner.
[0322] Unlike the case where only the color of the base layer 2 can
be seen through the coating 3, the pattern can be easily confirmed
visually even in a see-through manner. In addition, there is also
the advantage that the user is amused at the appearance of the
pattern of the base layer 2 through the coating 3. In addition, the
fact that the pattern is more clearly seen through the coating 3
than before shows that the breathing pores 4 are getting larger
than before through the use of the glove 1, or that the coating 3
is getting worn out. Therefore, the user can recognize when to
replace the glove 1 based on how clearly the pattern can be seen
through the coating 3.
[0323] Thus, since the chromaticity or pattern of the base layer 2
is contrasted with the chromaticity of the coating 3, the user can
indirectly recognize the presence or openings of the breathing
pores 4. There is also the advantage that the recognition increases
the reliability of the glove 1.
[0324] As described above, the glove 1 according to the sixth
embodiment can improve its usability or improve its ease of use
according to the design of the glove 1.
[0325] Hereinabove, the gloves described according to the first to
sixth embodiments are examples for describing the gist of the
present invention, and the present invention can be modified or
altered without departing from the gist of the present
invention.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
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