U.S. patent application number 13/947423 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for protective device for use with a glove.
This patent application is currently assigned to Summit Glove Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Summit Glove Inc.. Invention is credited to James L. Hull.
Application Number | 20150020284 13/947423 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52342370 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150020284 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hull; James L. |
January 22, 2015 |
PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR USE WITH A GLOVE
Abstract
A protective device has a thumb connector and an index finger
connector with a protective member extending therebetween. The
protective device is designed to protect the thumb webbing region
surface of a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten as a spit
from a rotisserie oven is drawn atop the protective device. The
device may be adjustably connected to the glove or mitten. The
protective member may have a generally corrugated shape permitting
the spit to transition easily atop it. Further, a living hinge may
be provided as part of the protective member allowing it to be
formed into a V-shaped channel.
Inventors: |
Hull; James L.; (Malvern,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Summit Glove Inc. |
Minerva |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Summit Glove Inc.
|
Family ID: |
52342370 |
Appl. No.: |
13/947423 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/01594 20130101;
A41D 13/081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/16 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/08 20060101
A41D013/08 |
Claims
1. A protective device comprising: a thumb connector; an index
finger connector spaced apart from the thumb connector; and a
protective member extending between the thumb connector and the
index finger connector and adapted to protect a thumb webbing
region of a one of a glove and mitten.
2. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the protective member
further comprises first and second edges extending from adjacent
the index finger connector to adjacent the thumb connector.
3. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the protective member
further comprises at least one living hinge.
4. The protective device of claim 3, wherein the at least one
living hinge further comprises first, second, and third living
hinges.
5. The protective device of claim 4, wherein the first, second, and
third living hinges are parallel to one another.
6. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the protective member
has a corrugated surface.
7. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the thumb connecter
comprises a sidewall defining an opening adapted to at least
partially receive a thumb portion of the one of glove and
mitten.
8. The protective device of claim 7, wherein the thumb connector
further comprises a plurality of projections extending radially
inwards from the sidewall.
9. The protective device of claim 7, wherein the thumb connector
further comprises at least two segments movable relative to each
other adapted to adjust the diameter of the opening.
10. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the index finger
connecter comprises a sidewall defining an opening adapted to at
least partially receive an index finger portion of the one of the
glove and mitten.
11. The protective device of claim 10, wherein the index finger
connector further comprises a plurality of projections extending
radially inwards from the sidewall.
12. The protective device of claim 10, wherein the index finger
connector further comprises at least two segments movable relative
to each other adapted to adjust the diameter of the opening.
13. The protective device of claim 1, in combination with a liquid
proof heat resistant glove or mitten, wherein the protective member
extends over the thumb webbing region of the one of the glove and
mitten.
14. The combination of claim 13, in further combination with a spit
from a rotisserie roasting oven, wherein the protective device
prevents the spit from cutting the glove or mitten during sliding
engagement between the spit and the protective member.
15. The protective device of claim 1 integrally molded from a
polymer having a melting temperature of at least 500 degrees
Fahrenheit.
16. The protective device of claim 1 further comprising a patch
disposed above the protective member.
17. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the protective
device comprises chainmail.
18. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the protective
member comprises of one of (a) a para-aramid synthetic fiber and
(b) an aramid synthetic fiber.
19. A method of protecting a liquid proof heat resistant glove
comprising the steps of: donning a liquid proof heat resistant
glove having a thumb webbing region; providing a protective device
comprising a protective member which is mounted on the glove so the
protective member extends over an outer surface of the thumb
webbing region; affixing the protective device to the glove; and
drawing a spit across the protective device wherein the protective
member protects against the spit cutting the glove.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates generally to protective
coverings. More particularly, the present invention relates to
protective coverings used in conjunction with a glove or mitten.
Specifically, the present invention provides a protective device to
cover the webbing region located between a thumb and index finger
on a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Humans have enjoyed roasting chickens on a rotisserie since
at least the middle ages. Modern rotisserie devices are provided in
the form of ovens, often at supermarkets. The chickens cook on a
rotisserie spit that rotates in the oven. The spit is extremely
sharp as it has to pierce the chicken so the chicken may be affixed
to the spit while it rotates through the oven. The rotisserie oven
heats up to high temperatures, often in excess of 500 degrees, and
cooks the chicken.
[0005] Liquid proof heat resistant gloves are often used in
commercial settings, such as delicatessens or delis that cook their
own rotisserie chickens. These gloves are designed to protect a
worker's hands from the high heat, and hot liquids that are
associated with the rotisserie roasting of chicken. A deli worker
dons these gloves prior to removing the chickens from the spit. To
remove a chicken from a spit, a worker wearing the liquid proof
heat resistant gloves removes the spit from the rotating oven. The
worker then grasps the spit at one end. Ordinarily, a right handed
person grasps the right end with his right hand and grasps adjacent
the right end of the spit with his left hand in the glove. The user
then pulls the spit using his right hand in a motion similar to
drawing a sword, all while continuing to grasp the spit with his
left hand. As the spit travels through the user's grasped hand, the
chickens are released from the spit and fall into a desired
container. A problem often arises when the worker removes the
chickens because drawing the spit through the grasped glove has a
tendency to cut the glove surface. The liquid proof heat resistant
gloves often cost around one hundred dollars a pair and currently
some delicatessens are replacing cut or damaged gloves every three
days.
[0006] Thus, while the liquid proof heat resistant gloves exist for
protecting the deli worker from the hot spit and hot liquids, a
need exists to protect the expensive glove from the slicing motion
of the spit as it pulled through the grasped hand of the deli
worker.
[0007] A search for prior art revealed a protector for a ski glove.
One exemplary ski glove protector is manufactured by Kombi, Ltd. of
Essex Junction, Vermont, USA and sold commercially under the name
of "Glove Protector" available at www.skis.com. This Kombi glove
protector is constructed of natural leather and is for use with ski
gloves to protect a cold weather ski glove from being torn by ski
tow ropes while a wearer grasps the tow rope. This Kombi glove
protector is cold weather outdoor gear and would not function in
the protective manner at the high temperatures required for
protecting a liquid proof heat resistant glove donned by a deli
worker. The leather constructed Kombi glove would melt at the high
temperatures ranges in which the present invention operates.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one aspect, the invention may provide a protective device
that protectively engages an outer surface of a thumb webbing
region of a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention may provide a protective
device comprising: a thumb connector; an index finger connector
spaced apart from the thumb connector; and a protective member
extending between the thumb connector and the index finger
connector adapted to protect a thumb webbing region surface of a
liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten.
[0010] In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of
protecting a liquid proof heat resistant glove comprising the steps
of: donning a liquid proof heat resistant glove having a thumb
webbing region; providing a protective device comprising a thumb
connector, an index finger connector; and a protective member
extending between the thumb connector and the index finger
connector adapted to protect the surface of the thumb webbing
region; affixing the protective device to the glove; impacting an
elongated member on the protective device; drawing the elongated
member atop the protective device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the
best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles,
are set forth in the following description and are shown in the
drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set
forth in the appended claims.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
protective device of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the first
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the first
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a palmar perspective view of a second embodiment
of the present invention shown attached to and in protective
position on a liquid proof heat resistant glove.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a dorsal perspective view of the second embodiment
of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present
invention shown as if laid flat.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the third embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] A first embodiment of the protective device 10 is shown
generally in FIGS. 1-3; a second embodiment 210 in FIGS. 4-5; and a
third embodiment 310 in FIGS. 6-7. Prior to describing the
protective device, a liquid proof heat resistant glove 12 is first
described. The embodiments of the protective device 10, 210, and
310, respectively are used in combination with the liquid proof
heat resistant glove 12 (FIGS. 4-5) to protect the surface of the
glove 12. One such glove is disclosed by U.S. Patent App. Pub. No.
2011/0145967, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein
by reference. Glove 12 has a top end 13 located adjacent the tip of
the fingers and a bottom end 15 located adjacent the wrist. Bottom
end 15 defines a glove opening through which a person's hand may be
inserted into the glove and be removed therethrough. Glove 12 has
an index finger portion or sheath 14 and a thumb portion or sheath
16. Glove 12 may also have sheaths respectively covering the
remaining fingers (14a, 14b, 14c), or glove 12 may be configured as
a mitten having only a thumb sheath and a four finger sheath
covering the remaining fingers. Index finger portion 14 receives at
least the index finger of a human hand. Thumb portion 16 receives
the thumb of a human hand. Glove 12 has a front or palmar region 18
and a back or dorsal region 20. Palmar region 18 lies along the
palm of a user's hand when glove 12 is worn. Dorsal region 20 lies
along the back of a user's hand when glove 12 is worn. Glove 12
defines a J-shaped (when viewed from the palmar side of a left hand
glove or viewed form the dorsal side of a right hand glove) thumb
webbing region or crotch 22 between index finger portion 14 and
thumb portion 16, starting adjacent and below the tip of index
finger portion 14 and adjacent and below the tip of thumb portion
16. Webbing region 22 extends partially around the hand from front
18 to back 20 crossing between the index finger portion 14 and
thumb portion 16. In general, the embodiments of the protective
device engage and protect the thumb webbing region 22 of glove 12
when device 10 is in a mounted position.
[0021] Turning to FIGS. 1-3, protective device 10 may be a one
piece integrally molded body which may be formed by injection
molding. It is noted that device 10 is described here unattached
configuration/orientation, and will be discussed later in this
application in an attached or protective configuration. Device 10
is typically formed of a plastic material and has a top side 17, a
bottom side 19, a first or front end 21, a second or rear end 23,
and a first or right side 25, a second or left side 27. Device 10
includes an index finger connecter 24 which defines rear end 23, a
thumb connector 26 which defines front end 21, and a protective
member 28 extending between and connected to the index finger
connector 24 and the thumb connector 26. Top side 17 and bottom
side 19 define therebetween a vertical direction. Front end 21 and
rear end 23 define therebetween a longitudinal direction. Right
side 19 and left side 21 define therebetween a transverse
direction. Index finger connector 24 comprises an arcuate, annular,
tubular, ring-like or substantially circular sidewall 37. Sidewall
37 has an upwardly facing top surface or first annular edge 36
spaced apart from a downwardly facing bottom surface or second
annular edge 38. Sidewall 37 has an inner surface 30 and an outer
surface 32, each surface 30, 32 extending from top surface 36 to
bottom surface 38. Inner surface 30 of sidewall 37 defines a
generally circular through aperture 42 extending from top surface
36 to bottom surface 38. Inner surface 30 faces radially inward
towards the center of aperture 42 and is concavely curved as viewed
from above. Outer surface 32 faces radially outward away from the
center of aperture 42 and is convexly curved as viewed from above.
Inner and outer surfaces 30, 32 curve in a parallel fashion and may
be concentric about the center of aperture 42.
[0022] Sidewall 37 has a base segment 39, a left segment 41, and a
right segment 43. Right segment 43 connects to base 39 in a
cantilevered manner and is arcuate as viewed from above, extending
rearwardly to a terminal end or a first slit edge 52. Left segment
41 connects to base 39 in a cantilevered manner and is arcuate as
viewed from above, extending rearwardly to a terminal end or second
slit edge 54. Slit edges 52, 54 define and bound a gap or slit 50
extending from the first annular edge 36 to the second annular edge
38. A plurality of projections 46 are rigidly secured to sidewall
37 and extend radially inwardly to an arcuate edge 45 which is
concavely curved as viewed from above and substantially concentric
with inner surface 30. Each edge 45 terminates at circumferential
ends 47 of a given projection 46. Projections 46 extend radially
inward towards the center of aperture 42 from sidewall 37 beyond
inner surface 30. A distance from inner surface 30 to arcuate edge
45 is typically approximately 1 or 2 to 4, 5, or 6 millimeters
(mm). As seen in FIG. 2, projections 46 extend from the first
annular edge 36, however they may be located along any portion of
sidewall 37 extending radially inward beyond inner surface 30. A
space or gap 49 is defined between two adjacent circumferential
ends 47 of each adjacent pair of projections 46.
[0023] Thumb connector 26 comprises an arcuate, annular, tubular,
ring-like or substantially circular sidewall 69. Sidewall 69 has an
upwardly facing top surface or first annular edge 68 spaced apart
from a downwardly facing bottom surface or second annular edge 70.
Sidewall 69 has an inner surface 62 and an outer surface 64, each
surface 62, 64 extending from top surface 68 to bottom surface 70.
Inner surface 62 of sidewall 69 defines a generally circular
through aperture 74 extending from top surface 68 to bottom surface
70. Inner surface 62 faces radially inward towards the center of
aperture 74 and is concavely curved as viewed from above. Outer
surface 64 faces radially outward away from the center of aperture
74 and is convexly curved as viewed from above.
[0024] Sidewall 69 has a base segment 65, a left segment 67, and a
right segment 69. Right segment 69 connects to base 65 in a
cantilevered manner and is arcuate as viewed from above, extending
forwardly to a terminal end or a first slit edge 84. Left segment
67 connects to base 65 in a cantilevered manner and is arcuate as
viewed from above, extending forwardly to a terminal end or a
second slit edge 86. Slit edges 84, 86 define and bound a gap or
slit 82 extending from the first annular edge 68 to the second
annular edge 70. A plurality of projections 78 are rigidly secured
to sidewall 69 and extend radially inward to an arcuate edge 71
which is concavely curved as viewed from above and substantially
concentric with inner surface 62. Each edge 71 terminates at
circumferential ends 73 of a given projection 78. Projections 78
extend radially inward towards the center of aperture 74 from
sidewall 69 beyond inner surface 62. A distance from inner surface
62 to arcuate edge 71 is typically approximately 1 or 2 to 4, 5, or
6 millimeters (mm). As seen in FIG. 2, projections 69 extend from
the first annular edge 68, however they may be located along any
portion of sidewall 69 extending radially inward beyond inner
surface 62. A space or gap 75 is defined by the space created
between two adjacent circumferential ends 73 of each adjacent pair
of projections 78.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, protective member 28 extends between and
is connected to the index finger connector 24 and the thumb
connector 26 adapted to protect the thumb webbing region 22 of
glove 12. Protective member includes a first protective section
122, a second protective section 124, a third protective section
126, and a fourth protective section 128. Further, protective
member 28 comprises a first end 104 defined by the first protective
section 122, a second end 102 defined by the fourth protective
section 128, a first edge 106, a second edge 108, a first or
forward living hinge 110, a second or rear living hinge 112
rearward of hinge 110, a third or intermediate living hinge 114
rearward of hinge 110 and forward of hinge 112, an upwardly facing
top surface 116, and a downwardly facing bottom surface 118.
[0026] First protective section 122 is bound by the first edge 106,
second edge 108, first end 104 connected to index finger connector
24, and first living hinge 110. First section 122 connects to thumb
connector 26 and extends outwardly beyond outer surface 64. Section
122 connects adjacent the second annular edge 70 extending beyond
outer surface 64, however other attachment positions are
contemplated having section 122 extending beyond outer surface 64.
Section 122 has an upwardly facing top surface and a downwardly
facing bottom surface, which respectively form portions of top
surface 116 and bottom surface 118. First protective section 122
pivotably connects to a second protective section 124 by first
living hinge 110. Second protective section 122 is bound by first
edge 106, second edge 108, first living hinge 110, and third living
hinge 114. Second section 124 has an upwardly facing top surface
and a downwardly facing bottom surface, which respectively form
portions of top surface 116 and bottom surface 118.
[0027] Second protective section 124 pivotably connects to a third
protective section 126 by third living hinge 114. Third protective
section 126 is bound by first edge 106, second edge 108, second
living hinge 112, and third living hinge 114. Third section 126 has
an upwardly facing top surface and a downwardly facing bottom
surface, which respectively form portions of top surface 116 and
bottom surface 118. Third protective section 126 pivotably connects
to a fourth protective section 128 by second living hinge 112.
Fourth protective section 128 is bound by first edge 106, second
edge 108, second living hinge 112, and second end 102 connected to
thumb connector 26. Fourth section 128 connects to base 39 adjacent
the second annular edge 38 extending beyond outer surface 32,
however other attachment positions are contemplated having fourth
section 128 extending beyond outer surface 64. Fourth section 128
has an upwardly facing top surface and a downwardly facing bottom
surface, which respectively form portions of top surface 116 and
bottom surface 118. Fourth protective section 128 of protective
member 28 connects to index connector 24 and extends outwardly
beyond outer surface 32.
[0028] First straight edge 106 extends longitudinally from the
index finger connector 24 to the thumb connector 26. Second
straight edge 108 is spaced apart and may extend generally parallel
to the first edge 106. Top surface 116 is continuous and bound by
the first end 104, second end 102, first edge 106, and second edge
108. Bottom surface 118 is generally spaced apart a distance
vertically below and facing opposite top surface 116. Bottom
surface 118 is likewise continuous and bound by the first end 104,
second end 102, first edge 106, and second edge 108.
[0029] Top surface 116 may be corrugated in a manner to facilitate
transitional transverse movement of an elongated member atop the
top surface 116. Top surface may include a plurality of
individually alternating spaced ridges 130 and grooves 132. Each
ridge 130 and groove 132 extends transversely between first and
second edges 106, 108 when viewed from above. The apex of each
ridge 130 on top surface 116 is above a valley of each groove 132
on top surface when viewed from either side 25, 27. Further, when
viewed from either side 25, 27, top surface 116 may be sinusoidal
or sine-wave shaped. The corrugated top surface 116 shape may be
mirrored by a corrugated bottom surface 118 having similar grooves
and ridges extending transversely between first and second edges
106, 108.
[0030] First living hinge 110 is positioned closely adjacent thumb
connector 26 and extends transversely from first edge 106 to second
edge 108. Second living hinge 112 is positioned closely adjacent
index connector 24 and extends transversely from first edge 106 to
second edge 108. Third living hinge 114 is positioned between first
living hinge 110 and second living hinge 112 extending transversely
from first edge 106 to second edge 108. Third living hinge 114 may
be equidistant from the first living hinge 110 and the second
living hinge 112. Hinges 110, 112, and 114 are typically parallel
to each other.
[0031] Living hinges 110, 112, 114 may be manufactured during an
injection molding operation that creates the integrally formed
device. The molding process creates the hinges and the sections
they connect at one time all as a single part. The material used to
mold typically has an excellent fatigue resistance to extend the
life of the living hinges. Device 10 may be made of material
permitting the protective sections 122, 124, 126, 128 to be mostly
rigid, yet able to flexibly bend about each living hinge 110, 112,
114. Preferably, the material used to mold the protective device 10
is a hardened plastic or polymer, however other materials may be
utilized. Two alternative materials that may be used to mold the
device 10 are an aramid or a para-aramid synthetic fiber. One
exemplary para-aramid material is sold under the name Kevlar.RTM.
manufactured by the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of
Wilmington, Del. A further contemplated alternate material that may
be used to form the device 10 is chainmail. Device 10 is adapted to
withstand melting, ignition, and combustion in air at standard
reference conditions, at temperatures of at least 500 degrees
Fahrenheit, and perhaps able to withstand higher temperatures up to
1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0032] With primary reference to FIGS. 4-5, an alternate embodiment
of the present invention provides protective device 210 having an
index finger connector or sheath 212, a thumb connector or sheath
214, and a protective member 216 extending between the index finger
sheath 212 and the thumb sheath 214. Device 210 protects the
surface of glove 12 as a rotisserie spit traverses transitionally
atop the thumb webbing region 22. Index finger sheath 212 is
generally cannular having a diameter and a length adapted to
receive a portion of the index portion 14 of the glove 12. Index
finger sheath 212 defines an end aperture 222 permitting the index
finger portion 14 of glove 12 to pass through end aperture 222.
Index finger sheath 212 length is a distance configured shorter
than the index portion 14 of glove 12. Index finger sheath 212
diameter is a distance configured similar to the outside diameter
of the index portion 14 of glove 12. Thumb sheath 214 is generally
cannular having a diameter and a length adapted to partially
receive the thumb portion 16 of the glove 12. Thumb sheath 214
defines an end aperture 228 permitting the thumb portion 16 of
glove 12 to pass through end aperture 228. Thumb sheath 214 length
is a distance configured shorter than the thumb portion 16 of the
glove 12. Thumb sheath 214 diameter is a distance configured
similar to the outside diameter of the thumb portion 16 of glove
12. Protective member 216 extends between index finger sheath 212
and thumb sheath 214. Preferably, protective member 216 is
constructed from the same material as the two sheaths 212, 214. The
protective device 210 material is capable of withstanding thermal
deformation (i.e. melting) and not igniting at temperatures of 500
degrees Fahrenheit. Exemplary materials include, but are not
limited to, Kevlar.RTM. and chainmail, however other materials are
contemplated. Protective member 216 extends and partially covers
the palmar region 18 of glove 12. Protective member 216 connects
adjacent one end of index finger sheath 212 and extends connecting
to adjacent one end of thumb sheath 214. Further, protective member
216 extends and partially covers the dorsal region 20 of glove 12.
Protective member 216 may contain distinct inserts to further
protect glove 12 from a sharp and hot elongated member as it
transitions transversely atop the protective member 216.
[0033] With primary reference to FIGS. 6-7, a second alternate
embodiment of the protective device 310 is provided. Protective
device 310 has an index finger cover 312, a thumb cover 314, a
protective seam member 316, a patch or insert 318, and a securing
member 320. Device 310 has an outer surface 317 and an inner
surface 319. Index finger cover 312 is generally cup-shaped having
a first end 322 and a second end 324. First end 322 is enclosed and
spaced apart from second end 324. Index finger cover 312 is hollow
and configured to receive the index finger portion 14 of glove 12.
Thumb cover 314 is generally cup-shaped having a first end 326 and
a second end 328. First end 326 is enclosed and spaced apart from
second end 328. Thumb cover 314 is hollow and configured to receive
the thumb portion 16 of glove 12. Second end 328 of thumb cover 314
attached adjacent second end 324 of index finger cover 312.
Protective seam 316 is formed where the material of thumb cover 314
attaches to the index finger cover 312. Protective seam 316 is
positioned a distance vertically above the surface of the thumb
webbing region 22 of glove 12 when the device 310 is donned over
the glove 12.
[0034] A patch or insert 318 substantially covers protective seam
316. Patch 318 has a substantially circular shape when device 310
is laid flat, as shown in FIG. 6. Patch 318 extends from seam 316
to outward to a patch edge 332. Patch 318 has a first surface 334
and a second surface 336. Patch first surface 334 engages outer
surface 317 of device 310. Patch second surface 334 is spaced apart
and positioned opposing patch first surface 336. In accordance with
this embodiment, patch 318 is constructed from material capable of
withstanding melting and not igniting at temperatures of 500
degrees Fahrenheit. Exemplary materials include, but are not
limited to, Kevlar.RTM. and chainmail, however other materials are
contemplated.
[0035] An additional alternative embodiment provides thumb
connector 26 capped at one end. Preferably, in the alternate
embodiment, a hemispheric cap may enclose one end of the index
finger connecter at the first annular edge 68. The enclosed thumb
connector 26 defines a thumb cavity. Thumb cavity receives the
thumb portion 16 of glove 12. This alternate embodiment may also
provide an index finger connector 24 capped at one end. A
hemispheric cap may enclose one end of the index finger connecter
at the first annular edge. The enclosed index finger connector 24
defines an index finger cavity. Index finger cavity receives the
index finger portion 14 of glove 12.
[0036] In operation, a user first dons a liquid proof heat
resistance glove. The user grasps the protective device from a
separate and dismounted position as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and then
affixes the device to glove 12 to a mounted and engaged position as
seen in FIGS. 4-5. To affix device 10 to glove 12, user aligns
their index finger within the index finger sheath with through
aperture 42. User aligns their thumb within the thumb sheath with
through aperture 74. Thumb and index finger are passed through
their respective apertures 42, 74. Preferably, inner surface 30
engages and is disposed a distance closely adjacent the index
finger portion 14 of glove 12 surface.
[0037] Projections 46 assist the securement of the index finger
connector 24 to the glove 12. One embodiment provides an adjustable
index connector 24. Index connector 24 is adjustable by varying the
diameter of the aperture 42. Aperture 42 diameter varies by flexing
sidewall 37 to increase the width of 50. By expanding the slit
width, the aperture diameter 44 relationally expands. Projections
78 assist the securement of the thumb connector 26 to the glove 12.
One embodiment provides an adjustable thumb connector 26. Thumb
connector 26 is adjustable by varying the diameter of the aperture
74. Aperture 74 diameter varies by flexing sidewall 69 to expand
the width of slit 82. By expanding the slit width, the aperture
diameter 76 relationally expands. Preferably, inner surface 62
engages and is disposed a distance closely adjacent the thumb
portion 16 of glove 12 surface. Once the device 10, 210, or 310 is
attached to glove 12, a rotisserie spit or other elongated hot or
sharp member is grasped. Preferably, the spit has cooked chickens
speared through and attached to the spit. The user grasps by
engaging the protective device positioned atop the thumb webbing
region and wrapping their fingers around the spit. Ordinarily, a
right handed person grasps the right end of the spit with their
right hand and grasps adjacent the right end of the spit with his
left hand in the glove. The user then pulls the spit using his
right hand in a motion similar to drawing a sword, all while
continuing to grasp the spit with his left hand and the protective
device positioned between the spit and the webbing region of the
glove. As the spit travels through the user's grasped hand, the
chickens are released from the spit and fall into a desired
container. Clearly, the motion described above could be reversed
for left handed individuals.
[0038] One embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 4-5, provides the index
finger connecting to the glove 12 and not extending past remaining
fingers 14a, 14b, and 14c. However, an alternate embodiment as seen
in FIGS. 6-7 may extend and cover remaining fingers 14a, 14b, and
14c.
[0039] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0040] Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred
embodiment of the invention are an example and the invention is not
limited to the exact details shown or described.
* * * * *
References