U.S. patent application number 14/754380 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-31 for handwear incorporating low-friction thenar segment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Paul Mahon. Invention is credited to Paul Mahon.
Application Number | 20150374053 14/754380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45772041 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150374053 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mahon; Paul |
December 31, 2015 |
HANDWEAR INCORPORATING LOW-FRICTION THENAR SEGMENT
Abstract
Handwear articles, such as gloves, mittens and other multi-digit
embodiments of handwear, are provided. Articles of the invention
are especially suited for such tasks as window cleaning, and
comprise one or more low-friction areas suitable for slidably using
a shafted tool therewith. High-friction areas are also provided to
assist in controlling tools. Handwear of the invention are thus
especially useful with respect to handling tools, tool shafts, and
any implement where control of the tool shaft and the tool are
desirable. Articles of the inventions may also comprise one or more
attachment surfaces or fastener pads adapted and arranged such that
pairs of the handwear can be utilized or connected together, and
such that articles of the invention can be easily attached to many
objects having complementary attachment elements to allow the
handwear, and the wearer, to operate efficiently in conjunction
with many tools, articles, devices and surfaces, and in many
environments.
Inventors: |
Mahon; Paul; (London,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mahon; Paul |
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US |
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Family ID: |
45772041 |
Appl. No.: |
14/754380 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13261604 |
May 7, 2013 |
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PCT/CA2011/000979 |
Aug 30, 2011 |
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14754380 |
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61344602 |
Aug 30, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/160 ;
2/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2500/54 20130101;
A41D 19/015 20130101; A47L 1/15 20130101; A47L 13/18 20130101; A41D
19/01 20130101; A47L 13/11 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/015 20060101
A41D019/015 |
Claims
1-22. (canceled)
23. A method of using a pair of handwear articles, which allows a
user to remove one handwear article of the pair of handwear
articles from one hand of a user, while another hand of a user is
simultaneously full or in use, said method comprising: providing a
pair of first and second handwear articles, each said first and
second handwear article comprising: at least one layer of flexible
material shaped for at least partially receiving a hand of a user,
said at least one layer having an inner handwear surface and an
outer handwear surface; at least one digit pocket defined within
said at least one layer of flexible material by an inner digit
surface included in the inner handwear surface and at least one
outer digit surface; the outer handwear surface comprising a palm
surface, a back surface, and said at least one outer digit surface;
said at least one digit pocket being adapted to receive a wearer's
fingers via a hand access aperture at one end of said at least one
digit pocket; and the outer handwear surface comprising at least
one inner wrist hook and loop fastener pad disposed on an inner
wrist portion of the palm surface and at least one back hook and
loop fastener pad disposed on the back surface; a user wearing said
pair of first and second handwear articles, by inserting a first
hand through said hand access aperture of said first handwear
article such that at least one finger of the first hand is received
by said at least one digit pocket of said first handwear article,
and by inserting a second hand through said hand access aperture of
said second handwear article such that at least one finger of the
second hand is received by said at least one digit pocket of said
second handwear article; a user removing said first handwear
article from the first hand while the second hand is wearing said
second handwear article and the second hand is simultaneously full
or in use, by: attaching said inner wrist hook and loop fastener
pad of said first handwear article to said back hook and loop
fastener pad of said second handwear article, such that said palm
surface of said first handwear article is connected to said back
surface of said second handwear article; and withdrawing the first
hand from said hand access aperture of said first handwear article
while said first and second handwear articles are connected to each
other.
24. The method according to claim 23 wherein at least one
low-friction pad is disposed on said at least one outer digit
surface.
25. The method according to claim 23 wherein one or more
high-friction elements are positioned on said palm surface of each
said handwear article.
26. A method according to claim 23 in which each of said first and
second handwear articles provided additionally comprises: at least
one thenar surface located contiguous between the palm surface and
the back surface; said at least one thenar surface comprising at
least one low-friction pad for sliding engagement with at least one
tool.
27. The method according to claim 26 wherein said at least one
low-friction pad comprises one or more tetrafluoroethylene
compounds, one or more silicone-based compounds, one or more
self-lubricating compounds, and one or more combinations
thereof.
28. The method according to claim 26 wherein said at least one
low-friction pad is disposed at least partially upon one or more of
said at least one thenar surface, the back surface and the palm
surface.
29. The method according to claim 26 wherein said at least one
low-friction pad is disposed upon at least one of the palm surface
and the back surface.
30. A method of using a pair of handwear articles, which allows a
user to remove one handwear article of the pair of handwear
articles from one hand of a user, while another hand of a user is
simultaneously full or in use, said method comprising: providing a
pair of first and second handwear articles, in which: the first
handwear article comprises: at least one first layer of flexible
material shaped for receiving at least part of a first hand of a
user, said at least one first layer comprising a first outer
handwear surface; at least one first digit pocket defined within
said at least one first layer of flexible material; the first outer
handwear surface comprising a first palm surface, a first back
surface, and a first hand access aperture to permit at least part
of the first hand to be positioned in said at least one first digit
pocket and subsequently removed therefrom; the first outer handwear
surface comprising at least one first back hook and loop fastener
pad disposed on the first back surface; and the second handwear
article comprises: at least one second layer of flexible material
shaped for receiving at least part of a second hand of the user,
said at least one second layer comprising a second outer handwear
surface; at least one second digit pocket defined within said at
least one second layer of flexible material; the second outer
handwear surface comprising a second palm surface, a second back
surface, and a second hand access aperture to permit at least part
of the second hand to be positioned in said at least one second
digit pocket and subsequently removed therefrom; the second outer
handwear surface comprising at least one second inner wrist hook
and loop fastener pad disposed on an inner wrist portion of the
second palm surface; and a user wearing said pair of first and
second handwear articles, by inserting a first hand through said
first hand access aperture of said first handwear article such that
at least one finger of the first hand is received by said at least
one first digit pocket of said first handwear article, and by
inserting a second hand through said second hand access aperture of
said second handwear article such that at least one finger of the
second hand is received by said at least one second digit pocket of
said second handwear article; a user removing said second handwear
article from the second hand while the first hand is wearing said
first handwear article and the first hand is simultaneously full or
in use, by: attaching said at least one inner wrist hook and loop
fastener pad to said at least one back hook and loop fastener pad,
to attach the inner wrist portion of the second palm surface of
said second handwear article to the first back surface of said
second handwear article such that said first and second handwear
articles are connected to one another; and withdrawing the second
hand from said second hand access aperture of said second handwear
article while said first and second handwear articles are connected
to each other.
31. The method according to claim 30 in which: the first handwear
article additionally comprises at least one first inner wrist hook
and loop fastener pad disposed on an inner wrist portion of the
first palm surface of the first handwear article; and the second
handwear article additionally comprises at least one second back
hook and loop fastener pad positioned on the second back surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application hereby claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/344,602 of Mahon, as
filed on Aug. 30, 2010.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] All publications and patent applications cited in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same
extent as if each such individual publication or patent application
were specifically and individually indicated to be so incorporated
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The disclosed technology relates to handwear articles such
as gloves and mittens, particularly to handwear articles that are
used in an industrial or heavy working environment such as window
cleaning.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Handwear articles, such as the type used for window washing,
carpentry, gardening, the petrochemical industry, commercial
fishing, cold storage, farm work and in the kitchen are typically
formed from a knitted fabric made of cotton or polyester material.
They may be reinforced across the palm and knuckle regions with a
leather or suede material. Other handwear articles may become
uncomfortable after any extended wear time.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present invention relate to handwear comprising a
plurality of surfaces, surface portions, areas and devices that are
adapted and arranged to provide multiple functions and
capabilities. These functions and capabilities are especially
useful with respect to handling tools, tool shafts, and any
implement where the control of the tool shaft is desirable. These
surfaces of the invention include slider, low friction, surfaces,
high-frictional surfaces, attachment surfaces, protective surfaces,
sliding (low-friction) surfaces, and corresponding or complementary
surfaces that are adapted and arranged to allow the handwear, and
the wearer, to operate efficiently in conjunction with many tools,
articles, devices and surfaces, and in many environments.
[0006] The invention relates also to operational and functional
systems of handwear, paired units, devices, apparatus and methods
utilizing numerous possible combinations of these slider,
frictional, and attractive/attachment elements.
[0007] Conventional gloves are commonly used in washing or cleaning
windows and other structural and building surfaces. Conventional
gloves are limited, however, in how they function, and in the
advantages that they provide to any given task. These limitations
pertain especially to circumstances where conventional gloves are
used with tools, tool shafts or other devices.
[0008] The present invention, comprising on or a pair of handwear
items, such as gloves or mittens, are adapted and arranged to be
removable quickly and easily from a hand or hands, without the
necessity of additional devices or assistance. Thus, the present
invention permits a user to remove, and put on, the handwear while
still using the remaining hand for other tasks or functions. Window
cleaning personnel and many other professionals who use glove,
mittens or other handwear often need to take them off in order to
do detailed work. The present handwear invention permits a user to
remove one glove, while the other gloved hand is full or otherwise
occupied, and keep the glove positioned while the user is working,
and then easily put the glove back on without the use of the second
hand. The invention thus provides means and methods for keeping
gloves together while work is taking place.
[0009] Embodiments of the present inventions include quick-off and
quick-on gloves, one-finger mittens, and mittens made with
hook-and-loop pads and/or magnets. For stiff or insulated gloves of
the invention, a wearer can simply connect the palm of the glove
the user wants off to the top of the wrist of the working glove,
and slide the non-working hand out away from the glove, to thereby
leave the empty glove ready to re-accept the hand that was
withdrawn from it. This aspect of the inventions is very beneficial
for oven mittens and the like, since a user can take them both off
at the same time and put them both on at the same time.
[0010] For gloves not quite so stiff as oven mitts, hook-and-loop
surfaces, such as Velcro.RTM. can be provided at the back of the
hand just below the knuckles above the wrist. In some embodiments,
one hook-and-loop surface is sufficient. In others more
hook-and-loop surfaces are required, where complementary
hook-and-loop surfaces are provided. As examples, a loop surface
can be provided on the left glove, and hook surface can be provided
on the right glove. With hook-and-loop surfaces thus disposed, a
user can connect the back of one hand to the back of the other hand
to put the gloves on and off while keeping them attached to one
another.
[0011] For many preferred embodiments of the present handwear
inventions, magnets or hook-and-loop surfaces can be provided on
the backs of the fingers and thumbs and on the inside of the palm
wrist and the back of the hand. The hook-and-loop surfaces for use
with the many embodiments of the invention can be provided in any
existing form including, as examples, those having hooks on one
surface and loops on the mating surface, and those having both
hooks and loops on each of the mating surfaces, or combinations
thereof. Thus provided, a user can connect the finger and thumb
ends of the glove desired to be removed, to the back of the working
hand and pull the glove off then connect the hook-and-loop surfaces
of the palm wrist to the complementary hook-and-loop surfaces of
the back of the hand. This configuration works well when holding on
to ladders or tools or other things.
[0012] In another significant aspect, although the top half of the
fingers and thumbs of some embodiments can be made of non-slip
(high-friction) materials, there can be provided a sliding patch or
dots or drops of plastic, fiberglass or any other slippery material
on the base part of the forefingers and thumbs. This is very
beneficial when handwear, such as gloves, of the invention are used
for cleaning windows or other flat surfaces. When window cleaning
personnel perform poling work, for example with a squeegee, this
feature allows them to use their upper hand to simply guide the
pole shaft as the lower hand slides the pole up and down, thereby
saving time and effort, and giving the user a greater range of
motion in the pole work. In window cleaning, sliding the pole
through the upper hand increases the pressure of the squeegee
because the cleaning person can lock that arm and not bend their
elbow. This is particularly advantageous when window-cleaning
personnel have no room to back away from the window they are
cleaning because of a fence, ditch or other obstacle. The user can
slide the pole of the cleaning implement through both hands in
order to clean right to the bottom of the window.
[0013] Because most of the work is done with the elbow of the lower
hand, the present handwear accelerates the work while saving wear
and tear on the user's shoulder (Rotator Cuff) of the upper hand
from overuse, which is a common problem with serious professional
window cleaners. People who operate push brooms, rakes, and other
light duty, push and pull tools can benefit from embodiments of the
inventions comprising sliding (low-friction) surfaces, areas or
patches. For example, when using an axe or sledgehammer or a pick,
the hand positioned proximate to the tool end of the handle must
move slidably along the handle for proper use of the tool.
[0014] In another aspect, workers who use lifting and tossing tools
like shovels and pitchforks can really benefit from being able to
slide the hand that is closer to the tool. The present handwear
provides the options of a sturdy grip, along with low-friction
(sliding) the handles or poles through your hands. As an additional
advantage, ledge and frame squeegee elements are provided in some
embodiments to assist in cleaning operations without the necessity
of additional tools.
[0015] After a window cleaner cleans a window he has to deal with
soapy water on the ledges. Many window cleaners use a small
squeegee just for cleaning ledges or they can use their window
squeegee on the ledges, but this technique tends to prematurely
nick or cut the squeegee so it leaves streaks on the windows. Thus,
a one or more squeegee surfaces provided on handwear of the
invention keeps it ready for cleaning ledges and frames.
[0016] Moreover, abrasive scrubber elements can also be provided on
handwear of the invention, for example, on the back of the knuckle
surfaces, or on the front of the ends of the handwear fingers for
better grip and for scrubbing tough dirt off windows without taking
the time to pick up and use another tool.
[0017] The present inventions include slider gloves, gloves that
can be taken off and put on quickly, one-finger mitts and mittens
made with loop and hook or magnets. When cleaning storefronts, the
poling activity is about 10% faster using a slippery version of a
device of the present invention. Moreover, the abrasive scrubbers
for quickly scrubbing tough dirt like dried food, bird dung, fly
dung, human spit, etc., provided in some embodiments of the
invention are provided to thereby eliminate the time to pick up and
use another tool. Moreover, inflatable spots or channels, such as
the thenar pads described herein, and variations thereof,
particularly in their inflated configurations, can be adapted and
arranged to cause one or more sliding elements to rise above the
surface of the handwear (such as a glove or mitten), thus
converting the handwear to a sliding configuration. As an example,
the inflatable Thenar Pad described herein could be pumped up to
help a pole or shaft slide through easier or it could be used to
absorb shock from striking tools, such as baseball bats, axes,
picks, masonry hammers, sledge hammers and the like.
[0018] In some preferred embodiments of handwear of the invention
comprising thenar pads, thenar droplets or both, the pads or
droplets are disposed on the web surfaces of the handwear, but
somewhat toward the back of the glove such that they are disposed
for use with respect to a tool shaft only when a hand wearing the
handwear is rotated such that the tool shaft contacts the slippery
droplets or pads only when the hand is thusly rotated. For example,
handwear according to the invention can be adapted and arranged
such that a fireman's ram can be gripped firmly with the palmar and
palmar-web surface of the glove--but can be slidably held when the
glove is rotated such that the slippery thenar pads or droplets are
disposed such that the ram shaft can slide over them.
[0019] In a significant aspect of some of these combinations, the
inventions provide numerous embodiments of gloves, mittens and
other handwear in physical forms that can be operationally and
functionally connected to conventional window cleaning equipment in
a reversible manner. Among other embodiments, the present
inventions include any combination of one or more slider gloves and
any combination or number of mutually attractive, high-frictional
or low-frictional handwear are provided. The many combinations and
permutations of embodiments of the inventions can be appreciated
with respect to those embodiments shown in the attached FIGS.
1-28.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a back view of a five-digit embodiment of a
right hand article of the provided handwear.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a palm (palmer) side view of a five-digit
embodiment of a right hand article of the provided handwear.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a palm (palmer) side view of a five-digit
embodiment of a right hand article of the provided handwear as in
FIG. 2, with further features.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of
right hand article of the provided handwear as in FIGS. 2 and 3,
with split thenar pads.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a pair of articles of provided handwear
embodiments gripping a shafted tool.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a pair of articles of provided handwear
embodiments while one of the handwear articles is being removed
from a wearer's hand.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a pair of articles of provided handwear
embodiments as in FIG. 6, but with the hand of the wearer now
removed from the article.
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a palm side view of a two-digit mitten
embodiment of the provided handwear with hook and loop fastener
pads at the wrist.
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a back side view of a two-digit mitten
embodiment as in FIG. 8 of the provided handwear.
[0029] FIG. 10 shows a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of
the provided handwear similar to that of FIG. 1, with a squeegee
element disposed on the fourth finger.
[0030] FIG. 11 shows a back view of a five-digit embodiment of a
right hand article of the provided handwear with abrasive scrubber
pads disposed on the back surface.
[0031] FIG. 12 a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of a
right hand article of the provided handwear with non-friction
droplets disposed on the thenar pad region of the palm surface.
[0032] FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of non-friction droplets.
[0033] FIG. 14 shows a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of
a right hand article of the provided handwear with squeegee feature
and hook and loop fastener pads.
[0034] FIG. 15 shows a pair of mitten embodiments of the provided
handwear, suitable for use with hot objects in a kitchen.
[0035] FIG. 16 shows a pair of heat insulated mitten embodiments of
the provided handwear, with the hand a wearer entering the right
hand mitten.
[0036] FIG. 17 shows a light or thin pair of gloved embodiments of
the provided handwear, with the gloved right hand of a wearer
manipulating the hook and loop fastener pads of the glove on the
left hand.
[0037] FIG. 18 shows a light or thin pair of embodiments of the
provided handwear similar to those of FIG. 17, with the hand of a
user being withdrawn from the one of the handwear articles.
[0038] FIG. 19 shows the back side of a three-digit embodiment of
the provided handwear with a hook and loop fastener disposed
thereon.
[0039] FIG. 20 shows a pot-holder style embodiment of the provided
handwear with a hook and loop fastener disposed thereon.
[0040] FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of pair of handwear articles,
with one hand of a wearer gripping a ladder rung and the other user
hand being inserted into or being removed from the other handwear
article.
[0041] FIGS. 22-24 show views of pairs of embodiments of the
provided handwear, with one hand at various stages of being removed
from one of the handwear articles, the handwear article from which
the hand is being removed is engaged with the hook and loop
fastener pad of the opposite article.
[0042] FIG. 25 shows a back view of a five-digit embodiment of a
right hand article of the provided handwear with an inflatable
thenar pad and inflator pump.
[0043] FIG. 26 shows a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of
a right hand article of the provided handwear with a combination of
features, including abrasive scrubber pads disposed on the side of
the fourth finger of the article, and hook and loop fastener pads
disposed on the wrist of the article.
[0044] FIG. 27 shows a side view of a five-digit embodiment of a
right hand article of the provided handwear with a combination of
features, including a pointed rubber nail pick and flat finger
extensions, the thenar area of the article being outlined.
[0045] FIG. 28 shows a palm side view of the embodiment of FIG.
27.
[0046] FIG. 29 shows a back view of a five-digit embodiment of a
right hand article of the handwear with hook and fastener pads
disposed at the base of the fingers and at the wrist of the
article.
[0047] FIG. 30 a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of a
right hand article of the handwear with split thenar pads, a hook
and loop fastener pad at the base of a finger, and a hook and loop
fastener pad disposed around the wrist.
[0048] FIG. 31 shows a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of
a right hand article of the provided handwear with an array of
non-friction then droplets disposed in the thenar region.
[0049] FIG. 32 shows two views of hook and loop wrap embodiments
for use with embodiments of the provided handwear.
[0050] FIG. 33 shows details of embodiments of a hook and loop belt
for use with embodiments of the provided handwear.
[0051] FIG. 34 shows a view of an embodiment of a hook and loop
belt, with a hook surface and a loop surface disposed thereon.
[0052] FIG. 35 shows a pair of mitten style embodiments of the
provided handwear, showing palm side and back views of articles
with hook and loop fastener pads.
[0053] FIG. 36 shows a pair of mitten style embodiments of the
provided handwear secured to a side of an oven by way of a hook and
loop fastener pad.
[0054] FIG. 37 shows a wearer wearing a mitten style embodiment in
the act of either entering or withdrawing her left hand from a
mitten, the mitten being secured to a belt with hook and loop
surfaces.
[0055] FIG. 38 shows a wearer wearing a mitten style embodiment
holding a hot pan lid, with the mitten of a working hand secured to
the back of the handwear article holding the hot pan lid, the
detached mitten engaged with the back of the worn mitten through
engagement of hook and loop surfaces.
[0056] FIG. 39 shows a palm side view of an embodiment a left hand
article of the provided handwear with a hook and loop fastener pad
disposed around the wrist.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES AS EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE
TECHNOLOGY
[0057] With respect to FIG. 1, five-digit glove for a right hand 1,
has thumb 5 as well as glove back 23, hook and loop fastener pad 31
disposed on the back of glove 1, hook and loop fastener pad 35
disposed on the finger nail position of the index finger of glove
1, and hook and loop fastener pad 37 disposed upon the thumb nail
position of first finger 81. FIG. 1 shows also second finger 82,
third finger 83 and fourth finger 84 of glove 1. In addition, FIG.
1 shows low-friction (slippery) thenar pad 41 disposed between the
thumb and first finger positions of glove 1.
[0058] FIG. 2 shows the palm side 21 of glove 1, with hook and loop
fastener pads 35 disposed on the finger nail position of each of
the index (first) finger 81, second finger 82, third finger 83 and
fourth finger 84 of glove 1. Hook and loop fastener pad 37 is
disposed on the surface of the distal (or end) surface of thumb 5
approximately in the nail position of the wearer's hand (not
shown). Non-friction (slippery) thenar pad 41 is disposed on the
thenar (finger-thumb) surface of the glove between thumb 5 and
first finger 81. Inner wrist hook and loop fastener pads 33 are
disposed on the inner wrist portions of palm side 21 of glove
1.
[0059] FIG. 3 shows all of the elements of the invention as are
shown in FIG. 2, and also includes finger squeegee 51, disposed on
the side of fourth finger 84, and having edge 51 adapted and
arranged for use as a squeegee or the like for cleaning or clearing
one or more surfaces. In some embodiments of the invention finger
squeegee 51 and finger squeegee edge 53 can be adapted and arranged
for cleaning or clearing various surface conformations. As
examples, finger squeegee 51 and edge 53 can be provide in curved
or cornered surfaces adapted for cleaning or clearing corners or
curved surfaces, for example, as might be found in modern window
edges, ledges or mouldings.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows all of the elements of the invention as are
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and also includes split thenar pads 75 and
73. Thumb portion pad 73 of split thenar pads 73/75 is disposed on
the inner surface of thumb 5, and web portion 75 of split thenar
pads 73/75 is disposed on the web surface of 5-digit glove 1.
Depending on the purpose for which the glove is to be used, split
thenar pads 75 and 73 can be provided in various forms, positions
frictional characteristics. As an advantageous adaptation feature
of the present invention, split thenar pads 75 and 73 can be
provided for specific desired purposes. In some preferred
embodiments of handwear according to the invention, such as one or
more gloves or mittens, the handwear can be used in window-washing
operations. In such operations, it is common to utilize a
pole-mounted window-washing squeegee. In these operations, it is
sometimes desirable to effect a sliding action with the pole
sliding with respect to the handwear to thereby effect smoothly the
passage of the squeegee over glass portions of the windows. In such
embodiments, one or both of thenar pads 73 and 75 can be provided
of highly slippery materials, such as plastic, for instance,
tetrafluoroethylene. Moreover, thenar pads 73 and 75, as well as
other slippery surfaces or portions of handwear of the invention
can be made of any slippery substance, or substance that can be
made slippery under defined conditions, such as wetting with water.
Thus, high gloss plastics, and low-friction plastics such as
Teflon.RTM., ceramics, Nylon.RTM. fiberglass and Kevlar.RTM. are
particularly preferred for use with low-friction, or slippery,
surfaces or aspects for the present handwear.
[0061] In other embodiments of handwear of the invention, as are
shown in FIG. 25, thenar pads 73 and 75 are provided in inflatable
form adapted and arranged to be raised by inflation to a size,
shape and level above the surface of the handwear so that the
desired interaction between the pads and the tool pole can be
adjusted to produce a desired rate, movement or effort. In yet
other embodiments of the invention, other functional
characteristics can be achieved by providing thenar pads 73 and 75,
whether inflatable or not, in high-friction forms such that the
grip of the handwear with respect to the tool, such as a
pole-mounted squeegee, is secure and with minimal movement with
respect to the pole and pads. Any of the pads disposed in relation
to the surfaces of handwear of the invention can be adapted for
inflation/deflation, to thereby allow the invention to adapt to
many circumstances by providing functional variability. For
example, an inflatable thenar pad could be pumped up to help a pool
or shaft slide more easily, or it could be used to absorb shock
from striking tools such as baseball bats, axes, picks, sledge
hammers and the like.
[0062] FIG. 5 shows all of the elements of the invention as are
shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. With respect to FIG. 5, right hand
five-digit glove 1 and left hand five-digit glove 2 are shown in a
typical position with respect to tool shaft 63. Virtually any tool
having a shaft can be used with the invention. For example, tool
shaft 63 can be the shaft for a window-cleaning squeegee, or for
soap applicators, or for conventional brooms, or for brooms used in
the sport of curling, or for painting rollers when the invention is
used by painters and painting technicians, and the like. Other
shafted tools with which the present invention can be used include
striking tools, including axes, picks, sledge hammers and the like;
lifting and tossing tools, such as shovels, pitch forks and the
like; pushing and pulling tools, such as window cleaner poles, lawn
and garden rakes, push brooms, and fireman's rams or fireman's pike
poles. Thenar pads 73 and 75 are shown disposed on the inner
surface of thumb 5 of right glove 1 such that shaft 63 can slide
freely with respect to glove 1 while being propelled by the hand
(not shown) in glove 2.
[0063] FIG. 6 shows all of the elements of the invention as are
shown in FIGS. 1-5, and more. FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of how
relatively thin gloves can be removed from one or more hands by use
of the various hook-and-loop fastener pads which can connect in
various respects, for example, between the pads on the back of a
glove with those on the ends of the glove fingers. With respect to
FIG. 6, right hand five-digit glove 1 and left hand five-digit
glove 2 are shown in a typical position with respect to ladder 61,
and having a right hand and a left hand disposed therein (hands
inside of gloves not shown). Back side 24 of glove 2 is shown as
glove 2 grips a ladder rung with first finger 81, second finger 82,
third finger 83 and fourth finger 84 of glove 1 on top of the rung
while thumb 5 of glove 2 is shown underneath a rung of ladder 61.
The corresponding fingers of the corresponding hands are disposed
within the corresponding digit pockets of gloves 1 and 2. FIG. 6
also shows palm side 21 of glove 1, glove 1 having first finger 81,
second finger 82, third finger 83 and fourth finger 84 of glove 1,
with glove 1 shown near glove 2 but not in contact with ladder 61.
Inner wrist hook and loop fastener pads 31 are shown disposed on
the back 23 of glove 1 while hook and inner wrist loop fastener
pads 33, are shown disposed on front 21 of glove 1.
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates gloves 1 and 2 of FIG. 6, but in slightly
different relation to one another. FIG. 7 shows glove 1 in relative
position ready to be put back on a right hand (not shown) again.
With reference to FIG. 7, glove 2 is in the same relation to ladder
61 as it is in FIG. 6, with glove 2 gripping a rung of ladder 61
with first finger 81, second finger 82, third finger 83 and fourth
finger 84 of glove 1 on top of the rung while thumb 5 of glove 2 is
shown underneath the rung of ladder 61. In slight contrast to FIG.
6, in FIG. 7, glove 2 is in a different relation to ladder 61 and
glove 1 than is shown in FIG. 6. With respect to FIG. 7, back 23 of
glove 1 is shown attached to back 24 of glove 2 by means of hook
and loop fastener pads 31, which are disposed on backs 23 and 24 of
gloves 1 and 2. In the preferred embodiments shown herein
[0065] When disposed back-to-back as shown in FIG. 7, gloves 1 and
2 stick to one another with sufficient force that the hand that was
formerly in glove 1 can be removed, thus leaving glove 1 attached
to glove 2, thereby freeing the hand for other tasks while leaving
glove 1 conveniently attached to glove 2, and thus ready for
further use when desired.
[0066] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate exemplary embodiments of two-digit
mittens 9 of the invention. With respect to FIG. 8, two-digit
mitten 9 is shown having palm side 25, thumb 11, inner wrist hook
and loop fastener pads 33, as well as thumb portion 73 of split
thenar pad, web portion 75 of split thenar pad, and thumb nail hook
and loop fastener pad 37. With respect to FIG. 9, two-digit mitten
9 is shown having back side 27, thumb 11, back hook and loop
fastener pads 31, as well as thumb portion 73 of split thenar pad,
web portion 75 of split thenar pad, and thumb nail hook and loop
fastener pad 37.
[0067] FIG. 10 shows another preferred embodiment of glove 1, as is
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, but additionally showing double bladed
finger squeegee 53 disposed on the side of fourth finger 84, and
having squeegee edges 51. Squeegee 53 and edges 51 can be adapted
and arranged for use as a squeegee or the like for cleaning or
clearing one or more surfaces. In some embodiments of the invention
the edges of double bladed finger squeegee 53 can be adapted and
arranged for cleaning or clearing various surface conformations. As
examples, finger squeegee 53 and edges 51 can be provide in curved
or cornered surfaces adapted for cleaning or clearing corners or
curved surfaces, for example, as might be found in modern or custom
window edges, ledges or mouldings.
[0068] FIG. 11 shows another preferred embodiment of glove 1,
similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-7, but additionally comprising
abrasive scrubber pads/ridges 43 disposed on the back surface 23 of
glove 1, wherein abrasive scrubber pads/ridges 43 are disposed on
the back/knuckle surfaces of index (first) finger 81, second finger
82, third finger 83 and fourth finger 84 of glove 1. Such
embodiments are particularly useful for scrubbing tough, tenacious
or dried dirt like, such as food remnants, insect or bird dung,
human spittle, and many types of graffiti off of windows and other
surfaces. FIG. 11 shows also hook and loop fastener pads--back of
handwear 31, as well as open end 65 of glove 1.
[0069] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate additional exemplary embodiments
of glove 1 of the invention, wherein web portion 75 and thenar
portion 73 of split thenar pads 73/75 comprise non-friction
(slippery) thenar droplets 42. Thenar droplets 42, as well as other
slippery surfaces or portions of handwear of the invention can be
made of any slippery substance, or substance that can be made
slippery under defined conditions, such as wetting with water.
Thus, high gloss plastics, and low-friction plastics such as
Nylon.RTM., Teflon.RTM., ceramics, fiberglass and Kevlar.RTM. are
particularly preferred for use with low-friction, or slippery,
surfaces or aspects for the present handwear. Slippery thenar
droplets 42 can be provided in any shape, pattern, configuration or
form suitable for achieving the goals of a particular embodiment of
the invention. For instance, thenar droplets 42 can be provided
also in high-friction forms or in low-friction (slippery) forms.
FIG. 12 shows also hook and loop fastener pads--inner wrist 33,
finger squeegee 51 and palm side 21 of glove 1, as well as hook and
loop fastener pads--finger nail 35 and hook and loop fastener
pads--thumb nail 37 disposed on thumb 5.
[0070] In FIG. 14, another preferred embodiment of glove 1 is shown
comprising abrasive scrubber pads/ridges 43, which are adapted and
arranged for cleaning, scouring, polishing and similar purposes. In
FIG. 14, glove 1 comprises also finger squeegee 53 dispose on the
side of digit 84, and hook and loop fastener pads--inner wrist 33,
as well as glove open end 65. With respect to FIG. 15, oven or
kitchen mittens 9 are shown having thumbs 11 and hook and loop
fastener pads--inner wrist 33, as well as hook and loop fastener
pads--back of handwear 31. With respect to FIG. 16, mittens 9 of
FIG. 15 are also shown.
[0071] In FIG. 16, each of heavily insulated mittens 9 (one right
and one left-handed) comprises a thumb pocket 11, and a back side
27. Right hand 70 is shown entering a right-handed version of
mitten 9, and the wrist of left hand 72 is shown extending from a
left-handed version of mitten 9. On the back sides of mittens 11,
are hook and loop fastener pads 31, which are positioned such that
they can be temporarily affixed to one another such that one hand
could be going in or out of the corresponding mitten. Velcro is
only needed in one or two spots on the mittens.
[0072] In FIG. 17, still other preferred embodiments of gloves 1
and 2 are shown. With respect to FIG. 17, light or thin five-digit
glove 1 for a right hand, and light or thin five-digit glove 2 for
a left hand are shown. Each of gloves 1 and 2 have thumbs 5.
Significantly in FIG. 17, hook and loop fastener pad--finger nail
35 of digit 81, and hook and loop fastener pad--thumb nail 37 of
thumb 5, both of right hand glove 1, are shown engaging hook and
loop fastener pads--back of handwear 31 of left hand glove 2. Among
other things, FIG. 17 thus illustrates how right and left-hand
embodiments of the handwear of the invention can interact with one
another to enable a user to manipulate the gloves with respect to
one another by using them in a way that involves mainly the
surfaces features of the left and right handwear embodiments.
[0073] In FIG. 18, the same preferred embodiments of gloves 1 and 2
from FIG. 17 are shown. With respect to FIG. 18, hand 70 is shown
being withdrawn from right-hand glove 1 while right-hand glove 1 is
attached to left-hand glove 2 by means of the interactions between
the hook-and-loop fasteners 35 and 37 of right-hand glove 1 and the
hook-and-loop fasteners 31 of left-hand glove 2.
[0074] With respect to FIG. 19, still other preferred embodiments
of gloves 1 and 2 are shown. With respect to FIG. 19, three-digit
mitten 10 is shown. Three-digit mitten 10 comprises back side 27,
as well as a first-digit pocket. Back side 27 of mitten 10 is
provided with a hook and loop fastener pad--back of handwear 31.
FIG. 20 shows still another preferred embodiment of handwear of the
invention is shown. With respect to FIG. 20, hand 70 is shown
partially inserted into hand access aperture 7 of pot holder 29.
Pot holder 29 is provided also with a hook and loop fastener
pad--back of handwear 31.
[0075] FIG. 21 shows all of the elements of the embodiments of the
invention as are shown in FIGS. 1-6, and more. With respect to FIG.
21, thick, insulated left hand five-digit glove 2 is shown in a
typical position gripping a rung of ladder 61, and having a left
hand disposed therein (hand inside of glove 2 not shown). Back side
24 of left-hand glove 2 is shown as glove 2 grips a ladder rung
with first finger 81, second finger 82, third finger 83 and fourth
finger 84 of thick, as well as thumb 5, insulated glove 1 on top of
the rung while thumb 5 of glove 2 is shown underneath the rung of
ladder 61. The corresponding fingers of the user's left hand (not
shown) are disposed within the corresponding digit pockets of glove
2. Inner wrist hook and loop fastener pad 31 are shown disposed on
the back 23 of glove 1 and hook and loop fastener pads 33 are shown
on the front of inner wrist of glove 1. Gloves 1 and 2 are shown
reversibly attached to one another via hook and loop fastener pads
31 and hook and loop fastener pads 33. FIG. 21 thus shows one of
the ways that certain embodiments of the invention can reversibly
and advantageously attach to one another to permit insertion and
removal of one or more hands with respect to the gloves, thereby
acting almost as a third hand to allow the reversible wearing and
removal of one or more of the gloves or mitts.
[0076] In FIG. 22, FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, additional exemplary ways
that certain embodiments of the invention can reversibly and
advantageously attach to one another and detach from one another by
means of the various hook-and-loop pads to permit insertion and
removal of one or more hands with respect to the gloves, are also
shown.
[0077] In FIG. 25, right hand five-digit glove 1 is shown
comprising inflatable thenar pad 15, as well as thenar pad inflator
pump 17 and thenar pad inflator tube 19. With respect to FIG. 25,
inflatable thenar pad 15 is shown connected to thenar pad inflator
pump 17 via thenar pad inflator tube 19. In use, thenar pad
inflator pump 17 is pumped to provide air to inflatable thenar pad
15 to thereby cause pad 15 to expand. In embodiments of the
invention wherein thenar pad 15 comprises a slippery surface,
inflating pad 15 will permit additional surface area of pad 15 to
raise above the surfaces of glove 1 such that this additional
surface area is also available to, for example, a sliding shaft,
such as the pole shaft of a window-cleaning squeegee, or a
fireman's ram, where slidable contact with handwear is desirable.
In other embodiments, where thenar pads are provided in a
high-friction form, inflation of the pad will permit more contact
of the high-friction surfaces with tools or workpieces.
[0078] In FIG. 26, right hand five-digit glove 1 is shown
illustrating further advantageous combinations of the elements of
the invention. With respect to FIG. 26, abrasive scrubber
pads/ridges 43 are shown disposed along the edge of fourth finger
84. Abrasive scrubber pads/ridges 43 can be made of nylon or other
rough textured materials that are durable, that won't absorb much
water, and will not scratch the surfaces upon which they are to be
used, such as glass. All other elements are as described in FIG. 4
and other Figs. herein.
[0079] In FIG. 27, right hand five-digit glove 1 is shown from the
right side of the glove with the palm surface 21 visible. Thumb 5
and first finger 81 are spread apart somewhat. In FIG. 27, right
hand five-digit glove 1 comprises pointed rubber nail pick 91
disposed at the end of first finger 81, and flat finger extensions
93 disposed at the ends of second finger 82, third finger 83 and
fourth finger 84 of glove 1. Moreover, flat thumb extension 95 is
shown disposed at the end of thumb 5. In use, these extensions are
advantageously shaped for cleaning cracks and crevices as well as
for handling and placing building and construction materials, such
as putty and caulking.
[0080] Pointed rubber nail picks 91 are particularly adapted for
cleaning cobwebs from the corners of windows and frames and for
cleaning hard to get to areas such as crevices in window and door
track assemblies. The non-slip rubber can also help to secure a
towel when wiping corners of windows and the like. Moreover, the
various finger and thumb extensions improve a user's ability to
pick up small tools or objects off the ground. They allow the user
to hold more tools in a hand. In some embodiments of the invention,
the extensions can be made of one or more hard plastics or
stainless steel, and thus adaptable to scrape tape or soft paint or
the like from surfaces to be cleaned, such as windows and other
smooth surfaces.
[0081] FIG. 28 shows the left hand five-digit glove 2 of FIG. 27,
from palm side 22 of glove 1. With respect to FIG. 28, right hand
five-digit glove 1 comprises pointed rubber nail pick 91 disposed
extending from the end of first finger 81, and flat finger
extensions 93 disposed extending from the ends of second finger 82,
third finger 83 and fourth finger 84 of glove 2. Moreover, flat
thumb extension 95 is shown disposed extending from the end of
thumb 5. Such finger and thumb extensions can be made from any
material appropriate to the tasks for which a particular handwear
embodiment is intended. Such materials include, for example, hard
plastic for light duty window cleaning when scraping off tape is
required, and for use in removing soft paint and some types of
graffiti.
[0082] FIG. 29 shows a back view of a five-digit embodiment of a
right hand article 23 of the handwear with hook and fastener pads
disposed at the base of the fingers 39 and at the wrist 40 of the
article.
[0083] FIG. 30 is a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of a
left-hand article 22 of the handwear with split thenar pads 73 and
75, a hook and loop fastener pad 39 at the base of a finger, and a
hook and loop fastener pad 40 disposed around the wrist.
[0084] FIG. 31 shows a palm side view of a five-digit embodiment of
a right hand article 21 of the provided handwear with an array of
non-friction droplets or patches 42 disposed in the thenar region
and a hook and loop fastener pad 40 disposed around the wrist
area.
[0085] FIG. 32 shows two views of hook and loop wrap embodiments
for use with embodiments of the provided handwear. The upper figure
shows the hook fastener surface 107 on an inner aspect of the wrap,
and the loop fastener surface 109 on an outer aspect of the wrap.
The lower figure shows a wrap that becomes a belt by addition of a
belt buckle 111.
[0086] FIG. 33 shows, from left to right, a front perspective view,
a side view, and a back perspective view of embodiments of a hook
and loop belt clip or pocket clip 113 for use with embodiments of
the provided handwear. In this embodiment, the front surface is
adapted as a loop fastener surface 109 and the back surface is
adapted as hook fastener surface 107.
[0087] FIG. 34 shows a view of an embodiment of a hook and loop
belt 115, with a hook surface and loop clips 113 disposed thereon.
From this upper frontal perspective view, clip 113 on the right
side of the belt has hook fastener surface 107 facing outward, and
the clip 113 on the left side of the belt has loop fastener surface
109 facing outward.
[0088] FIG. 35 shows a pair of two-digit mitten style embodiments
of the provided handwear, showing palm side 25 and back side 27
views of articles with hook and loop fastener pads. A back view 27
of the article is shown on the left with a hook and loop fastener
pad 31 disposed on an elongated wrist aspect of the article. A palm
side view 25 of the article is shown on the left with a hook and
loop fastener pad 33 disposed on an elongated wrist aspect of the
article.
[0089] FIG. 36 shows a pair of mitten style embodiments of the
provided handwear secured to a side of an stove 101 by way of a
hook and loop fastener pad. More particularly, one mitten is
secured to the side of the stove by way of a mitten engagement of
an appliance hook and loop fastener pad 103 on the oven, and a
second glove is secured to the inner glove by mutually engaging
hook and fastener pads on the surfaces of the mittens.
Additionally, appliance fastener pads 103 are arranged on a wall
next to the oven, to which handwear articles can be secured.
[0090] FIG. 37 shows a wearer wearing a mitten style embodiment in
the act of either entering or withdrawing her left hand from a
mitten 9 embodiment of handwear, the mitten being secured to a belt
115 equipped with hook and loop clips 113, the mitten having
mutually engaging hook and loop surfaces 31.
[0091] FIG. 38 shows a wearer wearing a mitten style embodiment 9
holding a hot pan lid, with the mitten of a working hand secured to
the back of the handwear article 9 holding the hot pan lid, the
detached mitten engaged with the back of the worn mitten through
engagement of hook and loop surfaces.
[0092] FIG. 39 shows a palm side 22 view of a five-digit embodiment
of a left hand article of the provided handwear with a hook and
loop fastener pad 40 disposed around the wrist and split thenar
pads 73 and 75 disposed in the thenar region of the article.
[0093] It is an object of the invention to provide handwear adapted
and arranged for ease of use in performing tasks involving shafted
implements such as window cleaning tools and construction
implements. It is a further object of the invention to provide
handwear that are adapted for the easy attachment to one another,
or to other objects such as clothing articles, building surfaces,
appliances and cleaning equipment. It is yet another object of the
invention to provide handwear that are provided with tool elements,
such as squeegee edges, cleaning picks, and scrubbing surfaces, to
thereby obviate the need for other tools or implements.
[0094] In accordance with these and other objects of the invention,
one or a pair of handwear articles are provided, the handwear
articles comprising a layer of flexible material shaped for
receiving a hand, the flexible material having an inner handwear
surface and an outer handwear surface, wherein at least one digit
pocket is disposed within the inner surface, wherein the at least
one digit pocket has an inner digit surface and an outer digit
surface, and wherein the outer handwear layer comprises a palm
surface, a back surface, a thenar surface contiguous between the
palm surface and the back surface, and digit surfaces, and wherein
the outer layer is adapted and arranged for holding one or more
pads or implements, and wherein the at least one digit pocket is
adapted to receive a wearer's fingers and hand through a hand
access aperture at one end of the digit pocket, and wherein the one
or more pads comprise at least one low-friction sliding surface
area adapted and arranged for passing a tool shaft in relation
thereto such that the tool shaft can be easily moved in relation to
the handwear, and wherein at least one of the low-friction sliding
pads are provided on the thenar surface, and wherein the outer
handwear surface comprises at least one attachment element adapted
and arranged for reversibly attaching the handwear to another
object.
[0095] In accordance with further objects of the invention, a
handwear article may comprise any number of digit pockets
commensurate with the job and function to which the handwear
article is to be used. As an example, the at least one digit pocket
may comprise two digit pockets, wherein one of the two-digit
pockets is preferably adapted and arranged for receiving the thumb
of a wearer, and wherein the other of the two digit pockets of the
handwear article is adapted and arranged for receiving the
remaining fingers of the wearer, and wherein each of the digit
pockets comprises a digit pocket outer surface. This is one of the
"mitten" embodiments of the invention. Thus, the invention may
comprise one, two, three, four or five digit pockets.
[0096] In the five-digit embodiment, five digit pockets are
provided are provided within and by the flexible material, such as
materials comprising leather, plastic, natural and synthetic
fabrics, and combinations thereof, wherein one of the five digit
pockets is preferably adapted and arranged for receiving the thumb
of a wearer, and wherein the remaining pocket of the handwear
article is adapted and arranged for receiving the remaining fingers
of the wearer in four individual pockets.
[0097] The low-friction sliding surface areas of the invention may
comprises any suitable material or combinations of materials
suitable for the slidable, low-friction functions. In some
preferred embodiments, one or more of teterafluoroethylene
compounds, one or more of silicone-based compounds, one or more of
self-lubricating compounds, or one or more combinations thereof are
preferably used to provide suitably low-friction surfaces. In some
preferred embodiments, the at least one low-friction sliding
surface area is disposed at least partially upon or within the
thenar area.
[0098] In other preferred embodiments, handwear articles of the
invention may be disposed such that the low-friction sliding
surface area is disposed at least partially upon one or more of the
thenar area, the back area and the palm area, or combinations
thereof. In some other preferred embodiments, the one or more
low-friction sliding surface areas may be disposed completely
within the thenar area, and may comprise two or more thenar pads
disposed with space therebetween.
[0099] In accordance with additional advantages and objectives of
the invention, the low-friction area may be adapted and arranged to
be reversibly inflatable to thereby be adaptable to one or more of
working conditions, tool positioning, tool shaft shapes, and tool
shaft lengths, diameters or variations.
[0100] In other preferred embodiments, handwear articles of the
invention are provided with one or more low-friction sliding
surface areas disposed upon one or more of the palm area and the
back area With similar functions seen, the one or more low-friction
sliding surface areas can be disposed upon one or more of the digit
surfaces in order to adapt the digit surfaces, and the spaces
between the digits, to low friction elements useful for guiding or
manipulating a tool shaft or the like.
[0101] In accordance with yet other preferred embodiments and
advantages of the invention, handwear articles of the invention are
provided wherein the at least one attachment element comprises
hook-and-loop elements, pads or surfaces. Depending upon the
variation of function to which the handwear article will be used,
multiple attachment elements may be provided.
[0102] As additional advantages, handwear articles of the invention
include wherein one or more of each of the digit pockets outer
surfaces are provided with one or more of one or more squeegee
elements, one or more scrubber pads, one or more cleaning ridges,
one or more fingernail picks disposed on or adjacent the ends of
the digits, and one or more scrubber pads.
[0103] As an additional advantage, the low-friction area may be
adapted and arranged to be reversibly inflatable to thereby be
adaptable to one or more of working conditions, tool shaft shapes,
and tool shaft length and diameter variations. As an example, a
manually operated inflation chamber can be provided for reversibly
inflating the low-friction area, for instance, on the back surface
or the palm surface of the handwear, or on any other surface or
position suitable for performing its functions in the context of
the particular embodiment of handwear of the invention.
[0104] The attachment pads, such as those including hook and loop
elements, are preferable adapted and arranged for reversibly
attaching the handwear to many types of objects and surfaces, such
as those found in the window cleaning and painting industries.
These attachment surfaces may be found, for example, as parts of
one or more articles of handwear, one or more tools, one or more
appliances, one or more machines, one or more ladders, one or more
walls, one or more articles of clothing or uniforms, and one or
more objects having complementary attachment elements affixed
thereto.
[0105] In accordance with other aspects of the invention, one or
more high-friction elements may be adapted and arranged for
providing additional gripping power for the wearer. Such
high-friction elements, or surfaces, may be provided on one or more
of the digit surfaces, the palm surface, the back surface, and on
the thenar surface disposed such that an inflated thenar pad
converts the gripping area to a low-friction area. As additional
aids to cleaning surfaces, some preferred embodiments of the
invention may further comprise one or more squeegee elements, one
or more scrubber pads, one or more cleaning ridges, one or more
fingernail picks disposed on or adjacent the ends of the digits,
and one or more scrubber pads. Preferably, the handwear articles of
the invention are provided in one or more matching pairs, that is,
one glove adapted for a left hand, and one glove adapted for a
right hand.
[0106] As yet another advantage of some preferred embodiments of
the present invention, handwear of the invention may further
comprise at least one additional means for attaching the handwear
to another object or person. As examples, these additional means
include one or more from the list comprising a belt, a hook and
loop belt, a flexible wrap, a flexible wrap having hook-and-loop
elements thereon, and a clip means for reversibly attaching the
handwear to a belt or to an article of clothing, or to a ladder or
tool.
[0107] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices or processes via the use of flowcharts,
diagrams, figures or examples. Insofar as such flowcharts,
diagrams, figures or examples contain one or more functions or
operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each
function or operation within such flowchart, diagram, figure or
example can be implemented, individually or collectively, by a wide
range of any combination thereof.
[0108] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein
described components (e.g., steps), devices, and objects and the
discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of
conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are
within the skill of those in the art. Consequently, as used herein,
the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion
are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In
general, use of any specific exemplar herein is also intended to be
representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of such specific
components (e.g., steps), devices, and objects herein should not be
taken as indicating that limitation is desired.
[0109] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates
different components contained within, or connected with, different
other components. It is to be understood that such depicted figures
are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other figures can be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual
sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" or "coupled" such that
the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components
herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen
as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality
is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial
components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be
viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably coupled", to
each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two
components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably couplable", to each other to achieve the desired
functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but
are not limited to, physically mateable or physically interacting
components or wirelessly interactable or wirelessly interacting
components or logically interacting or logically interactable
components.
[0110] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein
described components (e.g., steps), devices, and objects and the
discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of
conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are
within the skill of those in the art. Consequently, as used herein,
the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion
are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In
general, use of any specific exemplar herein is also intended to be
representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of such specific
components (e.g., steps), devices, and objects herein should not be
taken as indicating that a limitation is desired.
[0111] With respect to the use of substantially any plural or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular or from the singular to the plural
as is appropriate to the context or application. The various
singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for
sake of clarity.
[0112] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates
different components contained within, or connected with, different
other components. It is to be understood that such depicted
architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other
architectures can be implemented which achieve the same
functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components
to achieve the same functionality is effectively "operably coupled"
or "coupled" or "in communication with" or "communicates with" or
"operatively communicate" such other objects that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
associated with each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "connected", or "attached", to each other to achieve the
desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so
associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable", to
each other to achieve the desired functionality.
[0113] As examples, the one or more thenar pads of certain
embodiments of the invention include many permutations thereof with
respect to the nature of the individual pads (slippery, inflatable
or high-friction) the placement of one or multiple thenar pads in
certain embodiments, and their relative positions on the handwear
surface can vary in operation by the relative position of the
handwear with respect to tools or toolshafts being used by the
wearer of the handwear.
[0114] While particular aspects of the present subject matter
described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that, based upon the embodiments
herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing
from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects
and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their
scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true
spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined
by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the
art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the
appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally
intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be
interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having"
should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes"
should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).
It will be further understood by those within the art that if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such
an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the
absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,
as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may
contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one
or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such
phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a
claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" or "an"
should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations.
[0115] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced
claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art
will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted
to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of
"two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where
a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one
having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a
system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C
together, etc.).
[0116] It will be further understood by those within the art that
virtually any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more
alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,
should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including
one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example,
the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities
of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0117] The appended claims, and any new or amended claims added
during prosecution, should be interpreted as broadly as possible in
light of the disclosure provided in the specification.
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