U.S. patent application number 14/490821 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-24 for glove with a widened cuff area.
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 | 20160081407 14/490821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55524552 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160081407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hull; James L. |
March 24, 2016 |
GLOVE WITH A WIDENED CUFF AREA
Abstract
An ambidextrous or hand specific glove with a widened cuff area
to aid in donning or doffing the glove is disclosed, together with
a former for fabricating the glove and a method of fabricating the
same. The glove may further include a bead on the cuff to resist
tearing when the glove is put on or taken off. The glove may be
fabricated on a continuous, automated chain machine or a batch or
semi-batch machine. While the cuff region on the former for
fabricating the glove is elliptical in cross-section and is flared,
the region of the former on which the end of the glove is
fabricated is circular in cross-section and thus allows the beading
process to be successfully undertaken.
Inventors: |
Hull; James L.; (Malvern,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Summit Glove Inc. |
Minerva |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Summit Glove Inc.
|
Family ID: |
55524552 |
Appl. No.: |
14/490821 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/0003 20130101;
A41D 2400/44 20130101; A41D 19/04 20130101; A41D 19/0044
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00; A41D 19/04 20060101 A41D019/04 |
Claims
1. A glove comprising: a palm region; a digit region extending
outwardly from a first end of the palm region; a wrist region
extending outwardly from a second end of the palm region and
generally in an opposite direction to the digit region; and an end
of the wrist region comprising a cuff that is disposed a distance
remote from the palm region; a cavity defined by the palm region,
digit region and wrist region; wherein the cavity is adapted to
receive the hand and wrist of a user therein; and wherein both the
wrist region and a portion of the cavity defined by the wrist
region gradually increases in width; and that the wrist region
gradually increases from a first width proximate the palm region to
a second width proximate the cuff.
2. The glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the digit region
comprises a thumb region, an index finger region, a middle finger
region, a ring finger region, and a little finger region; and
wherein the glove is an ambidextrous glove and the thumb, index
finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions are
all aligned along a common axis.
3. The glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the digit region
comprises a thumb region, an index finger region, a middle finger
region, a ring finger region, and a little finger region; and
wherein the glove is a hand-specific glove and the index finger,
middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions are all
aligned along a common axis and the thumb region is offset relative
to the common axis.
4. The glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the glove is fabricated
from nitrile or latex and at least a portion thereof is adapted to
conform to a hand of a wearer that is inserted into the glove.
5. The glove as defined in claim 4, wherein the digit region, the
palm region, and at least part a first section of the wrist region
adjacent the palm region are adapted to be disposed in abutting
contact with the hand and a wrist of the wearer; and wherein a
second section of the wrist region which includes the cuff is
adapted to be generally spaced a distance from a forearm of the
wearer of the glove.
6. The glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the wrist region
includes a first section and a second section; and the first
section originates proximate the palm region and extends outwardly
for a distance therefrom; and the second section originates at an
end of the first section and extends outwardly for a distance
therefrom; and wherein the first section gradually increases in
width and is narrowest proximate the palm region and is widest
proximate the second section.
7. The glove as defined in claim 6, wherein the second section of
the wrist region is of a substantially constant width; and that
substantially constant width is equal in size to the widest portion
of the first section of the wrist region.
8. The glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the glove is fabricated
on a substantially continuous automated chain machine.
9. The glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the glove is fabricated
on a batch machine or a semi-batch machine.
10. A glove comprising: a palm region; a digit region extending
outwardly from a first end of the palm region; a wrist region
extending outwardly from a second end of the palm region and
generally in an opposite direction to the digit region; a cavity
defined by the palm region, digit region and wrist region; wherein
the cavity is adapted to receive the hand and wrist of a user
therein; and wherein both the wrist region and a portion of the
cavity defined by the wrist region gradually increases in width;
and wherein the cuff is rolled to form a bead, and wherein the bead
is of a greater thickness than the rest of the wrist region; and
wherein the glove is a hand specific glove that is fabricated on a
substantially continuous automated chain machine.
11. A glove comprising: a palm region; a digit region extending
outwardly from a first end of the palm region; a wrist region
extending outwardly from a second end of the palm region and
generally in an opposite direction to the digit region; an end of
the wrist region comprising a cuff that is disposed a distance
remote from the palm region; a cavity defined by the palm region,
digit region, wrist region and the cuff; wherein the cavity is
adapted to receive the hand and wrist of a user therein; and
wherein both the wrist region and a portion of the cavity defined
by the wrist region gradually increases in width and the wrist
region gradually increases from a first width proximate the palm
region to a second width proximate the cuff; and a bead is provided
on the cuff, wherein the bead is of a greater thickness than the
rest of the wrist region.
12. The glove as defined in claim 11, wherein the digit region
comprises a thumb region, an index finger region, a middle finger
region, a ring finger region, and a little finger region; and
wherein the glove is an ambidextrous glove and the thumb, index
finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions are
all aligned along a common axis.
13. The glove as defined in claim 11, wherein the digit region
comprises a thumb region, an index finger region, a middle finger
region, a ring finger region, and a little finger region; and
wherein the glove is a hand-specific glove and the index finger,
middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions are all
aligned along a common axis and the thumb region is offset relative
to the common axis.
14. The glove as defined in claim 11, wherein the glove is
fabricated from nitrile or latex and at least a portion thereof is
adapted to conform to a hand of a wearer that is inserted into the
glove.
15. The glove as defined in claim 14, wherein the digit region, the
palm region, and at least part of a first section of the wrist
region adjacent the palm region are adapted to be disposed in
abutting contact with the hand and a wrist of the wearer; and
wherein a second section of the wrist region is adapted to be
generally spaced a distance from the forearm of the wearer of the
glove; and wherein the second section of the wrist includes the
cuff and the bead.
16. The glove as defined in claim 11, wherein the wrist region
includes a first section and a second section; and the first
section originates proximate the palm region and extends outwardly
for a distance therefrom; and the second section originates at an
end of the first section and extends outwardly for a distance
therefrom; and wherein the first section gradually widens in width
and is narrowest proximate the palm region and a widest portion
thereof is located proximate the second section.
17. The glove as defined in claim 16, wherein the second section of
the wrist region is of a substantially constant width.
18. The glove as defined in claim 17, wherein the substantially
constant width of the second section of the wrist region is equal
in size to the widest portion of the first section of the wrist
region.
19. The glove as defined in claim 18, wherein at least a portion of
the second section of the wrist region is rolled to form the
bead.
20. The glove as defined in claim 19, wherein the glove is
fabricated on a substantially continuous automated chain
machine.
21. The glove as defined in claim 19, wherein the glove is
fabricated on a batch machine or a semi-batch machine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates generally to gloves. More
particularly, this invention relates to dipped unsupported gloves.
Specifically, the invention is directed to an ambidextrous or hand
specific glove with a widened cuff area to aid in donning or
doffing the glove; the glove may further include a bead on the cuff
to resist tearing and may be fabricated on a continuous, automated
chain machine or a batch or semi-batch machine because while the
cuff region on the former for the glove is elliptical in
cross-section and flared, the region of the former on which the end
of the glove is fabricated is circular in cross-section and thus
allows the beading process to be successfully undertaken.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Gloves are required to be worn in many industries to protect
the hands of the workers. Particular industries require gloves
which are made of nitrile, polychloroprene, or latex and which
extend for a distance along a worker's wrist and forearm. Because
of the length of the glove and the material from which the glove is
fabricated, which tends to conform to the shape of the workman's
hands, it can be quite difficult for a workman to put the glove on
and/or take the glove off without damaging the glove.
SUMMARY
[0005] There is therefore a need in the industry for an improved
glove which is more readily able to be put on and removed, and
which is less inclined to break or become damaged during this
procedure.
[0006] In one aspect, the invention may provide a glove comprising
a palm region; a digit region extending outwardly from a first end
of the palm region; a wrist region extending outwardly from a
second end of the palm region and generally in an opposite
direction to the digit region; and an end of the wrist region
comprising a cuff that is disposed a distance remote from the palm
region; and wherein the wrist region gradually increases in width
from a first width proximate the palm region to a second width
proximate the cuff.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention may provide a glove
comprising:
[0008] a palm region; a digit region extending outwardly from a
first end of the palm region; a wrist region extending outwardly
from a second end of the palm region and generally in an opposite
direction to the digit region; and a bead provided at an end of the
wrist region, wherein the bead is of a greater thickness than the
rest of the wrist region; and wherein the glove is a hand specific
glove that is fabricated on a substantially continuous automated
chain machine.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention may provide a glove
comprising a palm region; a digit region extending outwardly from a
first end of the palm region; a wrist region extending outwardly
from a second end of the palm region and generally in an opposite
direction to the digit region; an end of the wrist region
comprising a cuff that is disposed a distance remote from the palm
region; and wherein the wrist region gradually increases in width
from a first width proximate the palm region to a second width
proximate the cuff; and a bead provided on the cuff, wherein the
bead is of a greater thickness than the rest of the wrist region.
This glove may be an ambidextrous glove or a hand-specific
glove.
[0010] In another aspect, the invention may provide a former for
fabricating a glove, wherein the former comprises a base; a wrist
extending outwardly from the base; a palm extending outwardly from
the wrist; a digit region extending outwardly from the palm and
remote from the wrist; and wherein the wrist includes a first
region that is of a first cross-sectional shape and a second region
that is of a second cross-sectional shape. The first region of the
former is generally elliptical in cross-sectional shape and the
second region of the former is generally circular in
cross-sectional shape.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of
fabricating a glove comprising providing a former that includes a
palm, a thumb and four digit regions extending outwardly from the
palm in a first direction, and a wrist that extends outwardly from
the palm in a second direction; and wherein the wrist includes a
first region that gradually increases in width from the palm
outwardly in the second direction; dipping the former into a vat of
liquid material; removing the former from the liquid material;
drying a quantity of liquid material which remains on the former so
as to form the glove; and removing the glove from the former. The
method may further include providing a former where the wrist
further includes a second section which extends outwardly from the
first section; and wherein the second section is of a constant
width and the constant width of the second section is of a size
equal to a widest portion of the first section. Still further, the
invention may provide that the first section is generally
elliptical in cross-sectional shape and the second region is
generally circular in cross-sectional shape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the
following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly
and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended
claims.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of
a glove in accordance with an aspect of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of
a glove in accordance with an aspect of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of
a glove in accordance with an aspect of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a former for
fabricating the gloves of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the former taken along line 5-5
of FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the former taken along line 6-6
of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of the glove of FIG. 2
shown on the former of FIG. 4 and with the cuff of the glove in an
initial position;
[0020] FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of the glove on the
former showing the bottom edge of the cuff being rolled upwardly to
form the bead;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of
a glove in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a former for
fabricating the glove of FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the former taken along line 9-9
of FIG. 8;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the former taken along line
10-10 of FIG. 8; and.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an illustrative drawing of a method of
manufacturing a glove in accordance with aspects of the
invention.
[0026] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a glove 10 worn on an arm 12 of a workman.
Glove 10 may be fabricated from nitrile or latex or any other
material which causes glove 10 to generally conform to a hand of a
person wearing glove. Glove 10 includes a digit region extending
out from a first end of a palm region 16 generally in a first
direction. The digit region includes a thumb region 14, an index
finger region 18, a middle finger region 20, a ring finger region
22, and a little finger region 24. Glove 10 is an ambidextrous
glove. This means that glove 10 may be readily worn on either of
the left hand or the right hand. Because glove 10 is an
ambidextrous glove, thumb region 14, index finger region 18, middle
finger region 20, ring finger region 22, and little finger region
24 are all aligned along a common axis. In other words, if glove 10
is viewed from the side, all of the thumb region 14, index finger,
middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions 18, 20, 22,
24 will be located in the same plane.
[0028] A wrist and forearm region 26 (hereafter referred to as the
wrist region) extends outwardly from a second end of palm region 16
and in generally the opposite direction to the digit region. Wrist
region 26 terminates in an end region which will be further
referred to herein as a cuff 28. Cuff 28 is disposed a distance
remote from palm region 14. Although not illustrated herein, it
will be understood that cuff 28 defines an opening into which the
workman will be able to insert his or her hand. It will further be
understood that wrist region 26 may be of a variety of different
lengths as measured between a bottom end of palm region 16 and
cuff. Thus, glove 10 may terminate closer to a workman's wrist or
closer to the workman's elbow.
[0029] Wrist region 26 includes a first section that is located
adjacent palm region 16 and a second section that extends outwardly
from first section and is located further away from palm region 16.
The second section includes cuff 28. Wrist region 26 gradually
increases in width as one moves away from palm region 16 and toward
cuff 28. Proximate palm region 16, wrist region 26 is of a first
width "W1" and wrist region 26 gradually increases to a second
width "W2". Thus, wrist region 26 is narrowest proximate palm
region 14 and is widest a distance remote therefrom. Wrist region
26 may include a first section which gradually increases in width
to the widest width "W2", and a second section which extends
outwardly from the first section and is of a constant width "W2".
This increase in width makes it easier for the workman to put glove
10 on and to take glove 10 off. Width "W1" is of such a size that
the first section of wrist region 16 is generally in abutting
contact with the wearer's wrist and first portion of the wearer's
forearm. Width "W2" is of such as a size that second section of
wrist region 16 is spaced a distance away from the wearer's forearm
12 and is generally free of contact therewith. Consequently, a gap
27 will be created between the wearer's forearm 12 and the material
of the glove 10. It is therefore easier for the wearer to insert a
finger or thumb of the other hand into that gap 27 in order to
grasp the material of glove 10 in order to pull glove 10 onto their
hand or to pull glove off of their hand.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows that wrist region 26 gradually increases in
width from proximate palm region 14 to proximate cuff 28. So, the
width of cuff 28 is the second width "W2". FIG. 2 shows a second
embodiment of the ambidextrous glove 10 where the first section of
wrist region 26 gradually increases in width from the first width
"W1" to the second width "W2". Second section of wrist region 26
starts where wrist region is of the second width "W2" and the
second section terminates at cuff 28. However, from where wrist
region 26 initially reaches the second width "W2" to the point
where wrist region 26 terminates in cuff 28, the second section of
wrist region 26 is of a substantially constant width, namely second
width "W2".
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the ambidextrous
glove 10. In this embodiment, the second section of the wrist
region 26 of glove 10 is rolled to form a bead 30. Bead 30 extends
around the entire rim of cuff 28 and comprises a rolled and
therefore thickened region which serves to strengthen cuff 28. Bead
30 is thicker than the rest of wrist section and this thicker and
stronger bead 30 aids in resisting tears in cuff 28 and therefore
wrist region 26 as glove 10 is pulled on or taken off.
[0032] In each of the first, second, and third embodiments of the
glove 10, at least a portion of glove 10 will conform to the hand
of the wearer. The portions of the glove 10 which will tend to
conform to the hand of the wearer may include the thumb region 14,
index finger region 18, middle finger region 20, ring finger region
22, little finger region 24, palm region 16, and at least part of
the first section of wrist region 26. In these aforementioned
locations, an interior surface of glove 10 will abut or be
positioned adjacent the wearer's skin. The rest of glove 10, namely
the parts of first section of wrist region 26 which are of a width
that is greater than the wrist or forearm 12 of the wearer, will be
spaced a distance away from the wearer's skin.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a former 32 used for fabricating glove 10.
Former 32 includes a base 34 which is secured in any one of a known
manner to a batch machine, a semi-batch machine or a substantially
continuous automated chain machine that is used for fabricating
gloves. The batch machine, semi-batch machine and the automated
chain machine are well known in the art and therefore will not be
described further herein.
[0034] Former 32 includes a thumb 36 and four digits which extend
outwardly from a palm 38. The digits include an index finger 40, a
middle finger 42, a ring finger 44, and a little finger 46. A wrist
and forearm (hereafter wrist) 48 extend between palm 38 and the
base 34. Since former 32 is utilized for fabricating ambidextrous
gloves, such as glove 10, thumb 36 and the index, middle, ring and
little fingers 40, 42, 44, and 46 are all positioned so that they
are aligned along a common axis. In other words, if viewed from the
side, all of the thumb 36, the index, middle, ring, and little
fingers 40, 42, 44, 46 will be located in the same plane.
[0035] Wrist 48 includes a first section 48a that increases in
width from a width "W1" to a width "W2". The narrower width "W1" is
provided adjacent palm 38 and the wrist 48 increases in width to
width "W2" some distance from palm 38. That distance "L" may be
varied in accordance with the overall length of glove 10 to be
fabricated on former 32. So length "L" will be smaller if glove 10
will terminate proximate the workman's wrist and will be
substantially longer if glove 10 is to terminate proximate the
workman's elbow.
[0036] Wrist 48 further includes a second section 48b that extends
outwardly from one end of first section 48a and is of a constant
width. That constant width is of the same magnitude as the widest
portion of first section 48a. The width of second section 48b is
therefore "W2". First and second regions 48a, 48b are different in
another way and this can best be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. First
section 48a is generally elliptical (FIG. 5) in cross-sectional
shape while second section 48b is generally circular (FIG. 6) in
cross-sectional shape. This difference in cross-sectional shape
makes it possible for former 32 to be engaged on a substantially
continuous automated chain machine so that bead 30 may be readily
and easily fabricated.
[0037] Previously known formers have wrists which are generally
elliptical in shape along their entire length from the palm of the
former to the base thereof. Thus, when gloves are fabricated on the
previously known formers, it is difficult to generate a bead on the
glove cuff because the elliptical shape causes the material of the
glove to flap around and roll unevenly. This made it difficult for
manufacturers using previously known formers to create a consistent
product and, consequently, automated chain machines or batch
machines could not be used to fabricate gloves which include a
rolled cuff.
[0038] It has been recognized by the inventor that fabricating a
former 32 to include a second section 48b which is not of an
elliptical cross-sectional shape but is instead of a circular
cross-sectional shape, such as is illustrated in FIG. 6, makes it
possible for the former 32 to be utilized in a substantially
continuous automated chain machine or a batch machine or a
semi-batch machine, in order to fabricate gloves 10, particularly
gloves with a bead 30 on cuff 28.
[0039] During fabrication of glove 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6A,
former 32 is dipped into vats of a material such as nitrile or
latex so that glove 10 is ultimately formed on former. In the
version of glove 10 illustrated in FIG. 6A, wrist region 26 is
elongated and includes a first section 26a that progressively
widens outwardly from adjacent proximate palm region 16 to a
distance remote therefrom. First section 26a is formed on first
section 48a of former 32. Wrist region 26 further includes a second
section 26b that is of a substantially constant width, with that
width being equivalent to the widest part of first section 26a.
Second section 26b is formed on second section 48b of former 32. At
this point, glove 10 could be removed from former 32 and would be
suitable for a workman to use as the cuff 28 and wrist region 26
are widened so that glove 10 is easy to put on and take off.
[0040] However, a bead 30 may, instead, be fabricated on second
section 26b. FIG. 6B shows how this is done. Former 32 is
positioned so that spaced apart opposed rollers 50, 52 are brought
into contact with the peripheral wall of second section 48b of
wrist region 48 of former 32. Rollers 50, 52 are caused to rotate
in opposite directions "A" and "B" relative to each other.
Additionally, rollers 50, 52 are moved in a direction "C" away from
base 34 or former 32 is moved in the direction "C". Rollers 50, 52
are initially placed in contact with second section 48b of former
32 and then are gradually brought into contact with second section
26b of glove 10. This combination of motion in addition to the
contact of rollers 50, 52 with second section 26b causes rollers
50, 52 to roll up a length of the material of second section 26b,
thereby gradually forming bead 30.
[0041] FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a glove in accordance
with an aspect of the invention. Glove 110 is a hand-specific glove
as opposed to ambidextrous glove 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In
particular, glove 110 is shaped to be worn on a workman's left
hand. A glove to be worn on the workman's right hand will be a
mirror image of glove 110. Glove 110 may be fabricated out of
nitrile or latex or any other material which causes glove 10 to
generally conform to a hand of a person wearing glove.
[0042] Glove 110 includes a digit region which extends outwardly
generally in a first direction from a palm region 116. The digit
region includes a thumb region 114, an index finger region 118, a
middle finger region 120, a ring finger region 122, and a little
finger region 124. Because glove 110 is a hand-specific glove, the
index finger region 118, middle finger region 120, ring finger
region 122, and little finger region 124, are all aligned along a
common axis. In other words, when glove 110 is viewed from the
side, four of the digits, namely the index finger, middle finger,
ring finger, and little finger regions 118, 120, 122, and 124 are
all located in the same plane. However, unlike glove 10, the thumb
region 114 of glove 110 is offset from that common axis or, when
viewed from the side, thumb region 114 can be seen to be located in
a different plane from the rest of the digits.
[0043] A wrist and forearm region 126 (hereafter referred to as the
wrist region) extends outwardly from a second end of palm region
116 in the opposite direction to the digit region. Wrist region 126
terminates in a cuff 128. Although not illustrated herein, it will
be understood that cuff 128 defines an opening into which the
workman will be able to insert his or her hand. It will further be
understood that wrist region 126 may be of a variety of different
lengths as measured between a bottom end of palm region 116 and
cuff 128. Thus, glove 110 may terminate closer to a workman's wrist
or closer to the workman's elbow.
[0044] Cuff 128 includes a bead 130. Bead 130 extends around the
entire rim of cuff 128 and comprises a rolled and thickened region
which strengthens cuff 128. Bead 130 is thicker than the rest of
wrist region 126. This thicker and stronger bead 130 aids in
resisting tears in cuff 128 as glove 110 is pulled on or taken off.
Bead 130 is fabricated in the same manner as bead 30 on glove 10.
Thus, the hand-specific glove 110 shown in FIG. 7 may include a
bead and be fabricated by a substantially continuous automated
chain machine, or a batch machine, or a semi-batch machine as has
been described previously herein with reference to glove 10.
[0045] In glove 110, thumb region 136, index finger, middle finger,
ring finger, and little finger regions 140, 142, 144, 146, palm
region 138 and a first section of wrist region 148 adjacent palm
region 138 may be designed to conform to the shape of the wearer's
hand and wrist. Thus, these regions of glove 110 tend to be in
abutting contact with the wearer's hand and wrist. Wrist region 126
may widen as one moves away from palm region 116 and toward cuff
128. Thus, proximate palm region 116, wrist region 126 may be of a
first width "W1" and proximate cuff 128, wrist region 126 may be of
a second width "W2". Width "W2" is greater than width "W1". Width
"W1" may cause the first section of wrist region 126 to come into
abutting contact with the skin on wearer's wrist. Width "W2" is
greater than the width of the wearer's forearm and, consequently a
gap 127 is created between the skin on the wearer's forearm and the
interior surface of glove 132. This increase in width or the gap
127 makes it easier for the workman to put glove 110 on and to take
glove 110 off.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows a former 132 used for fabricating hand-specific
glove 110. Former 132 includes a base 134 which is secured in any
one of a known manner to a batch machine, a semi-batch machine or
an automated chain machine that is used for fabricating gloves.
Former 132 includes a thumb 136 and four digits which extend
outwardly from a palm 138. The digits include an index finger 140,
a middle finger 142, a ring finger 144, and a little finger 146. A
wrist and forearm (hereafter wrist) 148 extend between palm 138 and
the base 134. Index finger 140, middle finger 142, ring finger 144
and little finger 146 are all aligned along a common axis or, when
viewed from the side, all of these aforementioned components are
positioned in the same plane. Thumb region 136 is offset from
common axis or, when viewed from the side, thumb region 136 can be
seen to be positioned in a different plane relative to the other
digits.
[0047] Wrist 148 may include a first region 148a that increases in
width from a width "W1" to a width "W2". The narrower width "W1" is
provided adjacent palm 138 and the wrist 48 increases in width to
width "W2" some distance "L" from palm 138. That distance "L" may
be varied in accordance with the overall length of glove 110 to be
fabricated on former 132. So length "L" will be smaller if glove
110 will terminate proximate the workman's wrist and will be
substantially longer if glove 110 is to terminate proximate the
workman's elbow.
[0048] Wrist 148 may further include a second region 148b that
extends outwardly from one end of first region 148a of wrist 148
and is of a constant width. That constant width is of the same size
as the widest portion of first region 148a. The width of second
region 148b is therefore "W2". First and second regions 148a, 148b
are different in another way and this can best be seen in FIGS. 9
and 10. First region 148a is generally elliptical in cross-section
shape while second region 148b is generally circular in
cross-sectional shape. This difference in shape makes it possible
for former 132 to be engaged on a substantially continuous or
continuous automated chain machine so that bead 130 may be readily
and easily fabricated as has been described above with reference to
glove 10. In particular, it is the second region 148b of wrist 148
that is contacted by appropriate machinery and is rolled to form
bead 130.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 11, a method of fabricating a glove
comprises:
[0050] providing a former 32 that includes a palm 38, a thumb 36
and four digit regions 40, 42, 44, 46 extending outwardly from palm
38 in a first direction, and a wrist 48 that extends outwardly from
palm 38 in a second direction; and wherein wrist 48 includes a
first region 48 that gradually increases in width from palm 38
outwardly in the second direction, i.e., the first region 48a
flares outwardly; [0051] A. dipping former 32 into a vat 70 of
liquid material 72, such as nitrile or latex; [0052] B. removing
former 32 from liquid material 72; [0053] C. drying a quantity of
liquid material 72a which remains on former 32 so as to form the
glove 10; [0054] D. removing glove 10 from former 32.
[0055] The step A. above of dipping former 32 may further include
the step of engaging former 32 in a substantially continuous
automated chain machine, a batch machine or a semi-batch machine.
The selected one of the machines is represented in FIG. 11 by box
74. Former 32 is then dipped into the vat 70 which forms part of
the selected machine 74.
[0056] The method may further include providing former 32 where the
wrist 48 further includes a second section 48b which extends
outwardly from the first section 48a; and wherein second section
48b is of a constant width and the constant width of second section
48b is of a size equal to a widest portion of the first section
48a.
[0057] Additionally, the step A. of dipping includes dipping former
32 into vat 70 of liquid material 72 to a depth that both of the
first and second sections 48a, 48b of wrist 48 on of former 32 will
extend into the liquid material 72. The step of providing the
former may further include providing the former where the first
section 48a is generally elliptical in cross-sectional shape; and
the second section 48b is generally circular in cross-sectional
shape.
[0058] The method may further include forming a bead 30 at an end
of the glove 10. This is accomplished by passing former 32 between
two opposed rollers 50, 52 which rotate in opposite directions "A"
and "B" relative to each other. Rollers 50, 52 or former 32 are
moved in a direction "C" that will cause the rollers 50, 52 to ride
along a length of second section 48b of former 32. This means that
the rollers move from a region of the second section 48b that is
free of drying liquid material 72a to a section that includes a
quantity of drying liquid material 72a. Rollers 50, 52 move along
the section that includes the quantity of drying liquid material
72a to cause that drying liquid material to roll into the bead 30
which extends around a circumference of the former 32 and of glove
10. Finally, the method includes blowing a puff of air 76 into
glove 10 while on former 32 in order to remove glove 10 from former
32.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
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