U.S. patent application number 14/420040 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for protective kitchen gloves using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
This patent application is currently assigned to UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY. The applicant listed for this patent is UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY. Invention is credited to Ismail Abdulkadir OMER.
Application Number | 20160213075 14/420040 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56433894 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160213075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OMER; Ismail Abdulkadir |
July 28, 2016 |
PROTECTIVE KITCHEN GLOVES USING ULTRA-HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT
POLYETHYLENE
Abstract
A protective kitchen glove that safeguards the hand and fingers
of a wearer from cuts, burns, moisture, and electrical shock. The
glove is primarily composed of an ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene base material and a silk inner-lining. A textured
conductive silicone material is also incorporated on a finger pad
along with textured anti-slipping grips on an outer surface of the
palmer side of the glove. Furthermore, rubber bristles and
spherical rubber scrubbers are incorporated to aid in kitchen
cleaning activities.
Inventors: |
OMER; Ismail Abdulkadir;
(Holy Makkah, SA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY |
Makkah |
|
SA |
|
|
Assignee: |
UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY
Makkah
SA
|
Family ID: |
56433894 |
Appl. No.: |
14/420040 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
January 28, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB15/00083 |
371 Date: |
February 6, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/01558 20130101;
A41D 2500/52 20130101; A41D 19/0055 20130101; A41D 19/01505
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00 |
Claims
1. A protective kitchen glove, comprising: an ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene base material that fully covers palmer and
dorsal surfaces of a human hand comprising four fingers cavities, a
thumb cavity, a palm, a back of a hand, and a wrist; a textured
region located on the outer surface of the glove covering
fingerprint pads of a thumb and index finger comprising a
conductive silicone material; a plurality of textured anti-slipping
grips on an outer surface of the palmer side of the glove; a silk
material lining the inner cavity of the glove so as to make contact
with the surface of skin when the glove is worn; a plurality of
bristles located on the outer surface of the glove, opposite of the
thumb on a thin portion of the hand from the wrist to the pinky, in
parallel to an arm; a plurality of spherical scrubbers located on a
plurality of fingerprint pads on the outer surface of the
glove.
2. The protective kitchen glove of claim 1, wherein the thumb
cavity, textured silicone regions, textured rubber grips, rubber
bristles, and spherical rubber scrubbers are oriented for a left
hand or a right hand.
3. The protective kitchen glove of claim 1, wherein the textured
silicone material comprises arched friction ridges resembling a
human finger print.
4. The protective kitchen glove of claim 1, wherein the
anti-slipping grips comprise a plurality of rubber fibers oriented
orthogonal to the finger cavities.
5. The protective kitchen glove of claim 4, wherein the rubber
fibers oriented orthogonal to the finger cavities are spread over
the surface of the palm of the glove, ranging vertically from the
finger cavities to the wrist, and horizontally from the thumb
cavity to an outer part of the hand.
6. The protective kitchen glove of claim 5, wherein the rubber
fibers are evenly distributed over the surface of the palm.
7. The protective kitchen glove of claim 4, wherein the rubber
fibers oriented orthogonal to the finger cavities are located on
the palmar side of the finger and thumb cavities.
8. The protective kitchen glove of claim 7, wherein the rubber
fibers are evenly distributed over the surface of the finger and
thumb cavities.
9. The protective kitchen glove of claim 1, wherein the silk
material lining the inner cavity of the glove fully encloses the
fingers, the thumb, the palm, the back of the hand, and the
wrist.
10. The protective kitchen glove of claim 1, wherein the bristles
comprise a rubber material, and are located on the outer surface of
the glove, opposite of the thumb on a thin portion of the hand,
ranging vertically from the pinky to the wrist.
11. The protective kitchen glove of claim 1, wherein the spherical
scrubbers comprise a rubber material, and are located on the outer
surface of the glove, on the fingerprint pad region of a middle
finger, a ring finger, or both.
12. The protective kitchen glove of claim 11, wherein the rubber
spherical scrubbers are evenly distributed over the fingerprint pad
surface.
13. The protective kitchen glove of claim 1, wherein the kitchen
glove safeguards the hand and fingers of a wearer from cuts, burns,
moisture, and electrical shock while performing kitchen
activities.
14. The protective kitchen glove of claim 1, wherein the kitchen
glove enables a wearer to operate an electronic device, while
performing kitchen activities.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene kitchen glove that protects a wearer from cuts,
burns, moisture, and electrical shock while performing common
kitchen activities. The glove also incorporates a silk lining to
repel moisture, a conductive silicone material for using electronic
devices, and rubber bristles/scrubbers to aid in kitchen cleaning
duties.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The "background" description provided herein is for the
purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work
of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in
this background section, as well as aspects of the description
which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing,
are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against
the present invention.
[0005] Many protective gloves are available for protecting and
shielding a wearer's hands from various external hazards, including
sharp items, high temperatures and toxic chemicals. However, a
drawback associated with protective gloves having high protective
features, is that protective gloves often inhibit movement of the
wearer's hands and reduce the comfort of the user. Even simple
tasks, such as griping an object or answering a cell phone can be
difficult, requiring the wearer to remove the protective glove to
perform these simple tasks. In an ideal situation, protective
gloves should 1) protect the wearer's hands from numerous external
hazards and at the same time, 2) enable the wearer to perform a
specific task better or faster than they would without the
protective gloves, and 3) allow the wearer to perform everyday
tasks, like answering a cell phone, not associated with the
activity requiring protective equipment.
[0006] One environment where such a glove would be impactful is in
a commercial or residential kitchen. While performing kitchen
duties, many different tasks can be required, such as cooking over
a hot stove, cutting food with a knife, and cleaning dirty dishes.
While many different types of kitchen gloves exist for
accomplishing these tasks individually, no kitchen glove
universally enables a wearer to perform all of these kitchen duties
using one type of glove.
[0007] One abrasion resistant material utilized in several
protective gloves is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE). Several gloves have been reported that provide a
protective quality and improve tactile functionality for a wearer
using this material. However, none of these gloves are intended for
commercial or residential kitchen use, and none meet all of these
defining characteristics.
[0008] Tomono, K. (U.S. Patent No. US20130305430A1--incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety) discloses a glove body made up
high-intensity polyethylene fibers and an anti-slipping particle in
the coating layer due to which superior anti-slipping effect and
gripping properties can be achieved.
[0009] Ashworth, J. et al. (U.S. Patent No.
US20120227158A1--incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)
discloses a glove with a high molecular weight polyethylene fabric
liner having an injection molded component which protects hands and
enhances gripping, tactility, conductivity, flexibility, dexterity,
impact-resistance, and abrasion-resistance.
[0010] Baker, J. et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,788,737B2--incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety) discloses a glove
incorporating an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene glove
having a plurality of dots made of natural rubber that protects
against cuts and abrasion, while still maintaining flexibility,
dexterity and breathability.
[0011] Thus, a need exists for a protective glove for various
kitchen duties, which includes superior protective characteristics
and at the same time, promotes a high degree of functionality and
comfort.
[0012] In view of the forgoing, one aspect of the present
disclosure is to provide a kitchen glove that protects a wearer
from cuts, burns, moisture, and electrical shock while performing
common kitchen activities. A protective kitchen glove is described
herein that incorporates high-molecular weight polyethylene
material to guard against abrasions and burns, a silk lining to
repel moisture, a conductive silicone material to enable the wearer
to operate electronic devices, and rubber bristles/scrubbers to aid
in kitchen cleaning duties.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates
to a protective kitchen glove made of an ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene base material that fully covers palmer and
dorsal surfaces of a human hand comprising four fingers cavities, a
thumb cavity, a palm, a back of a hand, and a wrist. Also this
kitchen glove incorporates a textured region located on the outer
surface of the glove covering fingerprint pads of a thumb and index
finger comprising a conductive silicone material. Furthermore, this
kitchen glove includes a plurality of textured anti-slipping grips
on an outer surface of the palmer side of the glove and is lined
with a silk material in the inner cavity of the glove so as to make
contact with the surface of skin when the glove is worn. Moreover,
the protective kitchen glove contains a plurality of bristles
located on the outer surface of the glove, opposite of the thumb on
a thin portion of the hand from the wrist to the pinky, in parallel
to an arm. Furthermore, the glove includes a plurality of spherical
scrubbers located on a plurality of fingerprint pads on the outer
surface of the glove.
[0014] In one embodiment, the thumb cavity, textured silicone
regions, textured rubber grips, rubber bristles, and spherical
rubber scrubbers are oriented for a left hand or a right hand.
[0015] In one embodiment, the textured silicone material comprises
arched friction ridges resembling a human finger print.
[0016] In one embodiment, the anti-slipping grips comprise a
plurality of rubber fibers oriented orthogonal to the finger
cavities.
[0017] In one embodiment, the rubber fibers oriented orthogonal to
the finger cavities are spread over the surface of the palm of the
glove, ranging vertically from the finger cavities to the wrist,
and horizontally from the thumb cavity to an outer part of the
hand.
[0018] In one embodiment, the rubber fibers are evenly distributed
over the surface of the palm.
[0019] In one embodiment, the rubber fibers oriented orthogonal to
the finger cavities are located on the palmar side of the finger
and thumb cavities.
[0020] In one embodiment, the rubber fibers are evenly distributed
over the surface of the finger and thumb cavities.
[0021] In one embodiment, the silk material lining the inner cavity
of the glove fully encloses the fingers, the thumb, the palm, the
back of the hand, and the wrist.
[0022] In one embodiment, the bristles comprise a rubber material,
and are located on the outer surface of the glove, opposite of the
thumb on a thin portion of the hand, ranging vertically from the
pinky to the wrist.
[0023] In one embodiment, the spherical scrubbers comprise a rubber
material, and are located on the outer surface of the glove, on the
fingerprint pad region of a middle finger, a ring finger, or
both.
[0024] In one embodiment, the rubber spherical scrubbers are evenly
distributed over the fingerprint pad surface.
[0025] In one embodiment, the total thickness, including the base
material, the inner lining material, and any material present on
the surface of the glove (e.g. spherical rubber scrubbers) ranges
from 0.05-5 mm.
[0026] In one embodiment, the kitchen glove safeguards the hand and
fingers of a wearer from cuts, burns, moisture, and electrical
shock while performing kitchen activities.
[0027] In one embodiment, the kitchen glove enables a wearer to
operate an electronic device, while performing kitchen
activities.
[0028] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of
general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of
the following claims. The described embodiments, together with
further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the palmar side of a
right-handed glove composed primarily of ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene, with features such as conductive silicone
material [101], anti-slipping grips [102], spherical rubber
scrubbers [103], rubber bristles [104], and inscriptions [105].
[0031] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the dorsal side of a
left-handed glove composed primarily of ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene, with inscriptions [105] and drawings [106].
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
[0033] The term "ultra-high molecular weight" is commonly used to
refer to macromolecules with molecular weights that exceed 10.sup.6
g/mol. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a
subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. Also known as
high-modulus polyethylene, (HMPE), or high-performance polyethylene
(HPPE), UHMWPE has extremely long chains, with a molecular mass
typically between 2 and 6 million Daltons. However, UHMWPE can be
produced with a molecular mass up to 10 million daltons. The longer
chain serves to transfer load more effectively to the polymer
backbone by strengthening intermolecular interactions. This load
transfer results in a very tough material, with the highest impact
strength of any thermoplastic presently made. Ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals, has
extremely low moisture absorption and a very low coefficient of
friction, is self-lubricating, and is highly resistant to abrasion.
In terms of abrasion resistance, Ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene, in some forms, is 15 times more resistant to abrasion
than carbon steel. In general, the maximum impact strength of
UHMWPE is reached in a molecular weight range of 3.5-4 million
daltons. Its coefficient of friction is significantly lower than
that of nylon and acetal, and is comparable to that of
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), but UHMWPE has better
abrasion resistance than PTFE. This material also has ideal thermal
properties, with a melting point near 150.degree. C., a
decomposition point over 300.degree. C., and a brittle point of
less than -150.degree. C. Due to these properties, ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene has been utilized for many
applications, including personal armor, fishing lines,
high-performance sails, synthetic ice, biomaterials, windows and
doors, and wires/cables.
[0034] UHMWPE is synthesized from monomers of ethylene, which are
bonded together to form the base polyethylene product. These
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene molecules are several
orders of magnitude longer than those of high-density polyethylene
(HDPE), with UHMWPE molecules typically containing 100,000 to
250,000 monomer units per molecule, compared to HDPE's 700 to 1,800
monomers.
[0035] UHMWPE can also be manufactured in various forms including,
but not limited to, fibers (e.g. Dyneema.RTM., Spectra.RTM., and
Tekmilon.RTM. fibers), sheets (e.g. TIVAR.RTM. 1000 and
Dyna-Flo.RTM. 1000), and powders (e.g. GUR.RTM. UHMWPE).
[0036] Even with similar molecular compositions, the properties of
UHMWPE samples can vary depending on the method of production.
UHMWPE may be processed variously by compression molding, ram
extrusion, gel spinning, and sintering, among others. In gel
spinning a precisely heated gel of UHMWPE is extruded through a
spinneret, drawn through the air, and then cooled in a water bath.
The end-result is a fiber with a high degree of molecular
orientation, and therefore exceptional tensile strength. Gel
spinning depends on isolating individual chain molecules in the
solvent so that intermolecular entanglements are minimal.
Entanglements make chain orientation more difficult, and lower the
strength of the final product.
[0037] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates
to a protective kitchen glove made of an ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene base material that fully covers palmer and
dorsal surfaces of a human hand comprising four fingers cavities, a
thumb cavity, a palm, a back of a hand, and a wrist. This UHMWPE
layer, or base material, is flexible and has strong
puncture-resistant characteristics, acting primarily as a
protective barrier for the protective kitchen glove. In addition,
the base material may further contain other additives in addition
to the principal component described above. The other additive is
exemplified by a plasticizer, a stabilizer, a thickening agent, and
the like. In terms of the present invention, the UHMWPE material
may refer to material that has been processed by a variety of
methods described above. Furthermore UHMWPE may refer to material
that has been crosslinked, or that has not been crosslinked.
[0038] The human hand includes a palm, which is the central region
of the anterior part of the hand, located superficially to the
metacarpus. The skin in this area contains dermal papillae to
increase friction, such as are also present on the fingers and used
for fingerprints. The dorsal is the corresponding area on the
posterior part of the hand. There are five digits attached to the
hand: the four fingers, namely the index finger, middle finger,
ring finger, pinky finger, as well as a thumb. The thumb (connected
to the trapezium) is located on one of the sides, parallel to the
arm. In the present disclosure, the term "palmer" as referred to in
the glove means a surface which faces to an object upon gripping
the object and covers a face of the entirety from the wrist to
fingertips. The term "dorsal" as referred to in the glove means a
surface which faces away from an object upon gripping the object
and covers a face of the entirety from the wrist to fingertips. In
addition, "main body of hand" is referred to as a portion excluding
fingers of a hand and as a site that includes from bottoms and
crotches of fingers to a wrist.
[0039] The body of the glove includes a main body portion for
covering a main body of a hand of a wearer, including the back of
the hand, and palm regions. The glove also includes extended
cavities, or cylindrical cavities, extending out from the main body
portion comprising a thumb cavity, an index finger cavity, a middle
finger cavity, a ring finger cavity, and a pinky finger cavity, for
covering these parts of the wearer's hand. In general, these
cavities are cylindrical in shape having fingertip portions that
are closed or sealed. Also extending from the main body, opposite
of the extending finger cavities, is a cylindrical portion of the
glove for covering the wear's wrist. This cylindrical wrist
covering portion has an opening into which the wearer can insert
his/her hand and is optionally formed in a cylindrical shape such
that the opening diameter gradually increases toward the opened
edge. This cylindrical wrist covering portion may optionally
contain an elastic or stretchable band.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1, this kitchen glove incorporates a
textured region located on the outer surface of the glove covering
fingerprint pads of a thumb and index finger comprising a
conductive silicone material [101]. Electrical conductivity is the
reciprocal of electrical resistivity, and measures a material's
ability to conduct an electric current. A conductor, such as a
metal, has a high conductivity and a low resistivity. Silicones,
also known as siloxanes, are inert, synthetic compounds with a
variety of forms and uses. Typically heat-resistant and
rubber-like, they are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants,
medical applications, cooking utensils, and insulation. Silicones
are polymers that include silicon together with carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen, and sometimes other elements. Some common forms include
silicone oil, silicone grease, silicone rubber, silicone resin, and
silicone caulk. Silicones can be formulated to be electrically
insulative or conductive, and is therefore suitable for a wide
array of electrical applications. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the textured region located on the outer surface
of the glove covering fingerprint pad regions of a thumb and index
finger are comprised primarily of a conductive silicone material
[101], which enables the wearer to operate a touch screen or other
electronic devices without needing to remove the protective kitchen
glove.
[0041] In one embodiment, the textured silicone material comprises
arched friction ridges resembling a human finger print.
[0042] When wet, many materials can be slippery, meaning there is
little resistance or friction between the material and an object to
be gripped. Anti-slip properties can be added to such materials in
the forms of tapes, coatings, sealants, or textured surfaces.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, anti-slip textured surfaces or
grips [102] are added to the palmar surface of the protective
kitchen gloves to provide added friction between the gloves and
grasped objects.
[0044] Synthetic rubber, invariably a polymer, is any type of
artificial elastomer mainly synthesized from petroleum byproducts.
An elastomer is a material with the mechanical (or material)
property that it can undergo much more elastic deformation under
stress than most materials and still return to its previous size
without permanent deformation. Natural rubber is mainly
poly-cis-isoprene, containing traces of impurities like protein,
dirt etc. Although it exhibits many excellent properties in terms
of mechanical performance, natural rubber is often inferior to
certain synthetic rubbers, especially with respect to its thermal
stability and its compatibility with petroleum products. Synthetic
rubber is made by the polymerization of a variety of
petroleum-based precursors called monomers. The most prevalent
synthetic rubbers are styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBR) derived from
the copolymerization of styrene and 1,3-butadiene. Examples of
rubber include a styrene-butadiene rubber, a nitrile-butadiene
rubber, a urethane rubber, an isoprene rubber, an acryl rubber, a
chloroprene rubber, a butyl rubber, a butadiene rubber, a fluorine
rubber, an epichlorohydrin rubber, an ethylene-propylene rubber,
natural rubbers, and the like.
[0045] The shape of the textured anti-slipping grips is exemplified
by a spherical shape, a semi-spherical shape, a cubic shape, a
needle shape, a rod shape, a spindle shape, a plate shape, a scale
shape, a fiber shape, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the
anti-slipping grips [102] are fiber shaped.
[0046] In one embodiment, the anti-slipping grips [102] comprise a
plurality of rubber fibers, such as the ones described above,
oriented orthogonal to the finger cavities.
[0047] In one embodiment, the rubber fibers oriented orthogonal to
the finger cavities are spread over the surface of the palm of the
glove, ranging vertically from the finger cavities to the wrist,
and horizontally from the thumb cavity to an outer part of the
hand.
[0048] In one embodiment, the rubber fibers are evenly distributed
over the surface of the palm.
[0049] In one embodiment, the rubber fibers are oriented orthogonal
to the finger cavities and are located on the palmar side of the
finger and thumb cavities. Preferably, these fibers [102] are
concentrated in between the distal interphalangeal joints and
proximal interphalangeal joints, and in between the proximal
interphalangeal joints and the metacarpophalangeal joints of the
finger cavities, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0050] In one embodiment, the rubber fibers are evenly distributed
over the surface of the finger and thumb cavities.
[0051] Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be
woven into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly
of fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form
cocoons. Silk fibers have a triangular cross section with rounded
corners, and the fibroin-heavy chain is composed mostly of
beta-sheets. Silk has a smooth, soft texture that is not slippery,
unlike many synthetic fibers and is one of the strongest natural
fibers. Furthermore, silk's absorbency makes it comfortable to wear
in warm weather and while active.
[0052] The protective kitchen glove is also lined with a silk
material in the inner cavity of the glove so as to make contact
with the surface of skin when the glove is worn. This inner silk
lining preferably reduces moisture buildup and is a non-allergenic
material. Because the base UHMWPE material acts as the primary
protective barrier, the thickness of the silk inner-lining is
preferably smaller than the thickness of the UHMWPE layer.
[0053] In one embodiment, the silk lining encompasses part or all
of the hand, which may include the palm, back of the hand, figures,
and/or thumb. In a preferred embodiment, the silk material lining
the inner cavity of the glove fully encloses all parts of the hand,
including the fingers, the thumb, the palm, the back of the hand,
and the wrist.
[0054] The protective kitchen glove contains a plurality of
bristles [104] located on the outer surface of the glove, opposite
of the thumb on a thin portion of the hand from the wrist to the
pinky, in parallel to an arm. Bristles can be defined as short,
stiff, hair-like structures. In one embodiment, these bristles may
be glued to, sewed to, partially embedded in, and/or molded in
place to the body of the UHMWPE glove. In another embodiment, the
bristles are attached to the body of the UHMWPE glove by passing
through the entire glove from the inner cavity, whereby the
bristles protrude from the outer surface of the glove and are
attached from the inside, through any of the methods described
above.
[0055] In one embodiment, the bristles [104] are constructed from a
rubber material, natural mammal hair such as boar and horse fibers,
a steel material, a synthetic fiber such as Nylon or Teflon, and
the like.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the bristles are constructed from
a rubber material.
[0057] In one embodiment, the bristles [104] comprise a rubber
material, and are located on the outer surface of the glove,
opposite of the thumb on a thin portion of the hand, ranging
vertically from the pinky to the wrist.
[0058] The protective kitchen glove also contains a plurality of
spherical scrubbers [103] located on a plurality of fingerprint
pads on the outer surface of the glove.
[0059] It will be understood that a plurality of spherical
scrubbers [103] may be provided in any form or configuration and/or
any combination of configurations. That is, the spherical scrubbers
may be spherical, semi-spherical, and are but one non-limiting
example of the rubber scrubbers.
[0060] In one embodiment, the spherical scrubbers comprise a rubber
material, and are located on the outer surface of the glove, on the
fingerprint pad region of a middle finger, a ring finger, or
both.
[0061] In one embodiment, the rubber spherical scrubbers are evenly
distributed over the fingerprint pad surface.
[0062] In one embodiment, the total thickness, including the base
material, the inner lining material, and any material present on
the surface of the glove (e.g. spherical rubber scrubbers) ranges
from 0.05-5 mm, preferably, 0.1-3 mm, more preferably 0.15-2 mm,
even more preferably 0.2-1 mm. The thickness may also vary when
measured at various locations of the glove. For example, the
thickness of the palm of the glove may be larger than the thickness
in the knuckle region of the glove. Any component on the surface of
the glove (e.g. spherical rubber scrubbers) may also have a
variable thickness. Therefore, the total thickness of the glove
comprising these components may also vary, even when measured at
similar locations. Furthermore, the glove may be manufactured with
varying thicknesses depending on the application, with thicker
gloves intended to provide better protection, and thinner gloves
intended to provide better tactile perception.
[0063] In one embodiment, the thumb cavity, textured silicone
regions, textured rubber grips, rubber bristles, and spherical
rubber scrubbers are oriented for a left hand or a right hand.
[0064] Personal protective equipment refers to protective clothing,
helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to
protect the wearer's body from injury. The hazards addressed by
protective equipment include physical, electrical, heat, chemicals,
biohazards, and airborne particulate matter. Protective equipment
may be worn for job-related occupational safety and health
purposes, as well as for sports and other recreational activities.
The purpose of personal protective equipment is to reduce employee
exposure to hazards, and as such, any personal protective equipment
item imposes a barrier between the wearer and the working
environment.
[0065] In one embodiment, the kitchen glove safeguards the hand and
fingers of a wearer from cuts, burns, moisture, and electrical
shock while performing kitchen activities.
[0066] In one embodiment, the kitchen glove enables a wearer to
operate an electronic device, while performing kitchen
activities.
[0067] In one embodiment, the protective kitchen glove incorporates
different colors and inscriptions on the palmar side of the glove.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, these inscriptions may be, but are not
limited to, inscriptions in the form of text or patterns [105] on
the wrist portion of the glove. One non-limiting example depicted
in FIG. 1 is an inscription reading "I love my work".
[0068] In another embodiment, the protective kitchen glove
incorporates different colors and inscriptions on the dorsal side
of the glove. As can be seen in FIG. 2, these inscriptions may be,
but are not limited to, inscriptions in the form of text or
patterns [105] on the wrist, back of the hand, thumb cavity, and
finger cavities of the glove. One non-limiting example depicted in
FIG. 2 is an inscription [105] reading "I'm proud". In one
embodiment, the kitchen glove includes drawings [106] on the dorsal
side of the glove. These drawings may be, but are not limited to,
paintings resembling finger nail polish on the ends of one or more
finger/thumb cavities.
[0069] The examples below are intended to further illustrate the
protective kitchen gloves, and are not intended to limit the scope
of the claims.
Example 1
Palmar Side of a Protective Kitchen Glove
[0070] The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene kitchen glove
is comprised of different components. FIG. 1 shows an example of
the palmar side of a right-handed glove composed primarily of
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The depicted kitchen
glove contains a conductive silicone material [101] on the thumb
and/or pointer finger pad, which enables a wearer to operate a
device using a touch screen. The glove also includes anti-slipping
grips [102] on the palm, finger, and thumb cavities in the form of
fibers, to provide friction when gripping an object. Spherical
rubber scrubbers [103], located on a finger pad, and rubber
bristles [104] on the thin outer region of a palm, extending from
the pinky to the wrist are also incorporated onto the kitchen
glove. Lastly, the kitchen glove depicted in FIG. 1 incorporates
different colors and inscriptions [105]. The silk inner lining is
not depicted.
Example 2
[0071] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the protective kitchen glove
contains different colors and inscriptions on the dorsal side of
the glove. These inscriptions may be, but are not limited to,
inscriptions in the form of text or patterns [105] on the wrist,
back of the hand, thumb cavity, and finger cavities of the glove.
The kitchen glove also includes drawings [106] on the dorsal side
of the glove in the form of paintings resembling finger nail polish
on the ends of the thumb and finger cavities.
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