U.S. patent application number 15/384499 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-13 for protective device for use with a glove.
This patent application is currently assigned to Summit Glove Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Summit Glove Inc.. Invention is credited to James L. Hull.
Application Number | 20170099891 15/384499 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58498430 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170099891 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hull; James L. |
April 13, 2017 |
PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR USE WITH A GLOVE
Abstract
A protective device for use in a high temperature and liquid
environment provides a glove integrally formed with a protective
member in the thumb webbing region. The protective member is not
readily detectable when viewing the outside of the glove. The
protective member is cut resistant and constructed to protect a
workman's hand as a sharp and hot object passes over the protective
member contacting the outer surface of the glove.
Inventors: |
Hull; James L.; (Malvern,
OH) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Summit Glove Inc. |
Minerva |
OH |
US |
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Assignee: |
Summit Glove Inc.
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Family ID: |
58498430 |
Appl. No.: |
15/384499 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14624047 |
Feb 17, 2015 |
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15384499 |
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13947423 |
Jul 22, 2013 |
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14624047 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/01529 20130101;
A41D 19/01594 20130101; A41D 2600/20 20130101; A41D 19/01505
20130101; A41D 13/081 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/015 20060101
A41D019/015 |
Claims
1. A system for protecting an operator from a sharp object moving
above a thumb-crotch region comprising: a glove donned by a hand
including at least the following bones: a first metacarpal bone, a
second metacarpal bone, and a third metacarpal bone; a protective
member attached to the glove spanning the thumb-crotch region; and
a first edge of the protective member crossing over the second
metacarpal bone at an angle in a range from 15.degree. to
75.degree..
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second edge of the
protective member crossing over the second metacarpal bone at an
angle generally orthogonal to the first edge of the protective
member.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a third edge of the
protective member generally parallel with the first edge such that
the protective member is generally shaped like a trapezoid when
laid flat.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second edge of the
protective member positioned ulnarly from the first edge.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first region on the
protective member positioned within a palmar region on the glove,
and a second region on the protective member positioned within a
dorsal region on the glove.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a terminal corner of
the first edge positioned approximately directly above the third
metacarpal bone.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the protective member defines two
slits to enable the protective member to bend around a thumb region
of the glove and around a forefinger region of the glove such that
a major axis associated with the protective member extends over the
thumb-crotch region defined between the thumb region and the
forefinger region.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising an outer layer and an
inner liner of the glove, wherein the protective member is
positioned intermediate the outer layer and inner liner.
9. A protective member for a thumb-crotch region of a glove
comprising: a first surface facing towards a hand when donning the
glove; a second surface opposite the first surface facing away from
the hand when donning the glove; an edge bounding the first surface
and the second surface; a major axis and a minor axis associated
with the first surface, wherein the first surface is longer along
the major axis than along the minor axis; and at least one slit
interrupting the edge and the first surface, the at least one slit
extending generally parallel the to the minor axis; wherein the at
least one slit enables the protective member to bend around one of
(a) a thumb and (b) a forefinger such that the protective member
extends over and protects the thumb-crotch region.
10. The protective member of claim 9, further comprising a terminal
end of the at least one slit terminating prior to the major
axis.
11. The protective member of claim 10, further comprising: a first
quarter-round shaped member having an arcuate edge, and two
perpendicular edges meeting at a point.
12. The protective member of claim 11, wherein the first
quarter-round shaped member is disposed within the at least one
slit such that the point is closely adjacent the terminal end of
the at least one slit.
13. The protective member of claim 12, further comprising a union
of one of the two perpendicular edges of the quarter-round shaped
member with a portion of a first slit edge defining a portion of
the at least one slit.
14. The protective member of claim 9, further comprising: a second
slit diametrically opposite the at least one slit relative to the
major axis, and a terminal end of the second slit terminating prior
to major axis.
15. The protective member of claim 14, further comprising: a first
quarter-round shaped member having an arcuate edge, and two
perpendicular edges meeting at a point, wherein the first
quarter-round shaped member is disposed within the at least one
slit; and a second quarter-round shaped member having an arcuate
edge, and two perpendicular edges meeting at a point, wherein the
second quarter-round shaped member is disposed within the second
slit.
16. The protective member of claim 9, in combination with a liquid
proof heat resistant glove, wherein the combination comprises: a
fixedly attached relationship of the protective member to the glove
such that the protective member extends around the thumb-crotch
region of the glove.
17. The combination of claim 16, further comprising: an outer layer
of the glove and an inner layer of the glove, wherein the
protective member is fixedly attached intermediate the outer layer
and the inner layer of the glove.
18. A protective member for a thumb-crotch region of a glove,
wherein when prior to installing the protective member on the
glove, the protective member when laid flat comprises: a generally
trapezoidal-shaped edge bounding a first surface adapted to face a
hand of an operator which is opposite from a second surface adapted
to face away from the operator; a major axis associated with the
generally trapezoidal-shaped edge; a minor axis associated with the
generally trapezoidal-shaped edge; wherein the protective member is
formed from a material that is harder than that of the glove to
which the protective member will be installed.
19. The protective member of claim 18, further comprising: at least
two opposing slits interrupting the generally trapezoidal-shaped
edge, wherein the at least two slits extend parallel to the minor
axis and each terminates prior to the major axis, wherein the two
slits enable the protective member to bend around a thumb region of
the glove and around a forefinger region of the glove such that the
major axis extends over a thumb-crotch region defined between the
thumb region and the forefinger region.
20. The protective member of claim 18, further comprising: a first
portion of the generally trapezoidal-shaped edge offset to a first
side of the minor axis; a second portion of the generally
trapezoidal-shaped edge offset to a second side of the minor axis
opposite the first side; wherein the first arcuate portion, when
fixedly attached to the glove's dorsal side, extends to at least a
middle metacarpal region of the glove, and wherein the second
arcuate portion, wherein the second arcuate portion, when fixedly
attached to the glove's palmar side, extends to at least the middle
metacarpal region of the glove.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation in part
application of co-pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/624,047, filed on Feb. 17, 2015, which is a continuation in part
application of prior pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/947,423, filed on Jul. 22, 2013, and claims priority thereto,
the entirety of which is incorporated herein as if fully
rewritten.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to protective
coverings. More particularly, the present invention relates to
protective coverings used as a glove for a hand. Specifically, the
present invention provides a protective device to cover the webbing
region located between a thumb and index finger (i.e., the thumb
crotch) on a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten.
[0004] Background Information
[0005] Humans have enjoyed roasting chickens on a rotisserie since
at least the middle ages. Modern rotisserie devices are provided in
the form of ovens, often at supermarkets or grocery stores. The
chickens cook on a rotisserie spit that rotates in the oven. The
spit is extremely sharp as it has to pierce the chicken so the
chicken may be affixed to the spit while it rotates in the oven.
The rotisserie oven heats up to high temperatures, often in excess
of 500 degrees, and cooks the chicken.
[0006] Liquid proof heat resistant gloves are often used in
commercial settings, such as delicatessens, that cook their own
rotisserie chickens. These gloves are designed to protect a
worker's hands from the high heat and hot liquids (e.g., grease)
that are associated with the rotisserie roasting of chicken. A deli
worker dons these gloves prior to removing the chickens from the
spit. To remove a chicken from a spit, a worker wearing the liquid
proof heat resistant gloves removes the spit from the rotating
oven. The worker then grasps the spit at one end. Ordinarily, a
right handed person grasps the right end of the spit with his right
hand and grasps adjacent the right end of the spit with his left
hand in the glove. The user then pulls the spit using his right
hand in a motion similar to drawing a sword, all while continuing
to grasp the spit with his left hand. As the spit travels through
the user's grasped hand, the chickens are released from the spit
and fall into a desired container. A problem often arises when the
worker removes the chickens because drawing the spit through the
grasped glove has a tendency to cut the glove surface. The liquid
proof heat resistant gloves often cost around one hundred dollars a
pair and currently some delicatessens are replacing cut or damaged
gloves every three days.
[0007] A search for prior art revealed a protector for a ski glove.
One exemplary ski glove protector is manufactured by Kombi, Ltd. of
Essex Junction, Vt., USA and sold commercially under the name of
"Glove Protector" available at www.skis.com. This Kombi glove
protector is constructed of natural leather and is for use with ski
gloves to protect a cold weather ski glove from being torn by ski
tow ropes while a wearer grasps the tow rope. This Kombi glove
protector is for cold weather outdoor gear and would not function
in a protective manner at the high temperatures required for
protecting a liquid proof heat resistant glove donned by a deli
worker. The leather constructed Kombi glove would melt at the high
temperature ranges in which the present invention operates.
[0008] Additionally, other protective devices used on gloves have
been shown in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,600
(the '600 patent) discloses a work glove including a fiber-made
base glove with two reinforcement coats. A first reinforcement coat
of compound rubber latex (essentially neoprene) extends over the
crotch between the thumb and forefinger. A second reinforcement
coat of compound rubber latex covers the fiber-made base glove
except a back thereof includes the first reinforcement coat.
Essentially, the first reinforcement coat is not covered by the
second reinforcement coat on the back portion (i.e., dorsal portion
or volar portion) of the glove. The first reinforcement coat and
the second reinforcement coat extend along the length of the
forefinger and cover the distal tip thereof. Thumb implementations
of compound rubber latex may increase the stiffness of the base
glove thereby reducing finger flexion or increasing finger strain
and muscle strength to effectuate a similar flexion of a base glove
free of the first and second reinforcement layers. Thus, while the
crotch region may be covered with the first and second
reinforcement layers, other drawbacks may continue to exist.
[0009] An additional attempt at protecting a portion of the hand is
detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,998 (the '998 patent). The '998
patent provides a hardened plastic band formed from a
thermos-plastic material that allows enough flexibility to move the
hand, but also has a substantial density to protect the same. One
drawback associated with the protective device of the '998 patent
is that it likely could not be used in high-heat environments
inasmuch as portions of the hand are exposed through the protective
band.
[0010] An additional attempt at protecting the thumb-crotch region
of the hand is detailed in U.S. P.G. Publication 2003/0140396 (the
'396 publication). The '396 publication details a unilayer flexible
textile performance fabric comprising a base fabric having at least
one dissimilar high performance fiber interwoven into said base
fabric. The '396 publication details that the weaving of the two
distinct fibers together creates a single layer of material. The
high performance fiber may be cut-resistant.
SUMMARY
[0011] Thus, while the liquid proof heat resistant gloves exist for
protecting the deli worker from the hot spit and hot liquids, a
need exists to protect the expensive glove from the slicing motion
of the spit as it pulled through the grasped hand of the deli
worker.
[0012] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure may
provide a protective device for use in a high temperature and
liquid environment provides a glove integrally formed with a
protective member in the thumb webbing region. The protective
member is not readily detectable when viewing the outside of the
glove. The protective member is cut resistant and constructed to
protect a worker's hand as a sharp and hot object passes over the
protective member contacting the outer surface of the glove
[0013] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure
may provide a protective member for a thumb-crotch region of the
glove that, prior to installing on a glove, is laid flat and the
protective member comprises: a generally rounded trapezoidal-shaped
edge bounding a first surface opposite a second surface; a major
axis associated with the generally rounded trapezoidal-shaped edge;
a minor axis associated with the generally rounded
trapezoidal-shaped edge; at least two opposing slits interrupting
the generally rounded trapezoidal -shaped edge, wherein the at
least two slits extend parallel to the minor axis and each
terminates prior to the major axis, wherein the two slits are
enable the protective member to bend around a thumb region of the
glove and a forefinger region of the glove such that the major axis
extends over thumb-crotch region of the glove.
[0014] In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present
disclosure may provide a protective member for a thumb-crotch
region of a glove comprising: a first surface facing towards a hand
when donning the glove; a second surface opposite the first surface
facing away from the hand when donning the glove; an edge bounding
the first surface and the second surface; a major axis and a minor
axis associated with the first surface, wherein the first surface
is longer along the major axis than along the minor axis; and at
least one slit interrupting the edge and the first surface, the at
least one slit extending generally parallel the to the minor axis;
wherein the at least one slit enables the protective member to bend
around one of (a) a thumb and (b) a forefinger such that the
protective member extends over and protects the thumb-crotch
region.
[0015] In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present
disclosure may provide a system for protecting an operator from a
sharp object moving above a thumb-crotch region comprising: a hand
from an operator including at least the following bones: a first
metacarpal bone, a second carpal bone, and a third metacarpal bone;
a glove donned by the hand; a protective member attached to the
glove spanning the thumb-crotch region; and a first edge of the
protective member crossing over the second metacarpal bone at an
angle in a range from 15.degree. to 75.degree.. This system may
further comprises a second edge of the protective member crossing
over the second metacarpal bone at an angle generally orthogonal to
the first edge of the protective member. The system may further
comprise a third edge of the protective member generally parallel
with the second edge such that the protective member is generally
shaped like a trapezoid when laid flat. The system may further
comprise a terminal corner of the first edge positioned
approximately directly above the third metacarpal bone. The system
may further provide that the protective member defines two slits to
enable the protective member to bend around a thumb region of the
glove and around a forefinger region of the glove such that the
major axis extends over the thumb-crotch region defined between the
thumb region and the forefinger region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] 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.
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded top view of components that define a
protective member for use with a liquid proof and heat resistant
glove;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the protective
member;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the protective member;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded environmental view of the assembled
protective member and a liner for a glove detailing the location
where the protective member is attached to the liner;
[0021] FIG. 5A is a palmar-side view of the protective member
attached to the liner;
[0022] FIG. 5B is a dorsal-side view of the protective member
attached to the liner;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an operational view of the liner carrying the
protective member being dipped into a bath of liquefied material
which cures to form the outer layer of the glove;
[0024] FIG. 7A is a palmar-side view of the assembled liquid proof
and heat resistant glove having a protective member extend over and
around the thumb crotch of the glove in order to protect the same;
and
[0025] FIG. 7B is a dorsal-side view of the assembled liquid proof
and heat resistant glove having a protective member extend over and
around the thumb crotch of the glove in order to protect the
same.
[0026] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Initially, the Inventors note that the present disclosure is
a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/624,047 (the '047 Disclosure) filed on Feb. 17, 2015, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein as if fully re-written.
The present disclosure touches upon additional subject matter to
the aforementioned '047 Disclosure, namely, liquid proof and heat
resistant gloves that include integrally formed protective members
in, on, along, or extending over the thumb crotch or thumb webbing
region of the glove. Since this is a continuation-in-part
application of the '047 Disclosure, some similar structural
nomenclature is used herein when referencing some portions of the
glove. However, there may be some instances where structural
nomenclature differs between similar elements and there may be
other instances where nomenclature is similar between distinct
elements relative to this application and the '047 Disclosure.
[0028] A protective member for protecting the thumb crotch region
of a liquid proof and heat resistant glove is shown generally
throughout FIG. 1 through FIG. 7B at 10. Protective member 10 may
include a first portion 12, a second portion 14, and a third
portion 16. As will be described in greater detail below, first
portion 12, second portion 14, and third portion 16 are connected
together to define a unique shape of protective member 10 to cover
the thumb crotch region of a liquid proof and heat resistant glove.
However, it is to be understood that protective member 10 may be
formed as a unibody monolithic member and the regions described
herein are to be understood as descriptive of locations relative to
other portions of the protective device and are not necessarily
independent structures.
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded top view of the first portion 12,
the second portion 14, and the third portion 16 laid flat and
separated from each other. When laid flat, the first portion 12 is
generally trapezoidal in shape having rounded corners. In this
embodiment, the first portion 12 may include a first edge 18 spaced
apart and generally parallel to a second edge 20. First portion 12
may further include a third edge 22 extending between first edge 18
and second edge 20. First portion 12 may further include a fourth
edge 24 that is opposite and spaced apart from third edge 22 and
extends between first edge 18 and second edge 20. The third edge 22
meets the first edge 18 at a rounded first corner 26. Additionally,
third edge 22 meets the second edge 20 at a rounded second corner
28. The fourth edge 24 meets the first edge 18 at a rounded third
corner 30. Additionally, the fourth edge 24 meets the second edge
20 at a rounded fourth corner 32. The aforementioned edges and
corners bound an upwardly facing top surface 34 and a downwardly
facing bottom surface 36.
[0030] FIG. 1 further depicts an imaginary longitudinal axis 38
(i.e., the major axis) perpendicularly intersecting an imaginary
transverse axis 40 (i.e., the minor axis). The center 42 of first
portion 12 is located where the longitudinal axis 38 intersects the
transverse axis 40.
[0031] The first portion 12 defines an arcuate cutout region 44 by
an arcuately concave edge 46 interrupting first edge 18. In one
particular embodiment, the arcuately extending concave edge 46
intersects the imaginary longitudinal axis 38. However, in other
embodiments, edge 46 may be located at other portions of first edge
18 to define a cutout region 44. Moreover, in another embodiment,
the base, or lowermost portion of concave edge 46, which is closest
to transverse axis 40, may intersect longitudinal axis 38.
[0032] First portion 12 may further define a first slit 48 and a
second slit 50. The first slit 48 extends towards the longitudinal
axis 38 from the third edge 22. The first slit 48 interrupts third
edge 22 and is arranged generally parallel with transverse axis 40
when the first portion 12 is laid flat. In one embodiment, first
slit 48 may be offset from transverse axis 40. In yet another
embodiment, the first slit 48 is offset towards the first edge 18
relative to transverse axis 40. The second slit 50 extends towards
the longitudinal axis 38 from the fourth edge 24 and interrupts the
same. The second slit 50 is offset generally parallel to the
transverse axis 40 and in one embodiment, the first slit 48 and the
second slit 50 are coplanar and offset towards the first edge 18
from the transverse axis 40. In some implementations, the first
portion 12 may be entirely continuous and uninterrupted for all
regions of the first portion 12 offset towards the second edge 20
from the transverse axis 40.
[0033] The length of the first slit 48 and the second slit 50 is
oriented generally parallel with the transverse axis 40. In one
implementation, the length of the first slit 48 is equal to the
length of the second slit 50. In this case, the length of the first
slit 48 and the second slit 50 may be in a range from about 0.5
inches to about three inches. Moreover, in other implementations,
the length of the first slit 48 is close to about 1.5 inches.
[0034] The first slit 48 is bound by a first slit first edge 52 and
a first slit second edge 54. The first slit first and second edges
52, 54 are spaced apart and extend generally parallel to each other
and are oriented generally parallel to the transverse axis 40 when
protective member 10 is laid fat. First edge 52 meets edge 22 at a
corner 56 that is positioned outwardly relative to the inner
terminal end of first slit 48. Similarly, second edge 54 meets edge
22 outwardly from the terminal end of first slit 48 relative to the
longitudinal axis 38 at a corner 58.
[0035] Second slit 50 is bound by a second slit first edge 60 and
second slit second edge 62. The second slit first and second edges
60, 62 extend generally parallel and offset from each other and are
also parallel to transverse axis 40. First edge 60 extends
transversely from a corner 64 towards the inner terminal end of
second slit 50. Corner 64 is located where first edge 60 meets
fourth edge 24 of the first portion 12. Second edge 62 extends
transversely from a corner 67 inwardly towards an inner terminal
end of second slit 50. Corner 67 is located where second edge 62
meets edge 24 of the first portion 12.
[0036] Reference is now made to the second portion 14 and the third
portion 16 inasmuch as they are similarly shaped. Similar reference
numerals are utilized for brevity. Each of the second portion 14
and third portion 16 are shaped generally similar to that of an
isosceles triangle when laid flat. A first edge 66 is formed
generally at a right angle to edge 68 defining a rounded corner 70.
An arcuate edge 72 represents a hypotenuse between edge 66 and edge
68 relative to the rounded corner 70. Edge 66 and edge 68 are
generally the same length. The arcuate edge 72 meets edge 66 at a
corner 74. The arcuate edge 72 meets edge 68 at corner 76. The
collective edges of second portion 14 and third portion 16 bound a
first surface 78 which faces an opposite second surface 80. First
surface 78 of second portion 14 and third portion 16 faces the same
direction as top surface 34 of first portion 12. Second surface 80
of second portion 14 and third portion 16 faces the same direction
as the bottom surface 36 of first portion 12. Generally, the second
portion 14 may be considered as a first quarter-round shaped member
having an arcuate edge, and two perpendicular edges meeting at a
point, wherein the first quarter-round shaped member is adapted to
be disposed within one slit formed by the first portion 12.
Similarly, the third portion 16 may be considered a second
quarter-round shaped member having an arcuate edge, and two
perpendicular edges meeting at a point, wherein the second
quarter-round shaped member is adapted to be disposed within an
opposing slit on the first portion 12.
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts an assembled perspective view of the
protective member 10. When assembled, the second portion 14
occupies the space between first slit first edge 52 and first slit
second edge 54. The second portion 14 is oriented such that the
rounded corner 70 is positioned closely adjacent the inner terminal
end of first slit 48. The corners 56, 58 are spread from each other
such that corner 56 is aligned proximate corner 74 on second
portion 14. Corner 58 is aligned proximate corner 76 on second
portion 14. The arcuate edge 72 flexes upwardly and defines an
uppermost apex 82. Edge 66 is aligned such that it runs
approximately collinearly with edge 52. Edge 68 is aligned such
that it runs approximately collinearly with edge 54. The second
portion 14 may be joined to the first portion 12 in any manner of
known chemical, or mechanical, or non-chemical, and non-mechanical
joining methods. Some exemplary mechanical manners of joining the
first portion 12 with the second portion 14 include stitching or
other sewing techniques. Exemplary chemical manners in which the
first portion 12 may be joined to the second portion 14 include
adhesive glues or thermal welding.
[0038] The third portion 16 is positioned in a similar manner such
that it occupies space between second slit first edge 60 and second
slit second edge 62. Rounded corner 70 of third portion 16 is
positioned proximate the innermost terminal end of second slit 50.
Edge 66 is closely aligned with edge 60 and edge 68 is closely
aligned with edge 62. Moreover, corner 64 is aligned with corner 74
of third portion 16, and corner 67 is generally proximate corner 76
of third portion 16. Arcuate edge 72 is flexed upwardly to define
apex 82 which is at a height similar to that of apex 82 on second
portion 14. Inasmuch as the inner terminal ends of the first slit
48 and the second slit 50 are spaced apart, a region 84 is defined
on the first portion 12 between second portion 14 and third portion
16. First portion 12 may be folded such that the region 84 is
positioned above edge 18 and edge 20 on first portion 12. As will
be described in greater detail below, region 84 will extend over
the thumb crotch region of a person donning the glove such that the
region of first portion 12 offset to one side of region 84 extends
over the palmar area of a hand and the opposite region of the first
portion 12 and opposite region 84 extends over the dorsal side of a
hand.
[0039] FIG. 3 depicts an alternative embodiment of a protective
member for use with a liquid proof and heat resistant glove and is
shown generally at 10A. Protective member 10A is similar to
protective member 10 inasmuch as it fits over the thumb crotch
region to protect the person wearing the glove, however it is
formed from a monolithic unibody material. Protective member 10A
may be molded in a manner such that its shape is similar to the
assembled protective member 10 depicted in FIG. 2. Protective
member 10A includes a first region 85A that is configured to fit
over the palmar region of the wearer's hand when worn. A second
region 87A of protective member 10A is configured to lie above the
dorsal (or volar) region of a user's hand when donning the glove.
In this scenario, the protective region 84A is positioned over the
thumb crotch 104 region of the user's hand.
[0040] The protective member 10, 10A of the present disclosure can
be formed from a variety of materials configured to withstand a
sharp object passing over top surface 34 thereof. Protective member
10 or 10A may be formed from a hardened plastic or polymer, however
other materials may be utilized. Two alternative materials that may
be used to form protective member 10 or 10A are an aramid or a
para-aramid synthetic fiber. One exemplary para-aramid material is
sold under the name Kevlar.RTM. manufactured by the E. I. du Pont
de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del. A further contemplated
alternate material that may be used to form the protective member
10, 10A is chainmail. Protective member 10, 10A is adapted to
withstand melting, ignition, and combustion in air at standard
reference conditions, at temperatures of at least 500 degrees
Fahrenheit, and perhaps able to withstand higher temperatures up to
1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0041] In accordance with the present disclosure, the protective
member 10, 10A is configured to be formed within a glove, as will
be described in greater detail below, in order to protect the user
who has donned the glove from a hot, sharp, elongated member such
as a blade passing over the thumb crotch region of the glove. While
it is to be understood that this protective member 10, 10A is
integrally molded within the glove such that it is positioned
between a liner and an outer surface of liquid proof and heat
resistance material (i.e., sandwiched between the inner liner and
the outer surface), it is entirely possible for the protective
member to be attached externally to the glove as previously
described in the parent disclosures from which this disclosure is a
continuation in part.
[0042] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the palmar side of a right
handed glove liner 90. The liner 90 defines a thumb sleeve 92, an
index finger or forefinger sleeve 94, and three other finger
sleeves 96, 98, and 100. The liner 90 may be formed of liner
material described in the parent disclosures or from another
material as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand.
One non-limiting exemplary material includes cotton twill, which
provides for easy donning and doffing.
[0043] The liner 90 defines a region to be protected by the
protective member 10, 10A and is shown generally by
stippling/shading and identified generally at 102. The region to be
protected 102 includes the thumb crotch 104. Region to be protected
102 includes a forefinger boundary edge 105 that extends along a
portion of the forefinger sleeve 94 and covers the knuckle joint
where the forefinger proximal phalange bone meets the metacarpal
bone of the forefinger of the wearer's hand. The forefinger
boundary edge 105 extends approximately 180.degree. around the
longitudinal axis associated with the forefinger. Additionally, the
forefinger boundary edge 105 is disposed between the knuckle joint
and the forefinger intermediate phalange bone. Stated otherwise,
forefinger boundary edge 105 is positioned proximally relative to
the distal tip of the forefinger sleeve 94.
[0044] The region to be protected 102 further includes a thumb
boundary edge 107 that extends along a portion of the thumb sleeve
92 and covers a portion of the knuckle joint where the proximal
thumb phalange bone meets the metacarpal bone of the thumb. The
thumb boundary edge 107 extends approximately 180.degree. around
the longitudinal axis associated with the thumb. Additionally, the
thumb boundary edge 107 is disposed between the knuckle joint and
the thumb distal phalange bone. Stated otherwise, thumb boundary
edge 107 is positioned proximally relative to the distal tip of the
thumb sleeve 92.
[0045] The region to be protected 102 extends around and over the
thumb crotch 104 such that the region to be protected 102 partially
covers a palmar portion and partially covers a dorsal portion of
the wearer's hand. With respect to the palmar side, the region to
be protect 102 includes a palmar first edge boundary 106, a palmar
second edge boundary 108, and a palmar third edge boundary 110.
[0046] For the following discussion, some anatomical terms are
utilized to identify locations of components of the present
disclosure relative to anatomical positions. Components of the
present disclosure that are closer to the radius bone of the
forearm are referred to herein as "radial" or "radially" relative
to other components. Components of the present disclosure that are
closer to the ulna bone of the forearm are referred to herein as
"ulnar" or "ulnarly" relative to other components.
[0047] The palmar first edge boundary 106 extends ulnarly from an
angled orientation with the forefinger boundary edge 105. The
ulnar-directed extension of the palmar first edge boundary 106 is
positioned above the third metacarpal bone (related to the middle
finger). The palmar first edge boundary 106 crosses over the third
metacarpal bone at an angle between 15.degree. and 75.degree.. In
one particular implementation, the palmar first edge boundary 106
crosses over the third metacarpal bone at an angle of about
60.degree. relative to horizontal. The ulnar-directed extension of
the palmar first edge boundary 106 terminates proximately above the
fourth metacarpal bone (related to the ring finger).
[0048] The palmar second edge boundary 108 extends radially from
the terminal end of the palmar first edge boundary 106. In one
implementation, the palmar second edge boundary 108 meets the
palmar first edge boundary 106 at a rounded approximate 90.degree.
angle. The radial-directed extension of the palmar second edge
boundary 108 is positioned above the third metacarpal bone proximal
from the palmar first edge boundary 106. The radial-directed
extension of the palmar second edge boundary 108 terminates
proximately above the proximal base of the first metacarpal bone
(related to the thumb).
[0049] The palmar third edge boundary 110 meets the terminal end of
the palmar second edge boundary 108 at a rounded approximate
90.degree. angle. The palmar third edge boundary 110 extends
distally above the longitudinal axis of the first metacarpal bone.
The palmar third edge boundary 110 meets thumb boundary edge 107
above the proximal thumb phalange and proximal relative to the
distal thumb phalange.
[0050] The aforementioned region to be protected 102 has been
described by the respective edge boundaries with respect to the
palmar side of the hand, however the region to be protected 102 is
to be understood as being similarly shaped on the dorsal side of
the hand, and the generally mirrored shape on the dorsal side is
not repeated herein for brevity.
[0051] As depicted in FIG. 5A, the protective member 10 connects
with the liner 90 such that the protective member 10 is positioned
directly above the region to be protected 102. More particularly, a
first protecting region 85 of protective member 10 is positioned to
protect at least a portion of the palmar side of the wearer's hand.
As such, when the protective member 10 is attached to the liner,
certain components are positioned relative to the wearer's
hand.
[0052] In one implementation, the protective member 10 is connected
with the liner in any known chemical manner, mechanical manner, or
non-chemical and non-mechanical manner. For example, the protective
member 10 may be chemically adhered or bonded with the liner 90, or
the protective member 10 may be mechanically fastened with the
liner 90.
[0053] With the protective member 10 attached to the liner 90, the
third edge 22 lies directly above the palmar first edge boundary
106 such that the third edge 22 extends ulnarly above the third
metacarpal bone at an angle between 15.degree. and 75.degree.. The
corner 28 is positioned closely adjacent to directly above the
center of the third metacarpal bone. The second edge 20 extends
over the second metacarpal bone aligned with palmar second edge
boundary 108. The fourth edge 24 is aligned with palmar third edge
boundary 110 such that the fourth edge 24 extends distally above
the longitudinal axis of the first metacarpal bone. The edge 72 on
the third portion 16 is aligned with the thumb boundary edge 107
above the proximal thumb phalange and proximal relative to the
distal thumb phalange and extends 180.degree. around the
ulnar-facing side of the longitudinal axis of the thumb sleeve 92.
On the other side of the protective member 10, the edge 72 of the
second portion 14 is aligned with forefinger boundary edge 105 to
extend 180.degree. around the radius-facing side of the forefinger.
This alignment positions the protecting region 84 directly above
and over the thumb crotch 104 of liner 90.
[0054] As depicted in FIG. 5B, a second protecting region 87 of
protective member 10 is positioned to protect at least a portion of
the dorsal side of the wearer's hand. Namely, the third edge 22
extends ulnarly at an angle between 15.degree. and 75.degree.
crossing over the third metacarpal bone. The first edge 18 extends
radially at an angle generally orthogonal to that of the third edge
22. As such, the first edge 18 crosses over the second metacarpal
bone at an angle equal to 90.degree. less the angle of the third
edge 22. Thus, if the third edge 22 crosses the third metacarpal at
about 60.degree. relative to horizontal, then the first edge 18
crosses the second metacarpal at about 30.degree. relative to
horizontal.
[0055] With respect to the dorsal side, the arcuate edge 46
defining cutout region 44 assists with the flexibility and bending
of protective member 10 during its use. As indicated previously in
the parent references (from which this is a CIP), the liquid proof
and heat resistant glove carrying protective member 10 is
preferably used in a delicatessen for removing rotisserie chickens
from a rotisserie spit. A deli worker dons these gloves prior to
removing the chickens from the spit. To remove a chicken from a
spit, a worker wearing the liquid proof heat resistant gloves
removes the spit from the rotating oven. The worker then grasps the
spit at one end. Ordinarily, a right handed person grasps the right
end with his right hand and grasps adjacent the right end of the
spit with his left hand in the glove. This spit is then positioned
above the thumb-crotch region of the left-hand glove. The user then
pulls the spit using his right hand in a motion similar to drawing
a sword, all while continuing to grasp the spit with his left hand.
As the spit travels over the left-hand thumb crotch region through
the user's grasped hand, the chickens are released from the spit
and fall into a desired container. The protective member 10
protects the user's hand during this motion.
[0056] FIG. 6 depicts one exemplary method of manufacture for the
glove carrying protective member 10. After the protective member 10
has been connected to the liner 90, as described above, the liner
may be dipped into a liquefied bath of glove material. This
effectively seals the protective member 10 between the liner 90 and
an outer surface material layer 112. The outer surface material
layer 112 is liquid proof and heat resistant as one having skill in
the art would understand, and when cured defines an assembled glove
114.
[0057] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B represent an assembled liquid proof and
heat resistant glove 114 in accordance with the present disclosure.
The protective member 10 is shown in dashed-lines representing that
it is secured and sealed below the outer surface material layer 112
and protects the thumb crotch of the same. However, while
protective member 10 is sealed within the glove between the inner
liner and the outer surface material 112, it may be visually
undetectable.
[0058] 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.
[0059] Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *
References