U.S. patent application number 16/972302 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-29 for glove and method for making the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to ABE SPORT GROUP S.r.l.. The applicant listed for this patent is ABE SPORT GROUP S.r.l.. Invention is credited to Remigio BERLESE.
Application Number | 20210227902 16/972302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005556378 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210227902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BERLESE; Remigio |
July 29, 2021 |
GLOVE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
A glove that includes at least a frontal first section and a
dorsal second section, joined to each other so as to wrap and
receive a hand, that are formed by at least a first synthetic
lining material comprising at least a first thermoplastic resin.
The glove includes at least a functional element formed by a second
synthetic material that includes a second thermoplastic resin.
Specifically, the functional element is fixed to the frontal first
section and/or to the dorsal second section by means of ultrasonic
welding
Inventors: |
BERLESE; Remigio; (Cornuda,
IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABE SPORT GROUP S.r.l. |
Cornuda |
|
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
ABE SPORT GROUP S.r.l.
Cornuda
IT
|
Family ID: |
1000005556378 |
Appl. No.: |
16/972302 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
June 20, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2019/055219 |
371 Date: |
December 4, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/0006 20130101;
A41D 19/01558 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/015 20060101
A41D019/015; A41D 19/00 20060101 A41D019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 4, 2018 |
IT |
102018000006905 |
Claims
1. A glove comprising at least a frontal first section and at least
a dorsal second section mutually joined so as to wrap and to
receive a hand, at least one of said frontal first section and of
said dorsal second section being made of at least a first synthetic
lining material comprising at least a first thermoplastic resin,
said glove further comprising at least a functional element fixed
to said frontal first section and/or to said dorsal second section
through a junction region, said at least a functional element
comprising a coupling surface to said junction region, said at
least a functional element being made of at least a second
synthetic material comprising at least a second thermoplastic
resin, wherein, said at least a functional element is fixed to said
frontal first section and/or to said dorsal second section by means
of ultrasonic welding.
2. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a first
thermoplastic resin of said at least a first synthetic lining
material and said at least a second thermoplastic resin of said at
least a second synthetic material are ultrasonically weldable to
each other.
3. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a first
thermoplastic resin of said at least a first synthetic lining
material and said at least a second thermoplastic resin are the
same thermoplastic resin.
4. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a first
synthetic lining material and said at least a second synthetic
material are the same synthetic material.
5. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a
functional element is fixed by means of ultrasonic welding to at
least said frontal first section operatively adapted to receive the
palm of the hand, said frontal first section being made of said at
least a first synthetic lining material comprising said at least a
first thermoplastic resin.
6. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a
functional element is fixed by means of ultrasonic welding only to
said frontal first section operatively adapted to receive the palm
of the hand, said frontal first section being made of said at least
a first synthetic lining material comprising said at least a first
thermoplastic resin.
7. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a first
synthetic lining material and said at least a second synthetic
material are made of synthetic leather.
8. The glove according to claim 7, wherein said synthetic leather
is Clarino.RTM..
9. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said frontal first
section and said dorsal second section are made of said at least a
first synthetic lining material comprising said at least a first
thermoplastic resin, and said frontal first section and said dorsal
second section being fixed to each other along at least a portion
of the respective peripheral edges by means of ultrasonic
welding.
10. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said junction region
corresponds to the entire extent of said coupling surface of said
at least a functional element.
11. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said junction region
corresponds to the peripheral portion of said coupling surface of
said at least a functional element.
12. The glove according to claim 1, wherein said at least a
functional element is provided with projections on said coupling
surface, and said junction region corresponds to the contact
surface of said projections with said frontal first section and/or
with said dorsal second section.
13. A method for making a glove according to claim 1, comprising
the steps: a. providing at least a section of said glove on a base
of an apparatus for ultrasonic welding, b. providing at least a
functional element on a surface of said at least a section of said
glove, c. applying a pressure at said at least a functional element
by means of a press and through a sonotrode of said apparatus, d.
applying an ultrasonic vibration at the interface between said at
least a functional element and said at least a section of said
glove by means of said sonotrode, e. melting a first thermoplastic
resin of a first synthetic lining material of said at least a
section, and a second thermoplastic resin of a second synthetic
material of said at least a functional element at the interface, f.
allowing the synthetic materials of said at least a section and of
said at least a functional element of said glove to stabilize at
the interface until they reach a condition adapted to maintain
joined together at the interface said at least a section and said
at least a functional element of said glove. g. removing the
pressure from said at least a functional element.
14. The method for making a glove according to claim 13, wherein
after step c) it comprises the step of shaping said at least a
functional element according to a shape of said base properly
shaped.
15. The method for making a glove according to claim 13, wherein
after step c) it comprises the step of forming an ornamental and/or
functional pattern on an outer surface of said at least a
functional element by means of projections provided on said base
and/or on a lower surface of said sonotrode.
16. The method for making a glove according to claim 13, wherein
during step c) pressure is applied at a portion of the coupling
surface of said at least a functional element.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention refers to a glove for sport or working
activities, and to a method for making the same. Specifically, the
present invention refers to a glove provided with functional
elements, such as for example reinforcing pads, arranged in
predetermined positions of the glove, and, moreover to a method for
making it.
PRIOR ART
[0002] A glove is a clothing item that covers a hand, or a portion
of the same, with a lining material that adapts to the anatomical
shape of the hand. The glove protects the hand of a user during
specific activities, such as, for example, sports or working
activities, and the choice of the type of lining material depends
on the specific activity carried out. In fact, the performance of
different activities suggests or requires the use of gloves made to
fulfil certain purposes, such as for example protect the hand
during specific conditions of use, such as improving the grip of an
object, and also offering a wearability adapted to guarantee
freedom of movement of the hand and the fingers.
[0003] For example, for sports activities, such as when riding a
motorcycle, the glove is designed to be provided with protecting
functional elements, generally made with rigid or semi-rigid pads,
arranged in preset positions so as to protect the hand of the user
from accidental impacts while riding the vehicle. Typically, these
protecting functional elements are positioned on the dorsal section
of the hand so as to avoid, or limit, injuries caused, for example,
by a fall.
[0004] Alternatively, again respecting sports activities such as
riding a motorcycle, the glove is designed to be provided with
reinforcing functional elements, generally made with soft pads,
arranged in preset positions, for the purpose of limiting the wear
of parts of the glove during its use and, consequently, increase
its durability. Typically, these reinforcing functional elements
are positioned on the frontal section of the hand, that is, on the
section opposite the dorsal section.
[0005] Alternatively, for carrying out working activities, and
particularly in a professional context, the gloves are designed to
be provided with functional elements that modify the
characteristics of its lining material, and are generally fixed to
the frontal section of the glove. For example, the functional
elements, fixed on the frontal section of the hand and in
particular of the fingers, may be made with an elastomeric material
adapted to increase the friction between the glove and the surface
of an object so as to guarantee a better grip.
[0006] Eventually, the glove may also provide two different types
of functional elements having different functions, such as for
example one of protection and one of reinforcement, that are
arranged respectively on the dorsal section and on the frontal
section of the hand.
[0007] With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the state of the art a
glove 10, used for the purposes described above and other similar
purposes, is provided with functional elements 12 applied on the
surface of the lining material 14 of the glove 10 on the frontal
section (see FIG. 1A) and on the dorsal section (see FIG. 1B) of
the hand. These functional elements 12, having for example
different functions on the dorsal section and on the frontal
section, are fixed on the surface of the lining material 14 by
means of stitches 16 (shown in the figures with a broken line). The
stitches 16 form corresponding stitching regions, generally along
the peripheral edge of each functional element 12, and the
formation of such stitches 16 presents some drawbacks.
[0008] In fact, the fixing of the functional elements 12 on the
surface of the lining material 14 of the glove 10 by means of
stitches 16 is rather complex because, typically, this step is
generally carried out by hand, increasing the times and costs of
production and, further, it does not guarantee a perfect
homogeneity of the result between different lots of production,
consequently decreasing the quality of the product. In recent
years, in both the sport and work fields, particularly at the
professional level, a greater homogeneity of the characteristics of
a glove is constantly required, so as to guarantee the quality of
the product.
[0009] Furthermore, the fixing of the functional elements 12 on the
surface of the lining material 14 of the glove 10 by means of
stitches 16 may be more difficult when the thickness of the
functional elements 12 is relatively high and it is necessary to
apply a relatively high force to form the holes through which the
threads of the stitches 16 are to be inserted, especially if the
functional elements 12 are made with plastic material.
[0010] Moreover, the presence of a large number of stitches 16
weakens the structure of the glove 10. In other words, in the
stitching process the characteristics of the lining material 14 of
the glove 10 are modified, forming on it a plurality of holes that
represent weak points that cause the breakage of the lining
material 14 of the glove 10 in the case, for example, of an
accidental fall or after many steps of inserting and removing the
hand in/from the glove 10.
[0011] Furthermore, the stitches 16 are made with threads that over
time may wear out and finally break. In fact, due to the conditions
of use, such as for example a mechanical stress that causes a
wearing down of the surfaces of the glove 10, the threads, which
protrude from said surfaces, may wear down and break, causing a
dislodgement or a loss of one or more functional elements 12,
consequently making the glove 10 unusable.
[0012] Eventually, to guarantee a better fixing of the functional
elements 12 to the glove 10, it is possible to increase the number
of stitches 16, which are normally provided only along the
peripheral edge of each functional element 12. However, the
increase of the number of stitches 16, in addition to further
weakening the structure of the glove 10 as mentioned above, reduces
the operating surface of the functional elements 12. In other
words, considering for example functional elements 12 consisting of
an elastomer adapted to improve the grip of an object, when the
number of stitches 16 is increased, the corresponding stitching
regions that fix the functional elements 12 to the glove 10 must be
provided along the peripheral edge and through the body of each
functional element 12, thus decreasing, when in use, the functional
contact area between each functional element 12 and the object,
consequently affecting the potential improvement of the
characteristics provided by using the functional elements 12.
[0013] In addition, the increase in the number of stitches 16
decreases the flexibility of the structure of the glove 10, thus
causing a decreased comfort in using the glove. In fact, as
well-known, the stitches lower the prehensility of the fingers, or
of the hand, since they hinder their flexibility when they are made
at the articulation areas of the hand. Moreover, when the stitches
16 are made at the fingertips, they further interfere with the
tactile sensitivity of the fingers, which inevitably has already
been affected by the lining material 14 of the glove 10.
[0014] Moreover, in the design phase, the functional elements 12
must have a surface portion, generally along the peripheral edge,
to be used as a stitching region. Thus, in the design phase of the
glove 10, it is necessary to make the functional elements 12 so
that they have a shape such as to include portions or slots
necessary to form the stitching 16, thus limiting the design
possibilities of the glove 10 and of its functional elements
12.
[0015] Finally, in place of the stitches 16, it is possible to
provide glues to fix the functional elements 12 to the lining
material 14 of the glove 10, however this solution has some
drawbacks, since the glues do not guarantee the durability of the
gluing. Moreover, the glues require specific procedures for their
use and their disposal from the point of view of compliance with
the safety of the operators and respect for the environment,
consequently increasing the costs of production of the glove
10.
[0016] Consequently, there is a need to make a glove and to provide
a method of production of the same that overcomes the drawbacks
described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] An objective of the present invention is to make a glove and
to provide a method for manufacturing the same wherein the
functional elements are fixed to the lining material of the glove
through junction regions that do not provide for the use of
stitches or glues.
[0018] Within the above objective, one purpose of the present
invention concerns a glove and a method for making the same that
makes it possible to fix the functional elements to the lining
material of the glove by means of an automated industrial process
carried out with suitable equipment. In this manner, the times and
costs for making the gloves are decreased and, moreover, the level
of quality of the product is improved, guaranteeing the homogeneity
of the characteristics.
[0019] A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a
method for making the same wherein the thickness of the functional
elements does not interfere with the formation of the junction
regions between the functional elements and the lining material of
the glove.
[0020] A further objective concerns the creation of a glove and of
a method for making the same wherein the junction regions do not
weaken the structure of the glove and do not alter the physical
characteristics of its lining material, avoiding, for example,
making holes, that is, points of weakness that would cause the
breaking of the lining material in conditions of use.
[0021] A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a
method for making the same wherein the junction regions between the
functional elements and the lining material have a shape that does
not influence, that is, does not limit, the choice of the shape of
the functional elements in the design phase.
[0022] A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a
method for making the same wherein the extension of the junction
regions can be adjusted in the design phase, with respect to the
extension of the functional elements that they fix, without
affecting the properties thereof.
[0023] A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a
method for making the same wherein the junction regions do not
protrude from the surface of the glove and, therefore, are not
subject to wearing out during the conditions of use, thus
guaranteeing a more durable fixing of the functional elements to
the glove.
[0024] A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a
method for making the same wherein the junction regions do not
hinder the movement of the hand and of its fingers so as to
guarantee a flexibility of the glove and, consequently, a greater
comfort in its use.
[0025] A further objective regards the creation of a glove and of a
method for making the same wherein the junction regions fix the
functional elements to the lining material, making them integral to
each other, and thus guaranteeing a greater strength and durability
of the glove.
[0026] The above objectives and purposes, and others that will
become more evident in the following description, will be achieved
by means of a glove as defined in claim 1 and a method for making
the glove as defined in claim 13.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] The further characteristics and the advantages of the glove
and of the method for making the same will become more evident in
the following description relative to an embodiment given by way of
example, non-limiting, with reference to the following figures,
wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a frontal part of a prior art
glove;
[0029] FIG. 1B is a plan view of a dorsal part of the glove of FIG.
1A;
[0030] FIG. 2A is a plan view of a frontal part of a glove in a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2B is a plan view of a dorsal part of the glove of FIG.
2A;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a view in cross section along line A-A in FIG.
2A;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of an apparatus used
to form part of the glove of FIG. 2A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] In the following description will be used the term "lining
material" of a glove to indicate a plurality of materials of
different types. As is well known, in fact, the materials used to
make the lining material of a glove are typically natural leather,
imitation leather, that is, synthetic leather, elastomers, and the
like, or fabrics made with a weave of threads made up of natural
materials, synthetic materials or a combination thereof.
[0035] In addition, the glove, that is, the lining material of the
glove, may be made up of a plurality of coupled layers, each
consisting of a different material, such as for example two layers
consisting of a first layer of synthetic leather and a second layer
of natural leather. However, in the following description, the term
"lining material" refers to the material of the single layer or to
the material of the more external layer of the glove.
[0036] Moreover, in the following description, the term "synthetic"
will refer to a material comprising at least a thermoplastic resin.
Therefore, from the group of synthetic materials are entirely
excluded natural materials, such as natural leather and natural
fabrics, while the group includes synthetic materials such as, for
example, synthetic leather such as "Alcantara.RTM." and
"Clarino.RTM.", which include resins such as polyurethane and
polyester, "Lorica.RTM.", which includes resins such as
polyurethane and polyamide, and the like. In addition, in the group
of synthetic materials are included synthetic fabrics comprising a
weave of threads made with thermoplastic resins, such as for
example synthetic fabrics comprising polyamide and/or polyester,
and the like, or fabrics made with a combination of threads
consisting of natural materials and threads consisting of synthetic
materials, that is, comprising thermoplastic resins.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a glove 100 is shown
comprising a frontal first section 102 and a dorsal second section
104, opposite the frontal first section 102, that are substantially
symmetrical and are fixed, that is joined, to each other by means
of stitching (not shown) made preferably at the peripheral edges of
the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104,
leaving free a entrance third section 106 adapted to allow the
insertion of a hand into the glove 100.
[0038] The frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section
104 each comprise a hand receiving portion 108, a finger receiving
portion 110 and a thumb receiving portion 112.
[0039] Specifically, the hand receiving portion 108 of the frontal
first section 102 is adapted to receive when in use the whole palm
of the hand or only a portion of the same, while the hand receiving
portion 108 of the dorsal second section 104 is adapted to receive
when in use the back of the hand, in its entirety or only a portion
of the same. In fact, as is well known, some types of gloves,
particularly in the sport field, wrap a portion of the palm, of the
back, of the fingers and of the thumb, and/or some types of gloves
wrap only some of the fingers and/or the thumb, depending on their
use.
[0040] From the hand receiving portion 108 extend the finger
receiving portion 110, adapted to receive when in use the fingers
of the hand, such as generally the index, the ring finger, the
middle finger and the small finger, and the thumb receiving portion
112, adapted to receive the thumb when in use. In this preferred
embodiment, the glove 100 wraps entirely the palm, the back, the
thumb and all the fingers of the hand.
[0041] Moreover, the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal
second section 104 of the glove 100 are formed with a lining
material adapted for the specific use of the glove which,
generally, is a soft and pliable material which allows the movement
of the hand and of its fingers. As will be explained later, in this
invention it is essential that the lining material be a synthetic
material and, in this preferred embodiment, the synthetic lining
material is synthetic leather, such as Clarino.RTM., although this
embodiment is not limitative.
[0042] Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the glove 100 also
comprises functional elements 114 distributed on the surface of the
glove 100. Specifically, the functional elements 114 are positioned
in specific surface parts of the hand receiving portion 108, of the
finger receiving portion 110 and of the thumb receiving portion
112, of the frontal first section 102 (see FIG. 2A) and of the
dorsal second section 104 (see FIG. 2B) of the glove 100.
[0043] The term "functional element" is used here to indicate a
body that may be rigid, semi-rigid (that is, partially rigid),
pliable, soft, etc., that has a shape similar to a pad shaped so as
to have an extension adapted to cover exterior parts of the glove
100. Specifically, this body is adapted to give different functions
and/or characteristics to the synthetic lining material that forms
the frontal first section 102 and/or the dorsal second section 104
of the glove 100. In other words, the functional elements 114
modify the glove 100 giving it different functions and/or
characteristics that otherwise it would not have if it was made
with only the synthetic lining material. For example, the
functional elements 114 may be pads adapted to protect from impacts
and shocks parts of the hand inserted into the glove 100, or they
may be pads adapted to reduce an excessive wearing down of surface
parts of the frontal first section 102 and/or the dorsal second
section 104 corresponding to the articulation areas of the hand, or
the functional elements 114 may be pads formed with a material
adapted to improve the grip of an object with the glove 100.
[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the functional elements
114 are illustrated by means of a dotted area, while, for clarity,
one of the functional elements 114 is shown not applied to the
glove 100, leaving visible a corresponding junction region 116
(indicated by a hatched area) with the frontal first section 102
(see FIG. 2A) and with the dorsal second section 104 (see FIG. 2B).
In other words, the junction region 116 is the surface part of the
frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section 104 on
which is fixed the respective functional element 114 (as shown in
the figures by means of a thick arrow). Specifically, each
functional element 114 is fixed to the corresponding junction
region 116 of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal
second section 104 with a method that will be described later in
detail.
[0045] The position and the number of the functional elements 114,
that is, of the corresponding junction regions 116, are determined
according to the design of the glove 100 and of its use and, in
this preferred embodiment, the functional elements 114 are
reinforcing pads adapted to reduce an excessive wearing down of the
surface parts of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal
second section 104 of the glove 100.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, which is a view in cross section along
line A-A of FIG. 2A, each functional element 114 is formed so that
its surface which faces the corresponding section of the glove 100
(hereafter defined "coupling surface of the functional element") is
entirely fixed, or partially fixed, to the corresponding section of
the glove 100, which in FIG. 3 is the frontal first section 102,
through the respective junction region 116. Specifically, in this
invention it is essential that the fixing, or the coupling, of each
functional element 144 to the frontal first section 102 and to the
dorsal second section 104, through the respective junction region
116, is achieved by means of ultrasonic welding.
[0047] The welding of pieces distinct from each other by means of
ultrasonic energy, that is by means of ultrasonic welding, is a
well-known process. The procedure is generally carried out by
positioning the surfaces of the pieces to weld in a juxtaposed
stacked relationship forming a contact region between the surfaces
of the pieces to be welded, hereafter defined "interface".
Afterwards, a compression force is exerted between the pieces, that
is between the surfaces of the interface, and then ultrasonic
energy is applied to the pieces by means of an ultrasonic energy
concentrator, also known as a "sonotrode", which generates a
vibration, that is a relative displacement, of the surfaces of the
interface in a direction substantially parallel to the interface.
Typically, in this phase, the ultrasonic energy has a frequency
between 20 and 50 kHz. Thus, the dissipation of the ultrasonic
energy causes, by means of friction, a fusion of the materials that
is localized in the region of the interface and after a
predetermined interval of time, usually from a fraction of a second
to a few seconds, the ultrasonic energy is switched off to allow
the molten materials to cool, that is, to solidify, so as to form a
junction region, that is, a welding region by means of fusion
between the pieces.
[0048] Thus, referring again to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, in order to fix
each functional element 114 to the frontal first section 102 and to
the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100 by means of
ultrasonic welding through the respective junction region 116, that
is between the surfaces at the interface, it is essential in the
present invention that both the material of the functional element
114 and the lining material of the corresponding frontal section
102 and dorsal section 104 be formed with synthetic materials, that
is comprising thermoplastic resins.
[0049] In other words, the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal
second section 104 are formed with a first synthetic lining
material comprising at least a first thermoplastic resin, while the
functional elements 114 are formed with a second synthetic material
comprising at least a second thermoplastic resin. In this state, it
is possible to guarantee, during the ultrasonic welding procedure,
the melting and solidification of the materials in the interface
region and, therefore, it is possible to guarantee the welding by
means of melting in the junction region 116, or in the regions of
the surfaces at the interface, between each functional element 114
and the respective surface part of the frontal first section 102
and of the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100.
[0050] Preferably, the first synthetic material and the second
synthetic material comprise a percentage of thermoplastic resin of
at least 25% in weight to guarantee the formation of the welding by
means of melting.
[0051] Moreover, to guarantee the formation of the welding in the
junction region 116, that is between the surfaces at the interface,
it is essential in the present invention that the thermoplastic
resins comprised in the first synthetic material and in the second
synthetic material be weldable to each other by means of ultrasonic
welding. In other words, the chemical nature and the physical and
thermal characteristics (such as for example the melting
temperature and the glass transition temperature) of the
thermoplastic resins of the first synthetic material and of the
second synthetic material to be welded to each other by means of
ultrasonic welding must be appropriately selected to guarantee the
formation of a welding by means of melting.
[0052] The choice of the combinations of thermoplastic resins that
are weldable by means of melting can be carried out based on
information obtained from industry manuals. For example, the
welding to each other of pieces formed with the same synthetic
material, that is that comprise the same thermoplastic resin,
generally offers excellent welding characteristics. However, it is
possible to achieve a welding to each other of pieces formed with
synthetic materials of different chemical nature, that is that
comprise thermoplastic resins that are different from each other,
following the information from industry manuals which contain data
relating to the weldability of thermoplastic resins that are
different from each other. Moreover, as is well-known, there are
suitable compositions of thermoplastic resins, comprising adhesion
promoters or "compatibilizers", that are adapted to guarantee
weldability by means of melting for synthetic materials of
different chemical nature, that is that comprise thermoplastic
resins that are different from each other.
[0053] Specifically, referring again to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, in the
preferred embodiment of the present invention the functional
elements 114, such as pads adapted to reduce an excessive wear of
parts of the surface of the frontal first section 102 and of the
dorsal second section 104, are formed with the same synthetic
lining material as the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal
second section 104 to which they are fixed, which in this preferred
embodiment is "Clarino.RTM.".
[0054] In other words, in this preferred embodiment, in the
junction regions 116 of the frontal first section 102 and of the
dorsal second section 104 is formed a thickening of the synthetic
lining material of the glove 100, by means of the functional
elements 114.
[0055] It should be noted, however, that this embodiment is not
limiting, and the second synthetic material with which the
functional elements 114 are formed may be different from the first
synthetic lining material of the frontal first section 102 and of
the dorsal second section 104. However, it is essential in the
present invention that the second synthetic material be weldable by
means of ultrasonic welding to the first synthetic lining material,
in other words, it is essential that the first thermoplastic resin
of the first synthetic material and the second thermoplastic resin
of the second synthetic material are ultrasonically weldable to
each other.
[0056] Hereafter, with reference to FIG. 4, is described a method
for making the glove 100 of the preferred embodiment previously
described.
[0057] First, is provided an apparatus 200 for ultrasonic welding
comprising a base 202 preferably stationary, a press 204 adapted to
lower and maintain a sonotrode 206 pressed on the base 202 with a
preferably adjustable pressure. Specifically, the sonotrode 206 is
adapted to transmit to parts to be welded a vibration, generated by
a piezoelectric transducer or converter (not shown), having a
direction generally parallel to the base 202.
[0058] Subsequently, on the base 202 of the apparatus 200 is
positioned a frontal first section 102 of a glove 100 previously
formed, for example, by cutting it from a sheet consisting of the
first synthetic lining material.
[0059] Functional elements 114 are then arranged on the surface of
the frontal first section 102 at the respective junction regions
116 (as shown in the figure by means of a thick arrow).
Specifically, in FIG. 4, for clarity, one of the functional
elements 114 is shown not placed on the surface of the frontal
first section 102 leaving the corresponding junction region 116
visible, as is shown by a hatched area.
[0060] Subsequently, the press 204 is activated so as to bring the
sonotrode 206 into a contact relationship, through one of its
surfaces defined below as "lower", with each surface of the
functional elements 114 which is opposite to the respective
junction region 116 (defined below as "external surface of the
functional element"). Preferably, the sonotrode 206 is provided
with cavities (not shown in the figure) having a shape that is
complementary to the external surface of the functional elements
114 that are distributed on the lower surface of the sonotrode 206
so that, when the press 204 is activated, each cavity is in a
contact relationship with the external surface of the respective
functional element 114.
[0061] Then, by means of the press 204 is applied a pressure, that
is, a compression force, between the functional elements 114 and
the frontal first section 102. In other words, a pressure is
applied on the respective junction regions 116 between the surfaces
at the interface of the functional elements 114 and of the frontal
first section 102. Preferably, in this phase the pressure applied
is about 8 atm.
[0062] Subsequently, ultrasonic energy is applied, that is, there
is the generation of vibration transmitted to the junction region
116, that is to the region of the interface surfaces, through the
sonotrode 206 and the respective functional elements 114.
Preferably, in this phase the frequency of the vibration is about
20 kHz.
[0063] In this state, therefore, the first synthetic lining
material of the frontal first section 102 and the second synthetic
material of the functional element 114 are melted locally at the
junction region 116, that is, at the respective surfaces of the
interface. In other words, the first thermoplastic resin of the
first synthetic lining material of the frontal first section 102
and the second thermoplastic resin of the second synthetic material
of the functional element 114 are melted locally at the surfaces of
the interface.
[0064] Advantageously, this localized heating does not extend
outside the junction region 116, that is, outside the surfaces of
the interface, thus maintaining unchanged the characteristics of
the first synthetic lining material of the frontal first section
102.
[0065] Preferably, in this phase it is possible to adjust times
and/or amplitude and/or frequency of the vibrations based on the
type of the first synthetic lining material and of the second
synthetic material, on the thicknesses of the frontal first section
102 and of the functional elements 114, etc.
[0066] Subsequently, the first synthetic lining material and the
second synthetic material are allowed to stabilize by cooling them
so as to reach a temperature adapted to maintain the functional
elements 114 and the frontal first section 102 fixed to each
other.
[0067] Finally, the press 204 is disabled by removing the pressure
applied on the functional elements 114, and the frontal first
section 102 of the glove is removed from the base 202 of the
apparatus 200.
[0068] It should be noted that the frontal first section 102 of the
glove 100, provided with the functional elements 114 formed
integral with the same, can thus be used for further subsequent
steps of production of the glove 100, such as for example the
formation of the stitches by conventional methods, to join the
frontal first section 102 to a dorsal second section 104 in order
to complete the glove 100.
[0069] It is evident that different modifications of the glove 100
and of the method for making the same are possible, without
departing from the scope of patent protection as defined by claims
1 and 13.
[0070] In the previously described embodiment, the functional
elements 114 are formed integral with the frontal first section 102
and with the dorsal second section 104 of the glove 100. However,
it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the functional
elements 114 are formed integral, for example, with one of the two
sections: the frontal first section 102 or the dorsal second
section 104.
[0071] In fact, in a more preferred embodiment of the present
invention the functional elements 114 are fixed by means of
ultrasonic welding to at least the frontal first section 102 which
is operatively adapted to receive the palm of the hand and the
fingers.
[0072] In normal operating conditions, the frontal first section
102 is particularly subjected to continuous mechanical stress that
generate through friction a wearing down of its surface and of the
surfaces of the functional elements 114 fixed to it. For example,
during sport activities, by gripping a sport device or equipment,
the frontal first section 102 and the functional elements 114 fixed
to it are particularly subjected to continuous mechanical stress
that cause their wear down.
[0073] Advantageously, if the functional elements 114 are fixed to
the frontal first section 102 by means of ultrasonic welding, the
corresponding junction region 116 is not subjected to such
mechanical stress because it does not protrude from the surface of
the glove 100. In this state, the junction region 116 is not worn
out by the mechanical stress, thus guaranteeing an increased
durability of the fixing of the functional elements 114 to the
first section 102 of the glove 100. In other words, fixing the
functional elements 114 to the frontal first section 102 by means
of ultrasonic welding increases the durability of the glove 100
because no stitching is required with the use of threads, which
would remain subjected to conditions of stress and which,
therefore, would wear out and would break, causing the separation
of the functional elements 114 from the frontal first section 102,
consequently degrading the functionality of the glove 100.
[0074] Moreover, advantageously, fixing the functional elements 114
to the frontal first section 102 by means of ultrasonic welding,
avoids a plurality of stitches that could interfere with the
mobility of the hand and the fingers. Thus, unlike stitching,
fixing by means of ultrasonic welding does not reduce the mobility
and prehensility of the fingers, or of the hand, since it does not
hinder the flexibility even when ultrasonic welding is used in the
articulation areas of the fingers and/or the hand. This advantage
is particularly significant in the frontal first section 102 since,
in receiving the palm of the hand and the fingers, it is desirable
to maintain a high degree of mobility, prehensility and tactile
sensitivity of the fingers which, otherwise, would be deteriorated
by the presence of stitching.
[0075] Moreover, advantageously, fixing the functional elements 114
to the frontal first section 102 by means of ultrasonic welding,
avoids a plurality of stitches that could weaken the structure of
the frontal first section 102. Specifically, this advantage is
particularly significant in the frontal first section 102 which, as
already mentioned, is particularly subjected to continuous
mechanical stress in the conditions of use.
[0076] In the even more preferred embodiment, the functional
elements 114 and the frontal first section 102 are made with the
same synthetic material formed in synthetic leather, such as for
example Clarino.RTM., which guarantees characteristics of softness
and pliability that maintain adequate mobility, prehensility and
tactile sensitivity of the fingers, in addition to guaranteeing
suitable characteristics of resistance to wear.
[0077] Moreover, in the foregoing description, the functional
elements 114 act as reinforcements, forming a thickening of a
surface part of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal
second section 104. However, it is possible to provide functional
elements 114 that act as protecting elements and are formed, for
example, on the dorsal second section 104 by means of a second
semi-rigid synthetic material that is joined by ultrasonic welding
to the first synthetic lining material in the finger receiving
portion 110 and in the hand receiving portion 108. Alternatively,
the functional elements 114 may be adapted to increase the friction
between the glove 100 and the surface of an object to be gripped
and are formed, for example, on the frontal first section 102 in
the finger receiving portion 110 and in the thumb receiving portion
112.
[0078] Moreover, in the foregoing description, the frontal first
section 102, the dorsal second section 104 and the functional
elements 114 are formed with the same material, such as synthetic
leather. However, it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the
frontal first section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are
formed with the same synthetic lining material, and the functional
elements 114 are formed with a second synthetic material different
from the first synthetic lining material. For example, it is
possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the frontal first section
102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with a mixed
natural and synthetic fabric, comprising polyamide, and the
functional elements 114 are formed with polyamide adapted to be
joined to the dorsal second section 104 by means of ultrasonic
welding.
[0079] Moreover, in the foregoing description, each functional
element 114 is fixed by means of a junction region 116 having an
extension that corresponds substantially with the coupling surface
of the respective functional element 114. However, it is possible
to provide functional elements 114 provided on the coupling surface
with projections or protrusions through which the respective
junction region 116 can be formed. In other words, in this variant,
the welding interface of the functional elements 114 to the frontal
first section 102 and to the dorsal second section 104 is formed by
the contact surfaces of the projections or protrusions with the
respective frontal first section 102 and dorsal second section 104,
defining in this manner the junction region 116, that is, the
interface surfaces.
[0080] In addition, in the foregoing description, on the same
junction region 116 is fixed a single type of functional element
114. However, it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein on the
same junction region 116 are fixed a plurality of functional
elements 114 having different functions. For example, it is
possible to fix in the same junction region 116 of the hand
receiving portion 108 of the frontal first section 102 a plurality
of functional elements 114 of two types different from each other
that act as reinforcing elements (first type) and as friction
enhancing elements (second type) and that are distributed side by
side on the same junction region 116 forming, eventually, a matrix
structure. Advantageously, in this state, it is possible to apply
on the same junction region 116 a plurality of functional elements
114 without using stitches, making it possible to fix functional
elements 114 of different types, each having a relatively small
area.
[0081] Additionally, in the previous description, each functional
element 114 is a homogeneous body consisting of a single second
synthetic material that can be weldable by means of ultrasonic
welding to the first synthetic lining material of the glove 100.
However, it is possible to provide so that the functional elements
114 are formed from a plurality of bodies formed with different
materials and fixed to each other by means of conventional methods
wherein the coupling surface of each functional element 114,
adapted to fix itself to the first synthetic lining material of the
glove 100, is formed with the second synthetic material.
[0082] Moreover, in the foregoing description, the frontal first
section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with the
same synthetic lining material, however it is possible to provide a
glove 100 wherein the material of the frontal first section 102 is
different from that of the dorsal second section 104.
[0083] Moreover, in the foregoing description, the glove 100
comprises a frontal first section 102 and a dorsal second section
104 that are joined to each other by means of stitching. However,
it is possible to provide a glove 100 comprising a plurality of
sections joined to each other by means of conventional methods,
such as for example stitching, possibly each formed with a
different material.
[0084] In a further preferred embodiment, the frontal first section
102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with the first
synthetic lining material comprising at least a first thermoplastic
resin, and are fixed to each other by means of ultrasonic welding
along at least one portion of the peripheral edges of the same.
Specifically, in a more preferred embodiment the frontal first
section 102 and the dorsal second section 104 are formed with the
same synthetic material made of synthetic leather, such as for
example Clarino.RTM.. Advantageously, in this state, eliminating
the stitching between the frontal first section 102 and the dorsal
second section 104 further enhances the wearability of the glove
100 and, consequently, the characteristics of mobility,
prehensility and tactile sensitivity of the fingers.
[0085] Furthermore, it is possible to provide for the glove of the
present invention to be an intermediate product of a forming
procedure of a glove with a more complex structure than the one
previously described. In other words, it is possible to provide so
that the glove 100 of the present invention may be subjected to
additional steps such as, for example, the making of an additional
lining of the external surface of the frontal first section 102, of
the dorsal second section 104 and of the respective functional
elements 114 fixed to them, by means of conventional methods such
as the stitching of additional layers formed by additional lining
materials.
[0086] Moreover, in the foregoing description, the method for
forming the ultrasonic welding provides for fixing the functional
elements 114 to the frontal first section 102 of the glove 100.
However, it is possible to provide a method for forming the
ultrasonic welding wherein the fixing of the functional elements
114 is carried out on a sheet made up of the first synthetic lining
material of the glove 100 which, after the ultrasonic welding
procedure, is shaped so as to form the frontal first section 102 of
the glove 100 by means, for example, of die cutting.
[0087] Moreover, in the foregoing description, the method for
making the ultrasonic welding provides a substantially smooth base
202 and a sonotrode 206 having a substantially smooth lower surface
adapted to act with the base 202 through the frontal first section
102 and the respective functional elements 114. However, it is
possible to provide a method for making the ultrasonic welding
wherein the base 202 and/or the lower surface of the sonotrode 206
are provided with suitable projections, or arrangements for
suitable projections, adapted to impress, or form, an ornamental
and/or functional pattern, such as an inscription, symbols, grids
and the like upon the application of the pressure on the external
surface of the functional element 114 by means of the press
204.
[0088] Moreover, in the foregoing description, the method for
forming the ultrasonic welding provides for the sonotrode 206 to
apply, by means of the press 204, a pressure on the entire coupling
surface of the functional element 114, that is, the welding
interface coincides with the entire coupling surface of the
functional element 114. However, it is possible to provide an
appropriate shape of the lower surface of the sonotrode 206 such as
to apply a pressure on only a portion of the coupling surface of
the functional element 114, such as for example only on its
peripheral portion, in this manner the welding interface coincides
with only the peripheral portion of the coupling surface of the
functional element 114.
[0089] Moreover, in the preceding description, the method for
forming the ultrasonic welding provides a substantially flat base
202 and a sonotrode 206 having a substantially flat lower surface
adapted to act with the base 202 through the frontal first section
102 and the respective functional elements 114. However, it is
possible to provide a method for forming the ultrasonic welding
wherein the base 202 may be shaped with a desired shape, forming
for example a concave and/or convex surface, and the sonotrode 206
is shaped in a manner substantially complementary to the base 202.
In this state, advantageously, it is possible to fix on the frontal
first section 102 functional elements 114 and at the same time
shape the latter according to the shape of the base 202. In this
manner, the functional elements 114 can be shaped in a manner
consistent with the shape of the corresponding portion of the hand,
by adequately designing the shape of the base 202.
[0090] Finally, in the foregoing description, the method for
forming the ultrasonic welding provides for the functional elements
114 to be interposed between the frontal first section 102 and the
sonotrode 206, but it is possible to provide a method for forming
the ultrasonic welding wherein the frontal first section 102 is
interposed between the functional elements 114, that rest on the
base 202, and the sonotrode 206. In this state, the vibration is
transmitted to the junction region 116, that is to the interface
between the surface to weld, through the sonotrode 206 and the
frontal first section 102.
[0091] From what is described above it is evident that important
results have been achieved, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior
art, making it possible to achieve a glove and a method for making
the same wherein the functional elements 114 are fixed to the
synthetic lining material of the glove 100 through junction regions
116 that do not provide for the use of stitching or glues.
[0092] In addition, the method for making the glove 100 makes it
possible to achieve a fixing of the functional elements 114 to the
synthetic lining material of the glove 100 by means of an
industrial procedure capable of completely automating the
manufacture of the same, cutting times and costs for making the
glove 100 and, moreover, enhancing the level of quality of the
product. Specifically, with the method described in the present
invention, all the functional elements 114 are fixed simultaneously
to the frontal first section 102 and to the dorsal second section
104 of the glove 100 in a single step, unlike the traditional
methods that require a plurality of stitching steps carried out for
each functional element 114.
[0093] Moreover, the formation of the junction regions 116 with the
method described herein is not substantially impaired by relatively
large thicknesses of the functional elements 114. In fact, the
ultrasonic welding process is localized in the interface region
between the functional elements 114 and the respective surface part
of the frontal first section 102 and of the dorsal second section
104 of the glove 100.
[0094] Moreover, the junction regions 116 formed with the method
described herein do not weaken the structure of the glove 100 and
do not alter the physical characteristics of the synthetic lining
material that forms it.
[0095] In addition, the junction regions 116 have an extension,
with respect to the extension of the functional elements 114, that
can be adjusted in the design phase. Specifically, the junction
regions 116 may have an extension that coincides with the entire
coupling surface of the functional elements 114, thus guaranteeing
a high degree of fixing of the functional elements 114 to the
synthetic lining material of the glove 100, or the junction regions
116 may have an extension that coincides with a part of the
coupling surface of the functional elements 114, such as for
example the one corresponding with their peripheral edge. In fact,
it is possible to provide a glove 100 wherein the functional
element 114 is fixed through a junction region 116 having an
extension that substantially corresponds to the peripheral portion
of the coupling surface of the respective functional element. In
this state, advantageously, the welding step and the configuration
of the sonotrode in the method for making the glove 100 are
simplified.
[0096] Moreover, the junction regions 116 formed with the method
described herein have a shape and extension that can be adjusted in
the design phase so as to avoid weakening the structure of the
glove and to avoid reducing the effective surface of the functional
elements 114 fixed on the synthetic lining material of the glove
100.
[0097] Moreover, the junction regions 116 formed with the method
described herein do not protrude from the surface of the glove 100
and, therefore, are not subject to wearing down during the
conditions of use, thus guaranteeing an increased durability of the
fixing of the functional elements 114 to the frontal first section
102 of the glove 100 and to the dorsal second section 104 of the
glove 100.
[0098] Moreover, the glove 100 and the method for manufacturing the
same make it possible to form the functional elements 114 integral
with the respective frontal first section 102 and dorsal second
section 104, thus guaranteeing strength and durability of the glove
100.
[0099] Finally, the junction regions 116 formed with the method
described herein do not hinder the movement of the hand and its
fingers and guarantee a flexibility of the structure of the glove
100 independently of the extension of the junction region 116.
[0100] Naturally, the materials and equipment used for implementing
the present invention, as well as the shape and dimensions of the
individual components, can be the most appropriate to meet the
specific requirements.
* * * * *