U.S. patent application number 17/252337 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-19 for supported gloves with in-grip features.
The applicant listed for this patent is ANSELL LIMITED. Invention is credited to Evan BARNA, Mathotarallage Amani Rasika MATHOTA, James Hunter MORELAND, Eric Michael THOMPSON, James Patrick THOMPSON.
Application Number | 20210251317 17/252337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005570954 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210251317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
THOMPSON; Eric Michael ; et
al. |
August 19, 2021 |
SUPPORTED GLOVES WITH IN-GRIP FEATURES
Abstract
Provided among other things are a fabric supported glove with a
polymer coating with a palm dip, wherein (a) a grip inside surface
of the glove having in-grip features at selective locations for
promoting in-grip, or (b) a friction- or tack-providing polymer
coating is provided on all or a portion of the grip inside surface
to provide in-grip features, or (c) wherein the polymer coating is
provided with a first lower viscosity polymer composition that
provides limited strike-through in-grip features and a second
higher viscosity polymer composition that provides an exterior
gripping surface, or (d) non-parallel primary ridges in the fabric
provide in-grip features, or (e) two or more of (a) through (d)
applies, wherein the in-grip features comprise locations at the
finger tips and on the palm of the hand configured to reduce inside
slippage of the glove in gripping a representative cylinder.
Inventors: |
THOMPSON; Eric Michael;
(Central, SC) ; MORELAND; James Hunter; (Central,
SC) ; THOMPSON; James Patrick; (Pendleton, SC)
; BARNA; Evan; (Chester, NJ) ; MATHOTA;
Mathotarallage Amani Rasika; (Kiribathgoda, Kelaniya,
LK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ANSELL LIMITED |
Richmond, Victoria |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005570954 |
Appl. No.: |
17/252337 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
June 28, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2019/050682 |
371 Date: |
December 15, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62691134 |
Jun 28, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/0065 20130101;
A41D 19/01558 20130101; A41D 2400/80 20130101; A41D 2500/54
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00; A41D 19/015 20060101 A41D019/015 |
Claims
1. A knit fabric supported glove with fingers and an exterior
polymer coating comprising a palm dip, wherein a friction- or
tack-providing polymer coating is provided on selected portion(s)
of a grip inside surface to provide in-grip features.
2. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the selected
portion comprises one or more of an area of a distal phalanx region
of two or more fingers, an area comprising pad areas at a base of
two or more of the fingers, or an area of a hypothenar region.
3. The fabric supported glove of claim 2, wherein there are in-grip
features in an area of a thenar region.
4. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein there are in-grip
features in pad areas at a base of five or more of the fingers.
5. The fabric supported glove of claim 4, wherein there are in-grip
features in an area of a thenar region.
6. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein there are in-grip
features in a distal phalanx region of five or more fingers.
7. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the portion(s)
having in-grip features comprise an area of about 60% or less of
the grip inside surface, optionally wherein the in grip features
occupy an area of about 15% or less of the grip inside surface.
8. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the portion(s)
having in-grip features comprise an area of about 30% or less of
the grip inside surface.
9. The fabric supported glove of claim 8, wherein the in grip
features occupy an area of about 10% or less of the grip inside
surface.
10. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein at least about
50% of a length of a finger 110 portion of the grip inside surface,
and at least about 65% of portions of grip inside surface provided
by fingers 120, 130 and 140 is free of areas having applied grip
features.
11. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein an area of
palmar region (180) between regions that are region of pads of a
ball of hand, hypothenar region and thenar region is about 80% or
more free of areas having applied grip features.
12. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the in-grip
features comprise locations at finger tips and on a palm configured
to reduce inside slippage of the glove in gripping a representative
cylinder.
13. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the selected
portion(s) having applied grip features on a lower palm area
comprises two substantially vertical segments in hypothenar and
thenar regions, respectively.
14. The fabric supported glove of claim 13, wherein the selected
portion(s) having applied grip features on the lower palm area
further comprises one or two substantially horizontal segments
between the two vertical segments.
15. A method of testing in-grip improvements comprising: A.
measuring a force needed to induce slippage with a first glove; B.
measuring that force while wearing as a base glove a compression
glove having a grip-providing coating and wearing the first glove
thereover; C. measuring that force while wearing a second glove
that is comparable to the first glove in exterior grip features but
differs in having one or more additional in-grip features; and D.
comparing an improvement in the C measurement over the A
measurement to the improvement of the B measurement over the A
measurement.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Pat.
Application No. 62/691,134, filed Jun. 28, 2018, the contents of
which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
[0002] The present application relates generally to supported
gloves with in-grip features.
[0003] The focus of development for supported gloves has been
economical ways to provide grip on the outer, polymer-coated
surface, particularly at the finger tips. However, the lack of grip
between the hand and the fabric side of a supported glove is a
source of discomfort and reduced stability, and requires the user
to use added grip force to maintain a steady grip. The discomfort
and added grip force that can be attributed to interior grip (or
the lack thereof) can contribute user fatigue, and in the long term
to disease states such as repetitive motion disorder, and other
musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, there is a need for added interior
grip that extends through a number of industries, including but not
limited to automotive, machinery & equipment, metal
fabrication, construction, manufacturing, maintenance &
service.
[0004] When coating a glove liner with polyurethane (PU) it can be
difficult to control "strike-through." This is where the polymer
extends all the way through the fabric liner to contact user skin.
This is regarded as a defect since the liner is provided for user
comfort, and strike-through contributes to an uncomfortable feel.
Lower quality PU-coated gloves may have, however, inadvertently and
occasionally provided for better interior grip. What these gloves
have not provided is a systematized pattern of in-grip features
that (a) provide enhanced grip at strategic locations that more
fully cover the areas needed for in-grip and/or (b) minimize
discomfort arising from such in-grip features.
[0005] Thus, in certain embodiments, the gloves described here have
in-grip features at strategic locations for promoting in-grip. In
other embodiments, the in-grip features do not substantially
promote discomfort, and can be more uniformly provided,
particularly on the palm sides of the interior of the gloves. The
invention can be described with reference to the Grip Inside
Surface (GIS) defined more particularly below.
SUMMARY
[0006] Provided among other things are a fabric supported glove
with a polymer coating with a palm dip, wherein (a) a grip inside
surface of the glove having in-grip features at selective locations
for promoting in-grip, or (b) a friction- or tack-providing polymer
coating is provided on all or a portion of the grip inside surface
to provide in-grip features, or (c) wherein the polymer coating is
provided with a first lower viscosity polymer composition that
provides limited strike-through and a second higher viscosity
polymer composition that provides an exterior gripping surface, or
(d) non-parallel (not up and down) primary ridges in the fabric
provide in-grip features, or (e) two or more of (a) through (d)
applies, wherein in embodiments for case (a) or (b) or (c) or (d)
or (e), the in-grip features comprise locations at the finger tips
and on the palm of the hand configured to reduce inside slippage of
the glove in gripping a representative cylinder.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. However, the appended
drawings illustrate are only illustrative embodiments of this
invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its
scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts hand model with illustrative points 5 on the
palm side of the glove at which in-grip features can be
deployed;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a hand model for the palm side showing areas that
can have corresponding selective in-grip features;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a hand model for the palm side showing a regular
pattern of in-grip features;
[0011] FIG. 4A is an image vertical ridges resulting, on one "face"
side of a glove, from knitting with a jersey stitch;
[0012] FIG. 4B is the opposite, "back" face that has a rougher
texture;
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a portion of the dorsal side of a HyFlex 11-510
glove;
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a device for measuring grip;
[0015] FIG. 7A shows an example of a parallel pattern of less dense
stitching; and
[0016] FIG. 7B shows an example of a horizontal pattern of less
dense stitching;
[0017] FIG. 8 shows an arthritis compression glove with a pattern
of horizontal lines of silicon, useful in testing in-grip;
[0018] FIGS. 9A to 9E and 9G to 9I show the palm side inside
surface of illustrative embodiments with applied grip features;
[0019] FIG. 9F shows a blown-up portion of FIG. 9E; and
[0020] FIG. 9J shows an illustration of how to measure the area of
a portion of applied surface features.
[0021] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals
have been used, where possible, to designate comparable elements
that are common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale
and may be simplified for clarity. It is contemplated that elements
and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in
other embodiments without further recitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] "Grip Inside Surface" is that part of the inside surface of
a glove, from the palm upwards, that can reasonably be brought into
engagement with the hand in gripping a representative cylinder.
[0023] A "representative" cylinder is one with a diameter such
that, if held in a tennis grip, one or more of fingers 1 through 4
just touch the thenar region of the palm (the region at the base of
the thumb, including for this purpose a portion of the bottom of
the thumb), or there is up to about the space needed to fit the
other index finger between the longest such finger and the thenar
region.
[0024] The liners used in the present invention can comprise a
seamless or seamed knitted gloves, which can be formed with one or
more yarns. A liner may be knitted by conventional knitting process
and comprise various yarns, deniers, and gauges. Woven and
non-woven fabrics can be used A glove comprises a main yarn and
optionally a second ridge yarn knitted therewith. The yarn or other
fabric material can comprise cotton, rayon, polyester, nylon,
p-aramid, NOMEX.RTM., m-aramid, SPECTRA.RTM., DYNEEMA.RTM.,
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, TSUNOOGA.RTM.,
LYCRA.RTM., elastane, SPANDEX.RTM., LYCRA.TM., NOMEX.RTM.,
TWARON.RTM., KEVLAR.RTM., DYNEEMA.RTM., steel wire, natural rubber,
fiberglass, carbon, shear thickening fluids, and the like or any
blend of the fibers and materials. Liners in accordance with
embodiments of the invention can be knitted using automatic
seamless glove knitting machines.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows on a hand model illustrative points 5 on the
palm side of the glove at which in-grip features can be deployed.
One of skill will recognize that that the locations can vary, and
that to preserve the comfort features of the glove the in-grip
features can in embodiments cover a minority of the interior
surface of the palm side of the liner. The amount of coverage can
vary with the amount that the in-grip feature in question detracts
from comfort, as will be discussed further below.
[0026] Possible locations for points for in-grip features can be
further described with reference to the palm side (anterior) image
of FIG. 2. Fingers 110 (small), 120 (ring), 130 (middle), 140
(index) and thumb (150) can have regions discussed with reference
to the index finger: distal phalanx (142); distal interphalangeal
fold (144); middle phalanx (146); proximal interphalangeal fold
(147); proximal phalanx (148); and palmar digital crease (149). The
corresponding numbering applies to the other fingers except with
modest variation at the thumb. The thumb has: distal phalanx (152);
distal interphalangeal fold (154); proximal phalanx (158); and
palmar digital crease (159). In embodiments, there are 1 to 4
points for in-grip features in the area of one or more of these
regions. In embodiments, there are 1 to 4 points for in-grip
features in the area of two or more of these regions. In
embodiments, there are 1 to 4 points for in-grip features in the
area of three or more of these regions. At the pads of the ball of
the hand 160 there are in embodiments, 1 to 4 in-grip features in
the areas at the base of two or more of the fingers. In the area of
the hypothenar region 170, in embodiments, there are 1 to 4 in-grip
features. In the area of the thenar region 172, in embodiments,
there are 1 to 4 in-grip features. In the area of palmar region
(180) between the ball of hand, the hypothenar (the prominent
region on the opposing side from the thenar region) and thenar
regions, in embodiments, there are 1 to 8 in-grip features, or 1 to
8 in one or more of the above-listed areas. These embodiments can
be combined in whole or in part.
[0027] All of the embodiments described herein can be applied with
selective in-grip features. Selective in-grip features can comprise
a regular pattern across much of the GIS, which results in a number
of in-grip features landing in strategically useful locations,
while in embodiments--to support user comfort--limiting the number
of such features. The "x" elements in FIG. 3 illustrate a pattern
of in-grip features. In embodiments, the in-grip features are more
strategically provided primarily (for this purpose about 60% or
about 70% or about 80% or more) in the areas of the regions
identified with respect to FIG. 2. The "area" of such a region can
comprise the area that can be expected, on the average hand for the
glove size in question, to have padding providing greater
frictional interaction with the in-grip features.
[0028] In embodiments, the selective locations for promoting
in-grip comprise relatively thin linear segments. Typically these
are oriented horizontally or vertically (parallel). Horizontal is
with respect to a glove positioned on a vertically uplifted hand.
Thus, in FIG. 2, horizontal would be substantially horizontal in
that frame of reference (parallel to the printed element numbers).
In embodiments, the linear segments are both horizontal and
vertical, such as forming a grid.
[0029] Embodiments of the invention where the in-grip features do
not substantially compromise comfort, they can be more generally
distributed, particularly on the GIS.
Controlled Strike-Through
[0030] In dipping processes, strike-through is typically controlled
by such features as the permeability of the knit (or weave) of the
liner, the viscosity of the dipped polymer latex, suspension or
solution, the head of pressure applied, and the speed of the effect
of any coagulant that may be applied to the liner (to coagulate and
reduce the inward flow of latex).
[0031] Thus, in embodiments, the in-grip features can be created by
expanding openings in the knit (weave) at the points 5 of in-grip
features. In that way, a dip that is calibrated to avoid
substantial strike-though at most locations, is such that it will
provide strike-through at the points 5 of in-grip features. The
expanded openings can be created by conditioning the fabric (e.g.,
selective stretching) prior to dipping, or by controlled knitting
programs, programmed to leave somewhat more open areas at the
points 5 of in-grip features. The amount of greater openness can be
calibrated to be a minimum sufficient provide significantly more
interior grip. Thus, discomfort from the strike-through can be
minimized.
[0032] Such relative openness can be made by Knitted Variable
Stitch Dimension (KVSD). For example, the variable stitch dimension
can be achieved by one or more of 1) varying the depth of
penetration of the knitting needle into fabric being knitted by a
computer program, 2) adjusting the tension of yarn between a pinch
roll and knitting head by a mechanism controlled by a computer and
3) casting off or picking up additional stitches in a course, as is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,422, which is commonly assigned
and incorporated by reference in its entirety. A liner glove can
also comprise a knitted layer having one, two or more yarns, such
as formed seamless knit technology according to the co-pending,
commonly assigned U.S. Patent Publ. Nos. 2010/0275341 and
2010/0275342, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety. The inner glove 100 may also comprise a knitted layer
incorporating Automated Knitted Liner (AKL) technologies, developed
by Ansell Limited. The inner glove 100 may also comprise a knitted
layer having two or more yarns having variable plaiting, as is
known to those in the art.
[0033] Variable plaiting can be used to provide extra density in
areas. The corollary is that extra plaiting can be turned off in
areas, so that these areas have less knitting density and allow
strike-through.
[0034] Since KVSD technology (for increasing fit), and variable
plaiting technology can be utilized in the invention, the following
U.S. Patents are incorporated herein in their entireties: U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,962,064; 7,246,509; 7,213,419; 7,434,422; 7,555,921; and
7,908,891.
[0035] Linear segments of less dense knitting (such as segments
without overlaid plaiting) can be used to create the selective
locations for promoting in-grip. Such linear segments are described
for example in PCT/AU2018/000075 (Attny Dkt A421WO), which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. With for example
KVSD technology, the linear segments of less dense knitting can be
for example vertical (parallel) or horizontal, or define a grip
pattern. An example of a parallel pattern of less dense stitching
210 is found in FIG. 7A. An example of a horizontal pattern of less
dense stitching 220 is found in FIG. 7B.
[0036] The dipping process is generally calibrated to provide
sufficient penetration of the fabric to provide good adhesion of
the polymer to fabric, while avoiding substantial strike-through.
Given this careful balance, the strategic more open spots will
provide for greater penetration of the polymer. The dipping
parameters, and the amount of fabric openness, can be calibrated to
provide for an amount of strike-through that provides greater
in-grip, while avoiding excessive incursions. In embodiments, the
feel of the incursions to the user when donning the glove is
negligible, but nonetheless a modest grip will compress the fabric
around the incursions and have the incursions engage the hand to
assist in in-grip. Thus, because much of the discomfort of
strike-through is the rough feel of glove during donning or other
shifts of the glove on the hand, discomfort is minimized.
[0037] In embodiments, the dipping process is multistage. For
example, in a first dip the polymer suspension can be of lower
viscosity and hence provide greater penetration of the liner. A
second dip can be of higher viscosity, and can be better suited for
providing durability and/or grip on the exterior surface. The
dipping process can provide strong annealing between the first and
the second dip layers. The lower viscosity polymer suspension can
be more selectively dipped to the palmar regions for which one
seeks in-grip features. Thus, the hydrostatic pressure of the
polymer suspension can be better limited to control excessive
strike-through. The polymer of the lower viscosity polymer
suspension can yield a softer solidified polymer, decreasing any
discomfort provided by the in-grip features.
[0038] In embodiments, coagulant is applied to the exterior of the
liner in a pattern. As such, faster coagulation of applied latex at
the locations with coagulant leads to less strike-through at those
locations, and more in locations away from the coagulant
deposition. Application can be for example by screen printing,
injection printing, application through a mask, or the like. To
limit diffusion of the coagulant in the pre-dipping stage,
thickener can be used with the coagulant, such as cellulose
thickener or the like.
[0039] In embodiments, expanded openings in the lining are set
forth in a regular pattern on the GIS, such that in-grip features
will include those located at particularly strategic locations,
such as on phalanxes of three or more fingers, or on the pads of
the ball of the hand.
[0040] It should be noted that pursuant to controlled
strike-through embodiments there may be strike-through outside or
bleeding into the designed pattern. What is important is that there
are features as described above that favor strike-through at the
defined pattern points, and that the pattern is apparent outside
the areas of such bleeding.
Multistage Dipping
[0041] The multistage dipping process described immediately above
can be used with less selectivity for the locations of in-grip
features. Typically, in such a less selective embodiment, the
features are primarily on the palmar side, limiting discomfort.
Discomfort can be further limited as described above.
Applied Grip Features
[0042] Polymer-based features that increase the coefficient of
friction, or confer tack, can be applied to the interior of the
liner. In embodiments, these are applied primarily to the palmar
side of the interior. Such features can be applied by for example
screen printing, injection printing, painting, aerosol spraying,
other spraying, and the like.
[0043] With for example screen printing the pattern of print can be
configured to decrease slippage inside the glove. Such a pattern
can be configured to limit up and down slippage (from the tip of
the index finger to the cuff), or can include features to limit
side-to-side slippage. Since the in-grip features are typically of
low profile, user comfort can be maintained. In embodiments, these
in-grip features are configured to take up a relatively small part
of the palmar real estate, still further providing comfort.
[0044] Similarly, such features can be patterned by other printing
methods, painting, spraying through a mask, and the like. These
in-grip features are also of low profile, and can be configured to
take up a relatively small part of the palmar real estate, thus
preserving comfort. In these types of embodiments (including screen
printing), more real estate can be occupied with in-grip features
without compromising comfort.
[0045] Where the in-grip features include features with increased
tack, one illustrative material to provide such tack is "Tack
Spray" used to keep riders in a horse saddle (e.g., Nunn Finer's
Tack Up Grip Spray, Oxford Pa.).
[0046] In embodiments, instead of selective application, these
applied features are applied to much or all of the palmar side of
the glove interior, or to much or all of the GIS.
[0047] Applied grip features are typically thin, meaning
substantially thinner than the polymer coatings typically applied
to the outside, palm-side of a glove to provide exterior grip. For
example, the applied grip features can be about 2 or about 1
micrometers or less in thickness.
[0048] In embodiments, the polymer applied to provide the in-grip
features comprises any of the polymers described below for the
exterior polymer layer, or a mixture thereof.
[0049] Generally, the applied features are annealed to the GIS
prior to applying an exterior dip coat. This is because the liner
fabric is easier to handle in inverted geometry when it lacks the
exterior polymer coating. The inverted geometry, such as presented
on a former, provides ready access of the surface to the device
that prints or otherwise anneals the applied features. A flat
hand-shaped former can be used to present the fabric in flat form
for receiving the applied features.
[0050] For applied grip features in embodiments the coverage of the
inner palm surface is less than a uniform pattern across the palm
side area. Instead it is selective to the distal phalanx regions
112, 122, 132, 142 and 152, and to a region on the palm
encompassing much of the pads of the ball of the hand 160 and the
thenar region 172, and optionally the hypothenar region 170, or
selective for engaging the pads of the ball of the hand 160 and the
thenar region 172, and optionally the hypothenar region 170. Full
coverage of the palm side area creates gloves that interior grip
too strongly and is contraindicated for any of a variety of
reasons.
[0051] Complete coverage of the GIS can cause problems in use or in
manufacturing. Excessive coverage can discomfort by decreasing
breathability, by chafing, and/or causing a less defined sense of
discomfort by the user. These issues arise also when an exterior
coating causes too much polymer strike-through. Users report that
polymer penetrating through to the inside next to their skin feels
uncomfortable/hot/sweaty/or the like. Excessive coverage increases
the difficulty of dressing the former for dip coating the exterior
of the glove, thus reducing processability. An excessively grippy
glove interior grips the hand former and prevents the liner from
smoothly sliding into place on the former.
[0052] In embodiments, at least about 50% of the length of the GIS
portion of finger 110, and at least about 65% of the GIS portion of
fingers 120, 130 and 140 is free of areas having applied grip
features. In embodiments, the area of palmar region (180) between
the ball of hand, the hypothenar and thenar regions is about 80% or
more free of areas having applied grip features. One or more
options such as these help further assure that the finger regions
slide onto the former more freely.
[0053] Examples of such gloves are found in the inside applied grip
features illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9J. In FIG. 9A, the
illustrative grip features are about 1 mm in width, with the lines
of applied grip features about 5 mm separated. In FIG. 9B, the
illustrative grip features are about 2 mm in width, with the dots
of applied grip features about 5 mm separated (along linear lines
providing the closest separation). In FIG. 9C, the illustrative
grip features are about 1 mm in width, with the tips of the
chevrons of applied grip features about 1.7 mm separated. In FIG.
9D, the illustrative grip dot features are about 1 mm in width,
with the dots of applied grip features about 5 mm separated (along
the line extending upwards on the diagonal from left to right). The
lines of applied grip features bounding the dots can be about 1 mm
in thickness. In FIG. 9E, the illustrative grip line features are
about 1.2 mm in width, with the opposite sides of the hexagons of
applied grip features about 4 mm separated (see FIG. 9F). In
embodiments, the cells are all complete hexagons, such that the
boundary is stair-stepped or pointed to accommodate the edges of
the hexagons.
[0054] In the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 9G and 9I, coverage
is of the distal phalanx regions, pads of the ball of the hand 160
and the thenar region 172. In embodiments, the dots of FIG. 9G are
replaced by cell shapes, such as the hexagons of FIG. 9E (and its
alternative embodiment described above). The illustrative
embodiment of FIG. 9H has open circle cells, somewhat analogous to
FIG. 9E. In embodiments, the open cells can be replaced with dots,
so as to be analogous to FIG. 9D, but without boundary lines.
[0055] In embodiments, the areas having applied grip features
comprises about 60% or less of GIS, or about 50% or less, or about
40% or less, or about 35% or less, or about 30% or less, or about
25% or less. This area can be calculated by drawing the tightest
possible border about the applied grip features (without going
inside the features that end or are dotted at the boundary) and
measuring the area. For example, in FIG. 9J, the area of one of the
chevron-containing areas of FIG. 9C is shown to the left side.
[0056] In embodiments, the area covered by applied grip features
comprises about 15% or less of GIS, or about 12% or less, or about
10% or less, or about 9% or less, or about 8% or less.
[0057] In embodiments, the selected areas having applied grip
features on the lower palm comprise two substantially vertical
segments in the hypothenar and thenar regions, respectively, and
optionally one or two substantially horizontal segments between the
two vertical segments. Verticality is more vertical than
horizontal, and selected to engage the flesh of the hypothenar and
thenar regions. The horizontal segments can have a "V" shaped dip,
which can help engage more of the flesh of the hypothenar and
thenar regions, and the flesh in-between.
High Friction Knits
[0058] For knit liners, typically on the interior the primary
ridges (the highest protruding knit elements) in the knit pattern
runs parallel to the hand (up and down), to facilitate donning of
the gloves. In embodiments, the knitting on the GIS includes
in-grip features where ridges run perpendicular to the hand. In
embodiments, the perpendicular ridges are mixed with parallel
ridges to limit slippage in both directions. In embodiments, the
fabric is any (knitted or otherwise) that provides primary ridges
that are non-parallel.
[0059] For such fabrics, the area of such features is measured by
the area where primary ridges run other than parallel to the
hand.
[0060] On the common glove knitting machines, as are known in the
art, the knitting can be a jersey stitch, where the "face" of the
fabric has rows of loops that run vertically--described as
"parallel to the hand" in this application--and that is generally
the smooth side the fabric. See FIG. 4A for this "face" showing the
parallel (vertical) rows of loops, the rows suggestive of ridges.
This face side is often placed against the skin for ease of donning
and comfort (smoothness). The glove comes out of the machine with
"face" on the outside, so the gloves are flipped inside out to put
the "face" on the inside next to skin. The "back" of the fabric of
a jersey stitch does not present the vertical rows of loops and has
a more rough texture. See FIG. 4B for the "back" showing a more
rough texture without a defined texture parallel to the hand. As an
adjunct to any of the other methods of providing inside grip, the
rougher side of an stitching process (jersey stitch or otherwise)
can be used as the inside surface.
[0061] Plaiting can be used to lay an additional yarn, typically
for this purpose on the "back" side of the fabric. To provide
in-grip against the hand moving up and down the glove, the rows of
loops of the plaiting added for this purpose are not run vertically
(parallel). Variable plaiting can be used to enhance primary ridges
by turning the plaiting yarn on in the areas where such grip
elements are located. Such plaiting is seen in the black stitching
in FIG. 5, which shows a portion of the dorsal side of a HyFlex
11-510 glove (Ansell, Iselin, N.J.). The plaiting runs
horizontally. The plaiting can have a small visual profile, yet
still provide a tactile feel, and expected to provide an effect on
in-grip. Double such plaiting can provide a greater ridge. The yarn
selected for such plaiting can be selected to better provide grip.
In embodiments, this means limiting the provision at the surface of
yarn that is "slick"--avoiding the slick yarns such as HPPE and any
yarn without substantial texture. A lack of texture in a yarn
generally decreases the surface area and is very smooth making it
more prone to slide across the hand rather than grip it. Elastic
yarns such as Spandex.TM. are still more tacky, especially when
used in a surface plaiting.
[0062] Whole garments machines can allow stitches other than jersey
and the yarns can appear to run in a more vertical fashion, as
opposed to traveling all the way around the circumference of the
glove as they do in the typical glove knitting machines. Such
machines can support a mix of parallel and perpendicular ridges
designed to enhance in-grip.
Polymer Layer
[0063] The liners are coated, such as palm coated, with polymer.
Often such coating can be effected with a stable suspension of
polymer particles (i.e., a latex). Other polymer coating
techniques, such as water or solvent-based resin coatings can be
also be used. For example, a polyurethane (such as one having
hydrophilic groups) can be applied as a suspension in N-methyl
pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAC), dimethyl sulfoxide
(DMSO), or the like. The polymer layers may be natural rubber latex
(including Guayule latex), synthetic rubber latex, or the like, and
combinations thereof, and can be elastomeric. The synthetic rubber
latex may be selected, for example, from the group comprised of
polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer (NBR or
"nitrile") (such as carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene
copolymer), polyisoprene, polyurethane, styrene-butadiene, butyl,
and combinations thereof. Additional polymers can include without
limitation poly(vinyl) chlorides, polyesters, polyamides,
polyfluorocarbons, polyolefins, polybutadienes, polyurethanes,
polystyrenes, poly(vinyl) alcohols, and copolymers of the
foregoing, and elastomeric polymers such as elastic polyolefins,
copolyether esters, polyamide polyether block copolymers, block
copolymers having the general formula A-B-A' or A-B like
nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), carboxylated nitrile-butadiene
rubber, styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-styrene,
styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-styrene,
(polystyrene/poly(ethylene-butylene)/polystyrene,
poly(styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene),
co-poly(styrene/ethylene-butylene), A-B-A-B tetrablock co-polymers
and the like and blends of any of the polymers of this described
herein for the polym coating.
[0064] Polyurethane and polyurethane blends (e.g., with
acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, or the like) are useful.
Coatings with an underlying layer of one polymer, and an overlaying
layer of another are useful. These embodiments can include wherein
the outer layer is polyurethane or a blend of PU and the polymer of
the underlying layer, with the blend promoting the annealing of the
two layers. In embodiments, the underlying layer is predominantly
(+50% polymer dry weight) acrylonitrile butadiene.
[0065] The invention is described as including a palm dip. A palm
dip is a polymer coating that includes the palm and the palm side
of the fingers. Typically it may (but need not) include a portion
of the dorsal side of the tips of the fingers. The "dip" language
does reflect the reality that in most cases the glove will be
manufactured by a dipping process--but here the terminology covers
the coating no matter how formed. "Comprising" a palm dip will
include a more extensive coating, such as a 3/4 dip or a cuff
dip.
Torque Grip Test
[0066] Torque Grip Test--A technician dons a glove and grips an
acrylic tube. The technician turns the tube, and the maximum torque
before slippage is measured. The sample gloves are tested in the
original dry state, then wet, and then with motor oil applied to
both glove and acrylic rod. All the results are compared to the
bare hand gripping force as the baseline.
[0067] Illustrated in FIG. 6 is a device for measuring how well a
glove grips pursuant to the Torque Grip Test. Technician uses the
glove (preferably a right hand glove). To control for
circumferential squeezing of the tube 40, the technician is asked
to stand a certain distance away from the equipment an use the same
grip. The same technician is used across a given set of
comparisons. The tube is moved so that the cable 20, whose location
is fixed at a spaced apart location by fixed pulley 30, is
tangential to the tube 40. Then force is applied at the force
sensor 10 until slippage occurs.
[0068] To test the amount that an glove without in-grip technology
might be improved with in-grip technology, a thin compression glove
designed for arthritis suffers, which had horizontal lines of
silicone across the fabric to improve grip was used as an inner
glove in the above apparatus. Testing was of the Ansell HyFlex
11-800 and Ansell HyFlex 11-900 glove, and further used the bare
hand as another control test item. The results were:
TABLE-US-00001 Glove or Glove Combination % of Bare Hand 11-800 107
11-900 109 11-800 + compression glove 114 11-900 + compression
glove 115
[0069] Testing was in triplicate, with the coefficient of variation
being less than 2%. Thus, gloves with in-grip features can be
tested in this manner against there closest analog without in-grip
features. The goal can be for example to achieve about 50% or more,
or about 80% or more, or about 100% or more, of the improvement
seen with using an arthritis compression glove with the pattern of
silicon seen in FIG. 8.
[0070] It is important to note that this measurement is effective
as a comparative method, whether or not it provides data suitable
for comparisons with tests results conducted a different times, or
with less comparable gloves.
Numbered Embodiments
[0071] The invention can be described further with reference to the
following numbered embodiments:
Glove Embodiments
[0072] Embodiment 1. A fabric (e.g., knit fabric) supported glove
with an exterior polymer coating comprising a palm dip, wherein (a)
a grip inside surface of the glove having in-grip features at
selective locations for promoting in-grip, or (b) a friction- or
tack-providing polymer coating is provided on all or a portion of
the grip inside surface to provide in-grip features, or (c) wherein
the exterior polymer coating is provided with a first lower
viscosity polymer composition that provides limited strike-through
and a second higher viscosity polymer composition that provides an
exterior gripping surface, or (d) non-parallel primary ridges in
the fabric provide in-grip features, or (e) two or more of (a)
through (d) applies.
[0073] Embodiment 2. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein in case (a) or (b) or (c) or (d) or (e), the
in-grip features comprise locations at the finger tips and on the
palm of the hand configured to reduce inside slippage of the glove
in gripping a representative cylinder.
[0074] Embodiment 3. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein non-parallel primary ridges in the fabric
provide in-grip features are pursuant to (d).
[0075] Embodiment 4. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating
is pursuant to (b).
[0076] Embodiment 5. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the exterior polymer coating is provided with
the first lower viscosity polymer composition and the second higher
viscosity polymer pursuant to (c).
[0077] Embodiment 6. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the exterior polymer coating provides
strike-through to provide in-grip features pursuant to (a).
[0078] Embodiment 7. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein there are 1 to 4 in-grip features in the area
of one or more of a distal phalanx region of one or more fingers, a
middle phalanx region of one or more fingers, a proximal phalanx
region of one or more fingers (148); and palmar digital crease
(149).
[0079] Embodiment 8. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein there are 1 to 4 in-grip features in pad areas
at a base of two or more of the fingers.
[0080] Embodiment 9. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein there are 1 to 4 in-grip features in an area of
a thenar region.
[0081] Embodiment 10. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein there are 1 to 4 in-grip features in an area of
a hypothenar region.
[0082] Embodiment 11. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the fabric of the liner has a rough side and
smoother side, and the rough side is selected for use as the
hand-contacting side.
[0083] Embodiment 12. A knit fabric supported glove with an
exterior polymer coating comprising a palm dip, wherein a friction-
or tack-providing polymer coating is provided on a selected portion
of the grip inside surface to provide in-grip features.
[0084] Embodiment 12A. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the selected portion comprises one or more of
an area of a distal phalanx region of two or more fingers (or three
or more of the fingers, or four or more of the fingers, or five of
the fingers), an area comprising pad areas at a base of two or more
of the fingers (or three or more of the fingers, or four or more of
the fingers, or five of the fingers), or an area of a hypothenar
region.
[0085] Embodiment 12B. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the selected portion comprises an area of one
or more of a distal phalanx region of two or more fingers (or three
or more of the fingers, or four or more of the fingers, or five of
the fingers) or an area comprising pad areas at a base of two or
more of the fingers (three or more of the fingers, four or more of
the fingers, or five of the fingers).
[0086] Embodiment 12C. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the selected portion comprises an area of one
or more of a distal phalanx region of two or more fingers (or three
or more of the fingers, or four or more of the fingers, or five of
the fingers) or an area of a hypothenar region.
[0087] Embodiment 12D. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the selected portion comprises an area of four
or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers), an area comprising
pad areas at a base of two or more of the fingers (three or more of
the fingers, four or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers)
or an area of a hypothenar region.
[0088] Embodiment 13. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein there are in-grip features in an area of a
thenar region.
[0089] Embodiment 14. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein there are in-grip features in pad areas at a
base of five or more of the fingers.
[0090] Embodiment 14A. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein there are in-grip features in a distal phalanx
region of five or more fingers.
[0091] Embodiment 15. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features (the areas
within the tightest boundaries described above) comprise about 60%
or less of the grip inside surface.
[0092] Embodiment 16. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise
about 50% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0093] Embodiment 17. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise
about 40% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0094] Embodiment 18. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise
about 35% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0095] Embodiment 19. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise
about 30% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0096] Embodiment 20. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise
about 25% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0097] Embodiment 21. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features (the
area with applied polymer) is about 15% or less of the grip inside
surface.
[0098] Embodiment 22. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features is
about 12% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0099] Embodiment 23. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features is
about 10% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0100] Embodiment 24. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features is
about 9% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0101] Embodiment 25. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features is
about 8% or less of the grip inside surface.
[0102] Embodiment 26. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein at least about 50% of the length of the GIS
portion of finger 110, and at least about 65% of the GIS portion of
fingers 120, 130 and 140 is free of areas having applied grip
features.
[0103] Embodiment 27. The fabric supported glove of a Glove
Embodiment, wherein the area of palmar region (180) between the
ball of hand, the hypothenar and thenar regions is about 80% or
more free of areas having applied grip features.
[0104] Embodiment 28. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the selected portion having applied grip
features on a lower palm area comprises two substantially vertical
segments in the hypothenar and thenar regions, respectively, and
optionally one or two substantially horizontal segments between the
two vertical segments.
[0105] Embodiment 29. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating
comprises a contiguously linked polymer with a pattern of
non-coated cells therein, as for example in FIGS. 9E and 9H.
[0106] Embodiment 30. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating
comprises patterns of dots.
[0107] Embodiment 31. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating
comprises patterns of dots substantially bounded by a solid line of
polymer.
[0108] Embodiment 32. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating
comprises patterns of chevrons.
[0109] Embodiment 33. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating
comprises patterns of wavelets (as exemplified in FIG. 9I).
[0110] Embodiment 34. The fabric supported glove of a glove
Embodiment, wherein the in-grip features comprise locations at the
finger tips and on the palm of the hand configured to reduce inside
slippage of the glove in gripping a representative cylinder.
Method of Testing
[0111] Embodiment 35. A method of testing in-grip improvements
comprising: A. measuring the force needed to induce slippage with a
first glove; B. measuring that force while wearing as a base glove
a compression glove having a grip-providing coating and wearing the
first glove thereover; C. measuring that force while wearing a
second glove that is comparable to the first glove in exterior grip
features but differs in having one or more additional in-grip
features; and D. comparing the improvement in the C measurement
over the A measurement to the improvement of the B measurement over
the A measurement.
Fabrication Embodiments
[0112] Fabrication Embodiments: Those of skill will recognize
methods of fabricating any of the Glove Embodiments (including the
implied combinations).
Other
[0113] All ranges recited herein include ranges therebetween, and
can be inclusive or exclusive of the endpoints. Optional included
ranges are from integer values therebetween (or inclusive of one
original endpoint), at the order of magnitude recited or the next
smaller order of magnitude. For example, if the lower range value
is 0.2, optional included endpoints can be 0.3, 0.4, . . . 1.1,
1.2, and the like, as well as 1, 2, 3 and the like; if the higher
range is 8, optional included endpoints can be 7, 6, and the like,
as well as 7.9, 7.8, and the like. One-sided boundaries, such as 3
or more, similarly include consistent boundaries (or ranges)
starting at integer values at the recited order of magnitude or one
lower. For example, 3 or more includes 4 or more, or 3.1 or more.
If there are two ranges mentioned, such as about 1 to 10 and about
2 to 5, those of skill will recognize that the implied ranges of 1
to 5 and 2 to 10 are within the invention.
[0114] A laminate is a bonding, fusing, adhesion, or the like
between polymer layers, or between polymer and fabric layers, such
that in the range of anticipated use the laminate is a unitary
structure.
[0115] Where a sentence states that its subject is found in
embodiments, or in certain embodiments, or in the like, it is
applicable to any embodiment in which the subject matter can be
logically applied.
[0116] This invention described herein is of a supported gloves
with in-grip features and methods of forming the same. Although
some embodiments have been discussed above, other implementations
and applications are also within the scope of the following claims.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to
particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these
embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the following claims. More specifically,
those of skill will recognize that any embodiment described herein
that those of skill would recognize could advantageously have a
sub-feature of another embodiment, is described as having that
subfeature.
[0117] Publications and references, including but not limited to
patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety in the entire
portion cited as if each individual publication or reference were
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference herein as being fully set forth. Any patent application
to which this application claims priority is also incorporated by
reference herein in the manner described above for publications and
references.
* * * * *