Abstract:
A levered sealing tab for a glove includes a relatively thin and flexible sheet material including a rectangular shape having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is folded over the first portion. A first area of the first portion is bonded to a second area of the second portion forming a hinged portion of the second portion. An adhesive, suitable for adhering to the glove, is applied to at least a portion of a surface of the second portion opposite the first portion, for attaching to a first area of the glove, and to at least a portion of a surface of the first portion opposite the hinged portion, for attaching to a second area of the glove adjacent to the first area. A removable cover material for covers the adhesive prior to using the apparatus.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to gloves. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved method of creating a tight seal with a levered sealing tab around the wrist while wearing protective gloves. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In life sciences and microelectronics cleanroom testing, processing, and manufacturing areas, personnel wear contamination control suits and contamination control gloves. These contamination control suits and gloves create a physical barrier system that generally prevents expired skin cells and other contaminants commonly produced by humans or transported by human activity from adversely affecting the quality of sensitive products and the purity of sensitive processes. 
         [0006]    Contamination control suits and contamination control gloves are constructed in several predefined sizes and do not perfectly fit the varied torso, limb, wrist, and hand sizes of humans. Because the suits and gloves are not custom-fit to individual human bodies, the glove cuffs often do not provide a complete and secure seal to the contamination control suit sleeve at the wrist section, which can create a breach in the barrier system. Further, the ill-fitting design of the contamination control suit and/or gloves makes them unnecessarily uncomfortable to wear. Other glove users, such as, but not limited to, surgeons, doctors, dentists, painters, mechanics, janitors, etc. also experience similar awkwardness and discomfort by ill-fitting gloves. 
         [0007]    A currently known method to alleviate the problem of providing protection at glove cuffs involves adhering a wide piece of semi-flexible adhesive tape around the wrist covering the area where the glove and contamination control suit meet. This method essentially fastens the glove cuff to the wrist section of the contamination control suit with adhesive. Another currently known method to alleviate the problem of providing protection at glove cuffs involves double cuffed sleeves whereby the inner cuff covers the wrist and arm, over which the glove cuff is worn, and the second cuff is worn over the glove cuff. 
         [0008]    This known solution has many flaws. Firstly, uneven application of the glove cuff tape does not provide a quality glove-to-garment seal. Use of the glove cuff tape often requires assistance from other personnel to properly align and apply the tape. Upon removal of the glove cuff tape, adhesive residue remains on the wrist section of the contamination control suit sleeve, which may cause contaminants to adhere to the residual adhesive and interferes with proper laundering. Also, fastening the glove to the garment with glove cuff tape does not allow for quick removal of the glove in emergency situations. Use of glove cuff tape hampers wrist movement and creates excessive undesirable waste material. Furthermore, double-cuff garments are expensive and cannot be easily inspected to validate that they are being worn correctly. 
         [0009]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing a tight seal between a contamination suit and contamination gloves at the wrist of the user that is comfortable and effective. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0011]      FIGS. 1 through 8  illustrate an exemplary levered sealing tab for a glove in various stages of use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of the components of the levered sealing tab;  FIG. 2  shows the levered sealing tab in a state prior to being applied to the glove;  FIG. 3  shows the levered sealing tab in position to be applied on the glove;  FIG. 4  shows the levered sealing tab being applied to the glove;  FIG. 5  shows the levered sealing tab in preparation of being tightened;  FIG. 6  shows the levered sealing tab in the midst of tightening the cuff of the glove;  FIG. 7  shows the levered sealing tab in the final stage of use; and  FIG. 8  shows the levered sealing tab in a final position on the glove; 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary levered sealing tab for a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate an exemplary sealing tab for a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  is a top view, and  FIG. 10B  is an exploded side view; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate an exemplary sealing tab for a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11A  is a top view, and  FIG. 11B  is an exploded side view; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate an exemplary sealing tab for a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12A  is a top view, and  FIG. 12B  is an exploded side view; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C illustrate an exemplary sealing tab embedded into a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13A  is a top view of the tab,  FIG. 13B  is an exploded side view, and  FIG. 13C  illustrates the tab as embedded in glove; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exemplary levered sealing tab incorporated into a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a device and method for sealing protective gloves is presented. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, an apparatus for a levered sealing tab for a glove is presented. The apparatus includes a relatively thin and flexible sheet material including a rectangular shape having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is folded over the first portion along a first widthwise line of the sheet material. A first area of the first portion located widthwise along a line of the first portion is bonded to a second area located widthwise along a line of the second portion forming a hinged portion of the second portion. An adhesive, suitable for adhering to the glove, is applied to at least a portion of a surface of the second portion opposite the first portion, for attaching to a first area of the glove, and to at least a portion of a surface of the first portion opposite the hinged portion, for attaching to a second area of the glove adjacent to the first area. A removable cover material for covers the adhesive prior to using the apparatus. In other embodiments the sheet material further includes a groove along the widthwise line to facilitate folding the second portion over the first portion a groove widthwise on a surface of the first portion opposite the first area to facilitate folding the first portion when attaching the surface of the first portion opposite the hinged portion to the glove. In a further embodiment, the sheet material further includes a finger grip area adjacent to an end of the first portion to facilitate folding the first portion when attaching the surface of the first portion opposite the hinged portion to the glove. In yet another embodiment, comers of the folded first and second portions are beveled or rounded to mitigate damage to the glove. In various other embodiments the removable cover material is folded over the sheet material and the removable cover material is a thin flexible plastic film that has low surface energy. In still another embodiment the sheet material, adhesive and cover material include materials with minimal volatile components and are clean room compatible, having low outgas, no silicone, and no metallic minerals. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment an apparatus for a levered sealing tab for a glove is presented. The apparatus includes a first portion of a relatively thin and flexible sheet material an adhesive, suitable for adhering to the glove, applied to at least a portion of a first surface of the first portion, for attaching to a first area of the glove, and to at least a portion of a second surface of the first portion for attaching to a second area of the glove adjacent to the first area and a removable cover material for covering the adhesive prior to using the apparatus. A further embodiment includes a hinged portion where an end of the hinged portion is bonded to the first surface and the adhesive is applied to at least a portion of a surface of the hinged portion opposite the first surface. In yet another embodiment the first portion further includes a finger grip area adjacent to an end of the first portion to facilitate attaching the second surface to the glove. In still another embodiment, comers of the first portion are beveled or rounded to mitigate damage to the glove. In various other embodiments the removable cover material is folded over the first portion and the removable cover material includes a thin flexible plastic film that has low surface energy. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment, an apparatus for a levered sealing tab for a glove is presented. The apparatus includes means for forming a tab having a hinged portion, means for attaching the tab to the glove and means for covering the attachment means prior to using the apparatus. 
         [0023]    Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0025]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0026]    The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0027]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a glove-sealing tab that can seal glove cuffs in a consistent manner and can be easily applied and operated without assistance from others. Preferred embodiments also do not leave a residue on contamination control garments and allow for quick removal of gloves if necessary. Preferred embodiments require no fastening equipment in order to be effective. Preferred embodiments also have low profiles, are unobtrusive, and enable unhindered movement of the wrist. Preferred embodiments enable users to use the full working length of gloves and create a tighter-fitting glove at the palm and fingers of the hand. Preferred embodiments also create enhanced tactile feel of objects through glove materials by fingers of users. Preferred embodiments use a low amount of raw material and create a minimal amount of waste material. Various embodiments of the present invention may also be packaged for easy transport and storage and can be guaranteed to be unused upon initial use. Further objects and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention are to provide a glove-sealing tab that can be successfully used with various types of glove material that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 1 through 8  illustrate an exemplary levered sealing tab for a glove  37  in various stages of use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of the components of the levered sealing tab;  FIG. 2  shows the levered sealing tab in a state prior to being applied to glove  37 ;  FIG. 3  shows the levered sealing tab in position to be applied on glove  37 ;  FIG. 4  shows the levered sealing tab being applied to glove  37 ;  FIG. 5  shows the levered sealing tab in preparation of being tightened;  FIG. 6  shows the levered sealing tab in the midst of tightening the cuff of glove  37 ;  FIG. 7  shows the levered sealing tab in the final stage of use; and  FIG. 8  shows the levered sealing tab in a final position on glove  37 . 
         [0029]    In the present embodiment, the tab comprises a thin base material  10  of uniform cross section comprising a flexible sheet material that can be bent and straightened without fracturing. In the present embodiment, base material  10  is a flexible but stiff plastic, such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate or polyester. However, base material  10  may be any flexible material that can be bent then straightened by hand without fracturing such as, but not limited to, various other plastics, cardboard, etc. 
         [0030]    A widthwise groove  14  is formed on one side of base material  10  to create a predetermined bend point in base material  10 , to enable base material  10  to be freely bent away from groove  14 . A second groove  16  that is parallel but distant to groove  14 , is formed on the opposite side of base material  10  to create a predetermined bend point in base material  10  to enable base material  10  to be freely bent away from groove  16 . In alternate embodiments, there may be various numbers of grooves, for example, without limitation, four widthwise grooves with one groove on each side of the base material at indicated locations of grooves  14  and  16  in the present embodiment, or there may be no grooves at all. Grooves  14  and  16  may be formed by various methods including, without limitation, machining, scoring, rolling or extruding. In embodiments without grooves, holes or perforations may be punched or machined into base material  10  at points corresponding to grooves  14  and  16  in the present embodiment to weaken base material  10  and to cause a predetermined bend point in base material  10 . 
         [0031]    Base material  10  is folded opposite of groove  16 , over itself at groove  16  and permanently joined at a bond area  36 . In the present embodiment, fusing base material  10  to itself using typical heat-bonding techniques creates bond area  36 . However, in alternate embodiments the bond area may be created through other means such as, but not limited to, RF welding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, adhesive bonding, stapling, or other suitable bonding methods. In the present embodiment, adhesive areas  20 ,  22 , and  24  on base material  10  are created by coating base material  10  with a liquid adhesive using traditional coating techniques, or may be created by applying double-sided transfer adhesive tape or other types of adhesives to base material  10 . 
         [0032]    A semi-adhering cover material  30  is applied to generally eliminate adhesive areas  20 ,  22 , and  24  from adhering to unwanted items until the tab is ready for actual use. In the present embodiment, cover material  30  is uniquely shaped and longitudinally positioned to create a finger grip area  32  on base material  10 , and a finger grip area  34  on cover material  30 . Alternate embodiments may be implemented without finger grip areas or with only one finger grip area. In the present embodiment, cover material  30  is a thin flexible plastic film that has low surface energy such as, but not limited to, film created from UHMW-PE, PTFE, or polyester materials. However, in alternate embodiments, the cover material may be any flexible material that has semi-adhering properties on at least one side, for example, without limitation, various other plastics, wax paper, etc. 
         [0033]    In the present embodiment, the assembly comprising cover material  30 , adhesive areas  20 ,  22 , and  24  and base material  10  is die cut to the final shape of the tab. Thus, cover material  30 , the outer edges of adhesive areas  20 ,  22 , and  24 , and base material  10  have an identical perimeter shape. In alternate embodiments, the perimeters of the adhesive areas may not match the perimeter of the base material. In these embodiments the cover material may be shaped to match the perimeter of the base material or may be shaped to match the perimeter of the adhesive areas. Base material  10  is typically 0.10 mm to 0.16 mm in thickness and has overall dimensions roughly from 5 mm×25 mm to 25 mm×60 mm. However, alternate embodiments may have various different thicknesses and may be manufactured at enlarged or reduced sizes to accommodate various glove designs. Various embodiments may also be manufactured in various colors. In the present embodiment, corners  12  on the perimeter of the tab are typically beveled or rounded to eliminate possible damage to the glove to which the tab is to be applied and to avoid causing injury to or irritation of the user&#39;s skin; however, alternate embodiments may not have rounded corners. Alternate embodiments may vary in shape. For example, without limitation, some embodiments may be round or ovular, and other embodiments may be rectangular with semicircular ends. In some embodiments messages such as, but not limited to, instructions for use, size indications, company names, etc. may be permanently printed on the tab. 
         [0034]    The present embodiment is comprised of materials that are compatible with and adhere to nearly all disposable glove materials and generally prevent puncturing and tearing of the glove materials. However, in alternate embodiments construction materials may be modified or scaled for other types of gloves. The present embodiment is comprised of materials that enable the tab to be free of electrostatic charges and nearly free of detached particulate matter; however, depending on the intended use, alternate embodiments may be implemented that are not free of electrostatic charges or detached particulate matter. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, glove-sealing tabs comprise materials with minimal volatile components and are cleanroom compatible, having low outgass, no silicone, and no metallic minerals. However, alternate embodiments that are not meant for cleanroom use may comprise silicone, metallic minerals, or various volatile components. Furthermore, the present embodiment may be quickly and conveniently sterilized by steam, gas, radiation or other methods. Preferred embodiments are  100 % recyclable; however, alternate embodiments may comprise non-recyclable materials. 
         [0035]    In typical use of the present invention, a user removes cover material  30  from adhesive areas  22  and  24  using finger grips  32  and  34 , as shown by way of example in  FIG. 2 . Then the user positions the tab above the cuff of glove  37 , as shown by way of example in  FIG. 3 , and presses adhesive areas  22  and  24  of the tab onto glove  37  as shown by way of example in  FIG. 4 . Once the tab is adhered to glove  37  with adhesive areas  22  and  24 , the user removes the portion of cover material  30  that is remaining on the tab, which covers adhesive area  20 , as shown by way of example in  FIG. 5 . The user then folds base material  10  at groove  14  so that the portion of glove  37  that is attached to adhesive areas  22  and  24  is held between the levered portions of base material  10 , as shown by way of example in  FIG. 6 . Then, the user tightens glove  37  about his wrist by pulling the tab perpendicularly to his wrist in the direction of adhesive pad area  20  until glove  37  is the desired tightness, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 7 . Finally, the user presses adhesive area  20  to the glove in the desired location to hold the tab in the final position, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 8 . The present embodiment enables the user to install the tab onto glove  37  using one hand. Also, the tabs according to the present embodiment are installable while wearing gloves. This enables a user to install tabs on both of his gloves without help from another person. Furthermore, the levered action of the tab enables glove  37  to be “banded” for comfort and an increased seal area. In typical use of the present invention, a user removes glove  37  by usual and ordinary means: stretching the glove cuff and pulling it over the hand. Furthermore, situations may arise where a user may need to quickly remove his gloves. In these situations the present embodiment enables a user to quickly remove glove  37  by not interfering with the stretching of the majority of the glove cuff material thereby allowing for glove removal by usual and ordinary processes. Some embodiments of the present invention may also be used to seal other ill-fitting areas of a person&#39;s clothing such as, but not limited to, sleeve openings, pant legs at the ankles, foot coverings, etc. 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary levered sealing tab for a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a base material  10 A, which supports an adhesive area  22 A, is a separate piece of material from a base material  10 . Base material  10 A is joined to base material  10  at a bond area  36 A. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that base material  10 A may be joined to base material  10  using various means such as, but not limited to, heat-bonding, RF welding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, adhesive bonding, stapling, or other suitable bonding methods. The remaining components and typical use of the present embodiment are the same as those in the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIGS. 1 through 8 . This embodiment is not preferred due to increased complexity of manufacture as compared to the preferred embodiment. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate an exemplary sealing tab for a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  is a top view, and  FIG. 10B  is an exploded side view. In the present embodiment, the tab comprises a base material  10 B that is made of a single layer, and incorporates adhesive areas  20 B and  24 B on opposite sides of base material  10 B and a finger grip area  33 . In typical use of the present embodiment, a user places the tab at the wrist area of a glove with adhesive area  24 B in contact with the glove. Then, the user pulls the tab and the attached portion of the glove perpendicularly to his wrist to the desired tightness and attaches adhesive area  20 B to the glove to hold the tab in the final position. This embodiment is not preferred because it has less adhesive-to-glove surface area than preferred embodiments, and does not consistently adhere to the glove material to which it is applied. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate an exemplary sealing tab for a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11A  is a top view, and  FIG. 11B  is an exploded side view. In the present embodiment, the tab comprises a base material  10 C that is made of a single layer and incorporates adhesive areas  20 C and  24 C on opposite sides of base material  10 C. The present embodiment also comprises a finger grip area  33 . In typical use of the present embodiment, a user attaches adhesive area  24 C to a glove then pulls the tab and the attached portion of the glove perpendicularly to his wrist to the desired tightness using finger grip area  33 . Then, the user attaches adhesive area  20 C to the glove to hold the tab in the final position. In an alternate method for use, a user may first attach adhesive area  20 C to the glove, and then pull the tab over using finger grip area  33  and attach adhesive area  24 C to the glove. This embodiment is not preferred because it comprises less adhesive-to-glove surface area, does not consistently adhere to the glove material to which it is applied, does not have the advantage of longer base material leverage, and is not as convenient to use as compared to the preferred embodiment. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate an exemplary sealing tab for a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12A  is a top view, and  FIG. 12B  is an exploded side view. In the present embodiment, the tab comprises a base material  10 D that is made of a single layer and incorporates adhesive areas  20 D and  24 D on opposite sides of base material  10 D. The typical use of the present embodiment is the same as the typical use of the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ; however, the present embodiment does not comprise a finger grip area. Therefore, a user holds on to another area of the tab when tightening the glove about his wrist. This embodiment is not preferred because it has less adhesive-to-glove surface area, does not consistently adhere to the glove material to which it is applied, does not have the advantage of longer base material leverage, is difficult to apply and use due to no finger grip area, and is not as convenient to use as compared to the preferred embodiment. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C illustrate an exemplary sealing tab embedded into a glove  38 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13A  is a top view of the tab,  FIG. 13B  is an exploded side view, and  FIG. 13C  illustrates the tab as embedded in glove  38 . In the present embodiment, the tab comprises a base material  10 E that is embedded into glove  38  during manufacture, with an adhesive area  24 E attached to base material  10 E in secondary manufacturing. In typical use of the present embodiment, a user folds over the portion of glove  38  where base material  10 E is embedded and attaches adhesive area  24 E to another area of glove  38  to hold the cuff of glove  38  at the desired tightness. This embodiment is not preferred because it has less adhesive-to-glove surface area, does not consistently adhere to the glove material to which it is applied, does not have the advantage of longer base material leverage, is difficult to use due to no finger-grip area, is more difficult to manufacture, and is not as convenient to use as compared to the preferred embodiment. 
         [0041]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exemplary levered sealing tab incorporated into a glove  39 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the tab is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment shown by way of example in  FIGS. 1 through 8 . However, rather than comprising adhesive areas  22  and  24 , the present embodiment is fastened to glove  39  with stitching means  22 F and  24 F, and instead of adhesive area  20 , the preset embodiment comprises a hook and loop means  40  on the tab and a hook and loop means  42  on glove  39 . In typical use of the present embodiment, a user folds the portion of glove  39  between stitching means  22 F and  24 F over and engages hook and loop means  40  to hook and loop means  42  to hold the tab in place at the desired tightness. Alternate embodiments may incorporate attachment means other than hook and loop material to hold the tab in the final position such as, but not limited to, adhesives, snaps, buttons, buckles, etc. The present embodiment may be preferred for use with gloves made of porous materials; however, it is not a preferred embodiment for one-time-use gloves manufactured from non-porous materials. 
         [0042]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a sealing tab for gloves according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the adhesive areas may vary depending upon the particular type of adhesive used or overall shape of the sealing tab. The adhesive areas described in the foregoing were directed to square implementations where all of the adhesive areas are the same size; however, similar techniques are to provide adhesive areas that vary from each other in size and may be various shapes, such as, but not limited to, circles, ovals, rectangles, irregular shapes, etc. Implementations of the present invention comprising adhesive areas of different sizes and shapes are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.