Abstract:
A dark, economical, disposable glove that provides unique advantages over, other, more traditional, disposable gloves. Said advantages vary by application/function. A disposable glove shall be defined as one that is manufactured, marketed, and intended for a single application—one that is discarded after each use.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/331,296 filed Dec. 30, 2002, now pending. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    A dark, economical, disposable glove that provides unique advantages over other, more traditional, disposable gloves. Said advantages vary by application/function. A disposable glove shall be defined as one that is manufactured, marketed, and intended for a single application—one that is discarded after each use.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Disposable gloves have long been used in many industries as a safe and cost effective way to protect an individual from a product, a product from an individual, or simply to keep an individual&#39;s hands clean. Several types of disposable gloves are readily available in the marketplace and are used to provide added protection for such individuals; Latex, Vinyl, Nitrile, and Polyethylene.  
           [0004]    Disposable latex gloves are a cost effective means to provide hand protection. Traditionally, these gloves are beige in color (resembling that of an elastic band or surgical glove) as this is the color of the natural raw material solution used to form these gloves. Since latex has terrific stretch capabilities, these gloves provide a more precise and better fit than polyethylene gloves. Traditional disposable latex gloves are typically 5 mils in thickness and thus stronger than that of a disposable polyethylene glove. They are readily available in the marketplace in either a powdered or unpowdered version.  
           [0005]    Disposable vinyl gloves (also known as PVC gloves and sometimes as synthetic vinyl gloves) are also a cost effective means to provide hand protection. Traditionally, these gloves are clear or translucent in color as this is the color of the natural raw material solution used to form these gloves. Due to its slightly looser fit than a disposable latex glove, vinyl gloves allow the hand to breathe more easily, preventing the hand from fatiguing over time. The slightly looser fit of a vinyl disposable glove also allows the glove to be put on/off easier than a latex disposable glove. Like latex disposable gloves, vinyl disposable gloves are traditionally 5 mils in thickness and are readily available in the marketplace in either a powdered or unpowdered version. Vinyl disposable gloves are an excellent alternative to those whose skin is sensitive to latex products.  
           [0006]    Disposable synthetic gloves are also a cost effective means to provide hand protection. The term “synthetic”, in its truest sense, applies to a disposable glove that is non-latex and non-vinyl, although the word is often used in association with vinyl disposable gloves. Such an example of a disposable synthetic glove would be that of a disposable nitrile glove which is comprised from a blend of synthetic (man-made) polymers. These synthetic polymers offer different physical properties to the gloves once produced; e.g. softer feel, increased stretch capacity of the material, etc . . . These gloves are traditionally blue in color so as to not confuse them with latex products. Other known colors include white or beige, and even clear/translucent if describing a vinyl synthetic glove. Disposable nitrile gloves are traditionally 5 mils thick but the nitrile properties make for a more durable glove than its latex or vinyl counterpart. In some cases, disposable nitrile gloves are puncture resistant. For this reason, this glove is mostly seen in the medical industry, as it resembles many of the properties found in latex gloves but without any latex in the glove. Disposable nitrile gloves are also an excellent alternative to those whose skin is sensitive to latex products. These gloves are available in the marketplace in either a powdered or unpowdered version.  
           [0007]    Disposable polyethylene or copolymer gloves Traditionally, these gloves are clear or translucent in color as polyethylene is clear in its natural original form. Being the least expensive, these gloves are extremely thin (traditionally 1-2 mils), and provide a poor quality, sloppy/baggy fit.  
                                                     Types of Gloves                    Traditional   Traditional   Avg Cost/           Material   Color   Thickness   glove                       Polyethylene   Clear   1-2 mils    $.02           Latex   Beige   5 mils   $.07           Vinyl (PVC)   Clear   5 mils   $.07           Synthetic   Blue, beige,   5 mils   $.18               or white                      
 
           [0008]    In the early days, for the most part, the use of color additives to adjust the final color of a disposable glove in the manufacturing process was not utilized. The final color of the gloves was merely a function of the components and ingredients that made up the glove, and the marketplace readily accepted this.  
           [0009]    In recent years, colored disposable gloves (blue, red, green, etc.), made from various materials such as latex, vinyl, or nitrile, have become more popular in specific industries for different reasons. For example, in the foodservice industry, supermarket employees working in the poultry area might wear a blue glove to cut raw poultry; while employees in the deli department might wear a clear glove to slice deli meat; while employees in the seafood department might wear a red glove to handle raw seafood; while the maintenance crew might wear a green glove to sanitize the floor. The use of colored gloves in this instance is specifically to prevent cross contamination between departments that could potentially endanger public health; i.e. salmonella,  e coli , etc. While the colored gloves in this application play an important role in general, it makes no difference which department uses which color glove.  
           [0010]    Another example of colored gloves exists in the dental and medical fields simply for esthetic purposes. For example, pastel colors such as light pink, light green, and light blue have been used to help create a more relaxed (non medical) atmosphere in these types of environments, but the specific color used has no function in its application with the patient.  
           [0011]    The professional Beauty Industry saw its first colored glove in the early 90&#39;s with the development of a thick, brown, reusable, latex glove. Since these gloves are reusable, and very thick (often 10 mil) the gloves are very expensive. Since the glove is designed and marketed to be used time and time again, the dark color glove masks (or hides) most stains that develop on the glove&#39;s surface.  
           [0012]    In the late 90&#39;s, further improvements were made to this category of reusable gloves, as brown gloves were not totally effective at hiding all the stains used in the haircoloring process. Reusable black latex gloves became popular because they sold at a slightly better price point and were more efficient at hiding all haircoloring stains. Unlike the foodservice industry and the medical and dental fields discussed above, the specific color of this glove in the Beauty Industry played an important role with its specific application; to hide the haircoloring stains.  
           [0013]    Although the two types of reusable gloves mentioned above did offer the benefit of hiding haircoloring stains, there were many disadvantages associated with their use including issues related to latex, sanitation, maintenance, fit/feel, and finally cost.  
           [0014]    In recent years, the use of latex products has been subject to much criticism in all industries including the highly profiled Medical Industry. More and more people every year suffer from latex allergies as a result of either wearing or coming in contact with latex products. Some latex allergies are so severe that it can be life threatening. The use of latex products promotes risk for both the operator and their client. For this reason, there has been a major shift away from latex gloves in all industries. Other latex free alternatives were found in vinyl and synthetic disposable gloves.  
           [0015]    Reusable gloves would not be accepted nor tolerated in the Medical Industry as this could promote the risk of spreading germs, infections, or even disease. Reusing a glove that comes in contact with more than one individual is highly unsanitary. Disposable gloves offer sanitary conditions as they are discarded after each use.  
           [0016]    Maintenance of these latex reusable gloves is another big problem, as the only way to preserve the longevity of the gloves is to constantly wash and dry the gloves. The tedious process of constantly washing these gloves ensures that they are as clean as possible (inside and out), and prevents mold and odor from forming. Properly drying the glove prevents the walls of the latex gloves from sticking together. Sticking is a problem as it can lead to the glove ripping or tearing in these specific areas when being donned after the initial application. This on-going daily maintenance consumes valuable time. Disposable gloves are maintenance free as they are discarded after each use.  
           [0017]    Since reusable latex gloves are made to a thicker specification to last time and time again, this thicker glove can interfere with feeling of an object. A precise feel can be very important depending on the user&#39;s needs. A user may need to quickly and efficiently touch and determine the present condition of an object. Further, the surface of certain types of latex gloves, based on their physical properties, stick to and pull certain objects. This pull is not desired and is uncomfortable. Due to the physical properties of non-latex gloves, vinyl or synthetic products do not stick, nor pull.  
           [0018]    Finally, cost is major issue for reusable latex gloves. Since reusable latex gloves are made to a thicker specification to last time and time again, their costs are significantly higher than that of a disposable glove. In some cases the cost could be as high as 2000% more than its disposable counterpart.  
           [0019]    Inherent problems with all reusable latex gloves are compared to the advantages of disposable gloves and are summarized in the following chart:  
                                   Advantages of   Disadvantages of       Disposable Gloves   Reusable Gloves                   Very economical   Very Expensive       Available in latex alternatives   All thus far are latex based       including vinyl and synthetic   which can cause serious skin       compounds   irritations for operators/clients       Provides ultra sensitive fit/feel   Extra thick latex can interfere       that will not stick to an object   with feel and stick to an object       Single use. Always completely   Promotes health risks due to       sanitary   unsanitary conditions       Maintenance free. Saves time.   On-going daily maintenance. Must be           washed continuously to ensure best           performance and prevent odors. Must           be dried properly to prevent           cracking/tearing during repeated uses                  
 
           [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,445 relates to a disposable cosmetic glove which includes an outer glove shell of lotion impervious material and an inner glove lining of lotion absorbent material. The inner glove lining is preferably uniformly impregnated with a cosmetic lotion; however, the glove may be provided with a lining which is not impregnated thereby permitting a lotion of personal choice to be injected into the lining prior to use. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable glove comprises an outer shell of thermoplastic resin material to which a thin layer of polyether or polyester urethane foam is bonded.  
           [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,832 relates to a disposable vinyl glove having a fastening belt which includes a hollow formed seamless body member, an open proximal end, and a cuff portion at the proximal end. The cuff portion has a fastening belt fixed on the outside surface of the cuff portion. The end of the fastening belt has an adhesive area, an adhesive layer is covering the adhesive area and a removable release sheet is covering the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can stick with the surface of the cuff or tying belt together. After the glove is worn, the cuff of the glove is tightened on the wearer&#39;s wrist by the fastening belt and the adhesive means sticks the fastened tying belt and the outer surface of the cuff together, thereby the disposable vinyl glove is tightly secured on the wearer&#39;s hand.  
           [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,394 relates to a disposable elastomeric glove having a distinct protuberance in proximal position with respect to a thenar eminence of a wearer thereby allowing for a quick and safe glove removal procedure. The protuberance is grasped to safely remove the glove from the hand.  
           [0023]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,570 relates to a powderfree medical film glove comprising an elastomer base layer, preferably vinyl, having a sprayed, intermittent coating formed on the hand-contacting surface of the glove.  
           [0024]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,856 relates to a anti-static glove that is formed from a porous cloth-type material having the palm inner thumb, and inner finger surfaces covered by a cutout of thin anti-static polyvinyl chloride film. The cutout is attached by stitching or by an adhesive.  
           [0025]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,386 relates to a flexible polyvinyl chloride article and method of making the same. A two layer flexible article includes a first layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a second layer of polyester polyurethane which incorporates a texturizing agent. The article is preferably a glove formed by the method of dipping a hand shaped form into a first bath containing a PVC plastisol and a second bath containing a polyester polyurethane emulsion incorporating a texturizing agent and a slip agent. In a finished glove the PVC layer forms the outside or patient contacting surface and the polyester polyurethane with the texturizing agent and the slip agent incorporated therein forms the inner user contacting surface. Theses gloves are substantially donnable without the need for donning powders.  
           [0026]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,751,843 relates to a method of detecting the spatial position and rotational position of suitably marked objects in digital image sequences. The images of the sequence are put into binary form by applying a threshold value operation. In a gray-level image having a varying background, it is a very difficult problem to recognize a human hand in real time at this level of generality. This problem is substantially simplified when the hand stands out distinctly from the background and markings are provided on the hand whose shape and size are known. For this reason, it is advantageous in conjunction with the method according to the invention to use, for example, a black glove on which white markings are provided and which the user of the method according to the invention pulls over his hand. The image of the human hand is taken in this method with the aid of a gray-level camera, subjected to an adaptive threshold value operation and converted into a segmented binary image. Subsequently, features are calculated relative to all the image objects and with the aid of these features the markings are recognized and their position in space is calculated.  
           [0027]    After careful research, it has been found that a dark disposable glove has many unique advantages over the traditional disposable gloves listed above. Said advantages vary by application/function and are listed below.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0028]    The present invention relates to a dark disposable glove. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to hide stains. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to offer a completely sanitary environment. A dark colored glove is defined as a glove that masks (or hides) most stains that develop on the glove&#39;s surface.  
           [0029]    It is an object of the present invention for the glove to always look professional. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to be a non-latex glove that would not have any adverse effects on the skin. It is an object of the invention for the glove to be a non-powdered glove that would not have any adverse affects on the skin. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to not interfere with the feel of an object nor pull the object. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to be maintenance free. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to be economical. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to be powdered. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to be for medical use. Medical use gloves are those which are examination grade gloves. It is an object of the present invention for the glove to be for non-medical use. Non-medical use gloves are those which are for industrial use.  
           [0030]    The present invention is a dark, economical, disposable glove, offering a multitude of additional benefits including: always looking clean and professional, always completely sanitary, offering a terrific feel, requires no maintenance, does not interfere with the feel of an object nor stick to the object.  
           [0031]    Its average cost is about $0.09/glove and thus in line with other traditional disposable gloves yet significantly less expensive then its dark reusable counterpart. The dark color was specifically chosen as it provides a specific function to hide stains and to look professional.  
           [0032]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a glove that offers a much safer environment for those who handle mail or packages. The dark colored glove allows for easy detection of potentially harmful substances and provides a specific function in its application.  
           [0033]    It is an object of the present invention for the glove to more readily detect light colored powders that can potentially harm those who handle mail or packages and the intended recipient of the mail or package. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dark, non-powdered, economical, disposable glove used by those who contact or handle mail or packages.  
           [0034]    A disposable glove shall be defined as one that is manufactured, marketed, and intended for a single application—one that is discarded after each use.  
           [0035]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a dark color disposable glove which hides any potential stains from dirt, grease, chemicals, and the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dark color disposable glove that allows light color substances, such as white powders to be easily seen. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dark color glove that blocks out UV light. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dark color glove to be used in laboratories to detect harmful substances.  
           [0036]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a glove that can more readily attract sunlight causing the glove to heat quicker and maintain the heat.  
           [0037]    The present invention being disposable offers a completely sanitary environment as the glove is designed for single use applications and can be routinely changed throughout the day. Since the glove is disposable, its price point is very economical; in the range of $0.20/pair. A dark, non-powdered, economical disposable glove did not exist until the present invention. The only similar characteristic that existed between any prior art and the claimed invention was that of a disposable glove. The present invention represents a significant improvement over any other traditional disposable glove on the market and provides a specific function in its application. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1 is an illustration of the glove showing my invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]    Disposable gloves are a safe and cost effective way to protect a worker&#39;s hands from prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals.  
         [0040]    In an embodiment, the gloves are a dark, disposable latex glove which is a cost effective means to provide hand protection. Latex has terrific stretch capabilities and provides a more precise and better fit than polyethylene gloves. Traditional disposable latex gloves are typically 5 mils in thickness and thus stronger than that of a disposable polyethylene glove. In an embodiment the gloves are available in either a powdered or unpowdered version.  
         [0041]    In an embodiment, the gloves are a dark disposable vinyl glove (also known as PVC gloves and sometimes as synthetic vinyl gloves). They are a cost effective way to provide hand protection. Due to its slightly looser fit than a disposable latex glove, vinyl gloves allow the hand to breathe more easily, preventing the hand from fatiguing over time. The slightly looser fit of a vinyl disposable glove also allows the glove to be put on/off easier than a latex disposable glove. In an embodiment the gloves are available in either a powdered or unpowdered version. Vinyl disposable gloves are an excellent alternative to those whose skin is sensitive to latex products.  
         [0042]    In an embodiment, the gloves are a dark, disposable synthetic glove. Synthetic gloves are non-latex, non-vinyl gloves. Such an example of a disposable synthetic glove would be that of a disposable nitrile glove which is comprised from a blend of synthetic (man-made) polymers. These synthetic polymers offer different physical properties to the gloves once produced; e.g. softer feel, increased stretch capacity of the material, etc . . . Disposable nitrile gloves are traditionally 5 mils thick but the nitrile properties make for a more durable glove than its latex or vinyl counterpart. In an embodiment, the disposable nitrile gloves are puncture resistant. Disposable nitrile gloves are an excellent alternative to those whose skin is sensitive to latex products. In an embodiment the gloves are available in either a powdered or unpowdered version.  
         [0043]    In an embodiment, the gloves are a dark, disposable polyethylene or copolymer glove. These types of gloves are the least expensive disposable gloves on the market, thus keeping manufacturing costs as low as possible. In an embodiment, the gloves are available in either a powdered or unpowdered version.  
         [0044]    A precise feel is very important so a user can quickly and efficiently touch and determine the present condition of an object. Further, the surface of certain types of gloves, based on their physical properties, stick to and pull on an object. This pull is not desired and is uncomfortable to the user. Due to the physical properties of non-latex gloves, vinyl or synthetic products do not stick, nor pull.  
         [0045]    Advantages of disposable gloves include: ultrasensitive, fit/feel that will not stick; economical; single use, always completely sanitary; maintenance free, saves time and; available in latex alternatives, including vinyl and synthetic compounds.  
         [0046]    In an embodiment, the gloves are used to protect the user from the threat of biological and chemical agents. With the recent threat of biological and chemical agents and the concern over the potential exposure to such agents including, but not limited to,  Bacillus anthracis  spores (anthrax), cyanide and the like, many individuals that handle mail and packages have begun using disposable gloves for added protection. Although all the traditional disposable gloves provide added protection to the individual against skin contact, the dangers of anthrax, cyanide, and the like are difficult to detect in/around and on these gloves, as the danger usually takes the form of a white powdery substance which can inherently “blend in” or be masked by the natural light color of said gloves.  
         [0047]    In an embodiment, the present invention provides a dark colored disposable glove which can more readily detect light colored powders that could potentially harm those who handle mail or packages and eventually the intended recipient of the mail or package. In such a case, a dark colored glove has a specific function that enables the easy detection of potentially harmful light color powders.  
         [0048]    After careful research, it has been found that a dark disposable glove is much more capable of detecting light color powders or residues. In order to differentiate between potentially harmful white powders and residues and the USP corn starch that is often found in powdered gloves (to help in the donning process), in an embodiment of the present invention, the dark disposable glove is 100% powder free. In addition a powder free glove offers other benefits such as no negative or adverse affects on the skin. The present invention being disposable offers a completely sanitary environment as the glove is designed for single use application and can be routinely changed throughout the day. Since the glove is disposable, its price point is very economical; in the range of $0.20/pair. A dark, non-powdered, economical disposable glove did not exist until the present invention. The only similar characteristic that existed between any prior art and the claimed invention was that of a disposable glove.  
         [0049]    In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a dark, non-powdered, economical, disposable glove specifically used by those who come in contact or handle mail or packages. Such work sites include, but are not limited to post offices, mail distribution/handling centers, bulk mail centers, air mail facilities, priority mail processing centers, public and private mailrooms, and other settings in which workers are responsible for the handling and processing of mail and packages, including maintenance and custodial workers, in work sites where mail/packages are handled or processed. This also includes any recipients of mail or packages and therefore can apply to every residential/business address that receives mail or packages.  
         [0050]    The dark color disposable glove of the present invention provides many functions depending upon the intended application; 1) hides any potential stains from dirt, grease, chemicals and the like thus giving the appearance of a clean glove; 2) allows light color substances such as, but not limited to, white powders to be easily seen, 3) the dark color blocks out 100% of UV light in applications such as, but not limited to photography or light sensitive applications, 4) could be used in laboratories to easily detect harmful substances, 5) could be used by all airport personnel, including baggage screeners and those who inspect personal belongings, 6) could be used by police, firefighters, and EMT workers, etc . . .  
         [0051]    The dark disposable gloves of the present invention (due to their dark color) allow light color substances such as, but not limited to, white substances to be easily and readily detected. Such light color substances would not be readily detected on a traditional disposable glove.  
         [0052]    Other examples of individuals that can benefit from the features of a dark, non-powdered, economical, disposable glove, whereby the dark color makes for easy detection of light colored substances include, but are not limited to, laboratory personal, baggage screeners, those who inspect personal belongings, law enforcement personnel including forensics teams and drug enforcement personnel (DEA), members of the medical community, those involved with clean room applications, etc . . .  
         [0053]    Dark disposable gloves (due to their dark color) hide or “mask” potential stains such as, but not limited to, dirt, grease, chemicals, blood, and the like, thus giving the appearance and perception that the glove and surrounding environment is clean. Such stains would be readily apparent on a traditional disposable glove. Examples of such applications include food service workers, mechanics, printers, medical practitioners, factory workers, maintenance workers, haircolorists, etc . . .  
         [0054]    Dark colored gloves (due to their dark color) block out 100% of UV light in applications such as, but not limited to, photography, filmmaking, and other light sensitive applications. Traditional disposable gloves do not provide such an advantage.  
         [0055]    Dark colored gloves (due to their dark color) can be used in a specific work task, with a specific uniform, or in those applications where camouflage may be necessary; e.g. law enforcement personal, military, or even tattoo artists. Traditional disposable gloves do not provide such an advantage.  
         [0056]    Dark colored gloves more readily attract sunlight causing them to heat quicker and maintain their heat element. This is ideal for heat sensitive and scientific applications. Traditional disposable glove do not provide such an advantage.