Abstract:
A pair of work gloves with an attached directional illumination device is disclosed. A miniature illumination device is affixed thereto the back of the hand area of the work glove via hook-and-loop fasteners. The lighting device takes the form of a small enclosure that houses batteries and a lens with a reflected array of forward facing high-intensity light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s). A pushbutton switch is located on top of the case for on/off operation. In use, the apparatus provides a high level of illumination directly in front of the person&#39;s hands allowing use while working at night, when light levels are low, as well as in cramped areas where nearby objects restrict the effectiveness of remote lighting devices. The invention is especially valuable in situations where it is impossible to hold a flashlight such as when one needs both hands to perform work.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/922,305 filed on Apr. 9, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an illumination device detachably mounted thereto a glove or a pair of gloves to provide an illumination means thereto a wearer when worn and activated, said gloves may be provided in a half-finger or a full-finger embodiment 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The “Do-it-Yourself” trend has triggered the development of a broad range of tools and accessories, books, television programs and websites for sectors such as home repair, auto care and repair, crafts and decorations and gardening. The sectors that have taken off the most are that of home and auto repair. 
     While performing these types of tasks, it is not uncommon for the Do-it-Yourselfer to perform a manual task in an area of limited light that requires the use of both hands. However, attempting to use a flashlight while working with both hands becomes quite a challenge. Typically this means having to try and balance the flashlight under one&#39;s chin, hold it in one&#39;s mouth, or sit it upon a nearby object to allow the use of both hands to perform the task while having the necessary light to see properly. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which temporary task lighting can be provided in the area immediately around a user&#39;s hands without the inherent disadvantages. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,289 filed by Smith discloses an illuminated hand cover assembly. This patent does not appear to disclose a half-finger glove with a removable attachable illumination means. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,397 filed by Raz discloses a glove with an integrated light. This patent does not appear to disclose a half-finger glove with a removable attachable illumination means. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,142 filed by Gyori discloses a nighttime glove. This patent does not appear to disclose a half-finger glove with a removable attachable illumination means. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,235 filed by Mayo discloses a light emitting glove. This patent does not appear to disclose a half-finger glove with a removable attachable illumination means nor does this patent appear to disclose a removably attached light source located on the dorsal surface of the glove. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,105 filed by Koenen discloses a work glove and illuminator assembly. This patent does not appear to disclose a disclose a half-finger glove with a removable attachable illumination means nor does this patent appear to disclose a removably attached light source located on the dorsal surface of the glove. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,368 filed by Huff discloses a hand-mounted illuminating device. This patent does not appear to disclose a clam shell shaped illumination device that is removably attached and that provides a conical light pattern. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,892 filed by Lambert discloses a hand-mounted aviation night vision illuminating device. This patent does not appear to disclose a half-finger glove with a removable attachable illumination means. 
     The prior art appears to disclose various illumination devices designed to be affixed to a user&#39;s hand or fingers. The prior art does not appear to disclose a half-finger glove with a removably attached illumination device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a glove with attached illumination that provides a light beam without the need to hold the illumination device such as in a case of conventional flashlights and trouble lights. 
     The gloves with attached illumination device may be available as a half-finger glove embodiment or full-finger glove embodiment with an illumination device removably attached. 
     An object of the present invention comprises a two-piece enclosure which further comprises light sources, a battery compartment, an ON/OFF switch, and a reflective surface that is utilized to illuminate an area in front of the respective hand member. 
     A further object of the present invention provides for the light sources to be operated by the ON/OFF switch allowing electrical communication with said light sources to emit the light beam. The illumination device is removably attached thereto a back surface of the half-finger glove to project the light beam toward a work area. In this fashion, the illumination device is securely retained thereupon being isolated therefrom movement transmitted therefrom the finger portions of the hand member, thereby providing a steady light beam. The illumination device may be affixed interchangably on either or both left or right hand configurations of the half-finger glove. 
     A further object of the present invention provides for the illumination device to comprise a two-piece “clamshell” design made of plastic in an injection molding process. The illumination device may be supplied with the gloves or individually as a separate kit for adding thereto an existing glove. The glove material is envisioned to be made that of cloth, rubber, or other materials of elastic properties. 
     Yet another object of the present invention comprises a half-finger glove with an affixed illumination device. The half-finger glove is envisioned to be shaped in a form of a conventional human hand member comprising five (5) digit areas extending from a central palm and backside areas of the hand member. The half-finger glove provides an attachment means to an elastic cylindrical-shaped band extending around a user&#39;s wrist area having a conventional circular aperture to removably receive a hand member. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention provides for an elastic band as a sewn attachment thereto the half-finger glove around a lower perimeter edge using conventional textile sewing techniques snuggly fitting against the wrist portion of the hand member. The half-finger glove provides protection and permits bending movements in conjunction with the user&#39;s hand member while providing a taut envelope thereon. The half-finger glove comprises an elastic material allowing stretching for easy insertion of hand members conforming to the shape and bending movements of the hand member. 
     Another aspect of the present invention provides for the half-finger glove to comprise digit openings on each end such that the digits of the hand member may extend outwardly, thus providing enhanced tactile feedback. The half-finger glove may be provided in either or both right and left-handed configurations available to a consumer individually or as a pair. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention provides for the illumination device to be removably attached to the backside of the half-finger glove via a hook-and-loop fastener assembly comprising a hook fastener strip and a loop fastener strip being integrated on an exterior backside surface of the half-finger glove and the exterior bottom surface of the illumination device, respectively, for removable attachment. The hook fastener strip and a loop fastener strip mate therewith each other in an expected manner. The hook fastener strip may be sewn, integrated, adhered, or otherwise attached thereto the exterior backside surface of the half-finger glove. The loop fastener strip may be integrated, adhered, or otherwise attached thereto the exterior bottom surface of the illumination device. The hook fastener strip engages the loop fastener strip thereby removably attaching the illumination device thereto the half-finger glove. The illumination device is envisioned to be mounted thereupon the half-finger glove and protrudes minimally above the backside surface of said glove thereby reducing the possibility of interference in confined spaces and/or damage during utilization. 
     Still yet another aspect of the present invention comprises an upper enclosure portion, a plurality of light sources, a lower enclosure portion, and a trim strip. The upper and lower closure portions provide an attachment means to one another being affixed along a mating peripheral edge via respective interlocking and snapping male/female features. The lower enclosure portion is removably attachable to the glove via the loop fastener strip. The enclosure portions comprise a generally rectangular clamshell-shaped structure with rounded borders so as to not present sharp corners that may catch in confined spaces. The enclosure portions comprise a protective and decorative rubber trim strip along a common joining seam. 
     The upper enclosure portion further comprises a flush-mounted battery compartment along a top surface containing preferably one (1) or more rechargeable batteries being in electrical communication with a plurality of forwardly directed light sources. The light sources comprise a row of equally-spaced light sources. Any number of light sources may be introduced along a forwardly facing portion of the enclosure portions to produce varying illumination effects. The light sources preferably comprise a light emitting diode (LED) light source. 
     The upper enclosure portion further comprises an ON/OFF switch mounted thereupon being adjacent to the battery compartment which is in electrical communication with the light sources and the batteries. The ON/OFF switch comprises a common alternating on/off push button type device that, when depressed to an “ON” state, electrical power is conducted therefrom the batteries to the light sources. Upon receiving electrical power, the light sources generate a light beam to be emitted at varying distances toward a work area. Further, an indented reflective surface behind the light sources is utilized to reflect the light beam outwardly toward the desired work area. The light sources preferably generate and emit a conical illumination beam through a protective cover such as a lens, to illuminate said work area. The protective cover is transparent; however, may be provided as a translucent element. The light beam is inclined slightly upward relative to the direction of the light sources and the hand member, thus the user may perceive, locate, and/or work in an area that may not typically be illuminated, especially in cramped areas. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for an alternate full-finger glove embodiment comprising similar construction and materials as the previously described preferred embodiment; however, comprises a full-finger glove portion providing additional protection thereto a user&#39;s hand and finger areas when performing tasks involving various possible hazards such as, but not limited to: hot objects, sharp objects, electrified objects, cold weather conditions, harmful chemicals, and the like. The full-finger glove may be provided in either or both right and left-handed configurations being available to a consumer individually or as a pair. 
     The present invention provides a simple direct current (DC) circuit comprising of one (1) or more rechargeable batteries, a push-button type ON/OFF switch, and four (4) LED light sources. A DC voltage is conducted thereto the ON/OFF switch which is in turn is activated by a user to conduct said voltage thereto a plurality of light sources, thereby emitting the light beam. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a glove with attached illumination means  10  with a right hand member  15  inserted therethrough, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of an illumination device portion  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a full-finger glove embodiment  60 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical block diagram of the illumination device portion  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 half-finger glove embodiment 
               
               
                 15 
                 hand member 
               
               
                 16 
                 arm member 
               
               
                 20 
                 half-finger glove 
               
               
                 25 
                 elastic wristband 
               
               
                 27 
                 digit opening 
               
               
                 30 
                 illumination device 
               
               
                 32 
                 upper enclosure portion 
               
               
                 33 
                 battery housing 
               
               
                 35 
                 light source 
               
               
                 36 
                 ON/OFF switch 
               
               
                 37 
                 lower enclosure portion 
               
               
                 38 
                 trim strip 
               
               
                 40 
                 light beam 
               
               
                 41 
                 battery compartment 
               
               
                 42 
                 battery 
               
               
                 43 
                 reflective surface 
               
               
                 44 
                 protective cover 
               
               
                 50 
                 hook fastener strip 
               
               
                 51 
                 loop fastener strip 
               
               
                 60 
                 full-finger glove embodiment 
               
               
                 65 
                 full-finger glove 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , and in terms of an alternate full-finger glove embodiment, herein depicted in  FIG. 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for gloves with attached illumination means (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , comprising a half-finger glove embodiment  20 , an alternate full-finger glove embodiment  60 , and an illumination device  30  removably attached thereto. The overall enclosure of the illumination device  30  comprises a two-piece “clamshell” design made of plastic in an injection molding process which would require a design and use of custom molds. The illumination device  30  may be supplied with the gloves  20  or individually as a separate kit for adding thereto an existing glove. The glove material  20  is envisioned to be made that of cloth, rubber, or other materials of elastic properties depending on the type of work the user is participating in. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of the apparatus  10  with a right hand member  15  inserted therethrough, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a half-finger glove  20  with an affixed illumination device  30 . The half-finger glove  20  is envisioned to be shaped in a form of a conventional human hand member  15  comprising five (5) digit areas extending from a central palm and backside areas of the hand member  15 . The half-finger glove  20  provides an attachment means thereto an elastic cylindrical-shaped band  25  extending around a user&#39;s wrist area having a conventional circular aperture to removably receive a hand member  15  therein. The elastic band  25  comprises a sewn attachment thereto the half-finger glove  20  around a lower perimeter edge using conventional textile sewing techniques snuggly fitting thereagainst the wrist portion of the hand member  15 . The half-finger glove  20  provides protection and permits bending movements in conjunction with the user&#39;s hand member  15  while providing a taut envelope thereon. The half-finger glove  20  comprises an elastic material allowing stretching for easy insertion of hand members  15  conforming thereto the shape and bending movements of the hand member  15 . The half-finger glove  20  comprise digit openings  27  on each end such that the digits of the hand member  15  may extend outwardly therefrom, thus providing enhanced tactile feedback. The half-finger glove  20  is illustrated here in a right-hand configuration; however, it is understood that said half-finger glove  20  may be provided in either or both right and left-handed configurations being available to a consumer individually or as a pair. 
     The illumination device  30  is removably attached thereto the backside of the half-finger glove  20 . In this fashion, the illumination device  30  does not move when the digits move thereby permitting a light beam  40  emitting therefrom to remain on a desired work area while the user is performing a task. The half-finger glove  20  provides an attachment means thereto the illuminating device  30  via a hook-and-loop fastener assembly comprising a hook fastener strip  50  and a loop fastener strip  51  being integrated on an exterior backside surface of the half-finger glove  20  and the exterior bottom surface of the illumination device  30 , respectively, for removable attachment. The hook fastener strip  50  and a loop fastener strip  51  mate therewith each other in an expected manner. The hook fastener strip  50  may be sewn, integrated, adhered, or otherwise attached thereto the exterior backside surface of the half-finger glove  20 . The loop fastener strip  51 , shown here partially turned up for illustration sake, may be integrated, adhered, or otherwise attached thereto the exterior bottom surface of the illumination device  30 . It will be appreciated that the positions of the hook fastener strip  50  and the loop fastener strip  51  may be reversed without leaving the scope of the invention  10 . The hook fastener strip  50  is affixed thereto the exterior backside surface of the half-finger glove  20  for selectably attaching to the loop strip fastener  51  affixed thereto the central exterior bottom surface of the illumination device  30 . The hook fastener strip  50  engages the loop fastener strip  51  thereby removably attaching the illumination device  30  thereto the half-finger glove  20 . The illumination device  30  is envisioned to be mounted thereupon the half-finger glove  20  and protrudes minimally above the backside surface of said glove  20  thereby reducing the possibility of interference in confined spaces and/or damage during utilization. It is understood that the illumination device  30  may be supplied with the half-finger glove  20  or may be introduced individually as a separate kit for adding thereto an existing glove at a later date. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a top view of the illumination device portion  30  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The illumination device  30  comprises an upper enclosure portion  32 , a plurality of light sources  35 , a lower enclosure portion  37 , and a trim strip  38 . The upper  32  and lower  37  enclosure portions provide an attachment means thereto one another being affixed along a mating peripheral edge via respective interlocking and snapping male/female features. The lower enclosure portion  37  is removably attachable to the glove  20  via the loop fastener strip  51 . The enclosure portions  32 ,  37  comprise a generally rectangular clamshell-shaped structure with rounded borders so as to not present sharp corners that may catch in confined spaces. Said enclosure portions  32 ,  37  comprise a protective and decorative rubber trim strip  38  along a common joining seam being affixed thereto using methods such as, but not exclusively, mechanical locking features, adhesives, or the like. The upper enclosure portion  32  further comprises a flush-mounted battery compartment  41  along a top surface containing preferably one (1) or more rechargeable batteries  42  being in electrical communication with a plurality of forwardly directed light sources  35 . The light sources  35  comprise a row of equally-spaced light sources  35 . Said light sources  35  are illustrated here as a grouping of four (4) units; however, any number of light sources  35  may be introduced along a forwardly facing portion of the enclosure portions  32 ,  37  to produce varying illumination effects. The light sources  35  preferably comprise a light emitting diode (LED) light source; however, other light sources  35  may be utilized in conjunction with or instead of the LED light source such as, but not limited to: fiber optic light source, halogen light source, and/or incandescent light source. The upper enclosure portion  32  further comprises an ON/OFF switch  36  mounted thereupon being adjacent thereto said battery compartment  41  which is in electrical communication with the light sources  35  and the batteries  42 . The ON/OFF switch  36  preferably comprises a common alternating on/off push button type device. When the ON/OFF switch  36  is depressed to an “ON” state, electrical power is conducted therefrom the batteries  42  thereto the light sources  35 . Upon receiving electrical power, the light sources  35  generate a light beam  40  to be emitted at varying distances toward a work area. Further, an indented reflective surface  43  behind the light sources  35  is utilized to reflect the light beam  40  outwardly toward the desired work area in a bright manner. The light sources  35  preferably generate and emit a conical illumination beam  40  therethrough a protective cover  44 , such as a lens, to illuminate said work area. The protective cover  44  is preferably transparent; however, may be provided as a translucent element. The light beam  40  is inclined slightly upward relative to the direction of the light sources  35  and the hand member  15 , thus the user may perceive, locate, and/or work in an area that may not typically be illuminated, especially in cramped areas. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of a full-finger glove embodiment  60 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate full-finger glove embodiment  60  comprises similar construction and materials as the previously described preferred embodiment  10 ; however, comprises a full-finger glove portion  65  providing additional protection thereto a user&#39;s hand and finger areas when performing tasks involving various possible hazards such as, but not limited to: hot objects, sharp objects, electrified objects, cold weather conditions, harmful chemicals, and the like. The full-finger glove  65  is illustrated here in a right-hand configuration; however, it is understood that said full-finger glove  65  may be provided in either or both right and left-handed configurations being available to a consumer individually or as a pair. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an electrical block diagram of the illumination device portion  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides a simple direct current (DC) circuit comprising of one (1) or more rechargeable batteries  42 , a push-button type ON/OFF switch  36 , and four (4) LED light sources  35 . A DC voltage is conducted thereto the ON/OFF switch  36  which is in turn is activated by a user to conduct said voltage thereto a plurality of light sources  35 , thereby emitting the light beam  40  therefrom. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , or alternately as indicated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing a fresh set of batteries  42  therein the battery compartment  41  to supply power to the illumination device  30 ; inserting a hand member  15  therein the half-finger glove  20 ; securing the illumination device  30  thereupon a top surface of the half-finger glove  20  by engaging the hook fastener strip  50  with the loop fastener strip  51 ; depressing the ON/OFF switch  36  to activate the light sources  35  so as to emit a light beam  40 ; and, benefiting from a properly directed and hands-free illumination device  30  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the alternate full-finger embodiment  60  may be achieved by performing the same steps as listed above. 
     The apparatus  10  provides a means to have a light beam  40  without having to hold the illumination device  30  such as in a case of conventional flashlights and trouble lights. The illumination device  30  comprises a two-piece enclosure  32 ,  37  which further comprises light sources  35 , a battery compartment  41 , an ON/OFF switch  36 , and a reflective surface  43  that is utilized to illuminate an area in front of the respective hand member  15 . The light sources  35  are operated by the ON/OFF switch  36  allowing electrical communication therewith said light sources  35  to emit the light beam  40 . The illumination device  30  is removably attached thereto a back surface of the half-finger glove  20  to project the light beam  40  toward a work area. In this fashion, the illumination device  30  is securely retained thereupon being isolated therefrom movement transmitted therefrom the finger portions of the hand member  15 , thereby providing a steady light beam  40 . The illumination device  30  may be affixed interchangably on either or both left or right hand configurations of the half-finger glove  20 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.