Abstract:
This invention relates generally to a hand covering. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hand covering with tactility features. The tactility features of the hand covering enable the wearer of the hand covering to have improved dexterity and tactility while wearing the hand covering and performing various tasks.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to a hand covering. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hand covering with tactility features. The tactility features of the hand covering enable the wearer of the hand covering to have improved dexterity and tactility while wearing the hand covering and performing various tasks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A hand covering according to the present invention includes several finger receptacles and a thumb receptacle. The hand covering also includes at least one tactility component coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the tactility component can be coupled to one of the finger receptacles, such as the finger receptacle intended for use with an index finger. In another embodiment, the tactility component can be coupled to the thumb receptacle. In another embodiment, tactility components can be coupled to a finger receptacle and to the thumb receptacle. 
         [0003]    Additionally, a hand covering according to the present invention can include a region of improved dexterity in the hand covering. The region of improved dexterity can be the result of a portion of the hand covering having a reduced thickness. In one embodiment, a finger receptacle of the hand covering can have a reduced thickness. In that implementation, the thickness of the material defining the finger receptacle can be less than the thickness of the material defining the rest of the shell of the hand covering. In another embodiment, a thumb receptacle of the hand covering can have a reduced thickness due to a thinner material defining the thumb receptacle than the remainder of the hand covering. 
         [0004]    In one embodiment, a hand covering according to the present invention can include a thinner region defining a finger receptacle and/or a thumb receptacle and one or more tactility components coupled to a finger receptacle and/or a thumb receptacle, respectively. Different sizes and configurations of tactility components can be used. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the hand covering illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of a portion of a finger receptacle of the hand covering illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3B  is an end view of the portion of the finger receptacle illustrated in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a finger receptacle of the hand covering illustrated in  FIG. 2 , taken along the line “ 4 ”-“ 4 .” 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an outer shell and an inner shell of an embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a finger receptacle of the hand covering illustrated in  FIG. 6 , taken along the line “ 7 ”-“ 7 ”. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a portion of a finger receptacle of the hand covering illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0015]      FIGS. 10 and 11  are top and side views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are top and side views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 14 and 15  are top and side views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 16 and 17  are top and side views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 18 and 19  are top and side views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 20 and 21  are top and side views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 22  is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    A hand covering according to the present invention includes several finger receptacles and a thumb receptacle. In one embodiment, the hand covering includes a tactility component coupled thereto. In another embodiment, a portion of the hand covering can have a reduced thickness as compared to other parts of the hand covering. The term “hand covering” is used to include any type of covering that can be worn on a person&#39;s hand, such as a glove or a mitten. 
         [0023]    An embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The hand covering  10  includes a shell or shell assembly that has a palm portion or region  12 , a cuff portion or region or skirt  14 , and a finger region  20 . The hand covering  10  also includes a fleece inner cuff  16  that is coupled to the shell by stitching  18 , which forms part of an elastic wrist portion. Cuff  16  and cuff skirt  14  collectively provide protection against external elements entering into the interior of the hand covering  10 . The finger region  20  has several finger receptacles  22 ,  24 ,  26 , and  28 , and a thumb receptacle  30 . The shell includes a back side  32  (see  FIG. 1 ) and a palm side  34  (see  FIG. 2 ). In this embodiment, the material used for hand covering  10  is a tight fitting material with some stretching functionality and characteristics that allow for improved dexterity. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the hand covering  10  may have certain colors or stylized features. As shown in  FIG. 1 , rubber molded articles  36  and  38  can be included as part of the shell to create a desired appearance. The rubber molded articles  36  and  38  can be used to define different portions of the shell of the hand covering  10 . In particular, articles  36  and  38  can create or define sections  35 ,  37 , and  39  that can be formed of different materials. For example, one or more of the sections  35 ,  37 , and  39  can be formed of an elastic type, stretch material. The wearer can feel or sense the different zones of materials of the hand covering  10 . 
         [0025]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the hand covering  10  includes tactility components  100  and  110 . Tactility components  100  and  110  are coupled to the hand covering  10  and are disposed in locations where the user or wearer of the glove typically engages an object. For example, a person wearing a hand covering performs actions, such as pressing buttons, most often with his or her index finger and/or thumb. Tactility components  100  and  110  can be referred to as buttons or projections and can be molded articles made of rubber or plastic. Alternatively, tactility buttons  100  and  110  can be silicon gel articles molded into a particular shape or configuration. Depending on the material, the tactility components can be coupled or adhered to the hand covering using an adhesive, by bonding, or other types of connecting or coupled techniques. The tactility components  100  and  110  are configured to facilitate the application of a concentrated force from a finger contained in the finger receptacle or thumb receptacle to an object. 
         [0026]    In this embodiment, tactility component  100  is coupled to the palm side of finger receptacle  22 , which corresponds to the index finger of a user. Tactility component  100  is coupled to the finger receptacle  22  close to the distal tip  25  of the finger receptacle  22 , in which case, the component  100  would be closer to the tip of the index finger as opposed to the flat portion of the index finger. Tactility component  110  is coupled to the thumb receptacle  30  and in particular, to the inside surface or edge of the thumb receptacle  30  (noting that tactility component  110  can be seen in the back side view illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). As a wearer of the hand covering  10  brings the wearer&#39;s index finger and thumb toward each other, the tip of the index finger and an inside surface or edge of the thumb contact usually each other first. Accordingly, the locations of the tactility components  100  and  1   10  on finger receptacle  22  and thumb receptacle  30 , respectively, are selected based on the typically contacts of the index finger and thumb with an object. Thus, in this embodiment, tactility component  110  is not located on the main flat portion of the thumb receptacle  30 , but is offset to the inner side or edge. In alternative embodiments, the locations of the tactility components on the finger receptacle and the thumb receptacle can vary. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , a side view of a portion of finger receptacle  22  is illustrated. As shown, finger receptacle  22  includes a palm side  34  to which tactility component  100  is coupled. In this embodiment, tactility component  100  is a molded article that has a rounded or curved configuration. Tactility component  100  has a bottom surface  102  and a rounded upper or contact surface  104 . The contact surface  104  provides a small, targeted surface area that the wearer of the hand covering  10  can use to contact or press a button or other small object. The contact surface  104  results in a targeted area of pressure and force exerted by the wearer&#39;s finger. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , an end view of a portion of finger receptacle  22  is illustrated. As shown, finger receptacle  22  has a “box like” construction with sections  23 A,  23 B,  23 C, and  23 D coupled together at seams. Some of the sections form gussets that allow for a tighter feel of the finger receptacle  22 . In different embodiments, additional finger receptacles can be constructed in a manner similar to finger receptacle  22 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , hand covering  10  includes two tactility areas or regions  44  and  46  that are defined in part by transition areas  40  and  42 , respectively. In this embodiment, finger receptacle  22  includes tactility region  44  that is defined by transition area  40  and the tip  25  of the finger receptacle  22 . Similarly, thumb receptacle  30  includes tactility region  46  that is defined by transition area  42  and the distal tip  31  of the thumb receptacle  30 . The tactility areas  44  and  46  can also be referred to as shell portions. 
         [0030]    Each tactility region is defined by the particular region having a reduced thickness of material as compared to the rest of the hand covering  10 , which can be referred to as the body  48 . Transition area  40  defines where the thickness of the body or palm portion  12  changes to a thinner cross-section in the tactility region  44  of finger receptacle  22 . Similarly, transition area  42  defines where the thinner cross-sectional material in the tactility region  46  of thumb receptacle  30  begins. In this embodiment, the other finger receptacles  24 ,  26 , and  28  have the same thickness as the body  48  or palm portion of the hand covering  10 . In one embodiment, the thickness of the material in region  44  may be the same as the thickness of the material in region  46 , and both thicknesses are less than the thickness of the material in the body  48  of the hand covering  10 . In another embodiment, the thickness of the material in region  46  can be different than the thickness of the material in region  44 , and both of those thicknesses being smaller than the thickness of the body  48 . 
         [0031]    Several of the components of an embodiment of a hand covering  10  according to the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , the hand covering  10  includes an outer or exterior shell  50  and an inner shell or liner  70 . The outer shell or shell portion  50  includes finger receptacles  60 ,  62 ,  64 , and  66 , and a thumb receptacle  68 . The inner shell or shell portion  70  includes finger receptacles  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and  86 , and a thumb receptacle  88 . The outer shell  50  is slightly larger than inner shell  70  and is configured to receive the inner shell  70  therein. Each of the finger receptacles and thumb receptacle of the inner shell  70  is inserted into a corresponding finger receptacle or the thumb receptacle of the outer shell  50 . In one embodiment, the inner shell  70  is a fleece liner. 
         [0032]    As illustrated, finger receptacle  80 , intended for a wearer&#39;s index finger, is cut or truncated close to the base  83  of the finger receptacle  80 . The end  85  of finger receptacle  80  defines an opening  81 , through which an index finger can extend. After it has been cut or terminated, the end  85  of finger receptacle  80  is finished to prevent unraveling or separation of the end  85 . Similarly, thumb receptacle  88  is terminated close to the base  91  of the thumb receptacle  88 . The end  92  of thumb receptacle  88  defines an opening  89 , through which a thumb can extend. After it has been cut, the end  92  of finger receptacle  88  is finished to prevent unraveling or separation of the end  92 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional view of a portion of finger receptacle  22  is illustrated. The view shown in  FIG. 4  is taken along the line “ 4 ”-“ 4 ” in  FIG. 2 . The internal portion of finger receptacle  22  is shown. The outer shell  50  includes an inner surface  52  that defines an interior region  54  of the finger receptacle  22 . In this embodiment, the outer shell  50  has a constant material thickness. The thickness of tactility region or shell portion  44  is defined by the thickness of the outer shell  50 . The inner shell  70  includes an inner surface  72  that defines an interior region  74  of the finger receptacle  80  of the inner shell  70 . 
         [0034]    In this embodiment, the receptacle  80  of the inner shell  70  is coupled to the outer shell  50  by stitching  90  which extends around the circumference of the end  85  and opening  81  of receptacle  80 . In other embodiments, the stitching can be separate spaced apart stitches or tackings. Alternatively, the end  85  of receptacle  80  can be coupled or bonded to the inner surface  52  using an adhesive material. 
         [0035]    The location at which the end of the inner shell receptacle  80  is coupled to or fastened down to the outer shell receptacle  60  defines the location of transition area or region  40 . The end  85  forms a stepped configuration at the transition area  40 . In various embodiments, the length of inner shell receptacle  80  can vary, which will result in different lengths of the tactility region  44 . 
         [0036]    While only the tactility region  44  of finger receptacle  22  is described above in detail, the tactility region  46  of the thumb receptacle  30 , as defined by receptacles  68  and  88  of the outer shell  50  and inner shell  70 , respectively, is constructed in a similar manner. For example, the end  92  of inner shell receptacle  88  is coupled to thumb receptacle  68  using stitching or an adhesive proximate to opening  89 . In this embodiment, the thickness of tactility region or shell portion  46  is defined by the thickness of receptacle  68  of the outer shell  50 . 
         [0037]    As previously described, the difference in thickness of the material creating the tactility regions  44  and  46  is achieved through the use of two shells or shell portions  50  and  70  and only having one of the shells with material in the tactility regions  44  and  46 . In other embodiments, the material thickness difference can be achieved in a different manner as described below. 
         [0038]    An alternative embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention is illustrated  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In this embodiment, hand covering  200  includes a palm region  210 , a finger region  220  including finger receptacles  222 ,  224 ,  226 , and  228 , and a thumb receptacle  230 . Finger receptacle  222  and thumb receptacle  230  include tactility regions  274  and  276 , respectively. Tactility region  274  is defined by a transition area  270  at one end and by the distal tip  232  of the finger receptacle  222  at the other end. Similarly, tactility region  276  is defined by a transition area  272  at one end and by the distal tip  240  of the thumb receptacle  230  at the other end. While not illustrated in  FIG. 6 , hand covering  200  may include one or more tactility components attached thereto. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a cross-sectional view of finger receptacle  222  is illustrated. As shown, the hand covering  200  includes a first shell portion  250  that has a thickness and a second shell portion  260  that has a thickness less than that of the first shell portion  250 . The first shell portion  250  includes an inner surface  252  that defines an interior region  254 . Similarly, the second shell portion  260  includes an inner surface  262  that defines an interior region  264 . The outer dimensions of the first shell portion  250  and the second shell portion  260  are the same. Accordingly, the difference in material thickness results in the interior region  254  of the first shell portion  250  being narrower than the interior region  264  of the second shell portion  260 . The tactility and dexterity of the index finger in finger receptacle  222  is improved due to less material in the second shell portion  260 . In this embodiment, the different shell portions with different thicknesses defined by the finger receptacle  222  and the body  244  of the hand covering  200  are integrally formed. Similarly, the different shell portions with different thicknesses defined by the thumb receptacle  230  and the body  244  of the hand covering  200  are integrally formed. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the change in material thickness occurs at a transition area  270 . The length of the transition area  270  can vary. In other words, the transition from the first shell portion  250  to the second shell portion  260  can be gradual and relatively smooth. Alternatively, it can be an abrupt step configuration, similar to the transition areas illustrated and described above with respect to hand covering  10 . 
         [0041]    The finger receptacle  222  includes a palm side  236 , a back side  238  and a base  234 . Similarly, thumb receptacle  230  includes a palm side, a back side, and a base  242 . 
         [0042]    An alternative embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, hand covering  300  includes a palm region  310 , a finger region  320 , and a thumb receptacle  330 . The finger region  320  includes finger receptacles  322 ,  324 ,  326 , and  328 . Additionally, raised rubber molded articles  312 ,  314 , and  316  can be coupled to palm region  310  to provide additional friction and gripping surfaces for the wearer of the hand covering  300 . In an alternative embodiment, molded articles  312 ,  314 , and  316  can be replaced by silicon gel prints that are coupled or adhered to the palm of the hand covering  300 . 
         [0043]    Hand covering  300  includes a tactility component  350  on finger receptacle  322  and a tactility component  352  on thumb receptacle  330 . The shape and configuration of tactility components  350  and  352  are different than those of tactility components  100  and  110 . Additional alternative embodiments of tactility components are illustrated in  FIGS. 10-21  and described below. 
         [0044]    In this embodiment, hand covering  300  includes rectangular, elongate projections  360 ,  362 , and  364  on finger receptacles  324 ,  326 , and  328 , respectively. The length of projections  360 ,  362 , and  364  can vary. Referring to  FIG. 9 , a portion of finger receptacle  324  is illustrated. Projection  360  is coupled to the palm side  365  of the finger receptacle  324  and includes a bottom surface  366  and an upper or contact surface  368 . In one embodiment, projections  360 ,  362 , and  364  are raised rubber molded articles. In other embodiments, the projections can be formed of different materials. 
         [0045]    An alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . As shown, the shape of tactility component  400  is triangular and it resembles a slice of a pyramid. Component  400  can be referred to as a rounded triangle. In this embodiment, the tactility component  400  includes a bottom surface  410  and a top surface  420 . Top surface  420  is flat and has a triangular shape. Component  400  has three side surfaces  430 ,  432 , and  434  that extend between the bottom surface  410  and the top surface  420 . The flat configuration of top surface  420  provides the wearer with a surface area that can be used to apply a force or pressure to an object. The bottom surface  410  is configured to be coupled to a finger receptacle using an adhesive material or any other type of coupling or bonding techniques. Component  400  enables the wearer to hit or engage many angles and surfaces without aiming. 
         [0046]    An alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . As shown, the overall shape of tactility component  500  is generally arcuate and it can be referred to as a curved fingertip shape. In this embodiment, the tactility component  500  includes a bottom surface  510  and two side surfaces  530  and  532  extending upwardly therefrom. The side surfaces  530  and  532  form a top edge  520  that is curved as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Instead of a flat top surface as in component  400 , the top edge  520  is a narrow, curved edge that provides a different point and type of engagement with an object. The configuration of component  500  wraps around a portion of the finger receptacle and enables the wearer to engage or hit an object from any direction. 
         [0047]    An alternative embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . As shown, the overall shape of tactility component  600  is a hemisphere and it resembles a raised, round dot. Tactility component  600  includes a bottom surface  610  and four side surfaces  630 ,  632 ,  634 , and  636  that are defined by edges  622  and  624 . The intersection point of edges  622  and  624  form top point  620 , which provides a single point of contact and the concentration of force from the wearer. 
         [0048]    Another embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The overall configuration of tactility component  700  resembles a diamond shape. Tactility component  700  includes a bottom surface  710 , a top surface  720 , and four side surfaces  730 ,  732 ,  734 , and  736  extending between the bottom surface  710  and the top surface  720 . The top surface  720  is similar to top surface  420  of tactility component  400  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) in that it defines a flat surface area for the wearer of the hand covering  700  to contact an object. Top surface  720  has a diamond-shaped configuration. Component  700  can be applied or coupled to a finger receptacle vertically or horizontally. 
         [0049]    Another embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . Tactility component  800  resembles a pyramid-like shape. Tactility component  800  includes a bottom surface  810  and three side surfaces  830 ,  832 , and  834 . The side surfaces  830 ,  832 , and  834  collectively form a top point or tip  820 . The tip  820  provides a single contact point that can be used to engage an object. Additionally, the side surfaces  830 ,  832 , and  834  can accommodate all types of buttons. 
         [0050]    Another embodiment of a tactility component according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . Tactility component  900  includes a bottom surface  910 , a top surface  920 , and three side surfaces  930 ,  932 , and  934  that extend between the bottom surface  910  and the top surface  920 . In this embodiment, side surfaces  932  and  934  are gradually sloped as they extend between the bottom surface  910  and the top surface  920 . However, side surface  930  is substantially vertical, thereby allowing for the top surface  920  to have an increased surface area. 
         [0051]    An alternative embodiment of a hand covering according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 22 . In this embodiment, hand covering  1000  includes finger receptacles  1010 ,  1012 ,  1014 , and  1016  and a thumb receptacle  1020 . Finger receptacle  1010  includes a distal tip  1018  and thumb receptacle  1020  includes a distal tip  1022 . Coupled proximate to distal tip  1018  on finger receptacle  1010  is a pull tab  1030 . Pull tab  1030  is coupled by stitching  1050  that defines a fixed or coupled portion  1032  and a free portion  1034  that can be grasped by the wearer. Pull tab  1030  can be used to assist with the removal of finger receptacle  1010  from the corresponding finger of the wearer&#39;s hand. Similarly, coupled proximate to distal tip  1022  on thumb receptacle  1020  is a pull tab  1040 . Pull tab  1040  is coupled by stitching  1052  that defines a fixed or coupled portion  1042  and a free portion  1044  that can be grasped by the wearer. Similar to pull tab  1030 , pull tab  1040  can be used to assist with the removal of thumb receptacle  1020  and the hand covering  1000 . 
         [0052]    In other embodiments, pull tabs may be included on additional finger receptacles. Alternatively, pull tabs can be provided on any combination of the thumb receptacle and finger receptacles of a hand covering. The pull tabs can be utilized on a hand covering that includes one or more tactility components. Alternatively, the pull tabs can be utilized on a hand covering that includes one or tactility regions with a reduced thickness of the material in the region or regions. 
         [0053]    In other embodiments, any combination of finger receptacles and a thumb receptacle of a hand covering may include tactility areas or regions. Similarly, any combination of finger receptacles and the thumb receptacle may include a tactility component either in addition to or in lieu of a tactility area or region. 
         [0054]    In various embodiments, the size of the tactility components or projections can vary. In one embodiment, each tactility projection can have a width of 5 millimeters and a height of 1.5 millimeters. In other embodiments, the width and/or the height of the tactility projections can vary, depending on the desired shape and configuration. 
         [0055]    In alternative embodiments, different materials can be included as part of or for an entire finger receptacle or thumb receptacle. Some materials that can be used include thin materials, conductive materials, hard plastics, molder rubber, and thermal plastic rubber materials. 
         [0056]    While the invention has been described in detail and with references to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention.