Protective coverings

A protective covering, such as a surgical glove, having two layers sandwiching a layer of protective solution, such that if the covering becomes punctured or torn, the substance releases to protect the user. The liquid layer has an average thickness of less than about 0.12 mm, such that it exerts a capillary force on the two glove layers, thereby providing a mechanical-like coupling effect. The protective solution may include a dye for a visual indication of punctures or tears in the outer layer. The layers may be adhered together at desired points to restrict the layers from peeling apart during use. Various methods for making such protective coverings are disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to protective coverings (e.g., gloves and condoms) 
for human body members, and methods for making such protective coverings. 
More particularly, this invention relates to coverings such as protective 
gloves which may be used for various purposes, including, for example, 
surgery or other medical procedures, or protection from hazardous chemical 
substances. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
The design of protective gloves represents a struggle of competing 
interests. To increase the protective nature of the glove intuitively 
requires increasing the thickness of the glove material. However, by 
increasing the thickness of the glove material, the sense of touch for the 
wearer of the gloves is increasingly hampered. Thus, the glove designer 
must find a suitable compromise between safety and sense of touch. 
This problem is particularly acute in the area of surgical gloves. The 
sense of touch in the hands of a surgeon is important for the proper 
handling of delicate instruments and the proper execution of precise 
surgical procedures. However, it is also desirable that the surgeon be 
protected from biohazardous agents which the surgeon may be exposed to 
from the patient. For example, the surgical patient may carry viruses such 
as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or hepatitis. During surgery, the 
surgeon's gloves are frequently cut or punctured, exposing the surgeon to 
infection. 
Also, it is desirable to protect the patient from germs on the surgeon's or 
technician's hands. Although medical personnel, of course, typically scrub 
their hands before performing surgical procedures, some germs may remain 
and be exposed to the patient upon puncturing or tearing the surgical 
gloves. 
Surgical gloves known to the Applicant are generally made of latex, vinyl, 
or neoprene, i.e. thin elastic materials which provide reasonable tear 
resistance and allow for satisfactory sense of touch. However, the gloves 
can be easily torn or punctured with sharp surgical instruments. 
Furthermore, it is difficult for the surgeon to detect a small tear or 
puncture in the glove material during surgery since such a puncture is 
difficult to see, especially if the gloves are covered with a patient's 
body fluids. Thus, the surgeon has little warning of exposure. 
In the chemical or hazardous material preparation and handling area, 
disadvantages in present gloves also exist. Although the sense of touch 
for these areas may not be as important as that for the surgeon, there is 
also often a risk or danger even with thicker protective gloves. The glove 
material may be degraded or penetrated after a period of time by various 
chemicals which the chemist handles. 
Protective coverings for other parts of the body also exist. For example, 
finger cots (i.e. glove-like coverings which cover only one finger) are 
used in medical procedures particularly in rectal and vaginal 
examinations. Condoms are used to cover the male reproductive organ during 
intercourse. In addition to the obvious purpose of a condom to trap semen 
and thereby minimize the possibility of pregnancy resulting from 
intercourse, condoms are also used to protect the partners from infections 
by sexually transmitted diseases. This has become increasingly important 
over recent years in preventing the spread of HIV. 
In these and other protective coverings, similar problems and concerns 
exist, i.e. danger of tearing or ripping the covering balanced against the 
desire for sensitivity. 
Thus it is an object of this invention to provide protective coverings 
which address the disadvantages experienced by the above-described 
coverings. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In one broad aspect, the present invention provides a protective covering 
for a human body member, the protective covering having an inner and outer 
layer. A layer of protective solution (such as an antimicrobial solution) 
is disposed between the inner and outer layers, and an impermeable seal is 
provided between the layers to contain the protective solution 
therebetween. The solution layer is less than about 0.12 millimeter (mm) 
average thickness, such that capillary forces are exerted on the two 
covering layers, thereby providing a mechanical-like coupling between the 
two covering layers. 
The term "protective covering" is used to mean any covering used to 
protectively cover a human body member. The term "human body member" is 
used broadly to include all limbs and external protrusions of the human 
body, e.g., fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, legs, head, penis, etc. In 
many situations, a human body member may be exposed to biohazardous 
substances such as infected body fluids, or hazardous chemicals. Coverings 
are often used to protect body members from exposure to hazardous 
substances. Thus, the term "protective covering" includes such items as 
gloves, finger cots, condoms, and the like. 
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a surgical glove 
having an inner and outer layer. A layer of antimicrobial solution is 
disposed between the inner and outer layers, and an impermeable seal 
between the layers is provided. As stated above, the solution layer is 
less than 0.12 mm in average thickness to provide a mechanical-like 
capillary coupling between the glove layers. 
To maximize the capillary force exerted by the liquid layer, the average 
thickness of such layer is preferably between about 0.01 and 0.09 mm, most 
preferably between about 0.025 and 0.05 mm. Further, the liquid layer is 
preferably of substantially uniform thickness. 
The term "antimicrobial solution" means herein a solution, typically 
aqueous, capable of killing or inactivating infectious agents, such as 
bacteria or virus. Thus, the term includes, for example, virucides, 
bactericides, antiseptic solutions, antiviral solutions, antibacterial 
solutions, etc. The term also includes spermicidal solutions, particularly 
applicable when the protective garment provided by the invention is a 
condom. The spermicidal solution used is preferably additionally virucidal 
and/or bactericidal. 
The term "impermeable seal" is used to mean a seal which is substantially 
both fluid-tight and air-tight. The seal should be fluid-tight to prevent 
leakage of the protective solution between the layers, and should be 
air-tight to facilitate mechanical coupling between the two layers 
resulting from capillary forces exerted by the protective solution. 
Typical virucides known in the art which may be suitable for use with the 
present invention include, for example, alcohols, ethers, chloroform, 
formaldehyde, phenols, beta propiolactone, iodine, chlorine, mercury 
salts, hydroxylamine, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, quaternary ammonium 
compounds, enzymes, and detergents. 
The glove of this invention can provide improved protection over single 
layer surgical gloves. If the layers of the glove are punctured or torn 
during surgery, the antimicrobial solution releases and attacks infectious 
agents before reaching the surgeon's hands, thus protecting the surgeon 
during operating procedures. Furthermore, when the glove becomes punctured 
during use, it may act to protect the patient from exposure to germs which 
may exist on the surgeon's hands. Tearing or puncturing the glove may 
provide quick and thorough release of the antimicrobial solution disposed 
between the layers. 
Applicant has found that sense of touch is not significantly diminished by 
the double layers. By providing a solution layer of thickness in the 
ranges described above, capillary forces exerted by the liquid solution 
provide a mechanical-like coupling between the glove layers, so that the 
sense of touch for the wearer of the gloves is not significantly 
diminished. 
In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial solution comprises a virucidal 
solution, such as aqueous nonoxynol-9. This substance is an effective 
virucide against such viruses as HIV and hepatitis, and thus provides a 
glove being particularly useful for performing medical procedures on 
infected patients. Preferably, the aqueous nonoxynol-9 has a concentration 
of between about 0.05% and 5% (volume/volume). Most preferably, the 
concentration is between about 0.25% and 1% (volume/volume). It is known 
that a concentration in this range is effective for killing viruses. 
Higher concentrations can also be used but may be irritable if contacted 
with the eyes. 
In another embodiment, the antimicrobial solution comprises a bactericidal 
solution. Of course, the antimicrobial solution could include both 
virucidal and bactericidal agents. 
In a preferred embodiment of a surgical glove provided by the present 
invention, the antimicrobial solution includes a dye. This embodiment 
provides an effective means for showing the surgeon the precise location 
of a tear or puncture in the glove. Thus, if the outer layer of the glove 
is punctured, the dye will seep out of the puncture hole and stain the 
area around the hole. If the inner layer is also punctured, the dye will 
seep through the inner hole and stain the surgeon's hand at the location 
of the puncture. This provides the surgeon the precise location of 
exposure so that the surgeon can decontaminate the area of puncture. 
Many suitable dyes are available for use with this invention. A dye should 
preferably be selected which is FDA approved for internal and external use 
so as not to harm the patient or surgeon. Preferably, the dye is selected 
so that its color is easily detectable in a blood environment. Suitable 
dyes incudes FDA approved FD&C colors, for example, FD&C Blue #2 (MERCK 
Index #4835) and FD&C Green #2 (MERCK Index #5312). These two dyes are 
particularly preferred since they have FDA approval for use in food, 
drugs, and cosmetics, have not been found to be carcinogenic, and provide 
good indications of puncture in use with the present invention due to 
their intense colors. Preferably, the concentration of the dye in the 
antimicrobial solution is between about 0.3 to 0.5 grams/liter, providing 
a good compromise between economics and tear indication. 
Many dyes are also bactericidal and thus provide the further function of 
attacking infectious agents. Another advantage provided by use of such 
dyes is that they can not generally be washed off with water. Thus, if the 
glove is punctured and the user's hand is stained by the dye, he must use 
alcohol to remove the stain, alcohol also being a bactericide. Thus, the 
area of the puncture is decontaminated while the dye stain is washed off. 
Preferably, the volume of the antimicrobial solution disposed between the 
layers of an average-sized glove (e.g. size 7.5-8.5) is between about 2 
and 3 milliliters. For a size 8.5 glove (surface area approximately 650 
cm.sup.2), this volume of liquid provides a solution layer thickness of 
around 0.03 to 0.05 mm, thereby providing good capillary coupling between 
the glove layers. 
In a preferred embodiment, the inner and outer layers are made of latex. 
Alternatively, the layers may comprise vinyl or neoprene. Latex provides 
adequate tear resistance for surgical procedures and allows for a good 
sense of touch for the wearer. 
In a preferred embodiment, the inner layer may include a rough outer 
surface. Alternatively, the outer layer may include a rough inner surface. 
This may provide the advantage of preventing the antimicrobial solution 
from being completely squeezed away from any glove areas which are 
compressed during normal usage. 
For applications when one may be exposed to harmful chemicals, such as 
during handling or preparation of chemicals or other hazardous substances, 
another embodiment of the present invention provides a protective glove. 
The protective glove includes an inner layer, an outer layer, an 
impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers, and a layer of 
neutralizing solution (thickness as described above) disposed between the 
inner and outer layers. 
The neutralizing solution disposed between the inner and outer layers can 
be appropriately selected for the particular application for which the 
glove is to be used. Preferably, the neutralizing solution should be 
selected such that if the outer layer of the glove is punctured or 
permeated, the neutralizing solution will neutralize the chemicals to 
which the glove is exposed and thus protect the hands of the wearer of the 
glove. 
For example, if a Chemist is to be handling acids, the neutralizing 
solution selected should be a basic or buffering solution which could 
neutralize the acid upon puncture of the glove before reaching the 
chemist's hands. As another example, if a person were handling neurotoxins 
one might place appropriate enzymatic agents between the glove layers 
which could cleave the neurotoxins upon contact. 
Since the sense of touch for a chemist is usually not as critical as that 
for a surgeon, a thicker and more protective material than latex is 
preferably selected for the protective glove. For example, the inner and 
outer layers may be made of neoprene, nitrile, or any other suitable 
materials which are resistant to the types of materials to be handled and 
which are resistant to tearing or puncture. 
Since the appropriate neutralizing solution disposed between the layers may 
vary depending upon the chemicals or materials to be handles, the seal 
between the layers preferably includes a zip lock seal. In this manner, 
the user of the glove can temporarily open the seal, place the appropriate 
neutralizing solution between the glove layers, and reseal the glove. 
Additionally, the material between the glove layers may included a pH or 
other indicator which would change colors after a passage of time to 
indicate that the neutralizing agent has been used up, such that the 
gloves may no longer be effective. Upon such indication, the user could 
replace the old gloves with a new pair. 
In a preferred embodiment, the protective solution includes a dye to give a 
visible warning upon release if the glove is leaking or becomes punctured. 
That is, the dye upon release will stain the area of puncture. 
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a surgical glove 
including a dye associated with the glove in such a manner as to produce a 
visible stain if the glove becomes punctured or torn at the location of 
such puncture or tear. 
The invention also extends to a finger cot having an inner layer, an outer 
layer, an impermeable seal between the layers, and a layer of 
antimicrobial solution (thickness as described above) disposed between the 
layers. The finger cot is substantially similar to the surgical glove 
described above, except that the finger cot is configured and used to 
cover only a single finger as opposed to an entire hand. The preferred 
embodiments of materials discussed above in relation to surgical gloves 
also apply to finger cots. Thus, for example, the antimicrobial solution 
of the finger cot preferably includes a dye. 
The invention further provides a condom having an inner and outer layer, an 
impermeable seal between the layers, and a layer of antimicrobial solution 
(thickness as described above) disposed between the inner and outer 
layers. Preferably, the antimicrobial solution comprises a spermicidal 
solution, such as nonoxynol-9. Nonoxynol-9 is particularly preferred since 
it also acts as a virucidal agent for protection against HIV and 
hepatitis. 
One potential problem which can arise with the double (or multi) layer 
protective coverings provided by this invention is that the two layers may 
tend to peel away from each other during use. This potential problem is 
most likely to arise when the covering is inserted into and removed from a 
tight passage, as will typically occur when using a glove, finger cot or 
condom. To reduce this problem, the layers of the covering may be sealed 
(e.g., by heat stamping or gluing) at a plurality of points, thereby 
physically adhering the two layers at those points. This will reduce the 
likelihood of disassembly of the covering during use. 
It should be appreciated that the protective ability of the covering may be 
reduced at the sealed points, since a puncture of the covering at that 
precise location might not cause the release of the protective solution 
disposed between the layers. This is not likely to present a significant 
concern in relation to condoms and finger cots, since sharp objects are 
not generally encountered when using those items. Nevertheless, the 
potentially reduced protection of the covering should be appreciated and 
considered when selecting the number and pattern of sealed points on the 
covering. 
Another broad aspect of this invention provides methods for making 
protective gloves, e.g., surgical gloves. One such method comprises the 
steps of providing a first glove on a hand-shaped form, the first glove 
having a hand portion and a wrist portion; dipping the first glove into an 
antimicrobial solution; placing a second glove having a hand portion and a 
wrist portion on the hand-shaped form over the first glove, and sealing 
the wrist portions of said gloves together, such that the antimicrobial 
solution is contained as a layer between the first and second gloves, the 
solution layer having an average thickness of less than about 0.12 mm. 
A second method provided by this invention comprises the steps of providing 
a first glove on a hand-shaped form, the first glove having a hand portion 
and a wrist portion; placing a second glove on the hand-shaped form over 
the first glove, the second glove having a hand portion and a wrist 
portion; placing an antimicrobial solution between the first and second 
gloves, and sealing the wrist portions of said gloves together, such that 
the antimicrobial solution is contained as a layer (thickness as described 
above) between the first and second gloves. 
The term "hand-shaped form" is used herein broadly to mean any structure 
having the shape of a human hand, e.g., a conventional porcelain former. 
The term also encompasses an actual human hand. 
The initial step in each of the two above-described methods comprises 
providing a first glove on a hand-shaped form. This can be accomplished, 
for example, by obtaining a glove from a commercial or other available 
source and stretching the glove over a hand-shaped form. Alternatively, it 
can be accomplished by dipping a hand-shaped form into latex or other 
material to coat the form with a layer of the material, and drying the 
layer to form the first glove on the form. 
A third method for making a protective glove provided by this invention 
comprises the steps of providing a first glove having a hand portion and a 
wrist portion; exposing the exterior surface of the first glove to a 
vacuum to expand said glove; placing an antimicrobial solution on the 
interior surface of the first glove; inserting a second glove having a 
hand portion and a wrist portion into the expanded first glove; removing 
the vacuum from the exterior surface of the first glove; and sealing the 
wrist portions of the first and second gloves together to contain the 
antimicrobial solution as a layer (thickness as described above) between 
the first and second gloves. 
The first and second gloves in all three methods described above may be, 
for example, conventional latex surgical gloves, or gloves made of some 
other material. 
Finally, this invention provides a fourth method for making a protective 
glove comprising the steps of providing an enclosed bag or balloon (i.e., 
an enveloped sheet of material) having two opposing hand-shaped sections; 
puncturing one of the hand-shaped sections; applying a vacuum to the 
interior of the punctured hand-shaped section such that the opposing 
hand-shaped section is drawn into said punctured section; releasing the 
vacuum; injecting an antimicrobial solution between the two hand-shaped 
sections and sealing the puncture, such that the antimicrobial solution is 
contained as a layer (thickness as described above) between said sections. 
The enclosed bag of material may be produced in a negative form based on 
two negative hand-shaped spaces. 
A preferred embodiment of each of the above-described methods comprises an 
additional step of adhering the two hand portions or sections together at 
a plurality of points. This provides the advantage of restricting 
disassembly or peeling apart of the two hand portions or sections during 
use of the glove. 
The hand portions or sections may be adhered together in a variety of ways, 
e.g., by glue or double-sided adhesive tape. 
In a preferred embodiment, the adhering step is accomplished by 
spot-vulcanizing the hand portions together at a plurality of points. In 
this embodiment, the first and second gloves (or the enclosed bag in the 
fourth method described above) may comprise unvulcanized (i.e., green 
strength) latex. After spot-vulcanizing the hand portions or sections 
together at the desired points, the entire glove assembly may then be 
vulcanized. Due to the high temperature involved in such vulcanization, 
the antimicrobial solution disposed within the glove assembly preferably 
comprises a degassed liquid, so that the liquid will not emit gas during 
the vulcanization step.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is 
shown. A double layer glove 10 is illustrated having an inner layer 12, an 
outer layer 14, an impermeable seal 16 between the inner layer 12 and the 
outer layer 14, and a protective solution 18 disposed between the inner 
layer 12 and the outer layer 14. The solution layer 18 has an average 
thickness of less than about 0.12 mm, preferably between about 0.01 and 
0.09 mm, even more preferably between about 0.025 and 0.05 mm, thereby 
maximizing the capillary coupling force between glove layers 12 and 14. 
This glove is suitable for a broad range of applications, depending upon 
the selection of material for the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 and the 
protective solution 18. For use as a surgical glove, the inner and outer 
layers 12 and 14 are preferably made of latex. For such a surgical glove 
10, protective solution 18 preferably comprises an antimicrobial solution. 
The antimicrobial solution preferably comprises a virucidal agent such as 
nonoxynol-9. The antimicrobial solution may also or alternatively include 
a bactericidal solution. 
In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial solution 18 includes a dye. 
The dye will stain the area surrounding a puncture or tear in the glove, 
giving the surgeon a visual means for detecting areas of exposure. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antimicrobial solution 
comprises nonoxynol-9 having a concentration of between about 0.05%-5% 
(v/v), most preferably about 0.5% (v/v), and a dye comprising FD&C Blue #2 
having a concentration of between about 0.3 and 0.5 g/l. 
In one preferred embodiment, the inner layer 12 includes a rough outer 
surface (i.e., the surface exposed to the antimicrobial solution 18). 
Single layer latex gloves are commercially available, wherein one may 
specify the roughness or coarseness of the surfaces of the glove. 
In a preferred embodiment, the layers 12 and 14 are sealed (i.e., adhered) 
together at a plurality of points to reduce the likelihood that the layers 
will be peeled apart during use. As shown in FIG. 1, the fingers of the 
glove 10 may include a plurality of points 17 where the layers 12 and 14 
have been adhered together. This feature is particularly advantageous when 
the fingers are used to explore or examine tight places. As illustrated in 
FIG. 1, the adhered points 17 are preferably located at the dorsal 
midpoint of the distal, middle, and proximal phalanges of each finger. By 
locating the points at the dorsal portion of the glove 10, sensitivity is 
not substantially impaired, but disassembly of the layers is restricted. 
The adhered points may be formed by heating and pressing the inner and 
outer layers together at the desired places for a sufficient length of 
time for a seal to form. Alternatively, the layers may simply be glued 
together, or stuck together with double-sided adhesive tape, available 
commercially from, e.g., the 3M Company. 
The impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 may take 
a variety of forms as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3. In FIG. 1A, the 
inner and outer layers 12 and 14 proximate the wrist area of the glove 
have been vulcanized or heat stamped to provide an impermeable seal 16. 
The seal 16 can be formed by simply applying heat and pressing the inner 
and outer layers 12 and 14 together around the circumference of the wrist 
area for a sufficient length of time for a seal to form. 
Alternatively, inner layer 12 and outer layer 14 may be glued together to 
form an impermeable seal 20 as shown in FIG. 2. For example, with respect 
to a latex surgical glove, a latex glue can be conveniently used. Such 
glues are commercially available, e.g., 2141 Rubber Adhesive from the 3M 
Company. Alternatively, commercially available rubber cements can be used 
to create the seal between the layers. As a further alternative, shown in 
FIG. 3, inner layer 12 and outer layer 14 may be formed of a continuous 
sheet of material such that an impermeable seal 22 is provided by the roll 
connecting the inner and outer layers 12 and 14. Other fluid-tight seals 
may be used, for example, tape adhesive on both sides or a zip lock seal. 
For chemical handling or preparation applications, the inner and outer 
layers 12 and 14 shown in FIG. 1 preferably comprise either neoprene or 
nitrile. A neutralizing solution 18 is disposed between the inner and 
outer layers 12 and 14. Furthermore, the seal 16 is preferably a zip lock 
type seal, so that the user can select and place an appropriate 
neutralizing solution between the layers depending upon the particular 
chemicals to be handled. 
Several methods of preparing gloves provided by the present invention will 
now be described. These preparations will be discussed in the context of 
surgical gloves, although it should be understood that analogous 
preparations may be performed for other types of gloves and protective 
coverings. 
In one preferred method, one places a first glove on his hand (or 
hand-shaped form). This first glove will eventually form the inner layer 
of a double-layer glove. The preparer of the glove dips his gloved hand 
into an antimicrobial solution and removes his hand from the solution. The 
preparer then places a second glove on his hand over the first glove. The 
second glove thus forms the outer layer of the double-layer glove. To form 
an impermeable seal between the first and second gloves, the preparer may 
peel a portion of the second glove away from his wrist. The preparer then 
applies glue or double adhesive tape to the outer surface of the first 
glove around the periphery proximate the wrist of the glove. The preparer 
then peels the wrist area of the second glove back over the first glove to 
form a glue seal. 
In another preferred method, one places a first glove on a hand-shaped 
form. Next, glue or double-sided adhesive tape is placed at various points 
on the exterior of the first glove. Next, a second glove is placed over 
the first glove, whereby the glue or double-sided adhesive tape adheres 
the two gloves together at a plurality of points. Next, an antimicrobial 
solution is placed between the first and second gloves, e.g., by injecting 
the solution therebetween. Finally, the wrist portions of the two gloves 
are sealed (e.g., with glue or double-sided adhesive tape) to contain the 
antimicrobial solution between the two gloves. 
In another preferred method, one dips a hand-shaped form (e.g., a porcelain 
former) in latex to form a layer of latex on the form. When the layer is 
sufficiently dry, a first glove is thereby provided on the hand-shaped 
form. A second green strength (i.e., unvulcanized) latex glove is placed 
over the first glove, and a degassed antimicrobial liquid is disposed 
between the two gloves. (This may be accomplished either by dipping the 
first glove in the degassed antimicrobial liquid prior to applying the 
second glove, or injecting the degassed antimicrobial liquid between the 
two gloves after applying the second glove). Next, the wrist portions of 
the two gloves are adhered together by vulcanization to form an 
impermeable seal, thereby containing the antimicrobial solution between 
the two gloves. The two gloves may be adhered together at a plurality of 
points by spot-vulcanizing them together at desired spots. Finally, the 
entire glove assembly is vulcanized. 
Another suitable method of preparing a double-layer glove includes 
providing a first glove and exposing the exterior of the first glove to a 
vacuum environment. This first glove will eventually form the outer layer 
of the double-layer glove provided by the present invention. For example, 
the first glove may be inserted into a box through a box opening, wherein 
the wrist area of the first glove is temporarily sealed over the opening 
of the box in an air-tight arrangement. A vacuum is then applied to the 
interior of the box. This operates to expand the first glove like a 
balloon. 
Next, a selected amount of antimicrobial solution is placed into the 
interior of the first glove. A second glove, which will form the inner 
layer of the double-layer glove, is now inserted into the expanded first 
glove. Preferably, the second glove is provided on a production form in 
the shape of a hand so that the second glove may be conveniently inserted 
in proper finger alignment with the first glove. The vacuum is then 
released and the first glove is released from the box opening. The first 
and second layers are then sealed proximate the wrist area. 
A double-layer glove may be formed from a single piece of material, and 
thus provide a glove having a rolled seal as illustrated in FIG. 3. To 
make such a glove, a sheet of latex is first formed having two opposing 
glove-shaped sections. Such a sheet may be made using a negative form. 
Thus, one half of the sheet is in the shape of a hand, and the other half 
of the sheet is in the shape of an opposing hand. A puncture is made in 
one of the opposing hand sections and a vacuum is applied to the interior 
portion of that hand section. Due to the vacuum, the opposing hand section 
will be drawn into the first hand to provide a double layer glove. The 
hand section in which the puncture was made and vacuum applied forms the 
outer layer, and the opposing hand section forms the inner layer. The 
vacuum is then released and a selected amount of antimicrobial solution is 
injected between the two hand sections through the puncture opening in the 
outer glove section. The puncture opening is then sealed. 
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a preferred embodiment of a condom 30 as 
provided by the present invention is illustrated. The condom 30 includes 
an inner layer 32, and outer layer 34, and an impermeable seal 36 between 
the inner and outer layers at the rim of the condom. A layer of 
spermicidal solution 38 (thickness as described above), such as 
nonoxynol-9, is disposed between the inner layer 32 and outer layer 34. 
Nonoxynol-9 is preferred, as it is both spermicidal to reduce the risk of 
pregnancy and virucidal for protection against harmful viruses such as 
HIV. The layers may be made of materials conventionally used for making 
condoms. 
In order to reduce the likelihood of the layers 32 and 34 from peeling 
apart during use, the layers may be sealed together at a plurality of 
points. In the embodiment shown, the condom 30 is provided with a 
plurality of circular heat stamped lines 40, dividing the condom into 
distinct compartments 41 along its length. In this arrangement, the 
protective fluid 38 may be prevented from squeezing to the base of the 
condom during use, as each heat stamped line 40 will restrict fluid flow 
between adjacent compartments 41. The heat stamped lines may be formed by 
heating and pressing the inner and outer layers together at the desired 
places for a sufficient length of time for a seal to form. 
Referring now to FIG. 6, a preferred embodiment of a finger cot 50 is 
illustrated. Similar to the surgical glove described above, the finger cot 
50 includes an inner layer, an outer layer 54, an impermeable seal 56 
between the inner and outer layers, and a layer of antimicrobial solution 
(thickness as described above) disposed between the layers. (It should be 
noted that a sectional view of the sidewall of the finger cot would look 
substantially similar to FIG. 5). The preferred materials for use as the 
layers and antimicrobial solution discussed above in connection with 
surgical gloves also apply to the finger cot 50. 
Since finger cots are conventionally used for procedures such as rectal or 
vaginal examinations, it is desirable to seal the inner layer 52 and outer 
layer 54 together at a plurality of points to reduce the likelihood of 
disassembly during use. In the embodiment shown, the finger cot 50 is heat 
stamped with several circular lines 60, compartmentalizing the finger cot 
into isolated sections 61. As with the condom described above, this 
embodiment prevents the antimicrobial solution from accumulating at the 
base of the finger cot during use. 
EXAMPLE 
The following experiment was designed to demonstrate the capillary coupling 
force exerted by a liquid layer between two latex surfaces as a function 
of the thickness of the liquid layer. This was accomplished by measuring 
the average failure load ("AFL") in g/cm.sup.2, between two latex-coated 
glass carriers having a fluid layer of varying thickness therebetween. 
Procedure 
FIG. 7 illustrates the apparatus used in the experiment. Two pieces of 
latex material 104 and 106 were glued onto the surface of two glass 
carriers 100 and 102, respectively. The pieces of latex were obtained from 
Travenol Triflex Sterile Latex Surgeons Gloves, size 8.5, in which powder 
had been removed by washing three times in 2 liters aqua bidest. The latex 
layers 104 and 106 were each 0.18 mm thick, while each glass carrier 100 
and 102 was 6 mm thick. 
Glass carrier 100 was mechanically connected to a micrometer 108 with 0.01 
mm resolution. The micrometer 108 was driven by a stepping motor 110 at a 
rate of 1 mm/min. 
Glass carrier 102 was preweighted with 300 g and connected to a rapidly 
indicating electronic balance 112. The contact area between the two 
carriers 100 and 102 was 2 in.sup.2 (.about.25.81 cm.sup.2). 
Volumes ranging from 10 .mu.l to 500 .mu.l of colored bactericidal fluid 
114, were pipetted onto the surface of carrier 102, and carrier 100 was 
lowered until the liquid 114 covered the entire contact area. 
Carrier 100 was then lifted at a constant time rate by the stepper motor 
110 via the micrometer 108. The maximum decrease in weight, indicated by 
the electronic balance 112, was reached shortly before rupture of the 
liquid layer 114 and noted. 
Each experiment for a specific liquid volume was repeated seven times. 
Results 
The results of the experiment are shown in Table 1 and FIG. 8. The maximum 
AFL was reached at a liquid volume of around 100 .mu.l (.about.0.039 mm 
fluid layer thickness). The AFL approached zero at volumes above 300 .mu.l 
(.about.0.116 mm thick). 
For comparison, the last column of Table 1 gives the required liquid 
volume, corresponding to the given liquid layer thickness, for a glove 
size 8.5 (surface area .about.650 cm.sup.2). Thus, for example, to obtain 
a fluid layer thickness of 0.039 mm between two size 8.5 gloves would 
require a fluid volume of about 2.518 ml. 
TABLE 1 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
DISTANCE EQUIVALENT 
BETWEEN CARRIERS 
AVERAGE LIQUID VOLUME 
LIQUID (LIQUID LAYER 
FAILURE LOAD 
FOR GLOVE 
VOLUME (.mu.l) 
THICKNESS) (mm) 
(g/cm.sup.2) 
(ml/650 cm.sup.2) 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
10 0.004 0.000 0.252 
15 0.006 0.000 0.378 
20 0.008 0.000 0.504 
25 0.010 0.697 0.630 
30 0.012 0.969 0.756 
35 0.014 1.124 0.881 
40 0.015 1.434 1.007 
45 0.017 1.860 1.133 
50 0.019 2.402 1.259 
55 0.021 2.867 1.385 
60 0.023 3.371 1.511 
65 0.025 3.487 1.637 
70 0.027 3.681 1.763 
75 0.029 3.952 1.889 
80 0.031 4.184 2.015 
85 0.033 4.339 2.141 
90 0.035 4.456 2.267 
95 0.037 4.494 2.392 
100 0.039 4.611 2.518 
125 0.048 3.719 3.148 
150 0.058 2.751 3.778 
175 0.068 1.860 4.407 
200 0.077 1.162 5.037 
225 0.087 0.814 5.666 
250 0.097 0.504 6.296 
275 0.107 0.310 6.926 
300 0.116 0.116 7.555 
350 0.136 0.000 8.814 
400 0.155 0.000 10.074 
450 0.174 0.000 11.333 
500 0.194 0.000 12.592 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
The instant invention has been disclosed in connection with specific 
embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that 
variations from the illustrated embodiments may be undertaken without 
departing the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, in 
connection with jobs where it is required that gloves be discarded after a 
certain amount of use, e.g. four hours, an absorption indicating substance 
might be placed between the glove layers to, e.g., change colors upon a 
certain degree of absorption.