Disposable glove and apparatus for applying a glove to a user's hand

The present invention relates to a package of disposable gloves and to a method and an apparatus which can use the package to enable the gloves to be applied to a user's hands. The gloves are stored in a roll and are unrolled and opened by the apparatus so that a user can hygienically insert their hand into a glove without touching the glove. The user, with their hand in the glove can then sever the glove from the roll of gloves by moving their hand downwardly and away from the apparatus. The apparatus can then unroll and open another glove for the user to insert their other hand.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a package of disposable gloves and to a method and an apparatus which can use the package to enable the gloves to be applied to a user's hands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of disposable gloves is becoming common in a number of industries such as food handling establishments where food such as sandwiches or the like may be made and sold to a customer, or other open food products such as meats and the like are selected from a tray and wrapped for a customer to purchase. The use of such gloves is intended to improve hygiene and prevent the spread of germs which may take place if such food products are handled by the bare hands.

Conventionally, when such gloves are used they are merely selected from a box and are applied by the user to the user's hands. This requires the user to have significant contact with the gloves prior to, and during, application of the gloves to the user's hands which means that the outer surface of the gloves can become contaminated with any other germs or other unwanted material already on the user's hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a package of disposable gloves which may be used with a method and an apparatus to more hygienically apply the gloves to a user's hands, and to such a method and an apparatus.

The invention in a first aspect may be said to reside in a package of disposable gloves, comprising:a plurality of gloves connected to one another in a line by a frangible connection which is breakable to separate one glove from the line;a glove edge transverse to the frangible connection to form an open cuff of each glove; andwherein each glove is formed from two layers which are joined together by a join to define the glove.

Preferably the gloves are formed in glove panels with each panel being connected to an adjacent panel by the frangible connection, the join comprising a heat seal in each panel defining the shape of the glove.

In one embodiment each panel is a rectangular panel and has webs outwardly of the join.

In one embodiment the glove has defined fingers and cuts are formed through the webs between the fingers to separate the fingers.

However, in other embodiments the webs between the fingers may be left intact.

In another embodiment the glove has fingers and the join of the glove which defines the fingers forms the periphery of the panel at the fingers.

Thus, in this embodiment no web is formed between the fingers of each glove.

In other embodiments the glove may be a mitten without defined fingers.

Preferably the package of disposable gloves is in the form of a roll of gloves.

This aspect of the invention may also be said to reside in a package of disposable gloves for use with a glove applying machine for enabling the gloves to be applied to a user's hands, comprising:a plurality of gloves connected to one another in a line by a frangible connection which is breakable to separate one glove from the line;each glove being formed from two layers which are joined together by a join to define the glove; andlocating indicia for allowing the gloves to be registered in the apparatus.

In one embodiment the locating indicia comprises a marking.

In another embodiment the locating indicia comprises a hole.

In one embodiment of the invention at least one pin for location in the hole to register the package of gloves in the apparatus when a new package of gloves is loaded into the apparatus, to enable the gloves to be indexed through the apparatus.

Preferably the gloves are formed in glove panels with each panel being joined to an adjacent panel by the frangible connection, the join comprising a heat seal in each panel defining the shape of the glove.

Preferably each panel has a web portion outwardly of the join and the locating indicia is located on the web portion.

According to one embodiment, preferably an open cuff of each glove is formed at the edge of each panel that is transverse to the frangible connection. In other words, the glove is oriented horizontally or “East to West” relative to the line.

According to an alternative embodiment, preferably an open cuff of each glove is formed at an edge of the panel at the frangible connection between the panels. In other words, the glove is oriented vertically or “North to South” relative to the line.

In the most preferred embodiment the marking indicia comprises two holes in each panel.

Preferably the frangible connection comprises a perforated line.

However, in other embodiments the frangible connection could comprise small attaching strips between each glove, the attaching strips being breakable when one glove is pulled away from an adjacent glove in the line of gloves.

Preferably the package of disposable gloves comprises a roll of gloves.

The invention in a second aspect may be said to reside in a method of hygienically locating a glove on a user's hand, comprising:mechanically locating the glove at a hand insertion location;opening the glove; andinserting a hand in the glove.

Preferably the glove is opened at the hand insertion location.

Preferably the glove is supplied as one glove in a line of gloves joined by a frangible connection, so that the glove when the user's hand is located in the glove is torn from the line by movement of the user's hand and the glove.

Preferably the glove has an open cuff and a finger portion and the glove is located in an orientation such that a line between the cuff of the glove and the end of the finger portion of the glove is substantially horizontal.

Preferably the glove has a first layer defining the back of the glove and a second layer defining the palm of the glove, and the glove is open by moving the first and second layers apart to enable a person to insert his/her hand through the cuff into the glove.

Most preferably both the first and second layers are moved. However, in other embodiments only one of the layers could be moved whilst the other is substantially stationery.

The invention may also be said to reside in an apparatus for enabling hygienic location of a glove on a hand, comprising:a storage for storing a package of disposable gloves;an indexing device for moving the gloves from the storage to a hand insertion station; anda glove opening device for opening a glove so a user can insert his or her hand into the glove at the hand insertion station.

In one embodiment of the invention the storage is a compartment for storing a roll of gloves comprising a continuous line of gloves with the gloves being joined to one another by a frangible connection in the line.

Preferably, the indexing device comprises a movable gripping device for movement between the hand insertion station and a line gripping station so that the device can move relative to the line between the insertion station and the gripping station, and can grip the line at the gripping station so the line is drawn with the device upon return movement from the gripping station to the hand insertion station.

Preferably the gloves in the line have a first layer and a second layer and the glove opening device comprises a gripper for gripping at least one of the layers, and a gripper moving element for moving the gripper and the at least one of the layers relative to the other layer to open the glove.

Preferably the glove is gripped and opened during movement of the gripper device between the gripping station and the hand insertion station.

According to one embodiment, the gripper comprises a block of material through which air can flow, and the gripper mover element comprises a bladder, wherein upon inflation of the bladder the material is forced against at least one of the layers, and when vacuum is applied to the material air flows through the material to hold the layer against the material, and upon deflation of the bladder the material and the layer are drawn away from the other layer to thereby open the glove.

Preferably the material comprises a open cell foam material.

Preferably the bladder has a spring element for controlling inflation and deflation of the bladder to firstly move the material against the layer upon inflation of the bladder, and draw the material and the layer away from the other layer upon deflation of the bladder.

According to an alternative embodiment, the gripper comprises an inflatable assembly and a sealing formation having one or more than one suction points, wherein upon inflation of the inflatable assembly, at least one of the suctions points of the sealing formation is located against at least one of the layers, and upon deflation of the inflatable assembly, the layer is drawn away from the other layer to thereby open the glove.

Preferably, the inflatable assembly comprises a bellows.

Preferably, the rate of inflation or deflation of the inflatable assembly is controlled by a piston and cylinder that supplies air into, or draws air from, the inflatable assembly, and suction of the suctions points is controlled by a separate piston and cylinder.

Preferably, the or each piston and cylinder assembly is operable by a linear actuator controlled by a solenoid.

Preferably the indexing device further comprises a pair of rollers, a gear attached to each roller the gears meshing together so the rollers are able to rotate in unison but in opposite directions, the rollers having a groove and rib so that when the groove of one roller engages with the rib of the other roller the line is gripped between the rollers, and so that upon movement of the indexing device from the gripping station to the hand insertion station the line is drawn off the package, and upon movement of the indexing device from the hand insertion station to the gripping station the rollers rotate relative to the line during movement of the indexing device until the groove and rib re-engage to thereby grip the line between the rollers.

In one embodiment a driver is provided to rotate the rollers only during movement of the gripping device from the hand insertion station to the gripping station.

In one embodiment the driver comprises a motor may be provided for facilitating rotation of the rollers during movement of the indexing device from the hand insertion station to the gripping station.

The motor may have a clutch to prevent rotation of the rollers during movement of the indexing device from the gripping station to the hand insertion station.

In another embodiment the driver comprises a rack and gear assembly, with the gear coupled to one of the rollers and the rack fixed and engaging the gear so that when the indexing device is moved from the hand insertion station to the gripping station engagement of the gear and the rack causes rotation of the gear and therefore rotation of the rollers.

In this embodiment the gear also synchronises rotation of the rollers with movement of the indexing device between the hand insertion station and the gripping station.

Preferably a sensor is provided for sensing the insertion of a user's hand into the glove at the hand insertion station, and then removal of the glove from the line at the hand insertion station, to thereby activate the indexing device to cause the indexing device to move from the hand insertion station, to the gripping station, and back to the hand insertion station so a new glove is open at the hand insertion station ready for insertion of a user's hand.

Preferably the apparatus includes locating elements for engaging the line when a new package is located in the apparatus to correctly register the line in the apparatus.

Preferably the line has holes and the locating elements comprise pins for passing through the holes when the package is loaded into the apparatus, and for withdrawal from the holes after the package is loaded in the apparatus.

Preferably the pins are driven between a locating position where they can pass through the holes and a retracted position away from the line, by opening and closing movement of a door of the apparatus to provide access to the storage of the apparatus.

Preferably at least one of the rollers is spring biased into engagement with the other of the rollers so that the rollers can be slightly separated to facilitate location of the line between the rollers during loading of a package into the apparatus.

This aspect of the invention may also be said to reside in an apparatus for enabling hygienic location of a glove on a hand, comprising:a housing having a front opening and a bottom opening which provide access to a hand insertion station;a storage for storing a package of disposable gloves, so the gloves are presented at the hand insertion station in an orientation so that a line between a cuff portion of the gloves and a fingertip portion of the gloves is substantially horizontal, and with the cuff portion of the gloves facing the front opening;a glove indexing device for moving a glove from the storage to the hand insertion station so a user can insert his or her hand into the glove through the cuff portion; andwherein to locate the glove on the hand and remove the glove from the apparatus, a user inserts his or hand through the front opening into the glove and then moves his or her hand with the glove on his or her hand downwardly through the bottom opening.

This aspect of the invention may also be said to reside in an apparatus for enabling hygienic location of the glove on a hand, comprising:a storage for storing a package of disposable gloves;an indexing device for moving the gloves from the storage to a hand insertion station; anda glove opening device comprising at least one block of material through which air can flow, an inflatable bladder, and at least one air supply and vacuum system for supplying air to the bladder to inflate the bladder to move the block to a position adjacent the glove, for drawing a vacuum through the block so a portion of the glove is drawn against the block, and for deflating the bladder so the block moves with the bladder to move a portion of the glove away from another portion of the glove to open the glove to enable a user to insert his or hand into the glove at the hand insertion station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIG. 1a line of gloves10is shown which form a package of gloves such as a roll15as shown inFIG. 4. In other embodiments the package could comprise a zigzag layering of the line of gloves or any other compact packaging of the gloves.

The line of gloves10is formed from a first layer18and a second layer20(seeFIG. 3). Each glove11in the line of gloves10is defined by a heat seal join21which defines the periphery of the glove (in other words the shape of the glove). Thus, the join heat seals the two layers18to20together along the outline11aof the gloves to thereby define the shape of the gloves.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the gloves are formed in glove panels25formed by the two layers18and20and the glove panels25are defined by a frangible connection26. The frangible connection26preferably comprises a perforated line so that one glove can be easily torn from the line10as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 1the glove panels25have opposite edges27and29which are not connected to one another except where the join21intersects or contacts the edges27and29. This therefore defines an open cuff30of each glove as is best shown inFIG. 3. The edge29may be beaded so that the open cuff of each glove11has a bead31to slightly strengthen that part of the glove and make it easy for a person to insert his or her hand into the glove.

Each panel25is also provided with two holes33which form locating indicia to facilitate location of the gloves in a glove applying apparatus to be described hereinafter.

FIG. 2shows a second embodiment in which the gloves are configured in an “north-south” configuration rather than the “east-west” configuration ofFIG. 1. Like reference numerals indicate like paths to those previously described.

In this embodiment the open cut of the glove will be formed when the perforated line26is torn during the separation of one glove11from the line of gloves10.

FIG. 5is a more detailed view of one glove11formed in a panel26of the type shown inFIG. 1.

As will be apparent from bothFIG. 1andFIG. 5webs35are left outwardly of the join11a, formed from the layers18and20of each panel25.

If desired, cuts37can be made in the webs35between the fingers11bof the gloves to separate the fingers. However, in other embodiments the webs can remain intact because they will be relatively thin and will still allow sufficient degree of relative movement of the fingers form most applications.

A cut37is also provided between the thumb11cof the glove11and the index finger11badjacent the thumb11c.

Since the disposable glove is usually only used for a very small amount of time, perhaps in the order of only 30 seconds or less, the webs will not interfere with movement of the hand or the work the person wearing the gloves is required to do.

In still further embodiments of the invention the panels25may be of the type shown inFIG. 6in which the panel is cut about the join11adefining the fingers11bso that no webs are provided between the fingers11band the thumb11c. Webs35remain outwardly of the palm portion11dof the hand.

In this embodiment the edge27is defined by the shape of the fingers as shown inFIG. 6.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 6the perforated line26extends from the edge29to the tip of the thumb11cand between the edge29and the tip of the small finger11b.

FIGS. 7 and 8show, schematically, an example of how the package of gloves is formed.

Layers18and20are supplied from supply rolls40and41of the layer material and guided around one or more sets of idler rollers42to a heat sealing station43. At the heat sealing station43the join21defining the periphery of the glove11ais formed by applying heat along the line11avia appropriate parts of the station43to heat weld the layers18and20together along the line11awhich defines the shape of the glove. Thus, the layers18and20are joined at the line11a.

The layers18are then indexed to a cutting and perforating station45where the perforated line26is formed and also the holes33and cuts37, the formed line of gloves10is then rolled onto a roll to form the package of gloves15shown inFIG. 4.

It should be understood that the apparatus shown inFIGS. 7 and 8is schematic and merely illustrative and not intended to show all componentry of the machine performing the package of gloves. In any event, it will be appreciated that the compoenentry not shown in detail inFIG. 7may readily be constituted by a combination of commercially available components.

FIGS. 9 to 14, and16and17show parts of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 15shows a schematic illustration of the assembled apparatus comprising the parts shown inFIGS. 9 to 14, and16and17for hygienically applying the glove to a user's hand.

With reference toFIGS. 9,10and11, the apparatus has a glove line10indexing device48comprising a support frame50which supports a pair of glove opening devices52. Roll15of the gloves11is supported on a shaft (not shown) in a storage49and the line of gloves10is guided from the roll15through the devices52as is best shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 11.

The frame50comprises two U-shaped frame members51which are supported on tracks53which, in turn, are supported by outer housing55(seeFIG. 15).

The frame50is also connected to a pair of linear bearings56for moving the frame50vertically on guide tracks53as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

The frame50also supports a line gripper54to gripping the line10. The line gripper54comprises a pair of rollers58between which the line10of gloves11is guided. The rollers58have gears59at one end and the gears59are meshed to synchronise rotation of the rollers58so that they rotate in unison with one another but in opposite directions.

The outer housing55also supports two pressure pumps60for driving the devices52as will also be explained in more detail hereinafter.

An encoder61is provided on shaft62on which one of the rollers58is mounted for monitoring rotation of the rollers58.

Movement of the frame50and the rollers59and associated operation of the devices52is as follows.

FIGS. 9 and 10show the frame50in a raised upper gripping position at gripper station G in which the line of gloves10is gripped by the rollers59and extends between the devices52. The linear bearing56moves the frame and rollers59downwardly to the hand insertion station H shown inFIG. 11thereby pulling the line of gloves10downwardly with the frame50off the roll15.

During downward movement of the frame50pressure is supplied to the devices52to cause the devices52to grip one of the gloves11on the line10. After the glove has been gripped vacuum is then applied to the devices52to cause the devices52to separate thereby pulling the two layers18and20which make up the glove11away from one another to open the glove. At the same time as the vacuum is applied the pressure previously supplied to the devices52to cause gripping of the glove is released.

The glove is therefore held open with the frame50in the lower position at hand insertion station H shown inFIG. 11so that a user can then insert his hand through front opening62of the housing55into the glove and the user simply draws his or her hand downwardly through the open bottom64of the housing55to tear the glove from the line10along the perforation26above the glove11. Thus, the user's hand is removed from the apparatus with the glove on place without the user having to touch the outside of the glove.

As is best shown inFIGS. 9 and 15a light emitting array66is provided on the frame50opposite a linear array of photo detectors68. Light emitted by the emitters66is detected by the detectors68so that when a person's hand is located in the glove the light is blocked thereby providing an indication that a person's hand is in the apparatus and when the person tears the glove11from the line10by the downward movement of the hand previously mentioned, light is again detected by the array of photo detectors68. Thus, this provides a signal indicative of the fact that a user has inserted his or her hand into the apparatus and removed his or her hand with a glove on it. This signal is used to activate the linear bearings56to again drive the frame50upwardly. As the frame50is driven upwardly the friction between the line10and the rollers58causes the rollers58to rotate thereby rolling up relative to the station line10of gloves11. When the rollers58have rotated one full revolution as detected by the encoder61asignal is supplied to shut off the linear bearings56to prevent further upward movement of the frame50indicative of the fact that the frame50has returned to its starting station G shown inFIG. 10. Rollers58grip the line10and the frame50moves downwardly back to the hand insertion station H shown inFIG. 11where a glove is opened in the same manner as described above, ready for a user to insert his hand into the apparatus to locate the glove on the user's hand. Once this happens, and the user's hand is removed from the apparatus the sequence starts again and the frame50is driven upwardly so that the rollers rotate until the line is then gripped and the frame50moved downwardly to draw the line10from the roll15and open a fresh glove in the apparatus when the frame50returns to the station H as shown inFIG. 11. Thus, the insertion of a user's hand into the apparatus and removal of the hand and glove provides the signal to operate the apparatus to open another glove ready for a user to place his hand into the glove. Thus, after a glove is removed from the line by a user a fresh glove is delivered to the hand insertion station H shown inFIG. 11ready for another hand to be inserted into a glove.

It will be noted from the above that the rollers58only rotate during the upward movement of the frame50. During the lowering of the frame50the rollers58grip the line of gloves10and do not rotate thereby drawing further gloves from the roll15.

In order to facilitate rotation of the rollers58during movement of the indexing device48a driver is provided to rotate the rollers58during movement to the station G but which will allow the rollers to be locked against rotation during movement of the indexing device48back to the hand insertion station H. In one embodiment the driver comprises a motor69which has a clutch or ratchet mechanism so the motor can rotate the rollers during movement to the gripping station G but allow the rollers to remain locked against rotation during movement back to the hand insertion station H.

The motor69(seeFIG. 9) is provided on the shaft62to rotate the roller58on that shaft with the rotation being imparted to the other roller by meshing engagement of the gears59.

In another embodiment as shown inFIG. 17the driver comprises a gear101mounted on shaft102on which one of the rollers58is provided. The gear101meshes with a rack103fixed to housing55(shown inFIG. 16). The gear101is mounted to the shaft102via a ratchet, clutch or the like so that when the indexing device48is moved upwardly towards the gripping station G in the direction of arrow C inFIG. 17the engagement of the gear101and the rack103causes rotation of the gear101and therefore the shaft102and roller58. Rotation is imparted to the other roller58by the gears59. Thus, the rollers58easily roll up the line10of the gloves11. During movement back towards the hand insertion station in the direction of arrow D the ratchet or clutch associated with the gear101allows the gear101to rotate freely on the shaft102so no rotation is imparted to the rollers58and the rollers remain in the locked position with the rib70located in the groove71as previously explained.

The provision of the gear101also provides the additional advantage in that it synchronises the upward movement of the indexing device48in the direction of arrow C with the rotation of the rollers58so the rollers undergo one full revolution during complete movement of the indexing device from the hand insertion station H to the gripping station G.

It will be appreciated from the previous description and drawings that the rollers58extend only part the distance of the space between the frame members51and therefore adequate space is provided for the motor69or the gear101and rack103.

As shown inFIG. 12the rollers58are configured to grip the line10when the frame50is in the upper position shown inFIG. 9. To achieve this one of the rollers58(i.e. the left roller inFIG. 12) is provided with a longitudinal rib70and the other roller58is provided with a longitudinal groove71. When the frame50is the upper position at gripper station G the rib70locates in the groove71therefore jamming the line10between the rib70and groove71so that the rollers58firmly hold the line10. When the frame50is moved downwardly the rollers58therefore firmly grip the line10and the line10is drawn off the roll15with downward movement of the frame50. When the frame50is moved upwardly, the rollers58are able to rotate so the rib70moves out of the groove71so that the rollers58can effectively roll up the line10for one full rotation of the rollers58until the rib70relocates in groove71to again grip the line10.

FIGS. 13 and 14show in more detail the devices52according to a first embodiment for opening a glove11. The devices52are supported on plates73which form part of the frame50and extend between the frame members51. The plate73and the frame members51therefore form partial enclosures for securely supporting the devices52.

Each device52is identical and therefore only one will be described in detail inFIGS. 13 and 14. Each device52comprises a open cell foam block75which is in the general shape of the glove11except that the fingers are somewhat shorter than the fingers of the glove11. The block75has a layer of lacquer or other sealant applied to edges75a,75band rear surface75c. End edges75dand the edges which define the finger portions75ealso have the lacquer or sealant coating applied to them. A vacuum tube78is connected with the block75and in turn connects with one of the pressure pumps60. A bladder80is connected on the outside of the block75against surface75cand again has the same general shape as the block75. The bladder includes a plastic strip81within the bladder which acts as a spring as will be described in more detail hereinafter. A supply tube83is connected to the bladder80and also to the other of the pumps60. Thus, one of the pumps60enables vacuum to be applied to the two devices52(namely the blocks75of the two devices52) and the other pump60supplies pressure to the two bladders80of the devices52.

In order to open the glove11air is pumped from one of the pressure pumps60into the bladders80to cause the bladders80to expand. The spring generally holds the bladders81against spherical expansion of the bladders80and therefore when the bladders expand they push against the blocks75to push the blocks75into engagement with a closed glove11as is best shown inFIG. 10. Thus, the open porous faces75gof the blocks75, which do not have lacquer or sealant applied to them, are pushed into gentle contact with the layers18and20which make up the glove11. Vacuum is then drawn by the other pump60through the tube78and through the open cellular structure of the foam block75so that the webs18and20are sucked against the surface of75gof the blocks75. At the same time, pressure is released from the bladders80causing the bladders to return to their generally flat deflated configuration shown inFIG. 14pulling the block75with them in the direction of arrows A inFIG. 13. This thereby cause layers18and20to separate and open the glove11sufficient for a person to insert his or her hand into the glove11through open door62of the housing55.

FIGS. 18 to 20show the devices52of an alternative embodiment for opening the glove11. The devices are supported on plates73, best seen inFIG. 17, which form part of the frame50and extend between the frame members51shown inFIGS. 9 to 15. The plate73and the frame members51therefore form partial enclosures for securely supporting the devices52.

Each device52is the same and therefore only one will be described in detail. Each device52comprises a bellows75having a clamping ring120for securing the bellows75to the plate73, a flexible and inflatable diaphragm121having a side wall comprising a series of the folds and an engagement face122that approximates the size of the palm region of the glove11. Arranged about the perimeter of the engagement face122is a vacuum sealing lip123and central of the engagement face122are three suction holes124that are each connected to a vacuum source60avia a manifold and tubing78a. The diaphragm121of the bellows75is connected to an air delivery system comprising an air displacement pump60b.FIG. 19shows an embodiment in which the vacuum source60aand air displacement pump60bare in the form of piston and cylinder assemblies located within rollers58for guiding the line10of gloves11. The inside of walls of the rollers58form the cylinder and a piston126having vacuum seals125or pump seals128and each is driven inside the cylinders by a solenoid controlled linear actuator127. The end wall of each roller58is equipped with a rotary air coupling for coupling to air supply tubing78a,78b. In the case of the vacuum source, tubing78aconnects the cylinder of the vacuum source to the holes124in the face of the engagement face122via a manifold. In the case of the air displacement pump, tubing78bconnects the cylinder to the inside of the diaphragm121.

In order to open the glove11the liner actuator127of the air pump60bis operated to move the piston to the distal end of the roller58and thereby expand the bellows75in the direction of arrows A inFIG. 18until the lip sealing formation123engages the palm region of a glove11at the insertion station H. Pressure release valves or flow regulates may be incorporated into the air pump60bor the tubing78bto limit over pressurisation or under pressurisation of the bellows75as deemed necessary. With the bellows75expanded and lip formations123contacting opposite layers or sides of the glove11, the vacuum source60ais operated to retain the each respective layer of the glove11to the bellows75. The linear actuator127of the vacuum60ais operated by moving the piston toward the proximal end of the roller58inFIG. 19. Once the formation of an adequate vacuum has been established to retain the layers of the glove11to the engagement face122, the linear actuator127of the air displacement pump60bdrives the piston from the distal end to proximal end of the cylinder, thereby deflating the bellows75and simultaneously opening the glove ready for hand insertion. The adequacy or inadequacy of inflation and deflation of the bellows75can be monitored by way of the pressure release valves or flow regulators. Similarly, the adequacy or inadequacy of the vacuum for retaining the layers of the glove11to the engagement face122of the bellows75can be monitored using suitable regulators.

Irrespective of whether the devices52for opening the glove are in the form of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, or the alternative embodiment shown inFIGS. 18 and 20, insertion of a hand into the glove blocks the light from the emitter array66to the detector array68indicating a hand has been placed in the glove. As previously explained, the user then pulls his or her hand downwardly through open bottom64to tear the glove11along perforated line26with the glove on the user's hand. As the user's hand is removed from the apparatus light is again detected by the array68providing a signal for the frame50to be driven upwardly to again grip the line and move downwardly with another glove being opened as the frame50moves downwardly so that a user can insert his or her other hand into the next glove if desired. Otherwise, the glove is simply held in the open configuration in the device awaiting for the next hand to be inserted into that glove and for that glove to be torn from the line10before the sequence repeats to bring another glove to the hand insertion station H.

Vacuum may be applied to hold a glove in the open position at the insertion station H for a predetermined time interval after which the vacuum is shut off. Thus, if a glove is not required for some time, the glove merely remains in a static position at the hand insertion station. A sensor (not shown) may be provided to activate the glove opening device to open the glove again when a hand is inserted into the apparatus.

In another embodiment the cycle of retrieving a new glove and opening a new glove may be commenced by a start button110(seeFIG. 15) and the sequence of operation may be that when the button110is pushed the indexing device48moves upwardly as previously explained to grip the line10and then moves back to the hand insertion station with the glove being opened as previously explained so the user can insert his or her hand into the glove. When another glove is required the button110is again pushed so the sequence repeats itself. This prevents the need to hold vacuum at the opening devices52for a great length of time.

As is best shown inFIG. 15, the housing55is provided with a door90which can be opened in the direction of arrow B to enable a new roll15to be loaded into the apparatus. To load a new roll the door90is opened and the remnants of the old roll15removed. A new roll is located in place in the apparatus. When the door90is opened, a mechanical linkage schematically shown at91causes two pins92to be driven forward. The locating holes33in one of the panels25of line10are located on the pins92so the pins92project through the holes33. This correctly registers the roll relative to the rollers58and part of the line10is located between the rollers58. To facilitate location of the line10between the rollers58one of the rollers58is mounted on a spring tensioning device95which, when the door90is opened, draws the respective roller58away from the other roller58to provide a space for the line10to be easily inserted between the rollers. Again a mechanical link96(schematically shown) may be used to achieve this. When the door10is closed the pins92are retracted out of the holes33away from the line10and the roller58is again spring biased against the other roller58with the line10between the rollers58.

When the door90is closed the apparatus can be operated to locate a glove at the hand insertion station with the glove open ready for use by a user.

FIG. 18is a schematic block diagram of the control system for controlling the apparatus. A processor99is provided which receives signals from the encoder61to monitor the position of the rollers58relative to one another and to stop movement of linear bearings56when the rollers58have rotated one full revolution. Photo detector array66and68also provide signals to the processor99to indicate location removal of a user's hand to drive the linear bearings56to move the indexing device48upwardly and then back down to the hand insertion station H and at the same time operate the pumps and/or vacuum source to apply pressure and vacuum to the devices52to grip the glove and open the glove. In the event that the pressure release values or air regulators detect that inadequate or excessive air flow is created by pumps60,60aor60b, causing malfunction of the devices52, the processor99can activate an alarm130signalling that the apparatus requires maintenance or servicing.

The processor99also receives a signal when the button100is pressed, should the button be provided, to commence the glove retrieval and opening sequence, and a signal from timer111for shutting off the vacuum to the opening devices52after a predetermined time period.

If a motor69is provided for facilitating rotation of the rollers58during upward movement of the frame50the processor99can also control the motor69to drive the roller68during movement of the indexing device48from station H to station G until one full rotation of the rollers58has occurred.

Other sensors may also be included in the apparatus to detect the location of the line10and is indexing through the apparatus from the roll15to the hand insertion station. Further markings or other indicia may be provided on the line10to facilitate detection of the line10by the other sensors.

In order to provide additional rigidity to the line10of the gloves11, the layers18and20may be provided with additional rigidity such as by forming a double heat seal about the periphery of the glove11or providing a thickened heat seal bead along the line11. The additional rigidity will assist in ensuring that the line10moves vertically downwardly and does not tend to wrap around the rollers58during indexing of the line10through the apparatus.

Since modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may readily be effected by persons skilled within the art, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described by way of example hereinabove.