Abstract:
An ambidextrous or hand specific glove with a widened cuff area to aid in donning or doffing the glove is disclosed, together with a former for fabricating the glove and a method of fabricating the same. The glove may further include a bead on the cuff to resist tearing when the glove is put on or taken off. The glove may be fabricated on a continuous, automated chain machine or a batch or semi-batch machine. While the cuff region on the former for fabricating the glove is elliptical in cross-section and is flared, the region of the former on which the end of the glove is fabricated is circular in cross-section and thus allows the beading process to be successfully undertaken. The thumb region and finger regions of the glove may each be provided with a flexible hinge region that enables a user to more easily bend their thumb and fingers.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/490,821 filed Sep. 19, 2014 entitled “Glove with a Widened Cuff Area”. 
         [0002]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/490,951 filed Sep. 19, 2014 entitled “Method of Fabricating a Glove with a Widened Cuff Area”. 
         [0003]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/181,967 filed Jun. 19, 2015 entitled “Safety Glove with Reinforced Rubber Fingertip”. 
         [0004]    This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/624,047 filed Feb. 17, 2015 entitled “Protective Device for Use with a Glove” which in turn is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/947,423 filed Jul. 22, 2013 entitled “Protective Device for Use with a Glove”. 
         [0005]    This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/947,652 filed Jul. 22, 2013 entitled “Method and System for Tracking Glove Failure”. 
         [0006]    The specifications of each and every one of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    1. Technical Field 
         [0008]    This invention relates generally to gloves. More particularly, this invention relates to dipped unsupported gloves. Specifically, the invention is directed to an ambidextrous or hand specific glove with a widened cuff area to aid in donning or doffing the glove; the glove may further include a bead on the cuff to resist tearing and may be fabricated on a continuous, automated chain machine or a batch or semi-batch machine because while the cuff region on the former for the glove is elliptical in cross-section and flared, the region of the former on which the end of the glove is fabricated is circular in cross-section and thus allows the beading process to be successfully undertaken. The glove further includes a flexible hinge region on one or more of the digit regions to aid in bending the bending regions of the glove during use. 
         [0009]    2. Background Information 
         [0010]    Gloves are required to be worn in many industries to protect the hands of the workers. Particular industries require gloves which are made of nitrile, polychloroprene, or latex and which extend for a distance along a worker&#39;s wrist and forearm. Because of the length of the glove and the material from which the glove is fabricated, which tends to conform to the shape of the workman&#39;s hands, it can be quite difficult for a workman to put the glove on and/or take the glove off without damaging the glove. Additionally, the materials used to fabricate gloves may make it quite difficult for the user to bend their fingers and thumb. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    There is therefore a need in the industry for a glove which is readily able to be put on and removed and which is less inclined to break or become damaged during this procedure. There is a further need in the art for a glove that allows a wearer to bend their fingers and thumb easily and helps to maintain tactile sensitivity. 
         [0012]    In one aspect, the invention may provide a glove comprising a palm region; a digit region extending outwardly from a first end of the palm region; a wrist region extending outwardly from a second end of the palm region and generally in an opposite direction to the digit region; and an end of the wrist region comprising a cuff that is disposed a distance remote from the palm region; and wherein the wrist region gradually increases in width from a first width proximate the palm region to a second width proximate the cuff. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, the glove may provide a palm region; a digit region extending outwardly from a first end of the palm region; a wrist region extending outwardly from a second end of the palm region and generally in an opposite direction to the digit region; and a bead provided at an end of the wrist region, wherein the bead is of a greater thickness than the rest of the wrist region; and wherein the glove is a hand specific glove that is fabricated on a substantially continuous automated chain machine. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the glove may provide a palm region; a digit region extending outwardly from a first end of the palm region; a wrist region extending outwardly from a second end of the palm region and generally in an opposite direction to the digit region; an end of the wrist region comprising a cuff that is disposed a distance remote from the palm region; and wherein the wrist region gradually increases in width from a first width proximate the palm region to a second width proximate the cuff; and a bead provided on the cuff, wherein the bead is of a greater thickness than the rest of the wrist region. This glove may be an ambidextrous glove or a hand-specific glove. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the invention may provide a former for fabricating a glove, wherein the former comprises a base; a wrist extending outwardly from the base; a palm extending outwardly from the wrist; a digit region extending outwardly from the palm and remote from the wrist; and wherein the wrist includes a first region that is of a first cross-sectional shape and a second region that is of a second cross-sectional shape. The first region of the former is generally elliptical in cross-sectional shape and the second region of the former is generally circular in cross-sectional shape. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of fabricating a glove comprising providing a former that includes a palm, a thumb and four digit regions extending outwardly from the palm in a first direction, and a wrist that extends outwardly from the palm in a second direction; and wherein the wrist includes a first region that gradually increases in width from the palm outwardly in the second direction; dipping the former into a vat of liquid material; removing the former from the liquid material; drying a quantity of liquid material which remains on the former so as to form the glove; and removing the glove from the former. The method may further include providing a former where the wrist further includes a second section which extends outwardly from the first section; and wherein the second section is of a constant width and the constant width of the second section is of a size equal to a widest portion of the first section. Still further, the invention may provide that the first section is generally elliptical in cross-sectional shape and the second region is generally circular in cross-sectional shape. 
         [0017]    In another aspect the glove may provide a palm region; a digit region extending outwardly from a first end of the palm region; wherein the digit region includes a thumb region and one or more finger regions; a wrist region extending outwardly from a second end of the palm region and generally in an opposite direction to the digit region; an end of the wrist region comprising a cuff that is disposed a distance remote from the palm region; and wherein the wrist region gradually increases in width from a first width proximate the palm region to a second width proximate the cuff; and a hinge region defined in one or more of the thumb region and finger regions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    A sample embodiment of a glove in accordance with an aspect of the invention is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of a glove in accordance with an aspect of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the glove; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of a glove; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of a former for fabricating the gloves of  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the former taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section of the former taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A  is a front elevational view of the glove of  FIG. 2  shown on the former of  FIG. 4  and with the cuff of the glove in an initial position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6B  is a front elevational view of the glove on the former showing the bottom edge of the cuff being rolled upwardly to form the bead; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a glove in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of a former for fabricating the glove of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section of the former taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a cross-section of the former taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is an illustrative drawing of a method of manufacturing a glove in accordance with aspects of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of a fifth embodiment of a glove in accordance with an aspect of the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a cross-section through a finger region taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12  showing a hinge region formed in a portion of the circumference of the finger region; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a cross-section taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12  showing an alternative hinge region formed in the entire circumference of the finger region; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a cross-section taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12  showing the hinge region of  FIG. 13  along with a flocking material or liner provided in the interior of the glove; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a cross-section taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12  showing a hinge region that is free of elastomeric bands; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a cross-section taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12  showing an alternative construction of the hinge region into first and second hinge regions that are separated from each other by a smooth zone; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a front elevational view of a sixth embodiment of an ambidextrous glove in accordance with an aspect of the present invention showing a widened cuff with a rolled rim and thumb and finger regions that include flexible hinge regions; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is a rear elevational view of a seventh embodiment of the glove. 
       
    
    
       [0040]    Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]      FIG. 1  shows a glove  10  worn on an arm  12  of a workman. Glove  10  may be fabricated from nitrile or latex or any other material which causes glove  10  to generally conform to a hand of a person wearing glove. Glove  10  includes a digit region extending out from a first end of a palm region  16  generally in a first direction. The digit region includes a thumb region  14 , an index finger region  18 , a middle finger region  20 , a ring finger region  22 , and a little finger region  24 . Glove  10  is an ambidextrous glove. This means that glove  10  may be readily worn on either of the left hand or the right hand. Because glove  10  is an ambidextrous glove, thumb region  14 , index finger region  18 , middle finger region  20 , ring finger region  22 , and little finger region  24  are all aligned along a common axis. In other words, if glove  10  is viewed from the side, all of the thumb region  14 , index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  will be located in the same plane. 
         [0042]    A wrist and forearm region  26  (hereafter referred to as the wrist region) extends outwardly from a second end of palm region  16  and in generally the opposite direction to the digit region. Wrist region  26  terminates in an end region which will be further referred to herein as a cuff  28 . Cuff  28  is disposed a distance remote from palm region  216 . Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that cuff  28  defines an opening into which the workman will be able to insert his or her hand. It will further be understood that wrist region  26  may be of a variety of different lengths as measured between a bottom end of palm region  16  and cuff. Thus, glove  10  may terminate closer to a workman&#39;s wrist or closer to the workman&#39;s elbow. 
         [0043]    Wrist region  26  includes a first section that is located adjacent palm region  16  and a second section that extends outwardly from first section and is located further away from palm region  16 . The second section includes cuff  28 . Wrist region  26  gradually increases in width moving away from palm region  16  and towards cuff  28 . Proximate palm region  16 , wrist region  26  is of a first width “W 1 ” and wrist region  26  gradually increases to a second width “W 2 ”. Thus, wrist region  26  is narrowest proximate palm region  216  and is widest a distance remote therefrom. Wrist region  26  may include a first section which gradually increases in width to the widest width “W 2 ”, and a second section which extends outwardly from the first section and is of a constant width “W 2 ”. This increase in width makes it easier for the workman to put glove  10  on and to take glove  10  off. Width “W 1 ” is of such a size that the first section of wrist region  16  is generally in abutting contact with the wearer&#39;s wrist and first portion of the wearer&#39;s forearm. Width “W 2 ” is of such as a size that second section of wrist region  16  is spaced a distance away from the wearer&#39;s forearm  12  and is generally free of contact therewith. Consequently, a gap  27  will be created between the wearer&#39;s forearm  12  and the material of the glove  10 . It is therefore easier for the wearer to insert a finger or thumb of the other hand into that gap  27  in order to grasp the material of glove  10  in order to pull glove  10  onto their hand or to pull glove off of their hand. 
         [0044]      FIG. 1  shows that wrist region  26  gradually increases in width from proximate palm region  216  to proximate cuff  28 . So, the width of cuff  28  is the second width “W 2 ”.  FIG. 2  shows a second embodiment of the ambidextrous glove  10  where the first section of wrist region  26  gradually increases in width from the first width “W 1 ” to the second width “W 2 ”. Second section of wrist region  26  starts where wrist region is of the second width “W 2 ” and the second section terminates at cuff  28 . However, from where wrist region  26  initially reaches the second width “W 2 ” to the point where wrist region  26  terminates in cuff  28 , the second section of wrist region  26  is of a substantially constant width, namely second width “W 2 ”. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  illustrates a third embodiment of the ambidextrous glove  10 . In this embodiment, the second section of the wrist region  26  of glove  10  is rolled to form a bead  30 . Bead  30  extends around the entire rim of cuff  28  and comprises a rolled and therefore thickened region which serves to strengthen cuff  28 . Bead  30  is thicker than the rest of wrist section and this thicker and stronger bead  30  aids in resisting tears in cuff  28  and therefore wrist region  26  as glove  10  is pulled on or taken off. 
         [0046]    In each of the first, second, and third embodiments of the glove  10 , at least a portion of glove  10  will conform to the hand of the wearer. The portions of the glove  10  which will tend to conform to the hand of the wearer may include the thumb region  14 , index finger region  18 , middle finger region  20 , ring finger region  22 , little finger region  24 , palm region  16 , and at least part of the first section of wrist region  26 . In these aforementioned locations, an interior surface of glove  10  will abut or be positioned adjacent the wearer&#39;s skin. The rest of glove  10 , namely the parts of first section of wrist region  26  which are of a width that is greater than the wrist or forearm  12  of the wearer, will be spaced a distance away from the wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  shows a former  32  used for fabricating glove  10 . Former  32  includes a base  34  which is secured in any one of a known manner to a batch machine, a semi-batch machine or a substantially continuous automated chain machine that is used for fabricating gloves. The batch machine, semi-batch machine and the automated chain machine are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. 
         [0048]    Former  32  includes a thumb  36  and four digits which extend outwardly from a palm  38 . The digits include an index finger  40 , a middle finger  42 , a ring finger  44 , and a little finger  46 . A wrist and forearm (hereafter wrist)  48  extend between palm  38  and the base  34 . Since former  32  is utilized for fabricating ambidextrous gloves, such as glove  10 , thumb  36  and the index, middle, ring and little fingers  40 ,  42 ,  44 , and  46  are all positioned so that they are aligned along a common axis. In other words, if viewed from the side, all of the thumb  36 , the index, middle, ring, and little fingers  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  will be located in the same plane. 
         [0049]    Wrist  48  includes a first section  48   a  that increases in width from a width “W 1 ” to a width “W 2 ”. The narrower width “W 1 ” is provided adjacent palm  38  and the wrist  48  increases in width to width “W 2 ” some distance from palm  38 . That distance “L” may be varied in accordance with the overall length of glove  10  to be fabricated on former  32 . So length “L” will be smaller if glove  10  will terminate proximate the workman&#39;s wrist and will be substantially longer if glove  10  is to terminate proximate the workman&#39;s elbow. 
         [0050]    Wrist  48  further includes a second section  48   b  that extends outwardly from one end of first section  48   a  and is of a constant width. That constant width is of the same magnitude as the widest portion of first section  48   a.  The width of second section  48   b  is therefore “W 2 ”. First and second regions  48   a,    48   b  are different in another way and this can best be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . First section  48   a  is generally elliptical ( FIG. 5 ) in cross-sectional shape while second section  48   b  is generally circular ( FIG. 6 ) in cross-sectional shape. This difference in cross-sectional shape makes it possible for former  32  to be engaged on a substantially continuous automated chain machine so that bead  30  may be readily and easily fabricated. 
         [0051]    Previously known formers have wrists which are generally elliptical in shape along their entire length from the palm of the former to the base thereof. Thus, when gloves are fabricated on the previously known formers, it is difficult to generate a bead on the glove cuff because the elliptical shape causes the material of the glove to flap around and roll unevenly. This made it difficult for manufacturers using previously known formers to create a consistent product and, consequently, automated chain machines or batch machines could not be used to fabricate gloves which include a rolled cuff. 
         [0052]    It has been recognized by the inventor that fabricating a former  32  to include a second section  48   b  which is not of an elliptical cross-sectional shape but is instead of a circular cross-sectional shape, such as is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , makes it possible for the former  32  to be utilized in a substantially continuous automated chain machine or a batch machine or a semi-batch machine, in order to fabricate gloves  10 , particularly gloves with a bead  30  on cuff  28 . 
         [0053]    During fabrication of glove  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , former  32  is dipped into vats of a material such as nitrile or latex so that glove  10  is ultimately formed on former. In the version of glove  10  illustrated in  FIG. 6A , wrist region  26  is elongated and includes a first section  26   a  that progressively widens outwardly from adjacent proximate palm region  16  to a distance remote therefrom. First section  26   a  is formed on first section  48   a  of former  32 . Wrist region  26  further includes a second section  26   b  that is of a substantially constant width, with that width being equivalent to the widest part of first section  26   a.  Second section  26   b  is formed on second section  48   b  of former  32 . At this point, glove  10  could be removed from former  32  and would be suitable for a workman to use as the cuff  28  and wrist region  26  are widened so that glove  10  is easy to put on and take off. 
         [0054]    However, a bead  30  may, instead, be fabricated on second section  26   b.    FIG. 6B  shows how this is done. Former  32  is positioned so that spaced apart opposed rollers  50 ,  52  are brought into contact with the peripheral wall of second section  48   b  of wrist region  48  of former  32 . Rollers  50 ,  52  are caused to rotate in opposite directions “A” and “B” relative to each other. Additionally, rollers  50 ,  52  are moved in a direction “C” away from base  34  or former  32  is moved in the direction “C”. Rollers  50 ,  52  are initially placed in contact with second section  48   b  of former  32  and then are gradually brought into contact with second section  26   b  of glove  10 . This combination of motion in addition to the contact of rollers  50 ,  52  with second section  26   b  causes rollers  50 ,  52  to roll up a length of the material of second section  26   b,  thereby gradually forming bead  30 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  shows a fourth embodiment of a glove in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Glove  110  is a hand-specific glove as opposed to ambidextrous glove  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In particular, glove  110  is shaped to be worn on a workman&#39;s left hand. A glove to be worn on the workman&#39;s right hand will be a mirror image of glove  110 . Glove  110  may be fabricated out of nitrile or latex or any other material which causes glove  10  to generally conform to a hand of a person wearing glove. 
         [0056]    Glove  110  includes a digit region which extends outwardly generally in a first direction from a palm region  116 . The digit region includes a thumb region  114 , an index finger region  118 , a middle finger region  120 , a ring finger region  122 , and a little finger region  124 . Because glove  110  is a hand-specific glove, the index finger region  118 , middle finger region  120 , ring finger region  122 , and little finger region  124 , are all aligned along a common axis. In other words, when glove  110  is viewed from the side, four of the digits, namely the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions  118 ,  120 ,  122 , and  124  are all located in the same plane. However, unlike glove  10 , the thumb region  114  of glove  110  is offset from that common axis or, when viewed from the side, thumb region  114  can be seen to be located in a different plane from the rest of the digits. 
         [0057]    A wrist and forearm region  126  (hereafter referred to as the wrist region) extends outwardly from a second end of palm region  116  in the opposite direction to the digit region. Wrist region  126  terminates in a cuff  128 . Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that cuff  128  defines an opening into which the workman will be able to insert his or her hand. It will further be understood that wrist region  126  may be of a variety of different lengths as measured between a bottom end of palm region  116  and cuff  128 . Thus, glove  110  may terminate closer to a workman&#39;s wrist or closer to the workman&#39;s elbow. 
         [0058]    Cuff  128  includes a bead  130 . Bead  130  extends around the entire rim of cuff  128  and comprises a rolled and thickened region which strengthens cuff  128 . Bead  130  is thicker than the rest of wrist region  126 . This thicker and stronger bead  130  aids in resisting tears in cuff  128  as glove  110  is pulled on or taken off. Bead  130  is fabricated in the same manner as bead  30  on glove  10 . Thus, the hand-specific glove  110  shown in  FIG. 7  may include a bead and be fabricated by a substantially continuous automated chain machine, or a batch machine, or a semi-batch machine as has been described previously herein with reference to glove  10 . 
         [0059]    In glove  110 , thumb region  136 , index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 , palm region  138  and a first section of wrist region  148  adjacent palm region  138  may be designed to conform to the shape of the wearer&#39;s hand and wrist. Thus, these regions of glove  110  tend to be in abutting contact with the wearer&#39;s hand and wrist. Wrist region  126  may widen as one moves away from palm region  116  and toward cuff  128 . Thus, proximate palm region  116 , wrist region  126  may be of a first width “W 1 ” and proximate cuff  128 , wrist region  126  may be of a second width “W 2 ”. Width “W 2 ” is greater than width “W 1 ”. Width “W 1 ” may cause the first section of wrist region  126  to come into abutting contact with the skin on wearer&#39;s wrist. Width “W 2 ” is greater than the width of the wearer&#39;s forearm and, consequently a gap  127  is created between the skin on the wearer&#39;s forearm and the interior surface of glove  132 . This increase in width or the gap  127  makes it easier for the workman to put glove  110  on and to take glove  110  off. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  shows a former  132  used for fabricating hand-specific glove  110 . Former  132  includes a base  134  which is secured in any one of a known manner to a batch machine, a semi-batch machine or an automated chain machine that is used for fabricating gloves. Former  132  includes a thumb  136  and four digits which extend outwardly from a palm  138 . The digits include an index finger  140 , a middle finger  142 , a ring finger  144 , and a little finger  146 . A wrist and forearm (hereafter wrist)  148  extend between palm  138  and the base  134 . Index finger  140 , middle finger  142 , ring finger  144  and little finger  146  are all aligned along a common axis or, when viewed from the side, all of these aforementioned components are positioned in the same plane. Thumb region  136  is offset from common axis or, when viewed from the side, thumb region  136  can be seen to be positioned in a different plane relative to the other digits. 
         [0061]    Wrist  148  may include a first region  148   a  that increases in width from a width “W 1 ” to a width “W 2 ”. The narrower width “W 1 ” is provided adjacent palm  138  and the wrist  48  increases in width to width “W 2 ” some distance “L” from palm  138 . That distance “L” may be varied in accordance with the overall length of glove  110  to be fabricated on former  132 . So length “L” will be smaller if glove  110  will terminate proximate the workman&#39;s wrist and will be substantially longer if glove  110  is to terminate proximate the workman&#39;s elbow. 
         [0062]    Wrist  148  may further include a second region  148   b  that extends outwardly from one end of first region  148   a  of wrist  148  and is of a constant width. That constant width is of the same size as the widest portion of first region  148   a.  The width of second region  148   b  is therefore “W 2 ”. First and second regions  148   a,    148   b  are different in another way and this can best be seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . First region  148   a  is generally elliptical in cross-section shape while second region  148   b  is generally circular in cross-sectional shape. This difference in shape makes it possible for former  132  to be engaged on a substantially continuous or continuous automated chain machine so that bead  130  may be readily and easily fabricated as has been described above with reference to glove  10 . In particular, it is the second region  148   b  of wrist  148  that is contacted by appropriate machinery and is rolled to form bead  130 . 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a method of fabricating a glove comprises: 
         [0064]    providing a former  32  that includes a palm  38 , a thumb  36  and four digit regions  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  extending outwardly from palm  38  in a first direction, and a wrist  48  that extends outwardly from palm  38  in a second direction; and wherein wrist  48  includes a first region  48  that gradually increases in width from palm  38  outwardly in the second direction, i.e., the first region  48   a  flares outwardly;
   A. dipping former  32  into a vat  70  of liquid material  72 , such as nitrile or latex;   B. removing former  32  from liquid material  72 ;   C. drying a quantity of liquid material  72   a  which remains on former  32  so as to form the glove  10 ; and   D. removing glove  10  from former  32 .   
 
         [0069]    The step A. above of dipping former  32  may further include the step of engaging former  32  in a substantially continuous automated chain machine, a batch machine or a semi-batch machine. The selected one of the machines is represented in  FIG. 11  by box  74 . Former  32  is then dipped into the vat  70  which forms part of the selected machine  74 . 
         [0070]    The method may further include providing former  32  where the wrist  48  further includes a second section  48   b  which extends outwardly from the first section  48   a;  and wherein second section  48   b  is of a constant width and the constant width of second section  48   b  is of a size equal to a widest portion of the first section  48   a.    
         [0071]    Additionally, the step A. of dipping includes dipping former  32  into vat  70  of liquid material  72  to a depth that both of the first and second sections  48   a,    48   b  of wrist  48  on of former  32  will extend into the liquid material  72 . The step of providing the former may further include providing the former where the first section  48   a  is generally elliptical in cross-sectional shape; and the second section  48   b  is generally circular in cross-sectional shape. 
         [0072]    The method may further include forming a bead  30  at an end of the glove  10 . This is accomplished by passing former  32  between two opposed rollers  50 ,  52  which rotate in opposite directions “A” and “B” relative to each other. Rollers  50 ,  52  or former  32  are moved in a direction “C” that will cause the rollers  50 ,  52  to ride along a length of second section  48   b  of former  32 . This means that the rollers move from a region of the second section  48   b  that is free of drying liquid material  72   a  to a section that includes a quantity of drying liquid material  72   a.  Rollers  50 ,  52  move along the section that includes the quantity of drying liquid material  72   a  to cause that drying liquid material to roll into the bead  30  which extends around a circumference of the former  32  and of glove  10 . Finally, the method includes blowing a puff of air  76  into glove  10  while on former  32  in order to remove glove  10  from former  32 . 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , there is shown a front elevational view of a fifth embodiment of a glove in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, where the glove is generally indicated at  210 . Glove  210  is an ambidextrous glove as opposed to a hand-specific glove. Glove  210  may be fabricated out of nitrile or latex or any other material which causes glove  210  to generally conform to a hand of a person wearing glove. 
         [0074]    Glove  210  includes a digit region which extends outwardly generally in a first direction from a palm region  216 . The digit region includes a thumb region  214 , an index finger region  218 , a middle finger region  220 , a ring finger region  222 , and a little finger region  224  that extend upwardly and outwardly from an upper end of palm region  216 . Thumb region  214 , index finger region  218 , middle finger region  220 , ring finger region  222 , and little finger region  224 , are all aligned along a common plane or axis. In other words, when glove  110  is viewed from the side, the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions  214 ,  218 ,  220 ,  222 , and  224  are all located in the same plane. A wrist and forearm region  226  (hereafter referred to as the wrist region) extends outwardly from a second end of palm region  216  in the opposite direction to the digit region. Wrist region  226  terminates in a lowermost end  228 . Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that lowermost end  228  defines an opening into which the workman will be able to insert his or her hand. It will further be understood that wrist region  226  may be of a variety of different lengths as measured between a bottom end of palm region  216  and lowermost end  228 . Thus, glove  210  may terminate closer to a workman&#39;s wrist or closer to the workman&#39;s elbow. 
         [0075]    In glove  210 , thumb region  214 , index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger regions  218 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 , palm region  216  and a first section of wrist region  226  adjacent palm region  216  may be designed to conform to the shape of the wearer&#39;s hand and wrist. Thus, these regions of glove  210  tend to be in abutting contact with the wearer&#39;s hand and wrist. Wrist region  226  flares or widens outwardly as one moves away from palm region  216  and toward lowermost end  228 . Thus, proximate palm region  216 , wrist region  226  may be of a first width “W 1 ” and proximate lowermost end  228 , wrist region  226  may be of a second width “W 2 ”. Width “W 2 ” is greater than width “W 1 ”. Width “W 1 ” may cause the first section of wrist region  226  to come into abutting contact with the skin on wearer&#39;s wrist. Width “W 2 ” is greater than the width of the wearer&#39;s forearm and, consequently a gap  227  may be created between the skin on the wearer&#39;s forearm and the interior surface of the glove at lowermost end  228 . The gap  227  originates some distance upwardly from lowermost end  228  when glove  210  is worn. This increase in width or the gap  227  makes it easier for the workman to put glove  210  on and to take glove  210  off. 
         [0076]    Glove  210  may be provided with a flexible hinge region  260  on one or more of the thumb region  214 , index finger region  218 , middle finger region  220 , ring finger region  222  and/or little finger region  224 . Each of the finger regions  218 - 224  and thumb region  214  may be similarly configured so as to be able to readily grip the user&#39;s finger or thumb while still being able to flex and bend easily. The following description will focus on little finger region  224  but it will be understood that the description applies equally to each of the thumb region  214  and index, middle and ring finger regions  218 ,  220  and  222 . 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , little finger region  224  comprises a generally cylindrical peripheral wall  230  which is generally circular to elliptical in cross-sectional shape. Peripheral wall  230  bounds and defines an interior cavity  232  into which the user&#39;s little finger will be received. The user&#39;s little finger will include an upper knuckle that is disposed a short distance downwardly from a tip  224   a  of little finger region  224 . The user&#39;s little finger will further include a lower knuckle that will be positioned generally midway between tip  224   a  and palm region  216 . Peripheral wall  230  has a front surface  230   a  and a back surface  230   b.  Each of the front and back surfaces  230   a,    230   b  may be generally C-shaped in cross-section. Front surface  230   a  is configured to be disposed adjacent a front surface of the user&#39;s little finger and along a front portion of each of the left and right sides of the little finger. Back surface  230   b  is configured to be disposed adjacent the rear surface of the user&#39;s little finger and adjacent a rear portion of each of the left and right sides thereof. 
         [0078]    Still referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , rear surface  230   b  of little finger region  224  is provided with a hinge region  260  therein. Hinge region  260  is provided to grippingly engage the rear surface of the user&#39;s little finger as will be hereafter described. Hinge region  260  originates a distance “D 1 ” from tip  224   a  of little finger region  224  and terminates a distance “D 2 ” from palm region  216 . Hinge region  260  may be longitudinally sufficiently long enough to extend from adjacent an upper region of the upper knuckle on the user&#39;s little finger to adjacent a lower region of the user&#39;s lower knuckle on their little finger.  FIG. 13  shows the little finger region  224  in a curved position and the overall length of hinge region  260  is indicated by the reference character “L”. Length “L” is approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the total length of little finger region  224 , where the total length is measured from tip  224   a  to palm region  216 . Thus, hinge region  260  extends for the majority of the length of little finger region  224 . The area of little finger region  224  between tip  224   a  and the uppermost end of hinge region  260  will be located adjacent the user&#39;s fingernail. Thus, when glove  210  is worn on a user&#39;s hand, hinge region  260  will grippingly engage substantially the entire length of the flesh portion of the back surface of the user&#39;s little finger. 
         [0079]    Hinge region  260  may comprise one or more folds  262  formed in the material used to fabricate glove  210  and a plurality of elastomeric bands  264  that are provided on the interior surface of little finger region  224 . Adjacent folds  262  are separated from each other by a shallow trough  266 . Each band  264  is seated in one of the folds  262  and projects for a distance into cavity  232 . Each band  264  may be generally C-shaped when little finger region  224  is viewed in cross-section. Little finger region  224  has a longitudinal axis “Y” ( FIG. 13 ) which extends from tip  224   a  to palm region  216 . (It will be understood that each of the thumb region  214  and other finger regions  220 ,  222 ,  224  has such a longitudinal axis extending from the tip of the respective thumb or finger region to palm region  216 .) Each fold  262  and each band  264  may be disposed generally at right angles to this longitudinal axis. Each fold  262  and each band  264  may extend around about one half of the circumference of peripheral wall  230 , i.e., about one half of the circumference of little finger region  224  when viewed in cross-section.) Alternatively, each fold  262  and each band  264  may extend around less than one half of the circumference of peripheral wall  230  or around more than one half of the circumference of peripheral wall. Still further, each fold  262  and each band  264  may extend around the entire circumference of the peripheral wall ( FIG. 14 ). An interior surface of each band  264  is located in cavity  32  and is positioned for contact with the rear surface and a rear portion of each of the left and right sides of the user&#39;s little finger. 
         [0080]      FIG. 13  shows that front surface  230   a  of little finger region  224  is substantially smooth along the entire length thereof, where the length is measured from tip  224   a  to palm region  216 . A region of front surface  230   a  opposed to hinge region  260  comprises a smooth zone that is free of elastomeric bands  264 . The interior surface of this smooth zone will be positioned adjacent the front surface of the user&#39;s little finger when received in cavity  232 . 
         [0081]    When the user bends their little finger each fold  262  and  264  of hinge region  260  stretches longitudinally and becomes generally flattened, thus increasing the overall length of each fold  262  and associated band  264  (where that length is measured from one trough  266  to the adjacent trough  266 ) and thereby increasing the overall length of hinge region  260 . Additionally, the curvature of each trough  240  is also flattened out. This overall increased length of hinge region  260  is longer than the length “L” ( FIG. 13 ). Thus, when the user&#39;s little finger is bent, a greater surface area of hinge region  260  contacts the back surface of little finger, thereby increasing the gripping engagement therewith. The increased length of hinge region  260  also tends to reduce any resistance in glove  210  against the bending motion. This expanded state of hinge region  260  allows the little finger to bend easily at both knuckles while maintaining gripping contact with the back surface and parts of the sides of the user&#39;s little finger. When the user moves their finger from the bent position back to a straight position, the length of each fold  262  and associated band  264  is decreased. Because of the resilience of band  264 , each fold  262  and the associated band  264  tend to return to their original unstretched position and length. 
         [0082]    At the same time, the smooth zone on front surface  230   a  becomes slightly wrinkled by the bending the user&#39;s little finger.  FIG. 13  shows the original length of the smooth zone as being of a size “L 1 ”. When the user&#39;s little finger is bent at both upper and lower knuckles, the overall length of the smooth zone is reduced in size to less than “L 1 ”. Because bands  264  terminate a distance away from the smooth zone and generally away from the front portions of the sides of little finger region  224 , there is substantially no excess build-up of the material of little finger region  224  as the user&#39;s little finger bends. Thus, the bending of the user&#39;s little finger tends not to be hampered. Additionally, because only front surface  230   a  separates the user&#39;s little finger from objects gripped in the hand, the tactile sensitivity of the user&#39;s little finger is preserved. Still further, the provision of bands  264  only in hinge region  260  along back surface  230   b  tends to create a pulling force on the sides of little finger region  224  and on the smooth zone thereof. This pulling force increases when the user&#39;s little finger is bent and this aids in keeping the material of the smooth zone in close contact with the front of user&#39;s little finger, thereby further preserving the tactile sensitivity of the user&#39;s finger even as glove  210  tends to stretch over a long period of use. 
         [0083]    In thumb region  214 , the hinge region  260  will tend to originate in a region that will be disposed adjacent a bottom end of the nail on the user&#39;s thumb and will terminate proximate palm region  216 . In other words, hinge region  260  on thumb region  214  will extend for approximate two-thirds to three-quarters of the length of thumb region  214 . Hinge region  260  furthermore will include a plurality of folds  262  and bands  264  which grippingly engage the back of the user&#39;s thumb (not shown) and rear portions of the sides thereof. Thumb region  214  will further include a smooth zone that is disposed opposite hinge region  260  and will abut the front of the user&#39;s thumb. Thus, the hinge region  260  will function in substantially the same manner in thumb region  214  as it does in finger regions  218 - 224 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 14 , as indicated above, shows a little finger region  224  in which the folds  262 , elastomeric bands  264  and troughs  266  all extend substantially around the entire circumference of the little finger region  224 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 15  shows an alternative construction of glove  210  in which a liner  270  is provided adjacent an interior surface of the some or all of glove  210 . Liner  270  is illustrated as being located inwardly of the interior surfaces of folds  262 , bands  264 , and troughs  266 . Liner  270  may be fabricated from any of a number of materials such as cotton. Liner  270  may also comprise a flocking material that is applied to the interior surface of glove  210 . The flocking may be comprised of any material such as rayon. This flocking, particularly rayon flocking, may provide a mechanism for soaking up perspiration during use of the glove. Any other materials may be used as flocking or a lining and which will make the gloves more comfortable to wear. 
         [0086]      FIG. 16  shows another alternative construction of glove  210 . In this instance little finger region  224  is provided with folds  262  and troughs  266  but no elastomeric bands  264 .  FIG. 16  shows a construction in which folds  262  and troughs  266  extend only partially around the circumference of little finger region  224 . It will be understood that these folds and troughs could instead extend around the entire circumference of little finger region  224 . It will further be understood that flocking or some other liner could be applied on the interior surface of little finger region  224  and some or all of the rest of glove  210 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 17  shows yet another alternative construction of glove  210 . In this instance little finger region  224  includes a first hinge region  260   a  and a second hinge region  260   b  that are spaced from each other by a smooth zone  268 . First and second hinge regions  260   a,    260   b  are positioned to be located adjacent the user&#39;s little finger&#39;s first and second knuckles respectively. The smooth zone  268  will be positioned in that part of the user&#39;s little finger that extends between their first and second knuckles. It will be understood that first and second hinge regions  260   a,    260   b  may include folds  262 , bands  264  and troughs  266  and these components may extend around only a part of the circumference of little finger region  224  or around the entire circumference thereof. Still further, first and second hinge regions  260   a,    260   b  may be comprised only of folds  262  and troughs  266 . Furthermore, flocking or some other type of lining may be applied to the interior surface of glove  210  including little finger region  224  whether elastomeric bands  264  are present or not and irrespective of whether the hinge regions  260   a,    260   b  extend partially or entirely around the circumference of little finger region  260 . 
         [0088]    It will further be understood that hinge region  260  or first and second hinge regions  260   a,    260   b  may include zones that include elastomeric bands  264  and other zones that are free of elastomeric bands  264 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 18  is a front elevational view of a sixth embodiment of an ambidextrous glove in accordance with an aspect of the present invention generally indicated at  310 . Glove  310  extends downwardly for a distance along a user&#39;s wrist and forearm  312 . Glove  310  includes a thumb region  314 , a palm region  316 , an index finger region  318 , middle finger region  320 , ring finger region  322  and a little finger region  324 . Glove  310  further includes a wrist region  326  and a rolled cuff  328 . Wrist region  326  is of a width “W 1 ” proximate palm region  316  and is of a wider width “W 2 ” proximate rolled cuff  328 . Glove  310  is substantially identical in structure to the glove  10  shown in  FIGS. 2-6  and is fabricated in substantially the same way. Glove  310  differs from glove  10  in that the thumb region  314  and finger regions  318 - 324  include hinge regions  360  that are substantially identical to any of the hinge regions  260  described and illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 12-17 . Glove  310  may also be provided with flocking or some other type of lining in its interior. 
         [0090]      FIG. 19  is a rear elevational view of a seventh embodiment of a glove in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, generally indicated at  410 . Glove  410  is designed to extend for a greater or lesser distance along the user&#39;s wrist and forearm  412 . Glove  410  includes a thumb region  414 , a palm region  416 , an index finger region  418 , middle finger region  420 , ring finger region  422  and a little finger region  424 . Glove  410  further includes a wrist region  426  and a rolled cuff  428 . Wrist region  426  is of a width “W 1 ” proximate palm region  416  and is of a wider width “W 2 ” proximate rolled cuff  428 . Glove  410  is substantially identical in structure to the glove  310  shown in  FIG. 18  except in this instance the glove is a hand-specific glove. One or all of the thumb region  414  and finger regions  418 - 424  include hinge regions  460  that are substantially identical to any of the hinge regions  260  described and illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 12-17 . Glove  310  may also be provided with flocking or some other type of lining in its interior. 
         [0091]    Any of the gloves described herein may also be provided with a texture or patterning on some or all of the exterior surface of the glove. A suitable texturing material could include a sand-type texturing material applied to the exterior surface or roughness or wrinkles or micro-texturing undulations formed in the surface. Suitable texturing patterns include but are not limited to a diamond pattern, a fan-shaped pattern, a fish-scale pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a pattern resembling pebbles, and a zig-zag pattern. The patterning or texturing material may be provided only on gripping surfaces of the glove, i.e., surfaces that will be involved when a user grips an object while wearing the glove. The patterning may include raised shapes that project for a distance outwardly from the exterior surface or may simply be flush with the exterior surface or formed therein. 
         [0092]    Any of the aforementioned gloves may also include reinforced materials provided at the fingertips of the digit regions and thumb region and/or reinforcing provided in the thumb crotch i.e., in a section of the palm region positioned between the index finger region and thumb region. Still further, any of the aforementioned gloves may be fabricated from colored materials so that if parts of the glove break off during use then those broken parts of the glove may be more readily located and removed from foodstuffs and other products during the processing of which the gloves are worn. 
         [0093]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein are an example not limited to the exact details shown or described.