Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a method for configuring a passive-assist glove comprising measuring, in a first measuring operation, force associated with receiving an object into a stress zone at a palmar surface of the hand, the stress zone; measuring, in a second measuring operation, force associated with receiving an object into a dexterity zone at a palmar surface of the hand, the dexterity zone; providing a plurality of palm sections for the glove; and arranging the plurality of palm sections being in the glove based on results of the measuring operation and to allow manipulation of the palm and the at least one of the multiple fingers to receive the object during use of the glove.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present technology relates to designing work gloves. More specifically, the technology relates to configuring work gloves with passive-assist capabilities. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A person performing continual repetitious motions and localized pressure can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as carpal tunnel and tendonitis. MSDs can be associated with symptoms such as discomfort, pain, numbness, and loss of dexterity, among others. Risk factors associated with MSDs include, among others, repetitive motion, repeated impact, high hand force, and high hand-arm vibration. 
         [0003]    High hand force is developed when a person&#39;s hands or fingers hold or squeeze an object that requires an effort. High hand force can strain muscles as well as tendons in hands and arms. High hand force directly correlates to the manner in which an object is gripped, e.g., a pinch grip with finger versus a power grip with the entire hand. 
         [0004]    Gloves have been used as a means of hand protection to reduce the risk of MSD when conducting manual activities. However, poorly fitted gloves can decrease grip strength, putting a person at higher risk for MSD. Poorly fitted gloves can also inhibit hand and finger dexterity—e.g., reducing blood circulation if gloves are too small for the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0005]    To help reduce the risk of MSDs, work gloves are used to protect the hand and increase friction, resistance, and/or impact between a hand and an object during coupling, referred to as hand-object coupling. 
         [0006]    Some conventional technologies include gloves made of lightweight or thin materials, promoting use in a wide range of tasks. Lightweight materials, however, typically do not increase friction or provide protection against impact during hand-object coupling. 
         [0007]    Some conventional gloves reduce impact during hand-object coupling. For example, work gloves may include a foam layer to generally distribute and dissipate impact felt on the hand during coupling. Although the foam layer reduces hand force impact, the layer also adds bulk to the glove, sacrificing dexterity. 
         [0008]    Yet other gloves promote increased friction during hand-object coupling. As an example, work gloves textured with or coated by a thin layer petroleum based materials (e.g., nitrile). Coated work gloves provide light, flexible and abrasion-resistant option. However, the coating often reduces dexterity due to the stiffness of the materials used within the coating when in contact with objects during coupling. 
         [0009]    Existing technologies fail to show a glove having the ability to increase friction as well as maintain dexterity of a user&#39;s hand during hand-object coupling. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    Given the aforementioned deficiencies, a need exists for a configurable work glove with passive-assist capabilities. The glove would decrease a user&#39;s grip effort while increasing his/her grip force for the same activity. 
         [0011]    The work glove can be used by a person or a machine, such as an automated apparatus, e.g., robotic or robotic equipment. A hand of a person and/or a hand of a machine can be used in designing and testing the gloves. 
         [0012]    The present disclosure relates to a method for designing a passive-assist glove to be worn on a hand comprising (1) measuring, in a measuring operation, force associated with receiving an object into a stress zone at a palmar surface of the hand, the stress zone comprising a thenar zone, a hypothenar zone, and an interdigital zone, (2) providing a plurality of palm sections for the glove, and (3) arranging the plurality of palm sections being in the glove based on results of the measuring operation and to allow manipulation of the palm to receive the object during use of the glove. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of palm sections corresponds to the thenar zone, the hypothenar zone, and/or the interdigital zone. 
         [0014]    Also, the present disclosure relates to a method for designing a passive-assist glove, to be worn on a hand, comprising (1) measuring, in a measuring operation, force associated with receiving an object into a dexterity zone at a palmar surface of the hand, the dexterity zone comprising a thumb and multiple fingers of the hand, (2) providing a plurality of dexterity sections for the glove, and (3) arranging the plurality of dexterity sections being in the glove based on results of the measuring operation and to allow manipulation of at least one of the multiple fingers to receive the object during use of the glove. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the measuring operation furthering comprising, measuring force associated with receiving the object on a first front zone located on the palmar surface of the hand, on a proximal phalanx of the thumb and at least one of the multiple fingers. 
         [0016]    Some embodiments further comprise arranging a dexterity section in the glove, based on results of measuring the force at the first front zone, to cover the first front zone, and to allow manipulation of the thumb and at least one of the multiple fingers to receive the object during use of the glove. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the measuring operation furthering comprising, measuring force associated with receiving the object on a second front zone located on the palmar surface of the hand, on a middle phalanx of at least one of the multiple fingers. 
         [0018]    Some embodiments further comprise arranging a dexterity section in the glove, based on results of measuring the force at the second front zone, to cover the second front zone, and to allow manipulation of at least one of the multiple fingers to receive the object during use of the glove. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the measuring operation furthering comprising, measuring force associated with receiving the object on a third front zone located on the palmar surface of the hand, on a distal phalanx of the thumb and each of the multiple fingers. 
         [0020]    Some embodiments further comprise arranging a dexterity section in the glove, based on results of measuring the force at the third front zone, to cover the third front zone, and to allow manipulation of the thumb and at least one of the multiple fingers to receive the object during use of the glove. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the measuring operation furthering comprising, measuring force associated with receiving the object on a finger top zone located on the palmar surface of the hand approximately between a distal phalanx and a nail bed of the thumb and each of the multiple fingers. 
         [0022]    Some embodiments further comprise arranging a dexterity section in the glove, based on results of measuring the force at the top finger zone, to cover the top finger zone, and to allow manipulation of the thumb and at least one of the multiple fingers to apply pressure to the object during use of the glove. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the measuring operation furthering comprising, measuring force associated with receiving the object on a first finger side zone located on the palmar surface of the hand approximately between a proximal phalanx and a dorsal surface of the thumb and at least one of the multiple fingers. 
         [0024]    Some embodiments further comprise arranging a dexterity section in the glove, based on results of measuring the force at the first finger side zone, to cover the first finger side zone, and to allow manipulation of the thumb and at least one of the multiple fingers to apply pressure to the object during use of the glove. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the measuring operation furthering comprising, measuring force associated with receiving the object on a second finger side zone located on the palmar surface of the hand approximately between a middle phalanx and a dorsal surface of at least one of the multiple fingers. 
         [0026]    Some embodiments further comprise arranging a dexterity section in the glove, based on results of measuring the force at the second finger side zone, to cover the second finger side zone, and to allow manipulation of at least one of the multiple fingers to apply pressure to the object during use of the glove. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the measuring operation furthering comprising, measuring force associated with receiving the object on a third finger side zone located on the palmar surface of the hand approximately between a distal phalanx and a dorsal surface of the thumb and at least one of the multiple fingers. 
         [0028]    Some embodiments further comprise arranging a dexterity section in the glove, based on results of measuring the force at the third finger side zone, to cover the third finger side zone, and to allow manipulation of the thumb and at least one of the multiple fingers to apply pressure to the object during use of the glove. 
         [0029]    Other aspects of the present technology will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a palmar surface of a hand including mapping zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a configurable passive-assist glove  200  containing mapping sections corresponding to the mapping zones of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a graphical illustration of the maximum force required using (i) an off-the-shelf work glove and (ii) a configured passive-assist work glove in accordance with an exemplary embodiment for a small object. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a graphical illustration of the maximum effort required using (i) an off-the-shelf work glove and (ii) a configured passive-assist work glove in accordance with an exemplary embodiment for a small object. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a graphical illustration of the maximum force required using (i) an off-the-shelf work glove and (ii) a configured passive-assist work glove in accordance with an exemplary embodiment for a large object. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a graphical illustration of the maximum effort required using (i) an off-the-shelf work glove and (ii) a configured passive-assist work glove in accordance with an exemplary embodiment for a large object. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, for example, exemplary, illustrative, and similar terms, refer expansively to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern. 
         [0037]    Descriptions are to be considered broadly, within the spirit of the description. For example, references to connections between any two parts herein are intended to encompass the two parts being connected directly or indirectly to each other. As another example, a single component described herein, such as in connection with one or more functions, is to be interpreted to cover embodiments in which more than one component is used instead to perform the function(s). And vice versa—i.e., descriptions of multiple components herein in connection with one or more functions are to be interpreted to cover embodiments in which a single component performs the function(s). 
         [0038]    In some instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are therefore not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure. 
       I. HAND MAPPING ZONES-FIG.  1   
       [0039]    Turning now to the figures and more specifically the first figure,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a palmar portion of a hand containing a plurality of mapping zones  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology. 
         [0040]    Hand mapping allows better use of a user&#39;s hand during activities with high finger force and/or high hand force. Specifically, hand mapping is a tool in the present technology that allows a designer to create a passive-assist glove  200  (discussed further below in association with  FIG. 2 ) that: (i) increases friction during hand-object coupling, (ii) creates a bearing surface to reduce mechanical stress concentrations, and (iii) utilizes stronger parts of the hand for the force exertions. 
         [0041]    First, the mapping allows a designer to create a passive-assist glove to include an appropriate surface on which to increase friction during hand-object coupling. Increasing friction during hand-object coupling reduces the amount of force that is required by the fingers to accomplish a task, such as gripping an object or turning a cap. Increased friction may be of particular interest when the task requires a user to overcome the force of friction to change the position/location of the object—e.g., twisting a lid off of a container. Additionally, increasing friction during hand-object coupling can reduce the force on muscles and tendons, thus reducing the risk of MSDs. 
         [0042]    Also, the mapping allows the designer to create, on a passive-assist glove, a bearing surface to reduce mechanical stress concentrations associated with hand-object coupling. Using fingers to pick up an object creates a stress concentration within the engaged fingers, and more specifically, the finger tips. Distributing points of stress to a larger surface area (e.g., the user&#39;s entire hand), reduces the stress concentrations, also reducing the risk of MSDs. 
         [0043]    Finally, the mapping allows the designer to create a glove that promotes use of the parts of the hand that are strongest for force exertions, which is facilitated through improved hand-object coupling. Grip strength can be measured as (1) power grip—i.e., wrapping the fingers and thumb around an object and squeezing the object to the palm, (2) pinch grip—i.e., grasping an object with only the fingers and thumb, or (3) support grip—i.e., holding an object for an extended period of time with the fingers and thumb. In many individuals, his/her pinch grip is substantially lower than his/her corresponding power grip to the same object. For example, an individual may have a power grip that is 4 to 10 times that of his/her power grip. Thus, using a power grip over a pinch grip promotes efficient use of a person&#39;s grip strength. 
         [0044]    The zones  100  including mapping within a stress zone  110 , located on a palm of the hand, and a dexterity zone  155 , including zones on a thumb  150 , index finger  160 , middle finger  170 , ring finger  180 , and small finger  190 . 
         [0045]    A hand of a person and/or a hand of a machine can be used in designing and testing a configurable passive-assist work glove  200 , described in association with  FIG. 2 . Force measurements performed within the stress zone  110  and the dexterity zone  155 , can, for instance, be performed in connection with an object being placed into or contacted by a palm area of a human hand and/or separately into or contacted by a palm of a machine hand, whether the glove will be eventually used by people or machine. 
         [0046]    The stress zone  110  includes areas within the palm that typically receive impact and/or other contact during activities. The stress zone  110  includes a thenar zone  120 , a hypothenar zone  130 , and an interdigital zone  140 . 
         [0047]    The thenar zone  120  is an area located near the base of the thumb  150  and is defined by anatomical features on the hand including a radial border  112 , a thenar  125 , and a palmar digital  145  of the thumb  150 . The thenar zone  120  includes a group of muscles known as thenar eminence, which, if damaged, may in turn damage the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb  150 . 
         [0048]    The hypothenar zone  130  includes a group of muscles known as hypothenar eminence that controls the motion of the small finger  190 . The hypothenar zone  130  is defined by anatomical features including an ulnar border  114 , the thenar  125 , and a proximal palmar  135 . Impact to the hypothenar zone  130  may lead to hypothenar hammer syndrome, which occurs when a person uses the palm of the hand repeatedly, especially the hypothenar eminence, such as in using a hammer to grind, push, and twist objects. These types of activities (e.g., hammering) can damage blood vessels of the hand, resulting in a reduction of blood flow to the fingers. 
         [0049]    The interdigital zone  140  is an area located on the middle and upper palm of the hand. The interdigital zone  140  is defined by anatomical features including the distal palmar  147  and a palmar digital  145  of each of the fingers  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and  190 . In some embodiments, the interdigital zone  140  extends down to the proximal palmar  135 . The interdigital zone  140  includes a group of ligament fibers known as the transverse fasciculi, which if injured may limit or prevent dexterity with one or more of the fingers  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and  190 . 
         [0050]    The dexterity zone  150  includes areas that typically manipulated to grip, insert, or otherwise move objects, specifically the fingers. The dexterity zone  155  includes a plurality of dexterity zones for the thumb  150 , the index finger  160 , the middle  170 , the ring finger  180 , and the small finger  190 . The plurality of dexterity zones are located on the pulp of the finger (or finger pulp), which is the tissue on the palmar surface for the thumb  150  and each of the fingers  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and  190 . 
         [0051]    The plurality of dexterity zones within the thumb  150  include a front zone  152 , located on the finger pulp covering a distal phalanx of the thumb  150 , and a side zone  153 , located near the index finger  160  on the finger pulp covering the distal phalanx. The thumb  150  also includes a front zone  156 , located on the finger pulp covering a proximal phalanx of the thumb  150 , and a side zone  157 , located near the index finger  160  on the finger pulp covering the proximal phalanx. Finally, the thumb  150  includes a top zone  158 , located on the tip of the finger pulp, nearest a nail bed of the thumb  150 . 
         [0052]    The plurality of dexterity zones within the index finger  160  includes zones a front zone  162  and a side zone  163 , located on finger pulp covering a distal phalanx of the index finger  160 . The front zone  162  is located on a front surface of the finger pulp whereas the side zone  163  is located on a side surface of the finger pulp, closest to the thumb  150 . Also, the index finger  160  includes a front zone  164  and a side zone  165 , located respectively, on the front surface of the finger pulp and the side surface of the finger pulp of a proximal phalanx of the index finger  160 , closest to the thumb  150 . Additionally, the index finger  160  includes a front zone  166  and a side zone  167 , respectively located on the front surface of the finger pulp and the side surface of the finger pulp of the proximal phalanx of the index finger  160 , closest to the thumb  150 . Finally, the index finger  160  includes a top zone  168 , located on the tip of the finger pulp, nearest a nail bed of the index finger  160 . 
         [0053]    Similar to the index finger  160 , the middle finger  170  includes a plurality of dexterity zones including (ii) a front zone  172  and a side zone  173  on the finger pulp of a distal phalanx of the middle finger  170 , (ii) a front zone  174  and a side zone  175 , on the finger pulp of a middle phalanx of the middle finger  170 , (iii) a front zone  176  and a side zone  177  on the finger pulp of the distal phalanx of the middle finger  170 , and (iv) a top zone  178 , located on the tip of the finger pulp, nearest a nail bed of the middle finger  170 . The front zones  172 ,  174 ,  176  are located on the front surface of the finger pulp, whereas the side zones  173 ,  175 ,  177  are located on the side surface of the finger pulp, closest to the index finger  160 . 
         [0054]    The side zones  153 ,  157  and the top zone  158  of the thumb  150  may be used to move, position, or otherwise arrange small objects (e.g., installing a small electrical connector). The side zones  163 ,  165 ,  167  and the top zone  168  of the index finger  160  as well as the side zones  173 ,  175 ,  177  and the top zone  178  of the middle finger  170  may also serve a similar functionality. 
         [0055]    The ring finger  180  and the small finger  190  each include a plurality of dexterity zones on the finger pulp of (i) a distal phalanx of the respective finger—e.g., front zones  182  and  192 , respectively, (ii) the middle phalanx of the respective finger—e.g., front zones  184  and  194 , respectively, (iii) the distal phalanx of the respective finger—e.g., front zones  186  and  196 , respectively, and (iv) on the tip of the finger pulp, nearest the nail bed of the ring finger  180  and the small finger  190 —e.g., top zones  188  and  198 , respectively. 
         [0056]    The ring finger  180  and the small finger  190  may not include side zones seen in the thumb  150 , the index finger  160 , and the middle finger  170 . Due to hand anatomy, the ring finger  180  and small finger  190  are typically shorter in length than the middle finder  170 . As such, the ring finger  180  and index finger  190  may not be used as frequently to arrange objects. 
       II. PASSIVE-ASSIST GLOVE-FIG.  2   
       [0057]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the configurable passive-assist glove  200  containing a plurality of sections in accordance with the hand mapping zones  100  of  FIG. 1 . The glove  200  includes an stress section  210 , located on user&#39;s palm of the hand, and a dexterity section  150 , corresponding to the user&#39;s thumb  150 , index finger  160 , middle finger  170 , ring finger  180 , and small finger  190 . 
         [0058]    Each section within the stress section  210  and the dexterity section  250  may be covered by a material that (i) increases friction, (ii) dampens vibration, and/or (iii) resists impact. 
         [0059]    The material used for the stress section  210  (referred to as “impact material”) may be the same or differing material from the material for the dexterity section  250  (referred to as “dexterity material”). 
         [0060]    In some embodiments the impact material and/or the dexterity material may include an elastomeric thermoplastic material that includes a high-friction surface developed to enhance grip and reduce slippage between the glove  200  and an object during coupling. The impact and/or material may include textures such as a plurality of gripping surfaces, to effectuate the high-friction surface, as seen in the callout of  FIG. 2 . An example of such an acceptable high-friction impact and/or dexterity material would be 3M™ Gripping Material (3M is a registered trademark of the 3M Company of Saint Paul, Minn.). 
         [0061]    In some embodiments the impact and/or the dexterity material may include an anti-vibration or vibration-dampening material (e.g., polymer such as chloroprene) or other material that includes a surface for reduction of vibrations. The vibration-dampening material may include may include a plurality of gripping surfaces, to effectuate the reduction in vibration. An example of an acceptable vibration-dampening impact and/or dexterity material would be KEVLAR® Vibration-Dampening Material (Kevlar is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company aka/DuPont Company of Wilmington, Del.). 
         [0062]    In some embodiments the impact and/or the dexterity material may include an impact resistant material, such as thermoplastic elastomer. The impact resistant material may include may include a plurality of absorption surfaces, to effectuate the reduction in impact. An example of an acceptable impact resistant material would be DUPONT™ HYTREL® (DuPont is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company aka/DuPont Company of Wilmington, Del.). 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the impact material and/or the dexterity material may include force sensing material or other material that measures force associated with hand-object coupling. The force may be measured through any number of conventional methods, such as sensors and the like. The force sensing may include material or components that measures, records, and/or displays the measured force associated with the hand-object coupling. An example of an acceptable force sensing material would be QTC® Material (QTC is a registered trademark of Peratech Limited of the United Kingdom). 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, the impact material and/or the dexterity material flex to allow stretching both parallel in direction to manufacturing press (i.e., cross direction) and perpendicular to the direction of manufacturing press (i.e., cross-web direction). 
         [0065]    In some embodiments the impact material and/or the dexterity material are attached, after a manufacturing process, to the glove  200  by a bonding material (e.g., adhesive) or other attaching mechanism (e.g., sewn or stich) to the glove  200 . In other embodiments, the impact material and/or the dexterity material may be attached directly into the glove  200  during the manufacturing process. 
         [0066]    The stress sections  210  includes a thenar section  220 , a hypothenar section  230 , and an interdigital section  240 . 
         [0067]    The thenar section  220 , located near the base of the user&#39;s thumb  150 , corresponds to protect the thenar zone  120  of  FIG. 1 . The thenar section  220  protects the thenar eminence muscles, thus potentially reducing injury to the MCP joint of the thumb  150 , among others. Additionally, the thenar section  220  may extend from the palmar surface of the hand (shown in  FIG. 1 ) around the radial border  112  to the dorsal surface of the hand (not shown) to additionally protect the thenar eminence during impact activities (e.g., striking and pounding). 
         [0068]    The hypothenar section  230 , located near the radial border  114  of the user&#39;s hand, corresponds to protect the hypothenar zone  130  of  FIG. 1 . The hypothenar section  230  protects the hypothenar eminence, thus reducing potential injury to the palm and small finger  190 . Additionally, the hypothenar section  230  may extend from the palmar surface of the hand around the ulnar border  114  to the dorsal surface of the hand to additionally protect the hypothenar eminence during impact activities. 
         [0069]    The interdigital section  240 , located on the middle and upper palm of the hand corresponds to protect the interdigital zone  140  of  FIG. 1 . Specifically, the interdigital section  240  protects the transverse fasciculi, of the interdigital zone  140 , which in turn may protect dexterity associated with the fingers  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and  190 . Additionally, the interdigital section  240  may extend from the palmar surface of the hand to the dorsal surface of the hand approximately below the palmar digital  145  of the index finger  160  and approximately below the palmar digital  145  the small finger  190 . The extension of the interdigital section  240  to the dorsal surface may provide additional protection and/or support to the transverse fasciculi during hand-object coupling such as but not limited to gripping. 
         [0070]    The dexterity section  250  includes an area to receive one or more user&#39;s fingers used to grip and move objects. In some embodiments, the dexterity section  250  may include a compartment to receive the thumb  150  and/or at least one finger  160 ,  170 ,  180 ,  190 . In other embodiments, the dexterity section comprises a plurality of compartments, each compartment designed to receive the thumb  150  and/or at least one finger  160 ,  170 ,  180 ,  190 . 
         [0071]    Any compartments formed within the dexterity section  250  may include a distal phalanx section  252 , a middle phalanx section  254 , and/or a proximal phalanx section  256 . Separating the compartment(s) into sections  252 ,  254 ,  256 , allows the user to retain natural dexterity (e.g., bending of the fingers at interphalangeal joints) of the hand during hand-object coupling. 
         [0072]    The distal phalanx section  252  may be used to cover the distal phalanx zones of the hand. Specifically, the distal phalanx section  252  may protect the front zones  152 ,  162 ,  172 ,  182 ,  192  of the thumb  150  of the fingers  160 ,  170 ,  182 ,  190  respectively, and/or the side zones  153 ,  163 ,  173  of the thumb  150  and the fingers  160 ,  170 , respectively. 
         [0073]    In some embodiments comprising the plurality of compartments, the distal phalanx section  252  may be eliminated from a compartment designed to receive the ring finger  180  and/or the small finger  190  (as seen in  FIG. 2 ). Forgoing the distal phalanx section  252  on particular fingers allows manipulation of those fingers for actions such as gripping. Additionally, the ring finger  180  and small finger  190  are not subject to frequent contact and/or impact; therefore removing additional material promotes dexterity within the fingers  180 ,  190 . The plurality of compartments that do not including a distal phalanx section  252  may include another material that protects the surface of the fingers  180 ,  190  and is flexible in nature (e.g., a thin rubber coating). 
         [0074]    Similarly, the middle phalanx section  254  may be used to cover the middle phalanx zones of the hand. Specifically, the middle phalanx section  252  may protect the front zones  164 ,  174 ,  184 ,  194  of the fingers  160 ,  170 ,  182 ,  190  respectively, and/or the side zones  163 ,  173  of the fingers  160 ,  170 , respectively. 
         [0075]    In some embodiments comprising the plurality of compartments, the middle phalanx section  254  may be eliminated from a compartment designed to receive the small finger  190  (as seen in  FIG. 2 ). Forgoing the middle phalanx section  254  on the small finger  190  allows manipulation of the small finger  190  for actions such as gripping. Since the small finger  190  is not subject to frequent contact and/or impact, removing the middle phalanx section  254  material promotes dexterity of the small finger  190 . As stated above, the plurality compartments that do not including a middle phalanx section  254  may include another material that protects the surface of the small finger. 
         [0076]    The proximal phalanx section  256  may be used to cover the proximal phalanx zones of the hand. Specifically, the proximal phalanx section  256  may protect the front zones  156 ,  166 ,  176 ,  186 ,  196  of the thumb  150  and the fingers  160 ,  170 ,  182 ,  190  respectively, and/or the side zones  157 ,  167 ,  177  of the thumb  150  and the fingers  160 ,  170 , respectively. 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, the glove  200  may incorporate additional functional features that improve the user&#39;s working capability or monitor of the user and his/her work conditions. For example, the stress section  210  and/or the dexterity section  250  may include additional features such as a light to allow for use of the glove  200  in dimly lit environments. As another example, the stress section  210  and/or the dexterity section  250  may include sensors to monitor the user&#39;s work conditions (e.g., measuring a temperature of a contact surface) or the user himself (e.g., monitoring the users blood pressure). 
       III. IMPACT STUDIES-FIG.  3  THROUGH  6   
       [0078]    To show the benefit of the glove  200 , experimental data was taken to compare an off-the-shelf (OTS) glove to the configurable passive-assist glove  200 . The OTS glove was a rubber dipped glove common to many manufacturing assembly environments. An example of an OTS glove would be an ANSELL® HYFLEX® work glove. 
         [0079]      FIG. 3  illustrate the maximum force applied by a user gripping a small object, such as, but not limited to small electrical connectors, fastener (e.g., screws, nuts, and bolts), or wiring, using (i) the OTS glove (e.g., data block  300 ) and (ii) the glove  200  (e.g., data block  310 ).  FIG. 4  illustrates the maximum effort applied by the user gripping the same small object using (i) the OTS glove (e.g., data block  350 ) and (ii) the glove  200  (e.g., data block  360 ). 
         [0080]    Similarly,  FIG. 5  illustrates the maximum force applied by a user gripping a large object, such as, but not limited to, large electrical connectors, hoses, and sheet metal, using (i) the OTS glove (e.g., data block  400 ) and (ii) the glove  200  (e.g., data block  410 ).  FIG. 6  illustrates the maximum effort applied by the user gripping the same large object using (i) the OTS glove (e.g., data block  450 ) and (ii) the glove  200  (e.g., data block  460 ). 
         [0081]    The maximum force is measured in units of pounds the user applies during hand-object coupling. As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the glove  200  provided a maximum force that was greater than that of the OTS glove for moving the same object. In fact, the maximum force exerted by the user wearing the glove  200  was more than a 30% increase over the OTS glove for the small object, and more than a 10% increase over the OTS glove for the large object. 
         [0082]    The maximum effort is measured through an electromyography (EMG) to capture the electrical potential generated by a set of muscle cells when the muscle cells are electrically or neurologically activated. Units of measurement for the electrical potential is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6  are millivolts (mV). 
         [0083]    As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the glove  200  provided a maximum effort that was less than the maximum effort required by the OTS glove for the same object. In fact, the maximum effort exerted by the user wearing the glove  200  was almost a 40% decrease over the OTS glove for the small object, and almost a 70% decrease over the OTS glove for the large object. 
       IV. BENEFITS 
       [0084]    Many of the benefits and advantages of the present technology are described herein above. The present section presents in summary some of the benefits of the present technology. 
         [0085]    The technology associated with a passive-assist work glove protects a user&#39;s hand from sharp edges. Safety is a concern in manufacturing environments where raw materials may have rough or unpolished surfaces. Protecting the user&#39;s hand from rough surfaces reduces the risk of injury. 
         [0086]    The technology also minimizes impact shock, impact force, and vibration. Repeated shock, force, and vibration can cause injury to a human body, specifically areas such as the hand that can be the point of impact transfer. Reducing the impact and vibration to the hand may reduce the likelihood of long term injuries, such as carpal tunnel. 
         [0087]    Additionally, the technology promotes dexterity allowing hand and finger manipulation. Dexterity allows a user to make precisely coordinated movements of the hand(s) to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. Also, the technology promotes grip strength, specifically, clasp grip and pinch grip, of the user&#39;s hand surfaces. The ability to grip an object with great force can be necessary when moving large objects that are heavy or awkwardly shaped, and the ability to grip an object with minimal force can be required when objects are fragile or easily deformable. Using the same technology to grip objects where either high force (e.g., clasp grip) or low force (e.g., pinch grip) provides the user with the ability to complete a wide range of tasks and activities. 
         [0088]    The technology may be used to accomplish tasks where force application is required. The use of force application can be necessary when pressing two objects together or inserting one object into another. Force application also provides the user with the ability to complete a wide range of tasks and activities. 
       V. CONCLUSION 
       [0089]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. 
         [0090]    The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. 
         [0091]    Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.