Abstract:
An ergonomic glove, fingered or fingerless, is provided for use with devices that require gripping such as ski poles, dumbbells, and bicycle handlebars. The glove shape is of a sports-fitted glove with built-up areas on the thumb, fingers, and palm, whereby when the wearer grips an item, the thumb is supported and the hand and wrist are in a neutral position generally aligned with the forearm. A thumb retainer is provided to position and support the thumb while bent. The glove is also provided with a padded insert or exsert of two different constructions, both having three portions, which insert or exsert acts to restrict the contraction of the successive fingers at a gradual rate. The insert/exsert causes the knuckles to be in linear alignment. The glove promotes improved alignment and stabilization of the user&#39;s body parts and in particular shoulders, hips, legs, etc., for greater stability and movement efficiency.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a specialized glove used in pairs which permits the user to grip such items as ski poles, hand tools, bicycle handlebars, crutches, and other items that require a gripping motion to do so in a more beneficial ergonomic manner involving specific finger placement. This finger placement positions the user&#39;s hand to create optimal skeletal alignment and to perform various physical activities in a more beneficial ergonomic manner. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    An engineer is a person who is trained or skilled in the designing or planning of the creation of machines and structures and their implementation. The best use of human labor, whether for business or pleasurable activities, falls within the domain of industrial engineering. The interaction of human beings and machines and machinery falls within the domain of human engineering IE ergonomics. Thus it fell upon applicant, who works in the field of ergonomics, to recognize that many routine chores and activities such as rowing, bicycling, lifting boxes or items, pulling/pushing, and other work or play mechanical movements can be done in a more balanced fashion, that is, in an ergonomically, friendly manner. That is, the hands of the party doing an act would not get tired and become strained from excessive use or misuse while performing athletic tasks such as cycling, rowing, and weightlifting. Or work tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and using tools. 
         [0003]    The approach to the question of how to carry out everyday chores in a more ergonomic mode was approached not from the viewpoint of changing every tool, instrument, or object that was handled by a user, but rather to adapt the user in a friendly fashion to the preexisting ergonomic unfriendly items that already exist in the world. Thus the question was phrased, “lower the water or raise the bridge?” And so applicant came upon a unique approach of adapting the hands to act in an ergonomic fashion when being applied to preexisting items used every day in the world. 
         [0004]    Since applicant could not change every handle, ski pole, oar, etc., the changing of the mode of gripping or articulating the fingers and the hands on such items was undertaken. Thus, the glove of this invention was born. 
         [0005]    The invention accordingly comprises the device possessing the features properties and the relation of components which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the appended claims. 
         [0006]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A glove made of leather or fabric shaped to and sized for the user&#39;s hand, insulated or not, and having a specifically configured rubber or other material, such as Kevlar®, nomex, etc. insert designed to change the mode of gripping of a handle, pole, tool or object or bar by the fingers. The thumb has a support to limit its motion and modify its position. The insert and the support are each sewn or glued between the outer layer and the lining of the glove, or under the lining layer wherein direct skin contact would transpire. 
         [0008]    It is a first object to provide a new ergonomic glove, the left of which is a mirror image version of the right. 
         [0009]    It is a second object to provide a glove that enables the user to grip items in a more ergonomic friendly fashion. 
         [0010]    It is a third object to provide a glove that prevents the user from straining their wrist caused by improper lifting of handles, and bars, and improper hand positions during typing of inputting numbers, and during the use of hand tools. 
         [0011]    It is a fourth object to provide an ergonomic glove for use in sports, while on the job doing certain tasks, such as using a rake . . . and at play, such as weight lifting to prevent or inhibit wrist injury. 
         [0012]    It is a fifth object to provide a glove that supports the thumb in a neutral position. 
         [0013]    It is a sixth object to provide a glove that restricts the contraction of the fingers on a graduated basis using grooves of various sizes, or layers of material that may be glued, heat welded, or sewn together, to create a variable resistance. 
         [0014]    It is a seventh object to provide a glove that improves the user&#39;s biomechanics efficiency. 
         [0015]    It is an eighth object to provide a fingerless glove that operates in the same manner as the fingered glove but for different uses. It is a ninth object to provide a glove wherein there is a graduated resistance from pinky to index finger, such that it is easier to contract the little finger, #5, than the ring finger, #4, than the middle finger, #3 with the hardest finger to contract being the index finger, #2, adjacent to the thumb. 
         [0016]    Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a top plan cutaway view of the right ergonomic glove (palmar side) of this invention with the thumb extended, the open position. The left-hand glove is a mirror image thereof. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the dorsal side of the left-hand foam rubber insert used in the manufacture of the left glove of this invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a series of four side elevational views of the respective finger segments of the insert of this invention designated  3 A- 3 D inclusive, and showing the change in depth and width of bend crevice for each of the four fingers. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the left hand—palmar side—with a glove thereon seen from the palm side showing the restricted movement available when this glove is worn by the user. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the left glove thumb shown in the retained position on the support aspect of this invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a view of the left-hand glove slightly more rotated than in  FIG. 4  wherein the middles of the fingers of the glove—a portion of the glove that constitutes an area of the glove that provides no support structure, have been cut off. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view showing the various layers employed in the manufacture of the glove of this invention, except for the thumb area. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  depicts an alternate construction to that of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a view related to  FIG. 2  but of the bottom or palm side of the insert from the right hand. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a left perspective view of the thumb retainer of a right-hand glove of this invention as seen from the palmar side. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  in that it illustrates two variants that may be incorporated into the glove shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the left hand glove of the second embodiment of this invention with the thumb extended, that is, in the open position. The right hand glove is a mirror image thereof. The view shown is palmar side. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of an alternately constructed insert for use in this invention, palm side. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 13  externally mounted and designated an exsert, palmar side. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15A  is a variant of the glove of this invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15B  is an alternate form of the variant of the device of  FIG. 15A . 
       
    
    
       [0033]    The term top plan as used herein, refers to the plane of the view. A human hand has two sides, a back side—having the nails—is correctly referred to as the dorsal side. The palm side is technically referred to as the palmar side. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0034]    The ergonomic glove  10  of the first embodiment of this invention is seen in  FIG. 1 . It comprises any standard minimally lined glove  11  having a special insert  12  therein. The insert is seen alone in  FIG. 3 , the ergonomic glove  10  also includes a thumb retainer  30  to support the thumb. In  FIG. 7 , a sectional view of the various layers that make up the glove of this invention, but for the thumb area, is seen. Each of these several views will be discussed independently. 
         [0035]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a right hand ergonomic fingered glove  10  of this invention is seen. The inventive glove  10  is a cutaway view of the palm side to reveal the contents and to better depict the insert  12  and the standard glove  11  within which the insert is disposed. Thus cutaway lines  35 , 36 , 37 , indicate the boundaries of the fabric of the standard glove which are retained for identification of the palm side of standard glove  11 . 
         [0036]    Thumb support  30 , also disposed within standard glove  11 , will be discussed infra. Thus it is seen that the insert  12  has three portions, the palm portion  14 , the intermediate or motion limiting portion  49 , seen in detail for all four fingers in  FIG. 3 , and the finger portion  19  denoted in  FIG. 2  of the left hand. 
         [0037]    The glove  11  is any standard thinly lined or any unlined glove such as an athletic glove or driving glove. Such a glove can have a leather or artificial leather or other suitable material outer layer such as  60  seen in  FIG. 7 , an optional fabric lining of cotton or other material  61  for the upper or palm side of the glove, and a similar optional lining  63  and outer layer for the covering of the rear part of the hand  64 . The insert  12  is disposed in this  FIG. 7  construction between the lining layer  61  and the lining layer  63 , and as such comes in direct contact with the hand of the wearer. Whereas in the alternate construction of  FIG. 8 , the insert  12  is interposed between the outer layer  60  and the lining layer  61 . 
         [0038]    The insert  12 , while a unitary structure formed from a soft polyurethane, flexible foam as noted, possible other materials, could be non-flammable or flame resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar, nomex or soft rubber has three portions. The first is the digit or finger portion  19  which has four sections, one per finger, each of which are designated  20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , with an added “L” or “R” designation to denote the left or right-hand version of an insert. The second portion is the intermediate or crease portion  39  which also consists of four sections designated  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 , of  FIG. 3 . The third portion is the palm portion  14  is seen best in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 2 , the insert  12  is shown for the right-hand glove of this invention. The view here is from the back of the hand as if the hand had been removed from view. Thus, the viewer is above not beneath the insert  12 . The finger or first portion  19  covers only the proximal phalanx of each of the four fingers and not the thumb. The four sections here have been designated  20 L, 21 L, 22 L, 23 L. The “L” designates that these are for the left-hand unit of the insert forming part of this invention. The right-hand insert would be a mirror image thereof. 
         [0040]    Each section of the first portion  19  of the insert  12  extends from about the metacarpophalangeal crease of each finger rearwardly in the direction toward the wrist to the respective inter-digital pad of that finger. Each first portion section may have an arcuate leading edge as shown or one linearly cut if desired. 
         [0041]    The intermediate portion of the insert is portion  39  and it too has four sections, one section for each of the respective fingers excluding the thumb. This portion is depicted grossly magnified in the subfigures  3 A, 3 B, 3 C, 3 D, of  FIG. 3 . These four subfigures showing the intermediate sections have been oriented 90 degrees from their in-use position as the correct disposition of the creases is shown in  FIG. 1 . Each section is a crease between the respective finger and the adjacent palm area. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3A  represents a side elevational view of the first section which is the crease of the pinky or little finger, fifth metacarpal or fourth finger adjacent to part of the palm area. It is taken along the line  68 - 68  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 3B  is the same elevational view of the third finger crease of the insert and that finger and the adjacent palm areas. It is taken along line  69 - 69  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 3C  is the same view of the second finger&#39;s crease, and is taken along line  70 - 70  of  FIG. 11 . While  FIG. 3D  is of the index finger crease, and is taken along line  71 - 71  of  FIG. 11 . All of these creases just mentioned are located adjacent the inter-digital pad of the respective finger. These inter-digital pads are shown in these oriented elevational views. 
         [0043]    Each crease  49  comprises two segments depicted here as flat; namely, the first portion of the respective finger and the digital pad or upper area of the palm portion with a crevice there between. From these subfigures, it is to be understood that each crevice in the respective crease of the four fingers of the insert is narrower and shallower in a progression from the little finger toward the thumb. Compare  FIG. 3A  to  FIG. 3D . 
         [0044]    Reference to the sub-figures shows that the nomenclatures  44 U, 43 U, 42 U, 41 U, designators all refer to the upper segment or inclined wall of the respective creases shown in  FIG. 1 , while  44 L,  43 L,  42 L,  41 L, all refer to the lower segment or inclined wall of the respective crease, which lower segments are the mirror image inclined walls between the specific crevice and the respective inter-digital pad. That is, these  41 L- 44  L&#39;s designated surfaces are the inclined walls leading from the first portion to the respective crevice. The crevices of the creases are designated  45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , respectively. See  FIG. 3 . These intermediate sections can be viewed as motion limiters as they restrict the bending of the fingers in differing amounts. Each of these sub-figures was created by slicing through the insert through the palm area to segregate a first portion, one finger and its crease and its part of the palm. Rear edges  49 A- 49 D respectively are shown as jagged in that this line represents an artificial edge in that the cutaway balance of the palm portion is not shown here. Reference to  FIGS. 2 and 9  could create some confusion as they both have the same general outline.  FIG. 2  is the non-use, that is no crease side or back side of the insert for the left hand.  FIG. 9 , on the other hand, is the user surface or front side of the insert for the right hand. Note the presence of the creases in the  FIG. 9  unit. The third portion of the insert is the palm portion  14 . It is a flat, approximately ⅛ to ¼-inch thick, segment of foam rubber, or other material or combination of materials and may be cut or layered, attached to the intermediate portion. It may be flat, shown as a straight line in  FIG. 1 , at its distal edge IE the edge distant from the fingers or it can be wavelike at the distal edge thereof as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 . The palm portion of the basic insert extends rearwardly from the intermediate creases&#39; portion toward the wrist to an artificial line extending across the hand through the middle of the width of the thumb. But see the discussion infra, concerning  FIG. 11  for a more rearwardly distal edge which discussion is set forth subsequent to the discussion of the thumb support. In  FIG. 9  as shown, the grooves or channels  40 - 43  are shown slightly angled to the elongation of the fingers. These grooves may also be straight across, IE about 90 degrees to the elongation of the fingers. 
         [0045]    The reader is again referred to  FIG. 1  as the discussion now turns to the thumb support  30 . This element is a flexible complex curve plastic or other material member having a wavelike configuration and having an arched over segment. This element is somewhat upstanding in its vertical disposition. Bottom surface  31 , per  FIG. 11 , adjacent the thumb is concave in its lateral disposition to conform to the convex shape of the thumb. Surface  31  slightly encircles the thumb to retain it in the desired position on the support  30 . 
         [0046]    The bottom surface  31  supports the thumb both slightly above and slightly below the crease between the distal and proximal phalanxes of the thumb. Reference should also be made to  FIG. 10  because the discontinuous arched over segment  33  seen there provides stabilization for the thumb, and which segment is hidden from view in  FIG. 1 . This arched over segment  33  extends somewhat transversely to the support surface  31  and engages the side of the griping thumb. Basically we are modifying the at rest position of the thumb to help locate and maintain the gripping thumb in the desired comfortable angled and bent position. It should be noted that the support  30  seen in  FIG. 10  is for the right-hand thumb and as such, from the perspective of  FIG. 1 , the discontinuous arched over segment cannot be seen. The side aspect of support  30  is designated  32 . See  FIG. 10 . 
         [0047]    Support  30  may be made of a flexible material such as nylon or other polyamide thus the thumb while supported is able to articulate. Support  30  is sewn or glued in place between the lining and the outer layer of the conventional glove  11 . If the glove  11  is unlined, support  30  may be attached by a suitable adhesive to retain it in its desired position. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 4-6  are provided to show the hand as it will be seen when stowed within the ergonomic glove  10  of this invention. The thumb of the glove  10  is designated  51  and the respective fingers  52 - 55  inclusive. In  FIG. 6 , a so-called short glove in that it has no rear ribbing and does not extend over the wrist, the rear edge  49  is seen and the arrow points to hand  50  disposed therein. As can be seen that the hand  50  is supported within the glove  11  by the insert  12  to achieve the curvature as shown in the several perspective points of  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         [0049]    The insert  12  in  FIG. 7  is disposed in this construction between the lining layer  61  and the lining layer  63 , and as such comes in direct contact with the hand. Whereas in the alternate construction of  FIG. 8 , the insert  12  is interposed between the outer layer  60  and the lining layer  61 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  has already been referred to in brief. It is the front side of the insert in its entirety and shows the exact locations of the creases previously discussed. 
         [0051]    While only one hand has been discussed and only one inventive glove shown for this first embodiment, it is best if the glove of this invention is used in matched pairs, one for the right hand and one for the left hand. That way maximum benefit is obtained. The second embodiment should also preferably be used in pairs 
         [0052]    The glove shown in  FIG. 11  is a cutaway of a composite glove based on the glove  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here glove  100  of the invention utilizes the basic insert  12  shown in  FIG. 2  to which sections have been added and as such the insert is now designated  120 . The basic glove upon which the invention has been incorporated is now designated  111 . The first feature addition to be discussed is the palm area extended padding  121 . This can be extended to the amount desired depending upon the configuration of the glove from the rear edge  122  as shown all the way to the very rear edge  123  of the glove thereof as may be desired. The cutaway line  136  yields the hypothenar area  150  to the rear of the right thumb in this figure. 
         [0053]    The second feature addition shown in this  FIG. 11  can be added separately or in conjunction with the first feature addition. The second feature pertains to an extension of each of the finger sections of the finger portion of insert  120  such that a second set of creases similar in design and sizing as the first set of creases described infra can be had. The placement of this second set of creases is disposed at a location that approximately corresponds to the metacarpophalangeal crease of each finger of a wearer. These second creases are respectively designated  243 , 242 , 241 , 240 . The nomenclature for the lower and upper aspects has been retained as is apparent from  FIG. 11 . The lower creases of the dual crease embodiment are designated  143 , 142 , 141 , 140 , respectively. See  FIG. 11 . 
         [0054]    Applicant is the inventor of U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,015 issued Nov. 9, 1999. That patent pertained to a pair of handgrips. The channels of the insert of this ergonomic glove, as disposed in the palm of the glove, create the same effect upon the handgrips as the fingers contract during the course of work as occurs when the fingers are placed upon a set of the grips or upon the grips as incorporated into other structures such as ski poles or hand tools. As the hand wraps around the grip, the fingers and thumb are placed or guided to precise positions relative to the grip but now within the glove as the ergonomic glove is wrapped around a work surface. 
         [0055]    1. The thumb shelf which supports the thumb in a bent position:
       a) Keeps the metacarpal and phalanges from being displaced by drawing the bones back to a neutral position. When the thumb is in an extended position, the metacarpal acts as a lever and shifts the bones of the hand and wrist out of a neutral alignment creating ulnar deviation.   b) Keeps the hand from over pronation (rotating inward). The extended thumb initiates independent pronation of the hand causing the wrist and elbow to move in an opposing direction IE the hand rotates inward and the elbow wants to rotate away from the body.   c) Helps hold the bones of the hand on a single plane. This allows the fingers to contract in a linear pattern otherwise the fingers twist as they are contracted. The extended thumb also causes the wrist and hand to hyperextend.       
 
         [0059]    Further, the glove is designed to support the fingers to facilitate the desired generally neutral positioning of the hand relative to the associated forearm. In this regard, it is desirable that the hand be generally aligned with the adjacent forearm. 
         [0060]    The hand is generally aligned or coplanar (rather than cocked) with regard to the adjacent surface of the forearm as seen in  FIGS. 4-6 . The hand in neutral resting position is coplanar when and as activities are performed. The wrist is aided and stabilized by the features of the glove and the hand can still be articulated to various positions that are determined by the activity being performed. 
         [0061]    It is seen that the plastic support for the thumb retains the thumb such that the thumb, index finger (first finger), and the wrists are placed in a neutral or stable position during use of the glove of this invention. Since the padding provided by the insert&#39;s second portion—that is at the crevice of the crease, is smaller at the index and middle fingers than at the third and fourth fingers, contraction of the fingers is less restricted at the little finger and ring fingers (fourth and third fingers) than at index and second fingers. The flexibility decreases from the fourth finger toward the index finger. That is the fourth is less restricted than the index to bending. The thumb support may also be made of flame resistant material for special needs. 
         [0062]    While a full glove is the best mode of utilizing this invention, the middle of the fingers of the glove may be cut off without inhibiting the benefits to be gained from the invention as the tips of the fingers of the glove are positioned forward of the insert and forward of the thumb retainer  30  used to support the thumb. Thus fingerless gloves are fully contemplated. 
         [0063]    Thus reference is made to  FIG. 12  wherein a glove of the second embodiment can be seen. The second embodiment comprises any standard minimally lined glove  310  having a special insert, previously discussed therein and her referred to as  310 . The insert  312  as noted above is seen alone in  FIG. 13  and is squared off at the end of each digit portion, as opposed to being rounded as per other FIGURES. The ergonomic fingered version  310  and the fingerless glove  360  also includes a thumb retainer  332  to support the thumb. Also in  FIG. 7 , a sectional view of the various layers that make up the fingered glove of this invention, but for the thumb area, is seen. The fingerless version of the second embodiment is of the same construction. Each of these several views has been discussed. By the term “fingerless” for the purpose of this invention, I mean a glove wherein the tips of the fingers and the tip of the thumb have been cut off at a specific location as recited infra. 
         [0064]    The discussion now turns to  FIG. 12  where is seen the left hand ergonomic fingered glove  310  of this second embodiment of the invention. Since the right hand fingered glove is a mirror image, it will not be specifically discussed. The inventive glove  310  is an x-ray view of the palmar side of any standard glove  311 , to reveal the contents and to better depict the insert  312  of  FIG. 13 . The fingerless glove version  360  wherein the insert is disposed externally and designated an exsert  360  will be discussed with respect to  FIG. 14 . The term x-ray view is used for  FIG. 12 , since no cutaway lines are used to indicate the boundaries of the fabric of the standard glove, be it fingered or fingerless. 
         [0065]    Thumb support  330  which has a side portion  332  in  FIG. 12 , also may be disposed externally on glove  360 , will be discussed infra and is referred to as an exsert. Note the use of the designator L in  FIG. 12  and R in  FIG. 14  for left and right handed. 
         [0066]    Thus it is seen that the insert  312 , seen in  FIG. 13 , whether mounted internally or externally has three portions, the palm portion  314 , the intermediate or motion limiting portion  339 , seen in detail for all four fingers in  FIG. 3 , and the finger portion  319 , all of which have been discussed supra though with different reference number series. One can readily see the distinction in the palm portion  314  versus the alm portion  14  of the first embodiment as to its configuration, 
         [0067]    The fingerless glove  361  of  FIG. 14  is any standard thinly lined or any unlined glove such as an athletic glove or driving glove. Such a glove can have a leather or artificial leather outer layer, an optional fabric lining of cotton or other material for the upper or palm side of the glove, and a similar optional lining and an outer layer for the covering of the rear part of the hand, as has been noted in the discussion of  FIGS. 7&amp;8 . The insert  12  previously discussed in  FIG. 7  is disposed in this construction between the lining layer  61  and the lining layer  63 , and as such comes in direct contact with the hand. Whereas in the alternate construction of  FIG. 8 , the insert  12  is interposed between the outer layer  60  and the lining layer  61 . Such alternative placements also apply to the second insert  312 . 
         [0068]    Here in  FIG. 12 , the insert  312 , while a unitary structure formed from a soft polyurethane, flexible foam as noted, has three portions. The first is the digit or finger portion  319  which has four sections, one per finger, each of which are designated  320 , 321 , 322 , 323 , with an added “L” or “R” designation to denote the left or right-hand version of an insert. The second portion is the intermediate or crease portion  339  which also consists of four sections designated  341 , 342 , 343 , 344 , of  FIG. 13 . The third portion is the palm portion  314  is seen best in  FIGS. 12 and 14 . Further discussion concerning the insert for the second embodiment is not needed as the insert is the same insert as used in the first embodiment, though slightly different shaped at the end of the plurality of finger portions. 
         [0069]    If one considers the point of attachment of each finger and the thumb respectively to be the first “crease,” or bend point, the fingers of glove  360  should be cut off at or about the second or middle crease of each finger and the distal crease of the thumb to be designated fingerless for the purpose of this invention. This will permit a full bending of all of the fingers and the thumb with no impediment. Thus the insert  312  should be located such that no part of the insert extends beyond the cut off edge of each finger and the thumb in glove  311 . To ensure long wear, the edge of each finger opening and the edge of the thumb opening should be circularly stitched. 
         [0070]    One might inquire as to for whom is this fingerless glove  360  of this second embodiment is intended. Runners and hikers who want to run or jog while holding the patented grips of applicant will have full use of their fingers to hold onto their water bottles. Gardeners will find them ideal for using shovels, spades and other garden tools in a safer mode. Cab drivers, and typists are good candidates for use of this second embodiment, since the fingers need to grip the steering wheel or be able to specifically impact a specific key on a keyboard. The effect that is to be achieved is to stabilize the body while aligning the skeletal frame specifically the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders and back while using one&#39;s hands in a working position by holding, grasping, turning, rotating etc, namely every motion that the hand and fingers can make. The movement of the arms and the positioning of the hands on the tool or implement affects the position and the stabilization of the body from the waist down. The body reacts to hand and arm actions, laterally elevating your arm with palms down increases the amount of lateral torso and head angulations as opposed to turning the palms up while laterally elevating an arm. Thus the saying, A stable body is a healthy body. 
         [0071]    Previously with respect to insert  12  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , it has been mentioned that the insert is formed of rubber or soft polyurethane into which creases have been cut of varying sizes in the finger portion. The same holds true here for this second embodiment. 
         [0072]    It has now been found that the desired progressive contraction pattern of the fingers where the little finger is easiest to contract, IE fold over toward the wrist, can be achieved by utilizing a plurality of layers of material, glued, heat welded, sewn or a combination of these procedures, to create a variable resistance pattern from the 5 th  finger down to index finger. 
         [0073]    The readers attention is directed to  FIG. 13 , which shows such an insert  312 . 
         [0074]    Here also the first portion  319  of the insert  312  extends from about the meta carpophalangeal crease of each finger rearwardly toward the wrist, to the specific inter-digital pad of that particular finger. Each first portion may have an arcuate leading edge, or be linearly cut for a no finger tip glove, if such desired. The construction is the differing point. 
         [0075]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view slightly to the palmar side of this right handed fingerless glove,  360 , wherein the insert  312  is mounted on the outside of the glove as an addition, and designated an exsert,  312 , as by glueing, sewing or heat welding, depending upon the material employed for both the glove and the exsert. This exsert is structurally the same as the insert  312 , just relocated. It is composed of a plurality of layers of urethane adhesive, readily available at the marketplace. The buildup of layers achieves the same result as cutting grooves into the uniformly thick material employed for insert  12 . Thus in the enlarged  FIG. 14 , the fifth finger  323 R has 4 layers of uniform thickness, while finger  322 R has 3 layers of the same thickness as finger  323  R, and one thin layer. The middle finger  321 R is the same as  322 R but omits the one thin layer. While index finger  320 R has but two layers. 
         [0076]    Rather than the groove pattern as shown the several views of  FIG. 3 , only a single cut of about 1/16th inch exists between the finger portion  319  and the palm portion  314  of this exsert. Of course the exsert  312  can be placed interiorly of the glove for direct contact with the fingers, or it can be inserted in a liner to avoid direct finger contact as may be desired. In such case element  312  would be designated an insert. 
         [0077]    The use of the layering technique to achieve the contraction results desired permits non-flammable materials such as Kevlar® to be employed for the benefit of fire fighters, glass makers and fighter pilots. 
         [0078]    The thumb support  330  to be employed with the exsert  312  may be similarly constructed to the thumb support  330  and it too can be fashioned from fire resistant material such as carbon fiber, for high heat environment usage. Here in  FIG. 12  the thumb, when at rest is placed in a position quite similar to its position of support on applicant&#39;s patented hand grips aforementioned. But the support here in the glove is adequately flexible to permit the thumb to move for grasping motion when needed. When used externally as in  FIG. 14 , the thumb support  330  may be glued into position, or retained by a cloth wrapper having an adhesive underside that sticks to the fabric. 
         [0079]    Of course the exsert  312  can be used on a fingerless glove as well as a fingered one is not specifically depicted. 
         [0080]    In  FIG. 15A  a variant of the glove of this invention is seen. While only the right hand glove is shown, the discussion applies equally to one or both gloves. In this variant the padding designated “A” for the little or 5 th  finger has been removed. In  FIG. 15B , not only the portion designated “A” has been removed, but also the portion designated “B”, which is padding in the palm area, situated just below the “A” portion has also been removed. It has been found that in both instances, the benefits of wearing of the glove(s) is still retained. Attempts to remove padding in the finger and/or palm area at the locations of other fingers is detrimental and counterproductive to the benefits to be gained from use of the glove for all activities. For ease and convenience the general numbering of parts as used earlier herein has been retained, but 1 hr these two figures,  FIGS. 15A &amp; 15B , the numbers have been placed in the 400 series. 
       Observations 
       [0081]    By using the glove of this invention, the hand is placed into a position wherein the radio-ulna line is in neutral alignment thus avoiding tendinitis and other hand and/or wrist injuries. The contraction pattern of the fingers, when this glove is used, brings about a tighter contraction pattern of the little finger and ring finger to thereby create greater muscular use of the triceps and posterior deltoid muscles, the result of which is to stabilize the pectoral girdle and back, and which keeps the shoulders from internally rotating thereby maintaining spinal alignment. 
         [0082]    By a wearer using the gloves of this invention, preferably in pairs, the wearer&#39;s biomechanical efficiency is improved due to the retention and support of the thumb in a neutral position and restriction of the contraction of the fingers on a graduated basis. 
         [0083]    Any suitable material may be employed for the outer layers of the fingered and fingerless gloves of this invention, such as leather, suede, vinyl, latex rubber, nylon, or fabrics such as cotton, linen, and wool, Kevlar and Nomex. The optional linings may be a knit fabric or other suitable lining material such as lamb&#39;s wool or rabbit hair. 
         [0084]    It has been observed that the user of the gloves of this invention have their balance affected positively when wearing the gloves of this invention be the gloves, with or without fingers. It is well known that the skeleton is made up primarily of small bones and a few big ones. The key to balance in one&#39;s gait and in standing erect is the position of the shoulders. If the shoulders are straight, the spine will retain its desired upright position. When the spine is mis-oriented, one loses their balance. 
         [0085]    It has been observed that when a wearer Mr A, has on the gloves and is engaged in an arm curl exercise with another person Mr B, of superior strength, who is not wearing the gloves, that it will be quite difficult for Mr. B to cause the wearer Mr. A to move from a given normal stance. Without the gloves on, Mr. B can move the wearer Mr. A quite easily. 
         [0086]    In another exercise, when the wearer has the gloves on, and assumes an elbows by the side palms up stance with the gloves in place, a poke on the chest or push by Mr. B will NOT cause the wearer Mr. A to step back. But with out the gloves and the arms in the exact same position, elbows in, palms up, Mr. B&#39;s poke or push can easily cause the wearer to take a step backwards. 
         [0087]    If wearer Mr. A without the gloves on, were to take a Phillips or other screwdriver, and practice a few turns on a screw using the right hand, it will be observed that when the wearer works strenuously, the right shoulder becomes arched. This eventually can cause joint discomfort if these rotational movements are carried out for a long period of time. But when the glove is worn on at least the hand using the screwdriver, it is found that the shoulder of the hand with the glove does not rise, thus avoiding potential injury, and assuring proper stance of the wearer. 
         [0088]    In essence the wearing of the gloves by workers can help them to maintain a physical alignment that is conducive to the performance of tasks with reduced injuries, and greater ease. Thus the gloves are recommended for package delivery people such as FedEx®, post office and UPS workers, construction personnel, and ditch diggers/gardeners among others. 
         [0089]    The reader should further understand that the human skeleton is made up mostly of small bones. The wearing of the gloves tends to stabilize the alignment of the back and thus retain these small bones in the correct position relative to each other. The shoulders of the person are the keystone to [proper posture. If on going about certain chores, such as lifting or carrying of an item(s), the shoulders rotate or move, such movement causes the spine to change the position of the basis for your balance—so that you don&#39;t fall over—since the body reacts to the orientation of the spine. 
         [0090]    For example, if a person carries out rotation of the arm during the use of a manual screwdriver, the shoulder on the right side of the body rises and falls. But where the gloves of this invention are worn, and the same job is performed, the shoulder stays level, such that after many repetitions of screwing in screws, during the assembly of an item, joints on the right side of the body that would have ached without glove wearing, do not ache. 
         [0091]    To reiterate what was alluded to above, the gloves of this invention can be made of a variety of materials to suit the job of the wearer. Thus Kevlar® fabric, for fire fighters, leather for those persons pulling weeds, or working in thorny plant areas along the nations highways or in fields, cotton for use in “clean rooms” for semiconductor production, and wool for persons subject to cold temperatures are but a few of the fabrics that can used for the gloves of this invention. The materials suitable for the padding has been discussed supra. 
         [0092]    Since certain changes may be made in the described apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.