Patent Publication Number: US-6338163-B1

Title: Integral convertible glove assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a glove assembly and, more particularly, to a glove device adapted to be converted from a first condition in which the entire hand is encompassed by the glove and a second condition in which the fingers (excepting the thumb) extend from the glove as would be desired where accurate tasks are to be performed without the encumbrance of the fabric or leather of the glove. 
     PRIOR ART 
     Conventional glove structures encompass the entire hand of the wearer. It is known to provide a “partial glove” wherein the endmost portions of the fingers are exposed. 
     In a further known construction, a mitten-like device is provided with a transversely-extending slit in the area of the palm whereby the fingers of the wearer may selectively be extended through the slit or remain encompassed within the sac-like enclosure of the mitten. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an integral glove device characterized in that it may be converted from a construction which encompasses the entirety of the hand including the fingers or, by folding back the portion of the device remote from the cuff, the fingers (excepting the thumb) may be exposed. A further novel aspect of the device resides in the ability, in contrast to known prior art devices, to afford a complete and essentially leak-proof enclosure of the hand when the device is worn in the manner of a conventional glove. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, means are provided for holding the finger components in the folded back condition. 
     Briefly stated, the device includes a sleeve having a cuff at one end, the sleeve being tubular and extending toward the finger portion. The sleeve includes a conventional thumb encircling branch. Projecting from the end of the sleeve remote from the cuff are four tubular extensions. A finger assembly includes four finger sacs, each said sac being in registry with a respective tubular extension of the sleeve component. The finger assembly includes a closure band which extends from the finger assembly toward the cuff end. The closure band overlaps the tubular extensions of the sleeve component blocking a passage of air into the interior. The device may be worn as a conventional glove, or the finger components may be folded back, the wearer&#39;s fingers projecting through the tubular extensions of the sleeve component. 
     Optionally, a connector means such as Velcro Brand Fastener may be interposed between the closure band and the surface of the sleeve assembly opposed to the band. 
     Also, in a preferred embodiment, Velcro Brand Fastener components may be fixed respectively to the back of the glove and the back of one or more of the fingers, enabling the finger encompassing components to be held in a folded-back condition. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glove in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the lines  2 — 2  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the glove in the “finger exposed” condition. 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical section taking on the line  4 — 4  of FIG.  3 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     Referring to the figures, there is disclosed a convertible glove device ( 10 ) which is comprised of a palm-unit ( 11 ) and a finger assembly ( 12 ). It will be readily recognized that the glove material may comprise leather, wool, or any similar material. 
     The palm unit is generally tubular including a cuff-end ( 13 ). As is conventional, thumb extension ( 14 ) projects from the sleeve. 
     The end of the palm unit remote from the cuff ( 13 ) is formed with a series of four tubular extensions ( 15 ). 
     The finger assembly ( 12 ) is integrally formed with the palm unit ( 11 ), the palm and finger assemblies being joined at hinge area ( 17 ). The finger assembly includes essentially conventional finger encompassing sacs ( 18 ). The open ends of the finger sacs ( 18 ) are disposed in registry with open-mouth portions ( 19 ) of the palm assembly. The finger assembly includes a closure band or flap  20  which overlaps the tubular extensions of the palm component in the handencompassing configuration of the glove as illustrated in FIG.  2 . Optionally, reclosable connector means ( 21 ), such as Velcro Brand Fastener, may be disposed between band ( 20 ) and the sleeve component of the device. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, one or more of the back portions of the finger sacs  18  adjacent the top of the sac is provided with a Velcro Brand Fastener dot  22 , complemental dots  23  being affixed to the back of the glove adjacent the cuff. This arrangement enables the finger components to be held out of the way against the back of the glove (solid lines FIG.  3 ). 
     The functioning of the device will be evident from the preceding disclosure. In a full hand encompassing condition illustrated in FIG. 2 the device functions in the manner of a conventional glove. If it desired to have the fingers free, as for the performance of tasks requiring a high-degree of finger dexterity, the finger components ( 12 ) are folded backwardly from the position from the position of FIG. 2 to the position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 such that the fingers of the wearer are exposed. The overlapping band or flap ( 20 ) assures that in the glove-defining condition the interior of the glove is sealed. The sealing effect is augmented, if desired, by the provision of a Velcro Brand Fastener or like connector interposed between the flap and the palm unit. Velcro Brand Fastener may also be employed to hold the finger sacs in a fold back position. 
     As will be apparent to those skilled in the art and familiarized with the instant disclosure numerous variations of structural details may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be broadly construed within the scope of the appended claims.