Patent Publication Number: US-2009229035-A1

Title: Glove with memory foam inserts

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to gloves. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel glove construction which includes a hand covering, including a hand-receiving chamber and an article-gripping surface and a plurality of spaced-apart, insert-receiving pockets connected to the hand covering for removably receiving strategically shaped inserts constructed from a foamed-cushion material having a memory. 
     2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
     A number of gloves of various constructions are readily commercially available and include work gloves, dress gloves, driving gloves, gloves worn for warmth and athletic gloves for use in carrying out various sporting activities. As a general rule, gloves, such as work gloves, driving gloves and athletic gloves are worn to protect the user&#39;s hands from injury. A common drawback of all of these types of gloves is the loss of tactile perception to a greater or lesser degree. For example, when heavy work gloves are used, the surface characteristics of the article being gripped is severely masked by the glove. If lighter work gloves are used, the cushioning effect found in the heavier work gloves is substantially diminished. It is this latter problem that the present invention seeks to overcome by providing a glove that exhibits substantial cushioning while at the same time providing a high degree of tactile perception. 
     As will be better understood from the discussion that follows, the glove of the invention is easy to don and can be used as a conventional glove, or alternatively, especially shaped inserts constructed from foamed-cushion material having a memory can be selectively inserted into strategically located insert-receiving pockets formed within the glove. The shaped-inserts, when in position within the internal pockets substantially replicate the surface features exhibited by the device being gripped by the user. 
     As disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,110 issued to the present inventor, the cushion material used in the present invention to construct the shaped-inserts was successfully used in a different application. More particularly, the material was used as a protective barrier that could be removably fitted over a dental instrument to generally replicate the ergonomic features found on the outer surface of the dental instrument. The barrier was constructed from two mating half portions that include interior chambers and was adapted for placement over and in proximate contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of a dental instrument. The interior chambers of each half portion uniquely contain a yieldably deformable cushion-like elastomer such as polyurethane foam. 
     The material was also used in an application disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,960 issued to Levesque, et al. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,960 issued to Levesque, et al., the cushioning material was also used as padding in a batting glove. More particularly, the batting glove disclosed in Levesque, et al., includes a base portion and a protective portion attached to the interior of the base portion and located between the base portion and a wearer&#39;s hand. The protective portion includes a cushioning material that attenuates impact forces and dampens vibrations associated with hitting a baseball or softball with a bat. As discussed in column  3  of the Levesque, et al., patent, starting at line  48 , the cushioning material is securely attached to the interior base portion of the glove as by sewing. Nowhere does Levesque, et al., disclose or remotely suggest the novel cushion material selectability and removability features of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a glove that is easy to don and can, if desired be used as a conventional glove. Alternatively, shaped articles comprising yieldably deformable, shaped-inserts of different configuration constructed from foamed-cushion material having a memory can be selectively inserted into strategically located, internal and external pockets or compartments interconnected with the hand covering portion of the glove. When the shaped-inserts are in position within the internal pockets of the gloves they tend to substantially replicate the surface features exhibited by the device being gripped by the user. When the shaped inserts are in position within the external pockets of the glove they provide substantial protection against external impact to the user&#39;s hands. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose glove construction of the character described in the preceding paragraph in which the user can select inserts of different sizes and configurations for insertion into the insert-receiving pockets, which inserts are best suited for the task to be performed. The user can elect to use the gloves of the invention with the variously configured inserts in the internal pockets, in the external pockets, or alternatively, in both the internal and external pockets simultaneously. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose glove construction as described in the preceding paragraph which is highly versatile in use and can be selectively adapted to perform various tasks that require a high degree of tactile perception. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a glove construction of the character described that is lightweight, durable and comfortable to wear. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a glove construction that can be inexpensively fabricated in quantity using well-known fabrication techniques. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a generally perspective, exploded view of one form of the glove construction of the present invention illustrating the positioning of strategically located insert-receiving pockets within the interior of the glove. 
         FIG. 2  is a generally perspective, exploded view, similar to  FIG. 1 , illustrating the strategically configured, yieldably deformable inserts that are constructed from foamed-cushion material having a memory and are removably receivable within the strategically located, insert-receiving pockets formed within the interior of the glove. 
         FIG. 3  is a generally perspective, exploded view, similar to  FIG. 2 , illustrating the uniquely configured, yieldably deformable inserts in position within the strategically located, insert-receiving pockets formed within the interior of the glove. 
         FIG. 4  is a greatly enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of one form of the resiliently deformable, polyurethane foam or like material that is used to construct the strategically shaped inserts or cushioning components of the glove. 
         FIG. 7  is a generally diagrammatic view illustrating the deformation of the cushioning component as a result the downward force being imposed on the cushioning component. 
         FIG. 8  is a generally diagrammatic view, similar to  FIG. 7 , but showing release of the downward force imposed on the cushioning component. 
         FIG. 9  is a generally diagrammatic view, similar to  FIG. 8 , showing automatic recovery of the cushioning material to its original configuration following removal of the downward force imposed on the cushioning material. 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 9 , showing the cushioning component having returned to its original configuration. 
         FIG. 11  is a generally perspective, diagrammatic view illustrating one form of the glove of the invention being used in connection with the operation of a micrometer. 
         FIG. 12  is a generally perspective, diagrammatic view illustrating an alternate form of the glove of the invention being used in connection with the operation of a conventional screwdriver. 
         FIG. 13  is a generally perspective view of an alternate form of the glove construction of the present invention, partly broken away to illustrate the positioning of strategically located inserts and insert-receiving pockets located exteriorly of the glove. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , one form of the glove construction of the present invention is there shown. The basic glove, which is designated in  FIG. 1  by the numeral  14 , here comprises a hand covering  16  that includes an inner surface  16   a , an outer surface  16   b  and article-gripping surface  18 . The basic glove shown in  FIG. 1  is adapted to cover a user&#39;s hand including the thumb, the fingers, including the index finger and palm portions thereof. The hand covering  16  here comprises a thumb-receiving chamber  22 , an index-finger-receiving chamber  24  and a palm chamber  26  each of which is disposed internally of the basic glove. Article-gripping surface  18  can be constructed from numerous pliable materials, including fabrics; knits; thin, soft leather; thin canvas and various types of composite material. For certain specialized applications, gripping surface  18  can also be constructed from a latex material. 
     Provided within the thumb-receiving chamber  22  and connected to the inner surface  16   a  of the hand covering  16  is a thumb protecting insert-receiving pocket  28  for removably receiving a selected one of a plurality of elongated, yieldably deformable, thumb-shaped-inserts, such is thumb protecting inserts  30  and  30   a , that are generally semi-circular in cross section and are uniquely constructed from resilient, foamed polyurethane material having a memory (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). As indicated in  FIG. 2  of the drawings, insert  30  has a thickness “T”, while insert  30   a  has a lesser thickness “T−1”. 
     In similar manner, provided within the index-finger-receiving chamber  24  and connected to the inner surface  16   a  of the hand covering  16  is a index finger protecting insert-receiving pocket  32  for removably receiving a selected one of a plurality of elongated, yieldably deformable, index-finger protecting-inserts, such as inserts  34  and  34   a , that are generally semi-circular in cross section and are uniquely constructed from a resilient, foamed polyurethane material having a memory (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). As indicated in  FIG. 2  of the drawings, insert  34  has a thickness “T−2”, while insert  34   a  has a lesser thickness “T−3”. 
     Provided within the palm chamber  26  and connected to the inner surface  16   a  of the hand covering  16  is a palm protecting insert-receiving pocket  36  for removably receiving a yieldably deformable, palm protecting shaped-insert  38  that is generally rectangular in cross section and is uniquely constructed from a resilient, foamed polyurethane material having a memory (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     In order that the basic glove can be used in a conventional manner, the insert-receiving pockets  22 ,  32  and  36  are constructed from a yieldably deformable material, such as a suitable fabric, a thin plastic, or like pliable material so as to be readily collapsible and expandable. More particularly, when the glove is used in the conventional manner, the insert-receiving pockets are constructed and arranged so that they will collapse into a generally flattened condition and will generally conform to the shape of the user&#39;s hand. Conversely, when the glove is modified to permit its use in the performance of tasks that require a high degree of tactile perception, the insert-receiving pockets  22 ,  32  and  36  are constructed and arranged so that they will readily expand to receive and removably contain the inserts  30 ,  34  and  38  respectively (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     In one form of the method of the present invention the user can select, instead of elongated, yieldably deformable shaped-insert  30  for insertion into insert-receiving pocket  28 , an elongated yieldably deformable shaped-insert  30   a  that is of a different size and configuration that would be better suited for carrying out the task at hand ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Similarly, the user can select instead of elongated, yieldably deformable shaped-insert  34 , an elongated yieldably deformable shaped-insert  34   a  for insertion into the insert-receiving pocket  32  that is of a different size and configuration that would be better suited for carrying out the task at hand ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The yieldably deformable cushion material from which the inserts  30 ,  34 ,  38 ,  30   a  and  34   a  are formed can comprise various types of resilient, foamed elastomers of a character well known to those skilled in the art. However, for present purposes, the yieldably deformable, cushion material preferably comprises resilient foamed polyurethane. The resilient foamed elastomer, such as foamed polyurethane, can readily be molded-to-shape or cut-to-shape to fit within the insert-receiving pockets  22 ,  32  and  36  respectively. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the foamed polyurethane, of the character used to form the cushioning component of the glove, has a unique capability of automatically returning to its original configuration after having been deformed. 
     Gloves of the construction illustrated in  FIG. 3  of the drawings can advantageously be used to grip numerous articles such as various types of hand tools including hammers, chisels, screwdrivers as well as various types of electrically powered tools such saws, drills, planers and the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the novel gloves of the present invention not only enable the user to securely grip the tool, but also provide a highly effective protective cushion for the user&#39;s palm and fingers. More particularly, as best seen in  FIG. 12  of the drawings, the unique cushioning material, which overlays the thumb, index finger and palm of the glove, yieldably deforms in a manner to closely conform to the gripping surfaces formed on the tool, thereby enabling the user to tactilely perceive and securely grip the tool. 
     Because the shaped-inserts  30 ,  34 ,  30   a  and  34   a  are generally semi-circular in cross section, they can be closely received within insert pockets  28  and  32  in a manner illustrated in  FIG. 4  of the drawings and can, thusly, be positioned to permit substantially improved tactical perception between the thumb and index finger of the user so as to enable precise manipulation of articles such as a micrometer “M” (see  FIG. 11 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the cushioning material contained within insert-receiving pockets  22  and  32  not only enables the user to securely grip the tool between the palm and forefingers, but also provides an effective protective cushion to the user&#39;s hand and fingers. 
     Similarly, the strategically shaped palm insert  38  can be closely received within insert compartment  36  in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings and can thusly be positioned to permit substantially improved tactical perception by the user while gripping an article such as a screwdriver “S” in the manner shown in  FIG. 12  of the drawings. More particularly, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , because the inserts  30 ,  34  and  38  deform in a manner so as to substantially replicate the surface features exhibited by the device being gripped by the user, in this case the screwdriver handle “H”, the user&#39;s ability to securely grip the handle is substantially improved. Once again, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the cushioning material contained within the interior chamber  20  not only enables the user to securely grip the article between the palm and forefingers, but also provides an effective protective cushion to the user&#39;s hand and fingers. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 6 through 10 , these Figures illustrate the memory characteristic of the cushioning material from which the inserts are constructed that is the unique capability of the material to automatically return to its original configuration after having been deformed.  FIG. 6  is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the cushioning material as it appears when encapsulated within an insert pocket.  FIG. 7  illustrates a downward force being exerted on the cushioning material in the direction of the arrow tending to inwardly deform material.  FIG. 8  is a view similar to  FIG. 7 , but showing removal of the downward force by upward movement of the thumb in the direction of the arrow of  FIG. 8 . The small arrows in  FIG. 9  demonstrate the memory capability of the material and depict the automatic return of the cushioning material to its original configuration as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Because of the unique deformation capability of the cushioning material, when the user grips an object such as the screwdriver illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the cushioning material will deform in the manner shown in  FIG. 7  to precisely conform to the surface characteristics of the handle “H” of the screwdriver, and at the same time provide a protective cushion to the hand of the user. When the user releases the screwdriver, the cushioning material will automatically expand in the manner shown in  FIG. 9  and will return to its starting configuration, that is, the configuration of the material that existed prior to the user gripping the screwdriver. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13  of the drawings an alternate form of the glove construction of the present invention is there shown. This alternate form of glove construction is similar in some respects to that shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5  of the drawings and here comprises a hand covering  40  that is somewhat similar to hand covering  16  and has an inner surface  40   a  and an outer surface  40   b . As before, the basic glove shown in  FIG. 13  is adapted to cover a user&#39;s hand including the thumb, the fingers, including the index finger, the back and the palm portions thereof. The hand covering  40  here comprises a thumb receiving portion  42 , an index finger receiving portion  44 , a back portion  45  and a palm portion  46 . Hand the covering  40  can be constructed from numerous pliable materials, including fabrics, knits, thin, soft leather, thin canvas and various types of composite material. For certain specialized applications, the covering can also be constructed from a latex material. 
     Unlike the earlier described embodiment of the invention, certain of the insert pockets for receiving variously shaped a cushioned inserts of the invention, rather than being provided interiorly of the glove, are provided on the exterior of the glove in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 13  of the drawings and are connected to the outer surface  40   b  of the hand covering  40 . More particularly, provided proximate the thumb receiving portion  42  of the hand covering is a thumb protecting insert-receiving pocket  48  for removably receiving a selected one of a plurality of elongated, yieldably deformable shaped inserts, such as the earlier described inserts  30  and  30   a  that are generally semicircular and cross-section and are uniquely constructed from resilient, foamed polyurethane material having a memory (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     In similar manner, provided proximate the index finger receiving portion  44  of the hand covering and connected to the outer surface  40   b  of the hand covering is an index finger protecting insert-receiving pocket  52  for removably receiving a selected one of a plurality of elongated, yieldably deformable inserts, such as the previously described inserts  34  and  34   a  that are also generally semicircular and cross-section and are also uniquely constructed from resilient, a foamed polyurethane material having a memory (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     Provided proximate the back portion  45  of the hand covering and connected to the outer surface thereof is a back protecting insert-receiving pocket  54  for removably receiving a yieldably deformable shaped insert, such as the previously described palm insert  38 , that is generally rectangular in cross-section and is also uniquely constructed from resilient, a foamed polyurethane material having a memory (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     As in the previously described embodiment of the invention, in order that the basic glove can be used in a conventional manner, the insert-receiving pockets  48 ,  52  and  54  are constructed from a yieldably deformable material, such as a suitable fabric, a thin plastic, or like pliable material so as to be readily collapsible and expandable. More particularly, when the glove is used in the conventional manner, the insert-receiving pockets are constructed and arranged so that they will collapse into a generally flattened condition and will generally conform to the shape of the exterior of the user&#39;s hand. Conversely, when the glove is modified to permit its use in the performance of tasks that require protection from impact to the back of the hand and the outside of the fingers, the insert-receiving pockets  48 ,  52  and  54  are constructed and arranged so that they will readily expand to selectively receive and removably contain the protecting inserts  30 ,  30   a ,  34 ,  34   a  and  38  respectively. 
     By way of example, the modified gloves of the alternate form of the invention as described in the preceding paragraphs, are ideally suited for use by skiers in performing slalom type races to protect the hands from impact against the marker poles. Similarly, the modified gloves are extremely useful in protecting the hands from impact by various objects during construction work and during the performance of similar activities. 
     As before, the user can select yieldably deformable shaped inserts of various configurations for insertion into the various insert-receiving pockets. Once again, the yieldably deformable cushion material from which the inserts are constructed preferably comprises resilient foamed polyurethane that can readily be molded to shape or cut to shape to fit within the insert-receiving pockets  48 ,  52  and  54  respectively. 
     When the shaped-inserts are in position within the internal pockets of the gloves they tend to substantially replicate the surface features exhibited by the device being gripped by the user. Alternatively, when the shaped inserts are in position within the external pockets of the glove they provide substantial protection against external impact to the user&#39;s hands. As in the earlier described embodiment of the invention, the user can select inserts of different sizes and configurations for insertion into the internal and external insert-receiving pockets. More particularly, the user can elect to use the gloves of the invention with the variously configured inserts in the internal pockets, in the external pockets, or alternatively, in both the internal and external pockets simultaneously. 
     Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.