Patent Publication Number: US-2023148692-A1

Title: Protective hand covering for infants

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/666,551, filed May 3, 2018, and U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/384,502, filed on Apr. 15, 2019. The entire disclosures of each application are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     Infant children can sometimes scratch and injure themselves inadvertently. For example an infant may scratch his or her face with a fingernail while sleeping, causing discomfort and unsightly marks. 
     Various measures have been proposed for preventing such scratches, for example mittens or other devices that cover the child&#39;s hands. For maximum effectiveness, such a device should stay in place on the child&#39;s hands, without falling off during sleep or other normal activity. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect, a protective hand covering comprises a flexible shell having a closed first end, an open second end opposite the first end, and an elastically constricted region between the first and second ends. The constricted region defines a passage between the first and second ends. The hand covering further includes a gripping material disposed on an inside surface of the shell at the constricted region and around the passage. The gripping material has a coefficient of friction higher than a coefficient of friction of the material of the flexible shell. In some embodiments, the gripping material comprises rubber. In some embodiments, the gripping material comprises silicone rubber. In some embodiments, the gripping material is arranged in a continuous band around the passage. In some embodiments, the gripping material is arranged in a plurality of separated patches disposed around the passage. In some embodiments, the gripping material has a texture on its exposed surface. In some embodiments, the texture comprises tapered ridges. The flexible shell may comprise a fabric. In some embodiments, the flexible shell comprises two layers of fabric. The gripping material may be partially infused into the fabric. In some embodiments, the flexible shell comprises a stretchable fabric. In some embodiments, the protective hand covering further comprises an elastic band disposed around and constricting the constricted region. In some embodiments, the shell has an expanded circumference of between 4.5 and 6 inches, the constricted region has a constricted inner circumference of less than 3 inches, and the constricted region is positioned between 1.0 and 2.0 inches from the open end of the shell. In some embodiments, the portion of the shell between the closed end and the constricted region is of a shape and size to contain a hand of an infant less than one year old, and the constricted region is of a size to enclose the wrist of an infant less than one year old. 
     According to another aspect, a mitten comprises a flexible shell including a body portion having a closed end for receiving a hand, and a cuff portion having an open end sized for fitting over a wrist of an infant of young child. The mitten further comprises a gripping material disposed on an inside surface of the shell at a transition zone between the body portion and the cuff portion. The gripping material has a coefficient of friction higher than a coefficient of friction of the material of the flexible shell. The transition region is of a size smaller than the hand of the infant or young child. In some embodiments, the mitten further comprises elastic disposed around the shell at the transition zone, the elastic material urging the shell toward closure at the transition zone. In some embodiments, the elastic has an unstretched length of between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the mitten is thumbless. In some embodiments, an exposed surface of the gripping material is textured, the texture comprising tapered ridges. In some embodiments, an exposed surface of the gripping material is textured with ridges disposed at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the mitten. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. 
         FIG.  1    depicts a pair of protective hand coverings in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of one of the hand coverings of  FIG.  1   , partially opened to show additional details of its construction. 
         FIG.  3    shows two hand coverings, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, being worn by an infant. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a hand covering in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a hand covering in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a step in one example method of making a hand covering as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . 
         FIG.  7    illustrates another step in the example method of making the hand covering. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates another step in the example method of making the hand covering. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a gripping material applied to the hand covering, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a gripping material applied to the hand covering, in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates another step in the example method of making the hand covering. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates another step in the example method of making the hand covering. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates another step in the example method of making the hand covering. 
         FIG.  14    is a photograph of a child wearing hand coverings in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    depicts a pair of protective hand coverings  100   a  and  100   b  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Each of hand coverings  100   a  and  100   b  is in the form of a mitten having a flexible shell  101 . The flexible shell  101  has a body portion  102  with a closed end  103 . The body portion  102  is preferably of a shape and size to loosely fit over the hand of an infant or young child. The shell  101  also has a cuff portion  104 , which has an open end  105 . 
     An elastically constricted region  106  is positioned at a transition between the body portion  102  and the cuff portion  104 . The elastically constricted region  106  is preferably of a shape and size to enclose and gently touch or nearly touch the wrist of an infant or young child. For example, the constricted region  106  may be smaller than the hand of the infant or young child, so that the hand covering  100   a  is constrained to stay on the hand. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view of hand covering  100   a , partially opened to show additional details of its construction. (Embodiments of the invention will be described with regard to the hand covering  100   a , but it will be recognized that the description applies to the second hand covering  100   b  as well. However, it is not a requirement that the two hand coverings be identical.) Elastically constricted region  106  defines a passage  201  between the open end  105  and the closed end  103 , through which a child&#39;s hand can be inserted. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , the constricted region  106  is funned by a band of elastic (not visible in  FIG.  2   ) sewn into the shell  101 . The elastic band urges the constricted region  106  toward closure of the passage  201 . The constriction may cause pleats or gathers  202  to form in the shell  101 . 
     A gripping material  203  is disposed on an inside surface  204  of the shell  101 , at the constricted region  106  and around the passage  201 . The gripping material  203  may be any suitable material that has a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding fabric, and thus helps to prevent the hand covering  100   a  from inadvertently slipping off of an infant&#39;s hand. For example, the gripping material  203  may be a rubber such as silicone rubber, or another suitable material. In the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , the gripping material  203  is disposed in a plurality of separate star-shaped patches around the passage  201 . Any workable patch shape may be used, for example a paw print shape, a flower shape, a geometric shape, or another shape. The shapes of the patches may be selected in keeping with the style of the particular hand covering. For example, if the shell  101  is made of a fabric with an animal print, then the patches may be shaped as paw prints, or if the shell  101  is made of a fabric with a floral print, then the patches may be shaped like leaves. 
     In other embodiments the gripping material may be disposed continuously around the passage  201 , rather than being in discrete patches. However, discrete patches may be preferred, as they may be less prone to dislodging from the material of the shell  101  due to the gathering of the constricted region  106 . 
     The gripping material  203  may be applied in any suitable way. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the shell  101  may be made of a fabric, and the gripping material  203  may be partially infused into the fabric for a secure attachment. Other attachment methods may be used as well. For example, the gripping material  203  may be applied to the inside surface  204  of the shell by adhesion of the gripping material  203  itself or by an additional applied adhesive. 
       FIG.  3    shows two hand coverings  100   a  and  100   b , in accordance with embodiments of the invention, being worn by an infant. 
     The hand coverings  100   a  and  100   b  may be made of any suitable materials and by any suitable methods. For example, the shell  101  may be made of a woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabric. The fabric may be made of a natural material such as cotton or wool, or of a synthetic material such as polyester, or of a blend of materials. In some embodiments, the shell  101  may comprise flannel. The shell  101  may be made of a single layer of fabric, or multiple layers. For example, a two-layer shell may have a durable synthetic or blend outer layer, with a soft natural fabric liner. The layers may be quilted together if desired. In some embodiments, one portion of the shell  101  may have a single layer, but another portion may have two layers. For example, body portion  102  may be of a single layer, but cull portion  104  may have two layers. 
     In other embodiments, the shell  101  may be formed a molded polymer or other material. Any workable combination of materials may be used. For example, body portion  102  may be made of a different material than cuff portion  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the shell  101  may be made of a naturally stretchy material, for example a knitted fabric similar to the material commonly used to make socks. The material may include a blend of fibers including elastane or another material that enhances the stretchiness of the material One commercial version of elastane is known under the trade name Spandex™. 
     When the shell material is naturally stretchy, it may not be necessary to include any elastic band in the hand covering  100   a , In that case, the constricted region  106  may be formed by the shell  101  conforming to the wrist of a child wearing the hand covering  100   a.    
     In some embodiments, the hand coveting  100   a  may be reversible. In this case, gripping material  203  may be placed around both the inside and outside of the constricted region  106 , so that gripping material is disposed toward the wrist of the child regardless of whether the hand covering  100   a  has been reversed. In other embodiments, gripping material may be disposed around the outside of the constricted region  106  for decorative purposes. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a hand covering  401  in accordance with other embodiments. The hand covering  401  is shown in its normal configuration for use  402 , and also “inside out” at  403 . The inside out configuration exposes the gripping material  203 , which in this case is disposed in discrete patches  404  in the shape of leaves, in keeping with the foliage print on the outside of the hand covering  401 . The gripping material  203  may be textured on its exposed surface. As shown in the inset portion of  FIG.  4   , the discrete patches  404  are textured with tapered (sharp-peaked) ridges  405  on their surfaces, but any suitable texturing shape may be used, for example ridges, grooves, ripples, stipples, pillars, or other suitable shapes. Combinations of shapes may be used in the texturing. The texturing may be arranged to enhance the friction between the gripping material  203  and the skin of a child, to further assist in keeping the hand covering  401  on the child&#39;s hand. 
     The hand covering  401  is also an example of a hand covering without an internal elastic band. For example, the hand covering  401  may be made of a naturally stretchy material. A constricted region  406  may be formed during fabrication of the hand covering  401 , or by the material conforming to the wrist of a child wearing the hand covering  401 . 
     In some embodiments, the texturing of the gripping material  203  may be angled with respect to an axis of the hand covering.  FIG.  5    illustrates a hand covering  501  in accordance with such an embodiment. In this example, the gripping material  203  is placed in a number of discrete patches  502  around the constricted region of the hand covering  501 . Each of the patches  502  is textured with tapered ridges  503 . The tapered ridges  503  are oriented at an angle A to a longitudinal axis  504  of the hand covering  501 . In this example, angle A is approximately 45 degrees, but other angles may be used. While the ridges  503  shown in  FIG.  5    are simple straight ridges, other texture patterns may be used, for example a zig-zag, herringbone, helical, wavy, or other pattern. 
       FIGS.  6 - 13    illustrate one example method of making a hand covering such as the hand covering  100   a.    
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the shell  101  may be cut from a flat piece of fabric, according to a suitable pattern or template. While other sizes are possible, the width “W” may be about 7.2 inches, the length “L” may be about 6.5 inches, and the radius “R” may be about one-fourth of the width W. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , a bottom portion  701  of the shell  101  is folded back on the shell  101 . This fold will form the cuff portion  104  of the hand covering  100   a  If desired, the free edge  702  may be folded under to form a finished seam, as shown. In other embodiments, the free edge  702  may simply be sewn flat against the shell  101  and left unfinished. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , the bottom portion  701  is sewn to the rest of the shell  101 , using two spaced-apart rows of stitches  801 . In this example, stitching rows  801  are parallel straight lines, but other shapes could be used. For example, spaced-apart wavy stitching could be used for an additional decorative effect. The rows of stitching  801  form a pocket  802 , bounded by the shell material and limited by the stitching rows. 
     The gripping material  203  may then be applied, as shown in  FIG.  9   . For example, gripping material  203  may be a bead of silicone rubber applied to the surface of the shell  101  between the stitching rows  801 . In other embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG.  10   , the gripping material  203  may be applied in separated patches  1001 . The gripping material  203  may then be allowed to cure, for example overnight. 
     In other embodiments, the gripping material  203  may have been previously applied to the material of the shell  101 , so that a curing step is not necessary during construction of the hand covering. For example, the gripping material  203  may have been at least partially infused into the material of the shell  101  in a suitable configuration, and the shell  101  may be cut so that the pre-existing gripping material  203  falls at the elastically constricted region  106  of the hand covering  100   a.    
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , one half of the shell  101  is folded under the other half, so that the gripping material  203  is exposed. It will be appreciated that at this stage, the covering is “inside out” as compared with its eventual configuration for use. The ends  1101  of the shell  101  are aligned, and a row of stitching  1102  is put in place to attach the two halves of the shell  101  together at the ends  1101 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , an elastic band  1201  is threaded into the pocket  802  between the stitching rows  801 . The threading may be facilitated by attaching the leading end of the elastic  1201  to a safety pin or bodkin, which is removed later. 
     The elastic  1201  will form the elastically constricted region  106  of the hand covering  100   a , and is preferably selected to have a length and stiffness that will result in a lightly snug and comfortable fit of the gripping material  203  of the hand covering  100   a  over the wrist of an infant or small child, while substantially preventing the hand covering  100   a  from inadvertently slipping off of the child&#39;s hand. 
     In general, the length of the elastic  1201  may be somewhat less than the circumference of the wrist of the child, when the elastic is in its unstretched state. In some embodiments, the elastic may about ½ to 2 inches shorter than the circumference of the wrist of the child, depending on the width and stiffness of the elastic. The circumference of a child&#39;s wrist depends on the age of the child, but may be given approximately by the measurements in Table I below, derived from online sources and independent measurements. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Child’s wrist circumference by age 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Child’s Age 
                 Newborn 
                 3 months 
                 6 months 
                 12 months 
                 18 months 
                 2 years 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Wrist 
                 3.75-4.75 
                 4.25-5 
                 4.25-5.25 
                 4.5-5.25 
                 4.5-5.25 
                 4.75-5.5 
               
               
                 Circumference (inches) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In other embodiments, the elastic  1201  may have an unstretched length comparable to or even slightly larger than the child&#39;s wrist diameter. 
     In one embodiment that has been found suitable for making a hand covering for a newborn, the elastic  1201  has a width of ⅓ inch and an unstretched length of 3 inches. Other lengths may be used, depending on the desired fit and the age of the child for whom the hand covering is intended. 
     As shown in  FIG.  13   , a final stitching row  1301  may then be put in place. Stitching row  1301  completes the joining of the two sides of the shell  101 , and also captures the ends  1302  of the elastic  1201 , so that the elastic  1201  forms a closed loop, secured within the pocket  802 . The ends  1302  of the elastic  1201  may be trimmed off if desired. In other embodiments, one end of the elastic  1201  may be tacked to the shell  101  before the other end is pulled completely through the pocket  802 , to prevent the tacked end from being inadvertently pulled into the pocket  802 . 
     The completed hand covering  100   a  is then inverted from its “inside out” state, and is ready for use, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   .  FIG.  14    also shows a photograph of a child wearing hand coverings embodying the invention, for additional clarity. Using the template and steps described above, the shell  101  of the completed hand covering  100   a  may have an expanded circumference of between 4.5 and 6 inches, the constricted region  106  may have a constricted inner circumference of less than 3 inches, the constricted region may be positioned between 1.0 and 2.0 inches from the open end  105  of the shell  101 , and the body portion  102  may have a length (from the constricted region  106  to the closed end  103 ) of about 3.0 to 4.0 inches. In other embodiments, the cuff portion  104  of the hand covering  100   a  may be shortened or eliminated, so that the constricted region  106  is essentially at the edge of the hand covering  104 . 
     It will be recognized that hand coverings according to embodiments of the invention may be made in other ways. For example, the steps above could be performed in a different order. In one simple example, stitching  1102  and  1301  could be placed in one step at the end of the construction of the hand covering  100   a.    
     In other embodiments, other fabrication techniques could be used. For example, the shell  101  could be knitted in one piece of a naturally-elastic material, with the gripping material  203  added to the knitted article. In other embodiments, joining techniques other than stitching may be used. For example, an adhesive may be used to join the halves of the shell together, or the halves may be heat welded if the material of the shell is suitable. 
     Many other variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, while the hand covering  100   a  is a thumbless mitten, a thumb could be provided. In other embodiments, the shell  101  may be decorated in any desired way. For example, a print fabric may be used with a decorative pattern depicting such items as cartoon characters, animals, geometric patterns, flowers or other plants, superheroes, spaceships, stars, planets, candies, holiday symbols, or any other item in keeping with the style of the particular hand covering. 
     The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.