Patent Publication Number: US-11389713-B2

Title: Systems and methods for making gloves

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/034,172, filed Jul. 12, 2018, titled, “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING GLOVES,” which is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/532,187, filed Jul. 13, 2017, titled, “Systems and Methods for making Gloves,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to manufacturing gloves and, more particularly, to methods for manufacturing gloves, including sports gloves, by molding one or more components of the gloves. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Gloves are worn by wearers under a variety circumstances and may be used for a number of different purposes. The glove manufacturing methods described herein may be applied to many different types of gloves. Manufacturing methods of the present invention are described in detail herein in embodiments relating to sports gloves. Sports gloves are used in a variety of sports to provide protection for the hands of a participant playing the sport and oftentimes holding an apparatus associated with the sport (e.g., a lacrosse stick). Such sports gloves typically include multiple regions each designed to match a particular part of the user&#39;s anatomy or provide location-specific protection for the wearer. As such, sports gloves are typically formed via labor intensive processes in which many different components are stitched, glued, or otherwise attached in intricate arrangements to reach the final assembly. Unfortunately, the large number of components results in a labor-intensive process, which leads to high monetary cost and likelihood of error in assembling the parts. Accordingly, a need exists for glove manufacturing methods that address one or more of these drawbacks. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a glove may include forming a base via molding. The base may be shaped to include a palm portion and one or more extremity portions. The method may also include forming a top skin including one or more compartments. The method may further include forming a backhand assembly by attaching one or more edges of the one or more compartments of the top skin to the base with at least one remaining edge of each of the one or more compartments unattached from the base. The method may also include reversing an orientation of the backhand assembly, filling each of the one or more compartments of the top skin with impact attention material, and attaching the at least one remaining edge of each of the one or more compartments to the base. 
     In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a glove may include forming a base shaped to include a palm portion and one or more extremity portions. The method may also include forming a top skin via molding, the top skin including one or more compartments. The method may also include forming a backhand assembly by attaching one or more edges of the one or more compartments of the top skin to the base. At least one remaining edge of each of the one or more compartments may be unattached from the base. The method may also include reversing an orientation of the backhand assembly, filling each of the one or more compartments of the top skin with impact attention material, and attaching the at least one remaining edge of each of the one or more compartments to the base. 
     In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a glove may include forming a base via molding. The base may be shaped to include a palm portion and one or more extremity portions. The method may also include forming a top skin including one or more compartments via molding. The method may also include forming a backhand assembly by attaching one or more edges of the one or more compartments of the top skin to the base. At least one remaining edge of each of the one or more compartments may be unattached from the base. The method may also include reversing an orientation of the backhand assembly, filling each of the one or more compartments of the top skin with impact attention material, and attaching the at least one remaining edge of each of the one or more compartments to the base. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. 
         FIG. 1  is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a glove by forming a base and a top skin via molding, according to a disclosed embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a glove by forming a base via molding, according to a disclosed embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a glove by forming a top skin via molding, according to a disclosed embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of a molded base and top skin for a glove, according to a disclosed embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of the molded base of  FIG. 4 , according to a disclosed embodiment; 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic illustration of a top perspective view of a molded top skin for a glove, according to a disclosed embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic illustration of a bottom perspective view of the molded top skin of  FIG. 6A , according to a disclosed embodiment; 
         FIG. 7A  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a glove, according to a disclosed embodiment; 
         FIG. 7B  is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a glove, according to a disclosed embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7C  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a glove, according to a disclosed embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed in further detail below, various embodiments of methods for manufacturing a glove are provided. In the following description, the glove manufacturing methods are described in the context of lacrosse gloves. However, presently contemplated methods are applicable to a wide range of sports gloves, including, but not limited to, lacrosse gloves, golf gloves, hockey gloves, field hockey gloves, skiing gloves, snowboarding gloves, cricket gloves, motorcross gloves, bowling gloves, batting gloves, soccer goalie gloves, and any other type of sports glove. Indeed the sports glove manufacturing methods provided herein are applicable to a wide range of sports gloves, which are often used to cover the wearer&#39;s hands while playing a sport (e.g., while holding an apparatus, such as a lacrosse stick, while playing a sport). The presently contemplated methods are also applicable to non-sports gloves, such as general use cold weather gloves, construction gloves, gardening gloves, etc. 
     Embodiments of the glove manufacturing methods disclosed herein may include forming one or more components of the glove via molding. For example, in some embodiments, a three dimensional (3D) molded base may be formed and/or a 3D molded top skin for forming a shell or shield may be formed. In embodiments in which a molded base is used instead of a traditional base (e.g., a flat, non-stretchy, and/or non-woven base), one or more advantages may be recognized, such as better conformity to the wearer&#39;s hand, better customizability, reduced labor and monetary costs, etc. Further, in embodiments in which a molded top skin is used instead of the traditional sewn blocs, additional advantages may be realized, such as reduced manufacturing costs, a lighter and/or more durable final product, greater customizability, a reduction in the likelihood of manufacturing error, a greater variety in size and shape of the glove, etc. 
     Additionally, some disclosed embodiments may include a combination of a molded base and a molded top skin. Further, in some embodiments, one or more additional components of the glove, such as the palm, wrist cuff, and/or gusset, may be formed via molding. In other embodiments, however, a base and/or top skin may be molded, and other components of the glove may be formed via traditional processes, such as by die cutting. These and other features and advantages of presently contemplated embodiments are discussed in more detail below. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a method  10  for manufacturing a glove in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the method  10  includes forming a molded base  12  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and a molded top skin  14  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) via molding (block  16 ). The molding operation used to form the molded base  12  and/or the molded top skin  14  may be any suitable type of molding, including, but not limited to compression molding, injection molding, or any other type of molding known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, forming the molded base  12  and/or molded top skin  14  via molding may result in the molded base  12  and/or the molded top skin  14  being formed from plastic, foam, blown ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or any other type of molded material. 
     The method  10  disclosed in  FIG. 1  further includes forming the palm, wrist-cuff, gusset, and/or other glove components via molding and/or die cutting (block  18 ). That is, depending on implementation-specific considerations, the method of forming the remaining components of the glove may differ. For example, in one embodiment, the palm, wrist-cuff, and gusset may be formed via die cutting. For further example, in another embodiment, the palm and wrist-cuff may be formed by die cutting, but the gusset may be molded. Factors such as the type of material desired for the given components, monetary constraints, time constraints, etc., may be considered when determining whether molding, die cutting, or a different method is used to form the remaining components. 
     The method  10  disclosed in  FIG. 1  may further include applying one or more logos or markings to the molded base  12 , the molded top skin  14 , the palm, the wrist-cuff, the gusset, and/or any other desired components of the glove (block  20 ). For example, the prospective wearer may desire to apply a logo to one or more components that will be seen by the end wearer of the glove once assembly is complete. To that end, in certain embodiments, screen printing, embroidering, heat-cutting, or any other desired method may be used to apply a logo or marking to one or more components of the glove. 
     In some embodiments, the molded base  12  may be screen printed to mark the locations where the molded top skin  14  will be attached to the molded base  12 . In yet other embodiments, the molded base  12  may be molded with indications (e.g., indentations, raised portions, etc.) showing where the top skin  14  is to attach to the molded base  12 , thus reducing or eliminating the need for screen printing directional marks on the molded base  12 . Still further, one or more logos may be embedded into the molded base  12  and/or molded top skin  14 . For example, the logo corresponding to the glove brand may be embedded into the molded top skin  14 . 
     The method  10  may further include forming a backhand assembly by attaching the molded top skin  14  to the molded base  12  (block  22 ). The molded top skin  14  may be attached to the molded base  12  in any suitable manner, depending on implementation-specific variations in the size and/or shape of the molded top skin  14 . For example, in one embodiment, the molded top skin  14  may include one or more compartments  24  defining one or more cavities  26 . Each of the compartments  24  may be attached to the molded base  12 , as shown in  FIG. 4  by arrow  28 , at one or more edges  30 . However, in some embodiments, at least one edge  30  may remain unattached to the molded base  12  after the backhand assembly is formed at block  22 . For example, in one embodiment, the compartment  24  may be formed as a square with four edges  30  adjacent the molded base  12 . In such an embodiment, the backhand assembly may be formed by attaching three of the four edges  30  to the molded base  12  but leaving one edge  30  unattached from the base. 
     Still further, in other embodiments, the one or more compartments may be formed from other shapes and sizes such that a portion of an edge remains unattached from the molded base  12  in the backhand assembly. For example, in another embodiment, a compartment  32  may be triangular in shape such that one of the long edges  34  of the triangular compartment  32  remains unattached from the molded base  12  in the backhand assembly. Indeed, compartments  24  and  32  may be formed in any desired shape, not limited to those shown herein, such that an edge or portion of an edge remains unattached from the base in the backhand assembly. 
     Forming the backhand assembly with one or more open edges may offer one or more advantages. For example, the one or more secured edges may enable the relative position of the molded top skin  14  to be fixed with respect to the molded base  12 . However, the one or more open edges may enable a suitable impact attention material to be introduced into the cavities  26  at a later manufacturing step. As used herein, impact attention material refers to any material configured to reduce the effects of impact. For example, the impact attention material may be foam, gel, fluid, etc. Further, it should be noted that any desired method for attaching the one or more secured edges to the molded base  12  may be implemented, including, but not limited to, sewing, stitching, gluing, and so forth. 
     By forming both the base  12  and the top skin  14  via molding in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , one or more advantages may be recognized at block  22 . For example, the molded base  12  and the molded top skin  14  may be formed in a complementary fashion, thus increasing conformity of size, shape, and/or fit between manufactured gloves. Further, the molded base  12  and molded top skin  14  may include complementary stitching grooves configured to receive stitching material (e.g., threads) and reduce or eliminate the likelihood of abrasion of the stitching material during glove use and/or the likelihood a seamstress will place the stitches in the incorrect location. 
     Further, in some embodiments, a molded liner may be attached to the molded base  12  and/or formed with the molded base  12 . In such embodiments, the molded liner may provide additional comfort for the prospective wearer by providing a soft finish, heat management properties, etc. In some embodiments, the molded liner may be laminated to the top surface of the molded base  12 , thus reducing the number of layers in the final assembly, reducing labor costs, and/or providing a liner with a lessened likelihood of dislodging during use. In some embodiments, the molded liner could also be 3D in shape to create channels for heat management. 
     The method  10  also includes attaching a gusset to the palm and the molded base  12  at block  36 . As known by those of ordinary skill in the art, the gusset may be formed from a piece of material defining the boundaries between the extremity regions of the glove and may offer ventilation to the interior of the glove in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the gusset may be folded-stitched to the palm, and the side of the gusset assembled to the palm may then be reverse stitched to the molded base  12  of the backhand assembly. In such embodiments, the exterior of the palm and the molded top skin  14  side of the backhand assembly may be facing one another at the conclusion of block  36 . 
     The method further includes attaching a liner to the backhand assembly to form an intermediate assembly at block  38 . For example, a liner, which may be formed from fabric and/or foam, may be assembled to the underside of the molded base  12  opposite the side of the molded base  12  to which the molded top skin  14  is attached. In some embodiments, the liner may cover the extremities portions of the molded base  12  (e.g., the four fingers and thumb portions) and the backhand portion of the molded base  12  corresponding to the back of the wearer&#39;s hand. In one embodiment, the liner may be formed as a two part assembly. The two part assembly may include a first part corresponding to the one or more extremity portions of the molded base  12  and a second part corresponding to the backhand portion of the molded base  12 . For further example, in one embodiment, the first part of the liner may cover the four fingers, and the second part of the liner may cover the thumb and backhand. 
     Once the liner is attached to the backhand assembly, the intermediate assembly is reversed in orientation at block  40 . For example, the intermediate assembly may be flipped inside out in some embodiments to position the one or more cavities  26  formed by the one or more compartments  24  for further processing. In the illustrated method  10 , the one or more compartments  24  are filled at block  42  with a desired material. For example, the empty cavities  26  may be filled with impact attention material (e.g., foam having one or more desired properties). In one embodiment, the impact attention material may be foam. The foam may be single density, die-cut as double density, double/triple density with offset shape, assembled with glue, or processed in any other suitable manner prior to insertion into the cavities  26 . In some embodiments, the inserted material may be inserted into the cavities  26  via a machine that compresses the material and pushes it into the cavities  26  via the edge(s) remaining open from block  22 . 
     Each of the cavities  26  may be sequentially or concurrently filled, depending on the available machinery, time constraints, etc. Further, it should be noted that each of the cavities  26  may be filled with a desired material. For instance, a first cavity may be filled with a first foam having a first density, and a second cavity may be filled with a second foam having a second density. In some embodiments, the first density and second density may be different. This may be desirable, for example, if the portions of the glove corresponding to different portions of the wearer&#39;s hand are expected to be engaged in different types of wear during use. For example, if the backhand portion is expected to experience greater wear than the thumb portion, a more durable material may be selected for the backhand portion than the thumb portion. For further example, a more flexible material may be chosen for areas of the glove proximate the wearer&#39;s knuckles to enable greater movement. 
     It should be noted that in certain embodiments, some or all of the filling of the compartment(s) at block  42  may be performed before block  38  and/or block  40 . For example, in one embodiment, the cavities  26  may be partially or completely filled with material before attaching the liner and/or flipping the glove inside out. Indeed, depending on implementation-specific considerations, the blocks in method  10  may not be performed in the order in which they are presented herein. 
     The method  10  may further include closing one or more edges of the compartments  24 ,  32  remaining open in the molded top skin  14  of the intermediate assembly at block  44 . For example, in some embodiments, the remaining open edge(s)  30  may be stitched by a seamstress. In embodiments that include a stitching groove, as discussed above, the process of closing the remaining open edges may be quicker and/or present a reduction in labor, as compared to traditional processes. Moreover, by molding the base  12  and top skin  14 , the amount of extra material exposed around the remaining, last-closed edges may be reduced, as compared to traditional gloves not using molded materials. 
     The method  10  may also include attaching the wrist-cuff and any other desired glove components to form the final glove assembly at block  46 . For example, in a lacrosse glove, the cuff-roll, wrist band, and center cuff may be reverse stitched, leaving one edge open, reversed inside out, and filled with die-cut foams, before the final open edge is closed via fold stitching. The lacrosse glove may then be finalized by assembling the final backhand assembly with the cuff-roll. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a method  50  for manufacturing a glove in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method  50  differs from the method  10  shown in  FIG. 1  at least because the method  10  includes forming the base and top skin via molding (block  16 ), but the embodiment shown in the method  50  includes forming the base  12  via molding at block  52 . The method  50  also may include forming blocs, the palm, the wrist-cuff, and/or the gusset via die cutting and/or molding at block  54 . That is, in this embodiment, the base  12  may be formed via molding, as described in detail above, but the top skin  14  may be replaced by traditional die cut blocs (e.g., flat pieces of fabric). 
     The method  50  may include applying logos and/or markings to one or more of the glove components at block  56 , in any of the manners described above for block  20 . Further, the method  50  may include assembling the blocs into boxes at block  58 . For example, corner edges of the blocs, formed from flat pieces of fabric, may be sewn together to form 3D boxes defining an inner cavity. Once the blocs are formed into boxes, the finished boxes may be marked for application to certain areas of the molded base  12 . For example, certain boxes may be shaped for certain areas of the glove (e.g., extremities, thumb, backhand, etc.). 
     The method  50  may further include forming the backhand assembly by attaching the boxes to the molded base  12  at block  60 . For example, the molded base  12  may include one or more indentations or raised portions used to guide the attachment of the boxes to the appropriate locations on the molded base  12 . For further example, in some embodiments, reference lines, such as screen printed lines, may be provided on the molded base  12  to guide placement of the boxes. As described above, the boxes may be attached to the molded base  12  at one or more edges, but one or more edges may remain unattached to enable filling of the cavities defined by the boxes. 
     At block  62 , the method  50  may further include attaching the gusset to the palm and the molded base  12 , as described above with respect to block  36 . At block  64 , the method  50  may also include attaching the liner to the backhand assembly to form the intermediate assembly, as described above with respect to block  38 . Similarly, as described above for block  40 , the orientation of the intermediate assembly may be reversed at block  66 . 
     The method  50  may also include filling one or more of the boxes at block  68 . This operation may proceed as described above for filling the compartments in the top skin  14  at block  42 . The method  50  also includes closing the one or more remaining open edges of the boxes at block  70 . The open edges may be closed in any manner described above for closing the remaining open edges of the top skin  14  compartments  24 . For example, the open edges may be stitched to the molded base  12  along the length of the open edge. Finally, the glove assembly may be formed at block  72  by assembling the backhand assembly with one or more additional glove components, as described above for block  46 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a method  74  for manufacturing a sports glove in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method  74  differs from the method  10  shown in  FIG. 1  at least because the method  10  includes forming the base and top skin via molding (block  16 ), but the embodiment shown in the method  74  includes forming the top skin  14  via molding at block  76 . The method  74  may also include forming the base, the palm, the wrist-cuff, and/or the gusset via die cutting and/or molding at block  78 . That is, in this embodiment, the top skin  14  may be formed via molding, as described in detail above, but the base  12  may not be molded. Instead, in one embodiment, the base  12  may be formed as a flat, non-stretchy, non-woven material. 
     At block  80 , the method  74  may further include applying one or more logos and/or markings to one or more components of the glove assembly, as described above with respect to block  20 . The method  74  may also include forming the backhand assembly by attaching the molded top skin  14  to the base  12  at block  82 . In this embodiment, the attachment of the molded top skin  14  proceeds as described above, except the top skin  14  is attached to the non-molded base. That is, one or more edges remain open after formation of the backhand assembly to enable insertion of a desired material. 
     The method  74  may also include attaching the gusset to the palm and base at block  84 , attaching the liner to the backhand assembly to form the intermediate assembly at block  86 , reversing the orientation of the intermediate assembly at block  88 , filling the one or more compartments in the molded top skin  14  at block  89 , closing one or more remaining open edges at block  90 , and forming the final glove assembly at block  92 . These steps proceed as described above for blocks  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 , and  46  in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of the molded base  12  and the molded top skin  14  for a sports glove, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the top skin  14  may be configured to match the size and/or shape of the base  12 . The base  12 , in turn, may be configured to match the size and/or shape of a wearer&#39;s hand  94 . For example, in one embodiment, the wearer&#39;s hand  94  may be scanned or imaged to determine size, shape, and other hand features.  FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a base  12  including a contour region  100  corresponding to the scanned fingers, a contour region  102  corresponding to the scanned crevice region of the hand, and a scanned thumb region  104 . 
     The image of a prospective wearer&#39;s hand  94  may then be used to form a mold from which a base  12  may be generated. The size and/or shape of the top skin  14  may then be selected to complement the size and/or shape of the base  12 . In this way, the final sports glove including the molded base  12  and the molded top skin  14  may be customized for a given wearer of the glove. 
     In some embodiments, the molded base  12  may include one or more features that enable the glove to be manufactured in a more precise, less costly, and/or less labor intensive manor than traditional gloves. For example, the base  12  may include one or more reference markings  96 . The reference markings  96  may provide reference points that indicate the correct relative positioning of the compartments  24  of the top skin  14  with respect to the base  12 . As such, the reference markings  96  may be indentations, raised surfaces, printed lines, or any other permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary markings suitable for use in the given implementation. 
     Further, in some embodiments, the base  12  may include one or more raised surfaces  98 . The raised surfaces  98  may be provided in one or more locations along the top surface of the base  12  that correspond to one or more joints of a wearer. For example, the raised surfaces  98  may be provided at the expected location(s) of a wearer&#39;s knuckles in the glove assembly. 
     Further, the illustrated embodiment of the base  12  includes a palm portion  106  and one or more extremity portions  108 ,  110 . The palm portion  106  is configured to be positioned proximate a back  112  of a wearer&#39;s hand  94  in the glove assembly. The extremity portions  108  are configured to be positioned proximate a wearer&#39;s extremities  114 , and the extremity portion  110  is configured to be positioned proximate the wearer&#39;s thumb  116  in the glove assembly. In that way, the illustrated molded base  12  is configured to match the shape of a prospective wearer&#39;s hand. However, in other embodiments, the molded base may be configured to match a prospective wearer&#39;s hand in another manner. For example, in implementations in which the base  12  is used to form a boxing glove, the base  12  may be formed such that extremities portions  108  are merged into a single portion. 
     Further, in some embodiments, a liner of the glove may be formed with or integrated in the molded base  12 . For example, during molding of the molded base  12 , a fabric or mesh liner may be co-formed. The liner may be provided for heat management, odor control, aesthetic appeal, and/or to increase the comfort of the wearer. Forming the liner via molding may enable different foam densities to be chosen for the liner and the molded base  12 . The different foam densities may be achieved, for example, during the molding process. Further, by forming the liner via molding, and optionally during the molding of the molded base  12 , a variety of different liner shapes may be achieved, including but not limited to dimples, donuts, mushroom, multiple holes, etc. 
     As discussed above, providing a molded base  12  may offer one or more advantages during manufacturing of the glove as compared to traditional processes. For example, the molded base  12  may be formed to more closely fit the size and/or shape of a prospective wearer&#39;s hand. For example, the molded base  12  may include one or more curved portions (i.e., a curved shape need not be created by providing breaks between flat portions) and may be a closer fit than traditional gloves, for example, by providing raised surfaces  98  to accommodate a prospective wearer&#39;s knuckles. 
     Further, in some embodiments, the molded base  12  may include one or more flex zones created during molding of the base  12 . The one or more flex zones may be thinner areas, as compared to the remainder of the molded base  12 , have holes, be open zones, etc. Still further, the reference lines  96  for stitching the boxes (or top skin(s)  14 ) may be incorporated in the molded base  12  to reduce labor costs and/or improve quality and precision. In certain embodiments, one or more stitching lines may be formed for the boxes/top skin(s) perimeters and/or open edge that can have a recessed channel, thus increasing precision and comfort for the wearer of the glove. In some embodiments, such as a hockey glove or lacrosse goalie glove, the molded base  12  may enable part of the hand (e.g., the thumb) to fit “inside” the top skin  14  of an incorporated reinforced part (e.g., plastic or composite), thus functioning as a thumb protector and/or thumb-lock. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are schematic illustrations of a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of the molded top skin  14  in accordance with one embodiment. As described above, the molded top skin  14  may include one or more compartments  24 ,  32 . As shown, the compartments  24 ,  32  may be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the given implementation. Each of compartments  24 ,  32  may define corresponding cavities  26 . The cavities  26  may be filled with a desired material, such as foam, during manufacturing of the glove assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the compartments  24 ,  32  may be linked by a connecting material  120 . The connecting material  120  may be configured to maintain the compartments  24 ,  32  in a fixed relationship with respect to one another. The connecting material  120  and the compartments  24 ,  32  may be concurrently formed in a given molding operation in some embodiments. However, in other embodiments, the compartments  24 ,  32  may be formed without connecting material  120 . In such embodiments, the compartments  24 ,  32  may be individually attached to the base  12 . Still further, in some embodiments, subsets of the compartments  24 ,  32  may be connected via connecting material  120 , such that different regions of the glove are provided by multiple top skins  14 . 
     As discussed above, providing a molded top skin  14  may offer one or more advantages during manufacturing of the glove as compared to traditional processes. For example, the molded top skin  14  may be used as a shell or shield that enables certain desirable manufacturing processes to be used in the presently disclosed manufacturing methods. For instance, the use of top skin  14  with compartments  24 ,  32  defining cavities  26  may enable reverse stitching of the palm at blocks  36 ,  62 , and  84  and reversing the orientation of the assembly at blocks  40 ,  66 , and  88 . Further, the empty compartments  24 ,  32  may enable greater customizability of the glove because it enables a variety of impact attention material (e.g., foam) options to be chosen based on the prospective wearer (e.g., different protection levels). 
     The molded top skin  14  may further reduce or eliminate the need for use of the blocs and creation of the boxes, as compared to processes without the molded top skin  14 . The foregoing feature may reduce the labor needed to manufacture a glove, reduce the likelihood of the boxes being attached to the base  12  in the improper location, and/or reduce the size and/or shape variability in the final glove assembly (e.g., by enabling greater stitching uniformity). Use of the molded top skin  14  may also enable a lighter product due to less overlay of material, as compared to using individual pieces of fabric, higher durability (e.g., by reducing the likelihood that a stitching edge may unravel), and reduction in the number of parts of the glove (e.g., to approximately 4-5 parts to match the different customizable zones of the glove). The molded top skin  14  may also enable greater complexity of shapes and sizes and a reduced likelihood of error in achieving such shapes and sizes. Further, by molding the top skin  14 , any desired embossing, textures, logos, or colors could be formed as part of the molding process. 
       FIGS. 7A-C  illustrate an embodiment of a glove  130  that may be formed by one or more of the methods  10 ,  50 ,  74 , according to disclosed embodiments. As shown, the glove  130  may include extremity portions  132 , a backhand portion  134 , a palm portion  135 , and a wrist portion  136 . Each of the extremity portions  132  may include one or more filled compartments  138 . Likewise, the backhand portion  134  may include one or more filled compartments  138 . 
     The glove  130  may include one or more features that enable airflow between an exterior of the glove  130  and an interior of the glove  130 . For example, as shown, the extremity portions  132  may be linked by one or more gussets  140 . The one or more gussets  140  may be formed from any suitable material, for example, a breathable mesh configured to allow airflow into and out of the glove  130 . Moreover, the gusset  140  may be provided in one or more areas of the palm portion  135  to enable airflow to and/or from the wearer&#39;s palm. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the gusset  140  is interspersed with liner material  142 . 
     Further, in some embodiments, the glove may include one or more vents  144  disposed at any desired location of the glove  130 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the glove  130  may include vents  144  disposed in the extremity portions  132  of the glove adjacent the palm portion  135 . However, in other embodiments, the vents  144  may be disposed in any suitable location, such as the palm portion  135 . 
     It should be noted that the products and/or processes disclosed may be used in combination or separately. Additionally, exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the prior detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. 
     The examples presented herein are for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.