Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to a package of disposable gloves and to a method and an apparatus which can use the package to enable the gloves to be applied to a user&#39;s hands. The gloves are stored in a roll and are unrolled and opened by the apparatus so that a user can hygienically insert their hand into a glove without touching the glove. The user, with their hand in the glove can then sever the glove from the roll of gloves by moving their hand downwardly and away from the apparatus. The apparatus can then unroll and open another glove for the user to insert their other hand.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    This invention relates to a package of disposable gloves and to a method and an apparatus which can use the package to enable the gloves to be applied to a user&#39;s hands. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The use of disposable gloves is becoming common in a number of industries such as food handling establishments where food such as sandwiches or the like may be made and sold to a customer, or other open food products such as meats and the like are selected from a tray and wrapped for a customer to purchase. The use of such gloves is intended to improve hygiene and prevent the spread of germs which may take place if such food products are handled by the bare hands. 
         [0003]    Conventionally, when such gloves are used they are merely selected from a box and are applied by the user to the user&#39;s hands. This requires the user to have significant contact with the gloves prior to, and during, application of the gloves to the user&#39;s hands which means that the outer surface of the gloves can become contaminated with any other germs or other unwanted material already on the user&#39;s hands. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The object of the present invention is to provide a package of disposable gloves which may be used with a method and an apparatus to more hygienically apply the gloves to a user&#39;s hands, and to such a method and an apparatus. 
         [0005]    The invention in a first aspect may be said to reside in a package of disposable gloves, comprising:
       a plurality of gloves connected to one another in a line by a frangible connection which is breakable to separate one glove from the line;   a glove edge transverse to the frangible connection to form an open cuff of each glove; and   wherein each glove is formed from two layers which are joined together by a join to define the glove.       
 
         [0009]    Preferably the gloves are formed in glove panels with each panel being connected to an adjacent panel by the frangible connection, the join comprising a heat seal in each panel defining the shape of the glove. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment each panel is a rectangular panel and has webs outwardly of the join. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment the glove has defined fingers and cuts are formed through the webs between the fingers to separate the fingers. 
         [0012]    However, in other embodiments the webs between the fingers may be left intact. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment the glove has fingers and the join of the glove which defines the fingers forms the periphery of the panel at the fingers. 
         [0014]    Thus, in this embodiment no web is formed between the fingers of each glove. 
         [0015]    In other embodiments the glove may be a mitten without defined fingers. 
         [0016]    Preferably the package of disposable gloves is in the form of a roll of gloves. 
         [0017]    This aspect of the invention may also be said to reside in a package of disposable gloves for use with a glove applying machine for enabling the gloves to be applied to a user&#39;s hands, comprising:
       a plurality of gloves connected to one another in a line by a frangible connection which is breakable to separate one glove from the line;   each glove being formed from two layers which are joined together by a join to define the glove; and   locating indicia for allowing the gloves to be registered in the apparatus.       
 
         [0021]    In one embodiment the locating indicia comprises a marking. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment the locating indicia comprises a hole. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment of the invention at least one pin for location in the hole to register the package of gloves in the apparatus when a new package of gloves is loaded into the apparatus, to enable the gloves to be indexed through the apparatus. 
         [0024]    Preferably the gloves are formed in glove panels with each panel being joined to an adjacent panel by the frangible connection, the join comprising a heat seal in each panel defining the shape of the glove. 
         [0025]    Preferably each panel has a web portion outwardly of the join and the locating indicia is located on the web portion. 
         [0026]    According to one embodiment, preferably an open cuff of each glove is formed at the edge of each panel that is transverse to the frangible connection. In other words, the glove is oriented horizontally or “East to West” relative to the line. 
         [0027]    According to an alternative embodiment, preferably an open cuff of each glove is formed at an edge of the panel at the frangible connection between the panels. In other words, the glove is oriented vertically or “North to South” relative to the line. 
         [0028]    In the most preferred embodiment the marking indicia comprises two holes in each panel. 
         [0029]    Preferably the frangible connection comprises a perforated line. 
         [0030]    However, in other embodiments the frangible connection could comprise small attaching strips between each glove, the attaching strips being breakable when one glove is pulled away from an adjacent glove in the line of gloves. 
         [0031]    Preferably the package of disposable gloves comprises a roll of gloves. 
         [0032]    The invention in a second aspect may be said to reside in a method of hygienically locating a glove on a user&#39;s hand, comprising:
       mechanically locating the glove at a hand insertion location;   opening the glove; and   inserting a hand in the glove.       
 
         [0036]    Preferably the glove is opened at the hand insertion location. 
         [0037]    Preferably the glove is supplied as one glove in a line of gloves joined by a frangible connection, so that the glove when the user&#39;s hand is located in the glove is torn from the line by movement of the user&#39;s hand and the glove. 
         [0038]    Preferably the glove has an open cuff and a finger portion and the glove is located in an orientation such that a line between the cuff of the glove and the end of the finger portion of the glove is substantially horizontal. 
         [0039]    Preferably the glove has a first layer defining the back of the glove and a second layer defining the palm of the glove, and the glove is open by moving the first and second layers apart to enable a person to insert his/her hand through the cuff into the glove. 
         [0040]    Most preferably both the first and second layers are moved. However, in other embodiments only one of the layers could be moved whilst the other is substantially stationery. 
         [0041]    The invention may also be said to reside in an apparatus for enabling hygienic location of a glove on a hand, comprising:
       a storage for storing a package of disposable gloves;   an indexing device for moving the gloves from the storage to a hand insertion station; and   a glove opening device for opening a glove so a user can insert his or her hand into the glove at the hand insertion station.       
 
         [0045]    In one embodiment of the invention the storage is a compartment for storing a roll of gloves comprising a continuous line of gloves with the gloves being joined to one another by a frangible connection in the line. 
         [0046]    Preferably, the indexing device comprises a movable gripping device for movement between the hand insertion station and a line gripping station so that the device can move relative to the line between the insertion station and the gripping station, and can grip the line at the gripping station so the line is drawn with the device upon return movement from the gripping station to the hand insertion station. 
         [0047]    Preferably the gloves in the line have a first layer and a second layer and the glove opening device comprises a gripper for gripping at least one of the layers, and a gripper moving element for moving the gripper and the at least one of the layers relative to the other layer to open the glove. 
         [0048]    Preferably the glove is gripped and opened during movement of the gripper device between the gripping station and the hand insertion station. 
         [0049]    According to one embodiment, the gripper comprises a block of material through which air can flow, and the gripper mover element comprises a bladder, wherein upon inflation of the bladder the material is forced against at least one of the layers, and when vacuum is applied to the material air flows through the material to hold the layer against the material, and upon deflation of the bladder the material and the layer are drawn away from the other layer to thereby open the glove. 
         [0050]    Preferably the material comprises a open cell foam material. 
         [0051]    Preferably the bladder has a spring element for controlling inflation and deflation of the bladder to firstly move the material against the layer upon inflation of the bladder, and draw the material and the layer away from the other layer upon deflation of the bladder. 
         [0052]    According to an alternative embodiment, the gripper comprises an inflatable assembly and a sealing formation having one or more than one suction points, wherein upon inflation of the inflatable assembly, at least one of the suctions points of the sealing formation is located against at least one of the layers, and upon deflation of the inflatable assembly, the layer is drawn away from the other layer to thereby open the glove. 
         [0053]    Preferably, the inflatable assembly comprises a bellows. 
         [0054]    Preferably, the rate of inflation or deflation of the inflatable assembly is controlled by a piston and cylinder that supplies air into, or draws air from, the inflatable assembly, and suction of the suctions points is controlled by a separate piston and cylinder. 
         [0055]    Preferably, the or each piston and cylinder assembly is operable by a linear actuator controlled by a solenoid. 
         [0056]    Preferably the indexing device further comprises a pair of rollers, a gear attached to each roller the gears meshing together so the rollers are able to rotate in unison but in opposite directions, the rollers having a groove and rib so that when the groove of one roller engages with the rib of the other roller the line is gripped between the rollers, and so that upon movement of the indexing device from the gripping station to the hand insertion station the line is drawn off the package, and upon movement of the indexing device from the hand insertion station to the gripping station the rollers rotate relative to the line during movement of the indexing device until the groove and rib re-engage to thereby grip the line between the rollers. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment a driver is provided to rotate the rollers only during movement of the gripping device from the hand insertion station to the gripping station. 
         [0058]    In one embodiment the driver comprises a motor may be provided for facilitating rotation of the rollers during movement of the indexing device from the hand insertion station to the gripping station. 
         [0059]    The motor may have a clutch to prevent rotation of the rollers during movement of the indexing device from the gripping station to the hand insertion station. 
         [0060]    In another embodiment the driver comprises a rack and gear assembly, with the gear coupled to one of the rollers and the rack fixed and engaging the gear so that when the indexing device is moved from the hand insertion station to the gripping station engagement of the gear and the rack causes rotation of the gear and therefore rotation of the rollers. 
         [0061]    In this embodiment the gear also synchronises rotation of the rollers with movement of the indexing device between the hand insertion station and the gripping station. 
         [0062]    Preferably a sensor is provided for sensing the insertion of a user&#39;s hand into the glove at the hand insertion station, and then removal of the glove from the line at the hand insertion station, to thereby activate the indexing device to cause the indexing device to move from the hand insertion station, to the gripping station, and back to the hand insertion station so a new glove is open at the hand insertion station ready for insertion of a user&#39;s hand. 
         [0063]    Preferably the apparatus includes locating elements for engaging the line when a new package is located in the apparatus to correctly register the line in the apparatus. 
         [0064]    Preferably the line has holes and the locating elements comprise pins for passing through the holes when the package is loaded into the apparatus, and for withdrawal from the holes after the package is loaded in the apparatus. 
         [0065]    Preferably the pins are driven between a locating position where they can pass through the holes and a retracted position away from the line, by opening and closing movement of a door of the apparatus to provide access to the storage of the apparatus. 
         [0066]    Preferably at least one of the rollers is spring biased into engagement with the other of the rollers so that the rollers can be slightly separated to facilitate location of the line between the rollers during loading of a package into the apparatus. 
         [0067]    This aspect of the invention may also be said to reside in an apparatus for enabling hygienic location of a glove on a hand, comprising:
       a housing having a front opening and a bottom opening which provide access to a hand insertion station;   a storage for storing a package of disposable gloves, so the gloves are presented at the hand insertion station in an orientation so that a line between a cuff portion of the gloves and a fingertip portion of the gloves is substantially horizontal, and with the cuff portion of the gloves facing the front opening;   a glove indexing device for moving a glove from the storage to the hand insertion station so a user can insert his or her hand into the glove through the cuff portion; and   wherein to locate the glove on the hand and remove the glove from the apparatus, a user inserts his or hand through the front opening into the glove and then moves his or her hand with the glove on his or her hand downwardly through the bottom opening.       
 
         [0072]    This aspect of the invention may also be said to reside in an apparatus for enabling hygienic location of the glove on a hand, comprising:
       a storage for storing a package of disposable gloves;   an indexing device for moving the gloves from the storage to a hand insertion station; and   a glove opening device comprising at least one block of material through which air can flow, an inflatable bladder, and at least one air supply and vacuum system for supplying air to the bladder to inflate the bladder to move the block to a position adjacent the glove, for drawing a vacuum through the block so a portion of the glove is drawn against the block, and for deflating the bladder so the block moves with the bladder to move a portion of the glove away from another portion of the glove to open the glove to enable a user to insert his or hand into the glove at the hand insertion station.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0076]    Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0077]      FIG. 1  is a view of a line of gloves formed as a package according to one embodiment; 
           [0078]      FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  of a second embodiment; 
           [0079]      FIG. 3  is a view along the line of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0080]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the package of gloves in the form of a roll of gloves; 
           [0081]      FIG. 5  is a more detailed view of one glove in the line of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0082]      FIG. 6  is a more detailed view of one glove of the type shown in  FIG. 1  in a modified form; 
           [0083]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a machine for forming the package of gloves; 
           [0084]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the machine of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0085]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0086]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0087]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0088]      FIG. 12  is a detailed view of a roller and gear assembly using the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0089]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view of part of the apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0090]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of part of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0091]      FIG. 15  is a schematic front view of an apparatus according to  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0092]      FIG. 16  is a side view of part of the apparatus of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0093]      FIG. 17  is a schematic view of part of the apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0094]      FIG. 18  is a schematic view of a part of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0095]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of another part of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0096]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a section of the part of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 18 ; and 
           [0097]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram of a control system used in the embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0098]    With reference to  FIG. 1  a line of gloves  10  is shown which form a package of gloves such as a roll  15  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In other embodiments the package could comprise a zigzag layering of the line of gloves or any other compact packaging of the gloves. 
         [0099]    The line of gloves  10  is formed from a first layer  18  and a second layer  20  (see  FIG. 3 ). Each glove  11  in the line of gloves  10  is defined by a heat seal join  21  which defines the periphery of the glove (in other words the shape of the glove). Thus, the join heat seals the two layers  18  to  20  together along the outline  11   a  of the gloves to thereby define the shape of the gloves. 
         [0100]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the gloves are formed in glove panels  25  formed by the two layers  18  and  20  and the glove panels  25  are defined by a frangible connection  26 . The frangible connection  26  preferably comprises a perforated line so that one glove can be easily torn from the line  10  as will be described in more detail hereinafter. 
         [0101]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  the glove panels  25  have opposite edges  27  and  29  which are not connected to one another except where the join  21  intersects or contacts the edges  27  and  29 . This therefore defines an open cuff  30  of each glove as is best shown in  FIG. 3 . The edge  29  may be beaded so that the open cuff of each glove  11  has a bead  31  to slightly strengthen that part of the glove and make it easy for a person to insert his or her hand into the glove. 
         [0102]    Each panel  25  is also provided with two holes  33  which form locating indicia to facilitate location of the gloves in a glove applying apparatus to be described hereinafter. 
         [0103]      FIG. 2  shows a second embodiment in which the gloves are configured in an “north-south” configuration rather than the “east-west” configuration of  FIG. 1 . Like reference numerals indicate like paths to those previously described. 
         [0104]    In this embodiment the open cut of the glove will be formed when the perforated line  26  is torn during the separation of one glove  11  from the line of gloves  10 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 5  is a more detailed view of one glove  11  formed in a panel  26  of the type shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0106]    As will be apparent from both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5  webs  35  are left outwardly of the join  11   a,  formed from the layers  18  and  20  of each panel  25 . 
         [0107]    If desired, cuts  37  can be made in the webs  35  between the fingers  11   b  of the gloves to separate the fingers. However, in other embodiments the webs can remain intact because they will be relatively thin and will still allow sufficient degree of relative movement of the fingers form most applications. 
         [0108]    A cut  37  is also provided between the thumb  11   c  of the glove  11  and the index finger  11   b  adjacent the thumb  11   c.    
         [0109]    Since the disposable glove is usually only used for a very small amount of time, perhaps in the order of only 30 seconds or less, the webs will not interfere with movement of the hand or the work the person wearing the gloves is required to do. 
         [0110]    In still further embodiments of the invention the panels  25  may be of the type shown in  FIG. 6  in which the panel is cut about the join  11   a  defining the fingers  11   b  so that no webs are provided between the fingers  11   b  and the thumb  11   c . Webs  35  remain outwardly of the palm portion  11   d  of the hand. 
         [0111]    In this embodiment the edge  27  is defined by the shape of the fingers as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0112]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 6  the perforated line  26  extends from the edge  29  to the tip of the thumb  11   c  and between the edge  29  and the tip of the small finger  11   b.    
         [0113]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show, schematically, an example of how the package of gloves is formed. 
         [0114]    Layers  18  and  20  are supplied from supply rolls  40  and  41  of the layer material and guided around one or more sets of idler rollers  42  to a heat sealing station  43 . At the heat sealing station  43  the join  21  defining the periphery of the glove  11   a  is formed by applying heat along the line  11   a  via appropriate parts of the station  43  to heat weld the layers  18  and  20  together along the line  11   a  which defines the shape of the glove. Thus, the layers  18  and  20  are joined at the line  11   a.    
         [0115]    The layers  18  are then indexed to a cutting and perforating station  45  where the perforated line  26  is formed and also the holes  33  and cuts  37 , the formed line of gloves  10  is then rolled onto a roll to form the package of gloves  15  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0116]    It should be understood that the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  is schematic and merely illustrative and not intended to show all componentry of the machine performing the package of gloves. In any event, it will be appreciated that the compoenentry not shown in detail in  FIG. 7  may readily be constituted by a combination of commercially available components. 
         [0117]      FIGS. 9 to 14 , and  16  and  17  show parts of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 15  shows a schematic illustration of the assembled apparatus comprising the parts shown in  FIGS. 9 to 14 , and  16  and  17  for hygienically applying the glove to a user&#39;s hand. 
         [0118]    With reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 , the apparatus has a glove line  10  indexing device  48  comprising a support frame  50  which supports a pair of glove opening devices  52 . Roll  15  of the gloves  11  is supported on a shaft (not shown) in a storage  49  and the line of gloves  10  is guided from the roll  15  through the devices  52  as is best shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 . 
         [0119]    The frame  50  comprises two U-shaped frame members  51  which are supported on tracks  53  which, in turn, are supported by outer housing  55  (see  FIG. 15 ). 
         [0120]    The frame  50  is also connected to a pair of linear bearings  56  for moving the frame  50  vertically on guide tracks  53  as will be explained in more detail hereinafter. 
         [0121]    The frame  50  also supports a line gripper  54  to gripping the line  10 . The line gripper  54  comprises a pair of rollers  58  between which the line  10  of gloves  11  is guided. The rollers  58  have gears  59  at one end and the gears  59  are meshed to synchronise rotation of the rollers  58  so that they rotate in unison with one another but in opposite directions. 
         [0122]    The outer housing  55  also supports two pressure pumps  60  for driving the devices  52  as will also be explained in more detail hereinafter. 
         [0123]    An encoder  61  is provided on shaft  62  on which one of the rollers  58  is mounted for monitoring rotation of the rollers  58 . 
         [0124]    Movement of the frame  50  and the rollers  59  and associated operation of the devices  52  is as follows. 
         [0125]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show the frame  50  in a raised upper gripping position at gripper station G in which the line of gloves  10  is gripped by the rollers  59  and extends between the devices  52 . The linear bearing  56  moves the frame and rollers  59  downwardly to the hand insertion station H shown in  FIG. 11  thereby pulling the line of gloves  10  downwardly with the frame  50  off the roll  15 . 
         [0126]    During downward movement of the frame  50  pressure is supplied to the devices  52  to cause the devices  52  to grip one of the gloves  11  on the line  10 . After the glove has been gripped vacuum is then applied to the devices  52  to cause the devices  52  to separate thereby pulling the two layers  18  and  20  which make up the glove  11  away from one another to open the glove. At the same time as the vacuum is applied the pressure previously supplied to the devices  52  to cause gripping of the glove is released. 
         [0127]    The glove is therefore held open with the frame  50  in the lower position at hand insertion station H shown in  FIG. 11  so that a user can then insert his hand through front opening  62  of the housing  55  into the glove and the user simply draws his or her hand downwardly through the open bottom  64  of the housing  55  to tear the glove from the line  10  along the perforation  26  above the glove  11 . Thus, the user&#39;s hand is removed from the apparatus with the glove on place without the user having to touch the outside of the glove. 
         [0128]    As is best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 15  a light emitting array  66  is provided on the frame  50  opposite a linear array of photo detectors  68 . Light emitted by the emitters  66  is detected by the detectors  68  so that when a person&#39;s hand is located in the glove the light is blocked thereby providing an indication that a person&#39;s hand is in the apparatus and when the person tears the glove  11  from the line  10  by the downward movement of the hand previously mentioned, light is again detected by the array of photo detectors  68 . Thus, this provides a signal indicative of the fact that a user has inserted his or her hand into the apparatus and removed his or her hand with a glove on it. This signal is used to activate the linear bearings  56  to again drive the frame  50  upwardly. As the frame  50  is driven upwardly the friction between the line  10  and the rollers  58  causes the rollers  58  to rotate thereby rolling up relative to the station line  10  of gloves  11 . When the rollers  58  have rotated one full revolution as detected by the encoder  61  a signal is supplied to shut off the linear bearings  56  to prevent further upward movement of the frame  50  indicative of the fact that the frame  50  has returned to its starting station G shown in  FIG. 10 . Rollers  58  grip the line  10  and the frame  50  moves downwardly back to the hand insertion station H shown in  FIG. 11  where a glove is opened in the same manner as described above, ready for a user to insert his hand into the apparatus to locate the glove on the user&#39;s hand. Once this happens, and the user&#39;s hand is removed from the apparatus the sequence starts again and the frame  50  is driven upwardly so that the rollers rotate until the line is then gripped and the frame  50  moved downwardly to draw the line  10  from the roll  15  and open a fresh glove in the apparatus when the frame  50  returns to the station H as shown in  FIG. 11 . Thus, the insertion of a user&#39;s hand into the apparatus and removal of the hand and glove provides the signal to operate the apparatus to open another glove ready for a user to place his hand into the glove. Thus, after a glove is removed from the line by a user a fresh glove is delivered to the hand insertion station H shown in  FIG. 11  ready for another hand to be inserted into a glove. 
         [0129]    It will be noted from the above that the rollers  58  only rotate during the upward movement of the frame  50 . During the lowering of the frame  50  the rollers  58  grip the line of gloves  10  and do not rotate thereby drawing further gloves from the roll  15 . 
         [0130]    In order to facilitate rotation of the rollers  58  during movement of the indexing device  48  a driver is provided to rotate the rollers  58  during movement to the station G but which will allow the rollers to be locked against rotation during movement of the indexing device  48  back to the hand insertion station H. In one embodiment the driver comprises a motor  69  which has a clutch or ratchet mechanism so the motor can rotate the rollers during movement to the gripping station G but allow the rollers to remain locked against rotation during movement back to the hand insertion station H. 
         [0131]    The motor  69  (see  FIG. 9 ) is provided on the shaft  62  to rotate the roller  58  on that shaft with the rotation being imparted to the other roller by meshing engagement of the gears  59 . 
         [0132]    In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 17  the driver comprises a gear  101  mounted on shaft  102  on which one of the rollers  58  is provided. The gear  101  meshes with a rack  103  fixed to housing  55  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). The gear  101  is mounted to the shaft  102  via a ratchet, clutch or the like so that when the indexing device  48  is moved upwardly towards the gripping station G in the direction of arrow C in  FIG. 17  the engagement of the gear  101  and the rack  103  causes rotation of the gear  101  and therefore the shaft  102  and roller  58 . Rotation is imparted to the other roller  58  by the gears  59 . Thus, the rollers  58  easily roll up the line  10  of the gloves  11 . During movement back towards the hand insertion station in the direction of arrow D the ratchet or clutch associated with the gear  101  allows the gear  101  to rotate freely on the shaft  102  so no rotation is imparted to the rollers  58  and the rollers remain in the locked position with the rib  70  located in the groove  71  as previously explained. 
         [0133]    The provision of the gear  101  also provides the additional advantage in that it synchronises the upward movement of the indexing device  48  in the direction of arrow C with the rotation of the rollers  58  so the rollers undergo one full revolution during complete movement of the indexing device from the hand insertion station H to the gripping station G. 
         [0134]    It will be appreciated from the previous description and drawings that the rollers  58  extend only part the distance of the space between the frame members  51  and therefore adequate space is provided for the motor  69  or the gear  101  and rack  103 . 
         [0135]    As shown in  FIG. 12  the rollers  58  are configured to grip the line  10  when the frame  50  is in the upper position shown in  FIG. 9 . To achieve this one of the rollers  58  (i.e. the left roller in  FIG. 12 ) is provided with a longitudinal rib  70  and the other roller  58  is provided with a longitudinal groove  71 . When the frame  50  is the upper position at gripper station G the rib  70  locates in the groove  71  therefore jamming the line  10  between the rib  70  and groove  71  so that the rollers  58  firmly hold the line  10 . When the frame  50  is moved downwardly the rollers  58  therefore firmly grip the line  10  and the line  10  is drawn off the roll  15  with downward movement of the frame  50 . When the frame  50  is moved upwardly, the rollers  58  are able to rotate so the rib  70  moves out of the groove  71  so that the rollers  58  can effectively roll up the line  10  for one full rotation of the rollers  58  until the rib  70  relocates in groove  71  to again grip the line  10 . 
         [0136]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show in more detail the devices  52  according to a first embodiment for opening a glove  11 . The devices  52  are supported on plates  73  which form part of the frame  50  and extend between the frame members  51 . The plate  73  and the frame members  51  therefore form partial enclosures for securely supporting the devices  52 . 
         [0137]    Each device  52  is identical and therefore only one will be described in detail in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Each device  52  comprises a open cell foam block  75  which is in the general shape of the glove  11  except that the fingers are somewhat shorter than the fingers of the glove  11 . The block  75  has a layer of lacquer or other sealant applied to edges  75   a ,  75   b  and rear surface  75   c . End edges  75   d  and the edges which define the finger portions  75   e  also have the lacquer or sealant coating applied to them. A vacuum tube  78  is connected with the block  75  and in turn connects with one of the pressure pumps  60 . A bladder  80  is connected on the outside of the block  75  against surface  75   c  and again has the same general shape as the block  75 . The bladder includes a plastic strip  81  within the bladder which acts as a spring as will be described in more detail hereinafter. A supply tube  83  is connected to the bladder  80  and also to the other of the pumps  60 . Thus, one of the pumps  60  enables vacuum to be applied to the two devices  52  (namely the blocks  75  of the two devices  52 ) and the other pump  60  supplies pressure to the two bladders  80  of the devices  52 . 
         [0138]    In order to open the glove  11  air is pumped from one of the pressure pumps  60  into the bladders  80  to cause the bladders  80  to expand. The spring generally holds the bladders  81  against spherical expansion of the bladders  80  and therefore when the bladders expand they push against the blocks  75  to push the blocks  75  into engagement with a closed glove  11  as is best shown in  FIG. 10 . Thus, the open porous faces  75   g  of the blocks  75 , which do not have lacquer or sealant applied to them, are pushed into gentle contact with the layers  18  and  20  which make up the glove  11 . Vacuum is then drawn by the other pump  60  through the tube  78  and through the open cellular structure of the foam block  75  so that the webs  18  and  20  are sucked against the surface of  75   g  of the blocks  75 . At the same time, pressure is released from the bladders  80  causing the bladders to return to their generally flat deflated configuration shown in  FIG. 14  pulling the block  75  with them in the direction of arrows A in  FIG. 13 . This thereby cause layers  18  and  20  to separate and open the glove  11  sufficient for a person to insert his or her hand into the glove  11  through open door  62  of the housing  55 . 
         [0139]      FIGS. 18 to 20  show the devices  52  of an alternative embodiment for opening the glove  11 . The devices are supported on plates  73 , best seen in  FIG. 17 , which form part of the frame  50  and extend between the frame members  51  shown in  FIGS. 9 to 15 . The plate  73  and the frame members  51  therefore form partial enclosures for securely supporting the devices  52 . 
         [0140]    Each device  52  is the same and therefore only one will be described in detail. Each device  52  comprises a bellows  75  having a clamping ring  120  for securing the bellows  75  to the plate  73 , a flexible and inflatable diaphragm  121  having a side wall comprising a series of the folds and an engagement face  122  that approximates the size of the palm region of the glove  11 . Arranged about the perimeter of the engagement face  122  is a vacuum sealing lip  123  and central of the engagement face  122  are three suction holes  124  that are each connected to a vacuum source  60   a  via a manifold and tubing  78   a . The diaphragm  121  of the bellows  75  is connected to an air delivery system comprising an air displacement pump  60   b .  FIG. 19  shows an embodiment in which the vacuum source  60   a  and air displacement pump  60   b  are in the form of piston and cylinder assemblies located within rollers  58  for guiding the line  10  of gloves  11 . The inside of walls of the rollers  58  form the cylinder and a piston  126  having vacuum seals  125  or pump seals  128  and each is driven inside the cylinders by a solenoid controlled linear actuator  127 . The end wall of each roller  58  is equipped with a rotary air coupling for coupling to air supply tubing  78   a ,  78   b . In the case of the vacuum source, tubing  78   a  connects the cylinder of the vacuum source to the holes  124  in the face of the engagement face  122  via a manifold. In the case of the air displacement pump, tubing  78   b  connects the cylinder to the inside of the diaphragm  121 . 
         [0141]    In order to open the glove  11  the liner actuator  127  of the air pump  60   b  is operated to move the piston to the distal end of the roller  58  and thereby expand the bellows  75  in the direction of arrows A in  FIG. 18  until the lip sealing formation  123  engages the palm region of a glove  11  at the insertion station H. Pressure release valves or flow regulates may be incorporated into the air pump  60   b  or the tubing  78   b  to limit over pressurisation or under pressurisation of the bellows  75  as deemed necessary. With the bellows  75  expanded and lip formations  123  contacting opposite layers or sides of the glove  11 , the vacuum source  60   a  is operated to retain the each respective layer of the glove  11  to the bellows  75 . The linear actuator  127  of the vacuum  60   a  is operated by moving the piston toward the proximal end of the roller  58  in  FIG. 19 . Once the formation of an adequate vacuum has been established to retain the layers of the glove  11  to the engagement face  122 , the linear actuator  127  of the air displacement pump  60   b  drives the piston from the distal end to proximal end of the cylinder, thereby deflating the bellows  75  and simultaneously opening the glove ready for hand insertion. The adequacy or inadequacy of inflation and deflation of the bellows  75  can be monitored by way of the pressure release valves or flow regulators. Similarly, the adequacy or inadequacy of the vacuum for retaining the layers of the glove  11  to the engagement face  122  of the bellows  75  can be monitored using suitable regulators. 
         [0142]    Irrespective of whether the devices  52  for opening the glove are in the form of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , or the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20 , insertion of a hand into the glove blocks the light from the emitter array  66  to the detector array  68  indicating a hand has been placed in the glove. As previously explained, the user then pulls his or her hand downwardly through open bottom  64  to tear the glove  11  along perforated line  26  with the glove on the user&#39;s hand. As the user&#39;s hand is removed from the apparatus light is again detected by the array  68  providing a signal for the frame  50  to be driven upwardly to again grip the line and move downwardly with another glove being opened as the frame  50  moves downwardly so that a user can insert his or her other hand into the next glove if desired. Otherwise, the glove is simply held in the open configuration in the device awaiting for the next hand to be inserted into that glove and for that glove to be torn from the line  10  before the sequence repeats to bring another glove to the hand insertion station H. 
         [0143]    Vacuum may be applied to hold a glove in the open position at the insertion station H for a predetermined time interval after which the vacuum is shut off. Thus, if a glove is not required for some time, the glove merely remains in a static position at the hand insertion station. A sensor (not shown) may be provided to activate the glove opening device to open the glove again when a hand is inserted into the apparatus. 
         [0144]    In another embodiment the cycle of retrieving a new glove and opening a new glove may be commenced by a start button  110  (see  FIG. 15 ) and the sequence of operation may be that when the button  110  is pushed the indexing device  48  moves upwardly as previously explained to grip the line  10  and then moves back to the hand insertion station with the glove being opened as previously explained so the user can insert his or her hand into the glove. When another glove is required the button  110  is again pushed so the sequence repeats itself. This prevents the need to hold vacuum at the opening devices  52  for a great length of time. 
         [0145]    As is best shown in  FIG. 15 , the housing  55  is provided with a door  90  which can be opened in the direction of arrow B to enable a new roll  15  to be loaded into the apparatus. To load a new roll the door  90  is opened and the remnants of the old roll  15  removed. A new roll is located in place in the apparatus. When the door  90  is opened, a mechanical linkage schematically shown at  91  causes two pins  92  to be driven forward. The locating holes  33  in one of the panels  25  of line  10  are located on the pins  92  so the pins  92  project through the holes  33 . This correctly registers the roll relative to the rollers  58  and part of the line  10  is located between the rollers  58 . To facilitate location of the line  10  between the rollers  58  one of the rollers  58  is mounted on a spring tensioning device  95  which, when the door  90  is opened, draws the respective roller  58  away from the other roller  58  to provide a space for the line  10  to be easily inserted between the rollers. Again a mechanical link  96  (schematically shown) may be used to achieve this. When the door  10  is closed the pins  92  are retracted out of the holes  33  away from the line  10  and the roller  58  is again spring biased against the other roller  58  with the line  10  between the rollers  58 . 
         [0146]    When the door  90  is closed the apparatus can be operated to locate a glove at the hand insertion station with the glove open ready for use by a user. 
         [0147]      FIG. 18  is a schematic block diagram of the control system for controlling the apparatus. A processor  99  is provided which receives signals from the encoder  61  to monitor the position of the rollers  58  relative to one another and to stop movement of linear bearings  56  when the rollers  58  have rotated one full revolution. Photo detector array  66  and  68  also provide signals to the processor  99  to indicate location removal of a user&#39;s hand to drive the linear bearings  56  to move the indexing device  48  upwardly and then back down to the hand insertion station H and at the same time operate the pumps and/or vacuum source to apply pressure and vacuum to the devices  52  to grip the glove and open the glove. In the event that the pressure release values or air regulators detect that inadequate or excessive air flow is created by pumps  60 ,  60   a  or  60   b , causing malfunction of the devices  52 , the processor  99  can activate an alarm  130  signalling that the apparatus requires maintenance or servicing. 
         [0148]    The processor  99  also receives a signal when the button  100  is pressed, should the button be provided, to commence the glove retrieval and opening sequence, and a signal from timer  111  for shutting off the vacuum to the opening devices  52  after a predetermined time period. 
         [0149]    If a motor  69  is provided for facilitating rotation of the rollers  58  during upward movement of the frame  50  the processor  99  can also control the motor  69  to drive the roller  68  during movement of the indexing device  48  from station H to station G until one full rotation of the rollers  58  has occurred. 
         [0150]    Other sensors may also be included in the apparatus to detect the location of the line  10  and is indexing through the apparatus from the roll  15  to the hand insertion station. Further markings or other indicia may be provided on the line  10  to facilitate detection of the line  10  by the other sensors. 
         [0151]    In order to provide additional rigidity to the line  10  of the gloves  11 , the layers  18  and  20  may be provided with additional rigidity such as by forming a double heat seal about the periphery of the glove  11  or providing a thickened heat seal bead along the line  11 . The additional rigidity will assist in ensuring that the line  10  moves vertically downwardly and does not tend to wrap around the rollers  58  during indexing of the line  10  through the apparatus. 
         [0152]    Since modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may readily be effected by persons skilled within the art, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described by way of example hereinabove. 
         [0153]    In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0