Abstract:
A sanitary hand cover includes a fluid impermeable material defining two portions, the first portion for fitment over a portion of a user&#39;s hand, the second portion for inversion within the user&#39;s hand and first portion to form a pocket. The pocket is lined with an absorbent material to receive and retain liquid deposited in the pocket formed in the sanitary hand covering. The absorbent materials extends from within the pocket at least partially over a transition area between the first and second portions adjacent the finger tips when the hand covering is fitted on a user&#39;s hand. The transition area defines a constricted pocket opening bearing the absorbent material as a gasket and wiping mechanism. The hand covering can be inverted following use, e.g., for gland expression during animal grooming, to provide a sanitary package for disposal.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to veterinary and grooming sanitary hand coverings, and in particular to a sanitary hand covering for expressing scent glands. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Veterinarians and dog groomers routinely express the scent glands of animals as part of their examination or grooming procedures. This can be an unsavory task. It can result in secretion, often unexpectedly, of an often pungent liquid. The preferred practice is to contain or absorb the secreted liquid, typically for disposal and to avoid the need to clean the liquid from the animal. To this end, practitioners often use paper towels, rags, or other absorbent material to perform the expression process. The use of absorbent material, however, can make gland expression more difficult because of loss of sensitivity and dexterity and because the absorbent tissue, towel, or rag is difficult to control. As a result, the liquid often escapes onto surrounding surfaces due to improper positioning of the absorbent material or to inadequate absorption. The absorbent material is often unyielding and thus hampers the cleaning and expression process. 
         [0003]    Accordingly, improvements are sought in the safety, hygiene, efficiency, and simplicity in performance of animal scent gland expression. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    It has been discovered that performance of animal scent gland expressions by veterinary technicians, pet groomers, and others can be improved through using a novel disposable sanitary hand covering that offers greater safety, hygiene, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. 
         [0005]    One aspect of the invention features, in some implementations, a sanitary hand covering, e.g., a mitt or glove, including a fluid-impermeable hand covering including a first portion sized to receive at least two fingers and a thumb to at least the middle knuckles and top knuckle of a hand respectively, and a second portion extending beyond the tips of the fingers and thumb. 
         [0006]    In some implementations, the sanitary hand covering further includes an absorbent material extending over a major portion of an exterior of a second portion, the second portion sized to be invertible to a position between the thumb and fingers to create an absorbent pocket therebetween, extending to a depth past the top knuckles of the fingers and thumb. 
         [0007]    In some implementations, a sanitary hand covering is made of an absorbent material. In such implementations, the sanitary hand covering can fit over an exam glove having liquid impermeable properties. 
         [0008]    In implementations that include a liquid impermeable layer, the absorbent material may extend at least partially onto the first portion of the hand covering to provide a gasket around an opening of the absorbent pocket. 
         [0009]    In implementations that include a liquid impermeable layer, the absorbent material may extend substantially onto the first portion of the hand covering to provide a gasket around an opening of the absorbent pocket, and further, to provide an additional absorbent material that can be used to absorb any scent gland expression that was not contained in the pocket. 
         [0010]    In some implementations, the first and second portions define a reduced cross-section transition therebetween to provide a reduced cross-section transition between the portions to produce a narrowing at an opening of a pocket formed during inversion of the second portion into the pocketed position. When the hand covering is in the inverted position, the reduced cross section transition becomes an annulus that can be utilized to substantially surround the scent-gland during expression, whereby the expressed fluid is contained in the pocketed area. 
         [0011]    In some implementations, the sanitary hand covering has an elastomeric property and may include elastomeric materials. This elastic property is beneficial in the use of the annulus. The user may extend her fingers, thereby expanding the annulus to fit around the scent gland prior to expression. As the user places her fingertips around the scent gland, the annulus contracts. This implementation is advantageous because the annulus, in a slightly expanded position, will fit snugly around the scent gland, preventing any folds or crevices in the hand covering that may allow fluid to escape. 
         [0012]    In some implementations, only the reduced cross-section transition has an elastomeric property. Thus, the annulus feature retains its contractile quality, while the remainder of the hand-covering does not have contractile properties. The elastic property may be the result of a thicker layer of latex, a rubber band, or some other means. 
         [0013]    In some implementations, the first portion is sized to receive a user&#39;s fingers and thumb to at least the respective base knuckles. 
         [0014]    In some implementations, the first portion is sized to receive a major portion of a user&#39;s hand. 
         [0015]    In some implementations, the hand covering further includes a region of the second portion substantially corresponding to the tip of a user&#39;s index finger that region being substantially free of any absorbent material. 
         [0016]    In some implementations, the hand covering is substantially tubular in a pre-inverted position. 
         [0017]    In some implementations, the hand covering further includes at least one of a deodorant, emollient, lotion, gel, disinfectant, or fragrance in or on any absorbent material. 
         [0018]    In some implementations, the hand covering includes at least one of latex, rubber, plastic, or vinyl. 
         [0019]    In some implementations, the hand covering consists of absorbent material. This hand covering can then be used in conjunction with a standard exam glove that serves as the liquid impermeable layer. One preferred embodiment of such implementations has a cut-out in the area substantially corresponding to the tip of a user&#39;s index finger, allowing the exam glove to fit through said cut-out to preserve dexterity and sensitivity. 
         [0020]    Another aspect of this application is a method of making a sanitary hand covering. The method includes providing a fluid impermeable material defining a first portion sized to receive at least the tips of at least two fingers and a thumb, and further defining a second portion positionable in either of an extended position beyond the first portion or a pocketed position within the first portion. The method further includes providing an absorbent material on at least the second portion and optionably extending partially onto the first portion such that the absorbent material forms a gasket around an opening of a pocket formed by the second portion placed into a pocketed position with the absorbent material lining a major portion of the pocket. 
         [0021]    In some applications, providing the fluid impermeable material comprises dip molding using a form comprising first and second molding sections corresponding to the first and second portions. 
         [0022]    In some applications, the first and second molding sections define a reduced cross-section transition therebetween to provide a reduced cross-section transition between the portions to produce a narrowing at an opening of a pocket formed during inversion of the second portion into the pocketed position. 
         [0023]    In some applications, providing the absorbent material comprises provision of absorbent material on the reduced cross-section transition between the first and second portions to serve as a gasket about the opening of the pocket. 
         [0024]    In some applications, the absorbent material is provided by a second dip molding process. In some applications, the absorbent material is one of material sprayed, coated, flocked, glued otherwise or adhered to the fluid impermeable material. 
         [0025]    In some applications, providing the liquid impermeable material includes one of adhering, stitching, and fusing edge portions of one or more liquid impermeable sheet portions to form a hand covering defining the first and second portions. 
         [0026]    The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and implementations in which the present disclosed teaching may be practiced. Other arrangements and implementations may also be utilized, sand structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed implementations. The various implementations are not mutually exclusive, as some implementations can be combined with one or more other implementations to form new implementations. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    This disclosure, and its numerous objects, features; and advantages are made more apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a side view done embodiment of a sanitary hand covering. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a side view of another embodiment of sanitary hand covering. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a side view of another embodiment of a sanitary hand covering. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a side view of another embodiment of a sanitary hand covering. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C are different views of a side view of an embodiment of the sanitary hand covering of  FIG. 1  illustrating in dotted line the formation of the optional pocket. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C are different views of a side view of an embodiment of the sanitary hand covering of  FIG. 2  illustrating in dotted line the formation of the optional pocket. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sanitary hand covering in use. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are schematic representations of an embodiment of a sanitary hand covering in use. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a side view of another embodiment of a sanitary hand covering. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a side view of another embodiment of a sanitary hand covering. 
       
    
    
       [0038]    The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0039]      FIG. 1 , showing one embodiment of sanitary hand covering  100 , includes a first portion  102  and a second portion  104 , including a liquid impermeable material that may be limited at least in part to the surface  103 . The liquid impermeable material may have elastomeric properties. First portion (or section)  102  is configured for insertion of a portion of a user&#39;s hand (see  FIGS. 5-9 ) and second portion (or section)  104  is configured to be moveable from an extended position, as shown, to an inverted or “pocketed” position within first portion  102  to create a pocket (see arrow in  FIGS. 5-6 ). This pocket effectively positions the users hand between the first and second portions  102  and  104 . 
         [0040]    Second portion  104  is of a reduced cross-section and diameter relative to first portion  102 , thereby accommodating a hand in first portion  102 . The reduced cross-section and diameter of second portion  104  facilitates the forming of an annulus at the rim of the pocket to serve as a gasket to better retain secreted liquids. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , exterior surface  103  of second portion  104  is lined with an absorbent material  108  configured to receive and retain a selected volume of liquids, e.g., secreted liquids from a gland expression procedure. The line of demarcation indicating the transition from lined to non-lined surface is show in FIG. as  109 . Placement of the line of demarcation  109  can vary but should allow for placement of an adsorbent material to cover substantially all of first portion  102  and may include a portion of second portion  104  as shown. Absorbent material  108  can include foam, woven or non-woven fabrics, fibrous batting, or other material suitable to absorb a particular liquid. 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 1 , transition  110  joins portions  102  and  104 . In  FIG. 1  transition  110  is shown as a seamless transition covered by absorbent material  108 . Transition  110  can serve as a control point for the fingers of the user when inserted into section  104 . Transition  110  with absorbent material  108  can facilitate the forming of an annulus (see  FIG. 8 ) to serve as a gasket around the opening of the pocket (see  FIGS. 5-8 ) formed by inversion of portion  104  within portion  102 . Transition  110  can serve further to partially close the opening of the pocket to retain collected liquids during disposal. 
         [0043]    First portion  102  is shown in  FIG. 1  with an annular flange  112 . Annular flange  112  is optional. Annular flange  112  may be formed by the outward or the inward rolling of material that forms sanitary hand covering  100 . Annular flange  112  may include the liquid impermeable material that forms at least a part of surface  106 . Annular flange  112  may be integral to sanitary hand covering  100  or may be an addition or overlay. Annular flange  112  may be comprised of a thicker, denser, or treated portion of portion  102 . Annular flange  112  may be used to position or retain sanitary hand covering  100 . 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment, transition  110  includes an elastomeric feature  111  to improve resistance to expansion during manual operation and to improve constriction for disposal. Elastomeric feature  111  can be a thicker portion of sanitary hand covering  100  or may be a thicker portion of liquid impermeable material. Elastomeric feature  111  may be elastomeric latex, a rubber band, or an integral or separately formed resilient material or feature. 
         [0045]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , hand covering  100  can include a folded sheet or two or more sheets joined along a periphery, e.g., via stitching, adhesion, thermal welding, or other suitable joining process. In  FIG. 2 , such a two-sheet construction is shown where an absorbent material  108  may be similarly adhered, stitched, coated, or otherwise applied to sheet  107 , including to exterior surface of sheet  107  (see  101  in  FIG. 3 ). Sheet  107  may consist of liquid impermeable materials. Absorbent material  108  may be dip coated, flocked, glued, thermal adhered, sprayed, or otherwise attached onto sheet  107 . Thus, sanitary hand covering  100  may be formed using any combination or number of dipping, joining, coating, or other processes for providing absorbent material  108  on a liquid impermeable material  107 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 3 , another embodiment, shows transition  110  without an elastomeric feature but with a cross-section and diameter reduced relative to that of first portion  102 . Second portion  104  is also of a reduced cross-section and diameter relative to first portion  102 , thereby accommodating a hand in first portion  102 . The reduced cross-section and diameter of second portion  104  facilitates the forming of an annulus at the rim of the pocket to serve as a gasket to better retain secreted liquids (see  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0047]    In the embodiments of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , exterior surface of second portion  104  is lined with an absorbent material  108  configured to receive and retain a selected volume of liquids, e.g., secreted liquids from a gland expression procedure. The line of demarcation indicating the transition from lined to non-lined surface is show in  FIGS. 3 and 4  as  109  and  109 ′. Placement of the line of demarcation  109  can vary but should allow for placement of an adsorbent material to cover substantially all of the medial portion of second portion  104  and may include a portion of transition  110  and even of first portion  102  as shown. Absorbent material  108  can include foam, woven or non-woven fabrics, fibrous batting, or other material suitable to absorb a particular liquid. Absorbent material  108  may cover the entire exterior surface  101  of second portion  104  or as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  only a portion of surface  101 . Likewise, absorbent material  108  may cover all or only a portion of transition  110  and only a portion or none of first section  102 . 
         [0048]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the coverage of absorbent material  108  is shown to be non-obscuring. Absorbent material  108  may be applied in a non-obscuring net, dot, intermittent, or other pattern that conserves absorbent materials. Such patterns of application may best suit certain absorbent material  108  or methods of application. 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIGS. 5-6 , a method of using sanitary hand covering  100  includes insertion of a portion of a user&#39;s hand in first portion  102 , e.g., at least the fingers and thumb to the lower knuckles, or even to the wrist, to ensure that the elasticity of the opening of first portion  102  retains sanitary hand covering  100  thereon. For example, if inserted only up to the second knuckles the elasticity of first portion  102 , sanitary hand covering  100  may slide forward off the fingers. Thus, in some applications, it may be desirable to size and don the hand covering to an extent sufficient to ensure sufficient control without forward slippage of the hand covering during use. Likewise, annular flange  112  may be employed to help retain sanitary hand covering  100  in place. 
         [0050]    With continued reference to the embodiments of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , once the fingers of the user (shown in dashed outline) are inserted up to approximately the location of transition  110  approximately between first portion  102  and second portion  104 , a “pocketed” section  114  (shown in dashed outline in  FIGS. 5   b  and  5   c ,  FIGS. 6   b  and  6   c ) is formed of distal end  116  ( FIG. 5   a ,  FIG. 6   a ) of second section  104  in the direction of the arrow as shown on  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  and  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b . Pocket  114  is then further pressed in the direction of the palm of the user as shown between the fingers and thumb of the covered hand to complete creation of pocket  114  therebetween. Continuing with reference to the embodiments of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , first portion  102 , second portion  104 , transition  110 , and elastomeric feature  111  may be fully or partially covered with absorbent material  108 . 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a method is illustrated of using sanitary hand covering  100  that includes the user forming an annulus by placement of the fingers and thumb of the user into position where the digits are spaced more or less equidistant from the next adjoining digit to form a generally circular configuration.  FIG. 8  illustrates with arrows expanding the annulus and the annulus present at the opening of the pocket defined by transition  110  via flexing of the extensor muscles of the user, e.g., to position the annulus at the pocket opening substantially surrounding the target area, and thus creating a gasket. For example, during pet grooming, a technician dons the hand covering, extends the annulus over the area surrounding the scent glands of the animal (see  FIG. 8   a ) and then constricts the annulus (see  FIG. 8   b ) to express the scent gland and catch the secreted liquids within the pocket. By the nature of elasticity and the dynamic interaction of the elastic properties with purposeful movement of the fingers and thumb, both the extended and constricted or relaxed annulus prevents folds or crevices that may allow fluid to escape. 
         [0052]    Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , absorbent material  108  along the pocket  114  that had been a portion of the exterior of sanitary covering  100  can thus serve to catch and retain liquids. The technician then uses the outward facing portion of absorbent material  108  present on transition  110  or first portion  102  to wipe up any remaining secreted liquids from the surrounding area and inverts the first portion  102  forward in the direction of the tip of the fingers of the user, thus completely inverting sanitary hand covering  100 , leaving hand covering  100  in a fully inverted configuration for disposal. 
         [0053]    Sanitary hand covering  100  shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  comprises an absorbent material without a liquid impermeable layer. Sanitary hand covering  100  has elastic properties. The elastic action of the absorbent material aids the anal scent gland cleaning process as described and illustrated. 
         [0054]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of sanitary hand covering  100  that includes a region  118  of the sanitary hand cover  100  corresponding with the position of the index finger that is substantially devoid of absorbent material  108  on exterior surface  101  of second portion  104  of sanitary hand covering  100 . Substantially devoid region  118  allows increased sensitivity and dexterity relative to portions of exterior surface  101  to which absorbent material  108  has been adhered. For example, for internal digital expression of the scent gland of an animal it is typical to use the index finger to feel for the scent gland. Two such substantially devoid regions may be provided to accommodate ambidextrous use. 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  illustrates how a user may don a typical exam glove, and place the gloved hand into sanitary hand covering  100  made substantially of absorbent, material. The sanitary hand covering  100  made substantially of absorbent material may include a cut-out  120  allowing the user to place an index finger through cut-out  120 . The user may then invert the covering thereby creating pocketed area  114 , while the index finger is uncovered by absorbent material to preserve dexterity and sensitivity. With further reference to  FIG. 10 , the user has not placed a finger through cut-out  120 . Cut-out  120  is visible in pocketed area  114 . 
         [0056]    While the forgoing represents a description of various embodiment, it is to be understood that the claims below recite the features of the present disclosure, and that other embodiments not specifically described hereinabove, fall within the scope of this disclosure.