Insulated winter glove with air-breathing window in palm

Abstract

A thermally insulated hand glove for use in sporting activities. The hand glove has a main body for enclosing a user's hand, with a palm area having an exposed wall surface being substantially waterproof. A window aperture is made in a fraction of the palm area. A moisture permeable stretchable membrane is applied to fully close the window aperture, so as to provide an air vent system integral to the palm area for promoting moisture outflow generated from the user's hand palm perspiration outwardly from said glove main body, while controlling accidental moisture inflow seepage from outside weather conditions. The stretchable nature of the arcuate membrane pad biases the thumb finger part of the glove to a tilted location overhanging spacedly over the window, thus reducing the likelihood of accidental access of water or snow to the non waterproof membrane pad covering the window.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to thermally insulated hand gloves for performing sporting activities in sub-freezing weather conditions.[0002] In subpolar countries such as Canada and Russia where wintertime weather conditions are harsh and can bring the outdoor temperatures down well below water freezing point, it is important during winter season to have proper thermally insulated garments if one is to stay outside for any length of time. When it becomes very cold, for example -30.degree. Celsius or less, the body extremities (hands and feet) can in a matter of minutes begin to sustain chillblains unless the full of a person's body is very well insulated thermally in proper garments. Those active in winter sports, such as cross-country skiing, or alternately workers that work outdoors during winter time such as forestry workers, have the added problem of having to deal with moisture from perspiration generated from the skin by the physical exercise they generate during their sporti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The gist of this invention is therefore to improve thermal efficiency of winter hand gloves.

[0007] In accordance with the objects of the invention, there is disclosed a thermally insulated hand glove for use in sporting activities. The hand glove has a main body for enclosing a user's hand, with a palm area having an exposed wall surface being substantially waterproof. A window aperture is made in a fraction of the palm area. A moisture permeable stretchable membrane is applied to fully close the window aperture, so as to provide an air vent system integral to the palm area for promoting moisture outflow generated from the user's hand palm perspiration outwardly from said glove main body, while controlling accidental moisture inflow seepage from outside weather conditions. The stretchable nature of the arcuate membrane pad biases the thumb finger part of the glove to a tilted location overhanging spacedly over the window, thus reducing the likelihood of accidental access of water or snow to the non waterproof membrane pad covering the window.

[0011] Said open window could form a quarter moon shape having a concave side generally facing said thumb portion spacedly therefrom. Also, said palm wall could define a thickness substantially the same as that of said stretchable membrane. The resiliency of said stretchable membrane should preferably be selected to be such as to effectively bias said thumb portion to a tilted position spacedly overhanging said open window, to at least partly shield said open window from outside weather conditions.

Problems solved by technology

Those active in winter sports, such as cross-country skiing, or alternately workers that work outdoors during winter time such as forestry workers, have the added problem of having to deal with moisture from perspiration generated from the skin by the physical exercise they generate during their sporting activities.

This perspiration borne moisture can become trapped between the skin and the layers of insulating garments, if the garment does not allow selective outflow escape of moisture.

However, there is a problem with hand gloves in this respect.

However, for multiple-layered insulated gloves for sports activities in below freezing temperatures, it is an entirely different matter.

Indeed and unfortunately, most winterized hand gloves on the market comprise a palm area which is made from a waterproof material, usually natural leather (expensive and more supple and comfortable) or synthetic leather (cheaper and less durable).

Condensation at a skier's hand palm is a leading cause of hand chill and discomfort, and eventual chillblains.

Untreated, a chillblain of the hand can lead to amputation of one or more fingers, or worse.

Images