Gloves with easily deployed cuff catcher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glove having a body made from an elastomeric material and sized and shaped so as to receive a wearer's hand. The body has a cuff portion including a first end, which is connected to the body, and a second end, which is positioned opposite the first end. The cuff portion includes an annular ridge formed thereon and expandable radially outwardly so as to facilitate the insertion of a wearer's hand into the body. The ridge is positioned between the first and second ends such that at least one section of the cuff portion positioned adjacent the second end can be folded over another section of the cuff portion positioned adjacent the first end so as to form an open pocket, whereby materials falling from the body during the use of the glove can be caught by the pocket. In order to make the glove of the present invention, an annular projection is formed on a former. At least a portion of the former is then immersed into a vat of elastomeric material so as to apply a layer of elastomeric material on the former. At least a portion of the layer of elastomeric material covers the annular projection. The former is thereafter removed from the vat, and the layer of elastomeric material is cured so as to form the glove. The annular ridge of the glove is defined by the annular projection and the layer of elastomeric material. The cured glove is then removed from the former.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 543,747 filed Feb. 11, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to gloves and, more particularly, to an aid in forming cuffs in rubber gloves. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Rubber gloves are used by workmen, surgeons, and in the home. In the home such gloves are often used for washing dishes, cleaning with household chemicals, and car washing. [0004] A common problem with using rubber gloves is that when the user washing dishes with such gloves lifts their arms toward their body via contracting of the elbow, water drips from the gloves onto the arm. To prevent this problem, a portion of the glove is rolled back on itself, thus forming a pocket to catch dripping water. This is normally done by manipulating the arm portion of the glove, folding the arm port...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art discussed above by placing an elastomeric band around the desired area below the wrist on a conventional rubber glove former before the dipping process begins. After dipping the former in latex rubber, drying it, and curing it, the elastomeric band becomes an integral part of the rubber glove. This overcomes the need for special formers.

[0008] The present invention provides an additional advantage in that the elastomeric band is dimensioned so that there is a degree of tension on the elastomeric band when placed on the former. The band being under tension tends to draw in the glove, thus further defining the fold line, and making it easier and simpler to form the folded cuff.

[0010] The glove made in accordance with the present invention includes a body made from an elastomeric material and sized and shaped so as to receive a wearer's hand. The body has a cuff portion including a first end, which is connected to the body, and a second end, which is positioned opposite the first end. The cuff portion includes an annular ridge formed thereon and expandable radially outwardly so as to facilitate the insertion of a wearer's hand into the body. The ridge is positioned between the first and second ends such that at least one section of the cuff portion positioned adjacent the second end can be folded over another section of the cuff portion positioned adjacent the first end so as to form an open pocket, whereby materials falling from the body during the use of the glove can be at least temporarily caught by the pocket.

Problems solved by technology

A common problem with using rubber gloves is that when the user washing dishes with such gloves lifts their arms toward their body via contracting of the elbow, water drips from the gloves onto the arm.

A problem with forming a cuff manually is that liquids will likely continue to run onto the arm because the cuff bulges at the fold, forcing the end of the glove to lie flush with the portion of the glove between the cuff and the palm.

Unfortunately, this method requires special formers to produce such a glove.

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