Polymer-coated protective garment

Abstract

A polymer-coated protective garment is disclosed. The garment may be configured to fit around the arm, leg, foot or hand of a wearer. For example, in one embodiment, the protective garment comprises a glove. The glove includes a hollow member defining an opening for receiving a hand. The hollow member is made from an elastic laminate. The elastic laminate may comprise at least one nonwoven web. The hollow member further includes an elastomeric coating that covers at least a portion of the hollow member. In one embodiment, for instance, the elastomeric coating covers a palm portion and finger portions of the glove.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Many types and styles of protective gloves are known in the art. Depending on the type of environment, nature of work, or desired properties, these gloves are made from a variety of materials, including woven cloth fabrics, leather, natural latex or synthetic polymer elastomeric materials, or combinations of such materials. [0002] Gloves made of woven fabrics generally allow the user's skin to breathe through the fabric such that perspiration from the hand may be wicked away by the fabric. Knit gloves are often desirable in that they allow for a relatively comfortable fit on the hand of the user. Additionally, knit gloves demonstrate at least some degree of inherent flexibility in order to accommodate movement of the user's hands. Knitting processes used to create woven knit gloves, however, are typically slow and expensive. [0003] Gloves that require greater protection against fluids, chemicals, or microscopic pathogens typically incorporate a bar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0030] In one embodiment, a precoat may be present in the glove positioned between the elastomeric coating and the hollow member. The precoat may be added in order to facilitate bonding between the elastomeric coating and the hollow member, may be used to polymerize the elastomeric coating material, or may be used to control penetration of the elastomeric coating into the hollow member. In one embodiment, for instance, the precoat may comprise a coagulant composition for the natural or synthetic polymer. Alternatively, the precoat may comprise a hydrophobic composition that does not form a film on the exterior surface of the hollow member, but does serve to prevent penetration of the elastomeric material into the hollow member.

Problems solved by technology

Gloves made of woven fabrics generally allow the user's skin to breathe through the fabric such that perspiration from the hand may be wicked away by the fabric.

Knitting processes used to create woven knit gloves, however, are typically slow and expensive.

The cotton flock lining, in some applications, may also be difficult to attach to the inside surface of an elastomeric article.

Further, in order to attach the cotton flocking to the inside surface of the article, a glue or adhesive is used that adds complexity to the process for making the glove.

Such gloves, however, generally have little elasticity and are typically reserved for heavy duty uses.

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