Protective hand device

Abstract

A protective apparatus for a person's hand. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a glove having a front and a back side, and wherein the glove has finger compartments. The apparatus includes a cover attached to the back side of the glove and the finger compartments so that a palm pocket and finger pockets are formed. A palm pad is inserted between the glove's back side and the cover, and wherein the palm pad is configured to be adjacent the palm pocket. The apparatus further comprises finger pads inserted between the glove's back side and the cover. The finger pads are configured to be inserted into the finger pockets. The apparatus further comprises a throat member for binding together the glove and the cover. The palm pad has a first density layer joined to a second density layer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a protective hand device. More specifically, but without limitation, this invention relates to a glove and mitten that is worn by a person in order to protect the hand while working.[0002]Gloves and mittens are generally a fitted covering for the hand, usually made of leather, wool, or cloth. Gloves have a separate sheath for each finger and the thumb. The mitten is a covering for the hand that encases the thumb separately and the four finger together. As those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, hand injuries occurring in work and recreational environments can be painful and debilitating. A particular industry with a high incidence of hand injury is the oil and gas industry, wherein heavy and awkward tubulars must be handled on a repetitive basis. It should be noted that the description herein set out is not limited to only the oil and gas industry; instead, the description is applicable to all areas that a user ca...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]An advantage of the invention includes the protection of the back side of the hand including knuckles, joints and fingers. Yet another advantage is that the disclosed apparatus is easy to manufacture. Yet another advantage is that it is easy to install replacement pads. Yet another advantage is that the apparatus allows for full flexion and extension of the hand.

[0011]A feature of the present invention is that the apparatus contains a gripping surface. Yet another feature is that the use of a stretch knit material that forms the lining and pockets which enables the lining and pockets to quickly and consistently recover to it's original condition / position on a repetitive basis. Another feature is the throat of the glove, referred to as the cuff of the glove, which serves to bring together and effectively join the multiple ply of fabric that make-up the glove construction into a singular opening in which the wearer can insert his / her hand. The cuff also prevents foreign material from entering the glove during use while still allowing quick removal of the hand from the glove should the need develop.

[0012]Still yet another feature is the impact absorbing pads that act to absorb impact energy and shield the wearer's hand from laceration, avulsion, and abrasion. The pads contain deep lateral slices which allow full flexion and extension of the hand / fingers and thumb without sacrificing impact protection. In the most preferred embodiment, the impact pad is made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). Another feature of the present invention is that the EVA exhibits a low liquid absorption quality and is non-reactive to many chemicals commonly, particularly found in the oil and gas drilling industry. Still yet another feature is that the impact pads have dual densities (i.e. two (2) layers of densities) i.e. the bottom layer is softer than the top layer.

Problems solved by technology

As those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, hand injuries occurring in work and recreational environments can be painful and debilitating.

A particular industry with a high incidence of hand injury is the oil and gas industry, wherein heavy and awkward tubulars must be handled on a repetitive basis.

However, all of the prior art gloves and mittens suffer from the inability to adequately protect the user from hand injury when the hand contacts foreign objects.

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