Glove with memory foam inserts

Abstract

A glove that can be used as a conventional glove, or, alternatively, if the glove is to be used for special purposes, can be modified to include shaped articles comprising yieldably deformable, shaped-inserts of different configuration constructed from foamed cushion material having a memory. These shaped articles can be selectively inserted into strategically located, internal pockets formed internally and externally of the glove. When the shaped-inserts are in position within the pockets of the glove, they provide protection to the hand, provide superior tactile perception and also tend to substantially replicate the surface features exhibited by the device being gripped by the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to gloves. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel glove construction which includes a hand covering, including a hand-receiving chamber and an article-gripping surface and a plurality of spaced-apart, insert-receiving pockets connected to the hand covering for removably receiving strategically shaped inserts constructed from a foamed-cushion material having a memory.[0003]2. Discussion of the Prior Art[0004]A number of gloves of various constructions are readily commercially available and include work gloves, dress gloves, driving gloves, gloves worn for warmth and athletic gloves for use in carrying out various sporting activities. As a general rule, gloves, such as work gloves, driving gloves and athletic gloves are worn to protect the user's hands from injury. A common drawback of all of these types of gloves is the loss of tactile perception to a greater or lesser d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]It is an object of the present invention to provide a glove that is easy to don and can, if desired be used as a conventional glove. Alternatively, shaped articles comprising yieldably deformable, shaped-inserts of different configuration constructed from foamed-cushion material having a memory can be selectively inserted into strategically located, internal and external pockets or compartments interconnected with the hand covering portion of the glove. When the shaped-inserts are in position within the internal pockets of the gloves they tend to substantially replicate the surface features exhibited by the device being gripped by the user. When the shaped inserts are in position within the external pockets of the glove they provide substantial protection against external impact to the user's hands.

[0010]Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose glove construction as described in the preceding paragraph which is highly versatile in use and can be selectively adapted to perform various tasks that require a high degree of tactile perception.

[0011]Another object of the invention is to provide a glove construction of the character described that is lightweight, durable and comfortable to wear.

[0012]Another object of the invention is to provide a glove construction that can be inexpensively fabricated in quantity using well-known fabrication techniques.

Problems solved by technology

A common drawback of all of these types of gloves is the loss of tactile perception to a greater or lesser degree.

For example, when heavy work gloves are used, the surface characteristics of the article being gripped is severely masked by the glove.

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