Medical / Dental / Utility Gloves with Anti-Fatigue and Improved Air Channeling

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved elastic glove having stress relief zones to reduce user fatigue. The glove may have stress relief zones between and over some or all of the joints, knuckles and bones of the hand, wherein the relief zones are formed by asymmetric or symmetric ridges. Alternatively, these raised relief zones are formed by asymmetric or symmetric diamond or truncated diamond shaped zones. Relief zones may also be provided on the web between the thumb and palm. Relief zones may also be provided on the soft tissue web between the thumb and index finger on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the hand. The diamond / ridge shaped relief zones provide improved (consistent) glove function and quality while keeping manufacturing challenges and costs to a minimum.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 856,682, filed on June 3, 2019, entitled “MEDICAL / DENTAL / UTILITY GLOVES WITH ANTI-FATIGUE AND AIR CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS,” which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to an ergonomically improved glove having areas near or within natural crease lines and stress accumulation areas of the user's hand with stress relief functions to provide lower resistance to flexion and enhanced fatigue resistance during function of the human hand and wrist. Background Art

[0004] Latex and other elastomeric medical gloves are used by medical and / or dental professionals to maintain a sanitary boundary between the medical staff (or other user / operator) and the patient. These gloves have also found their way into non-medical fields, such as use by cleaners, food industry workers, automotive workers, painters, construction workers, hair stylists, etc., and more as a barrier to reduce the transfer of oils, paints, foams, chemicals, etc. onto the worker. The invention described herein can also be used to increase the availability of sports gloves and medical gloves, as well as general purpose gloves for other purposes.

[0005] Medical gloves typically have a uniform thickness throughout the glove to keep costs low by simplifying production. This results in a mismatch between the flexion pattern of the glove and the flexion of the wearer's hand. For example, when the wearer flexes his fingers, the glove must stretch unevenly along the wearer's joints and beyond the joints because all hands are different in muscle and bone structure. The force required to stretch the glove during use tends to cause fatigue in the wearer's hand and can cause other discomforts, such as contraction of the hand. This glove "squeeze" causes the hand muscles to have to work extra hard, beyond the normal effort required for "no-glove" muscle flexion and hand function. In addition to this, the "glove squeeze" and associated resistance can cause stress on multiple bones of the hand, fingers and wrist, which can cause pain and increase fatigue, thereby affecting function. These effects can also lead to mid- and long-term medical complications for the wearer.

[0006] Furthermore, when the glove is stretched over one side of the user's hand, areas elsewhere on the hand may also experience bunching / drooping of the material as the material folds over itself, e.g., bunching under the finger joints. In addition to the above-mentioned disadvantages, this can reduce the tactile feel through the glove and interfere with the gripping of delicate instruments. As a result, wearers often wear gloves that are ill-fitting ("larger") than the wearer's hand size to reduce fatigue, with the disadvantage of bunching at the fingertips or elsewhere that interferes with grip and tactile feedback. What is needed is an improved, easily produced glove that has economical, ergonomic, anti-fatigue features that do not interfere with the natural operation of the wearer's hand.

[0007] Some efforts have been made in the past to provide stress relief areas. One such device is shown in U.S. Patent 5,323,490 by Yarbrough. Multiple bellows are provided along two fingers of the glove to provide a circumferential flexible area, but too much bending provided by the bellows causes the fingertips of the glove to become too loose. In addition, the bellows portion located below the fingers (palm side) is unnecessary and in this way can cause, for example, an obstruction to the operator's grip on the instrument. Moreover, the Yarbrough invention does not take into account the vertical sliding of the glove material along the fingers during use, which causes the glove material to gather and wrinkle at the fingertips, significantly hindering use and interfering with instrument handling and tactile feedback. Other inventors (see Ansel's patent application WO2017124134A1) have tried alternative designs for stress relief areas, but they have not solved the sliding and gathering of the glove material, nor have they demonstrated any novelty that has not yet been invented. Therefore, the cited invention does not add any uniqueness to the field of improved glove design.

[0008] Many other gloves have provided different solutions, such as U.S. Patents 3,283,338 and 6,962,739. However, none of these inventions and patents, either individually or in combination, are considered to describe the claimed invention. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention relates to an improved glove having stress relief zones built into the glove to relieve bending of the user's joints and to relieve compression of the hand. The glove may have raised relief zones or pockets above or adjacent to one or more joints and knuckles of the hand, wherein the relief zones are preferably formed by asymmetrical or symmetrical elongated ridges above the finger and thumb joints and adjacent to or above the knuckles. Raised relief zones may also be provided on the dorsal surface between the thumb and index finger and on the ventral surface on the dorsal and ventral ("palm") sides (as well as other areas shown in the figures) and on the webbing. These relief zones may also be formed by horizontal or vertical zones of asymmetrical or symmetrical rhombus, modified rhombus or ellipse. The relief zones described herein provide improved (consistent) glove quality while keeping manufacturing challenges and costs to a minimum. These relief zones may also have concavities at the apex of the relief zones to reduce the profile and provide additional material for expansion as needed in the various relief zones. In addition, the relief zones and features mentioned herein may be linear or non-linear in nature.

[0010] It is therefore a primary object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide an improved glove having anatomically related and / or anatomically adjacent stress relief areas to both provide stress relief and prevent the glove material from slipping and bunching at the fingertips during function of the glove, thereby preventing degradation of functionality, tactile feedback, etc.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide air release channels that are incorporated into the glove during the manufacturing process to mitigate any air entrapment that may occur during donning of the glove.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a glove having a plurality of elongated, vertically aligned ridge-shaped / modified diamond-shaped relief zones on the glove to provide glove stretch relief zones with additional material in the relief zones having a shape that is generally transverse to the axis of rotation of the fingers during flexion ("longitudinal relief zones").

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a glove having a plurality of elongated, horizontally aligned ridged / modified diamond / oval shaped relief zones on the glove to provide glove stretch relief zones with additional material in relief zones having a shape that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the fingers during flexion. (Horizontal relief zones)

[0014] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elimination zone areas may also be elliptical and may be rotated horizontally or vertically without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a glove having a plurality of stress relief portions to reduce strain on the hand when the glove is stretched around a flexed hand and fingers.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a plurality of stress relief zones having oval shaped pleats to provide stress free stretch of the glove around the joints of the fingers, hand and wrist and the body.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide multiple stress relief zones having asymmetrical or symmetrical diamond / ridge shaped / modified diamond / modified ridge shaped relief zones to provide stress free stretch of the glove around the joints of the fingers, hand and wrist and the body.

[0018] The object of the present invention is to provide a glove which allows the hand to assume its natural curvature ("cascade effect") and which significantly reduces the stresses and fatigue caused by high stress areas.

[0019] The object of the present invention is to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a device for the purposes described which device is inexpensive, reliable and fully effective for its intended purpose.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a glove and hand former that allow the user to relieve stress by providing appropriate stress relief areas in an ambidextrous (symmetrical) style glove.

[0021] These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent upon reviewing the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. These objects of the present invention are not exhaustive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, it must be understood that no embodiment of the present invention is required to include all of the aforementioned objects of the present invention. On the contrary, a given embodiment may include one or not include the above objects. Therefore, these objects are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a back plan view of a glove according to at least one aspect of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1A An alternative embodiment of a elimination zone of a glove is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 is a plan view of the belly ("palm side") of a glove according to at least one aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3is a dorsal view or a ventral view of another embodiment of the glove, depending on whether a hand specific glove or an ambidextrous glove is used.

[0026] Figure 3A is a dorsal view or a ventral view of yet another glove embodiment, depending on whether a hand specific glove or an ambidextrous glove is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 and Figure 4A is a view of a glove having elimination zones along the thumb and index finger according to other aspects of the invention.

[0028] Figure 5

[0026] Additional embodiments of the present invention include additional elimination zones and a unique air release channel system.

[0029] Figure 6 is a side view showing the finger / thumb tip area, demonstrating the continuous thumb web elimination zone.

[0030] Fig. 6A is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of a glove having a thumb, finger, or any eliminated area.

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a hand showing the rotation axis of the hand.

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a hand showing the bones of the thumb and movement.

[0033] FIG. 9A shows a schematic diagram of a prior art mold for an asymmetric glove.

[0034] FIG. 9B shows a schematic diagram of a prior art mold for a symmetrical glove.

[0035] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a glove showing finger base elimination zones.

[0036] Figure 11 to Figure 12 An alternative embodiment of a glove is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] According to at least one aspect, the present invention is an improved glove having stress relief areas to improve the ergonomics, comfort, and usability of the glove.

[0038] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a rear ("back" side) of a glove 110 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 1A Alternative embodiments of elliptical, arcuate, and modified diamond shaped elimination zones are shown.

[0040] Figure 2 The front (or "ventral / palm" side) of the glove is shown.

[0041] Figure 3 Either a dorsal view or a ventral view is shown, depending on whether a hand specific glove or a ambidextrous glove is shown.

[0042] Figure 3A is another example of a dorsal view or a ventral view, depending on whether a hand specific glove or a ambidextrous glove is shown. The figure shows the elimination zone 317 extending through the crotch of the fingers.

[0043] Figure 4 The glove is shown from the side on the thumb side of the hand.

[0044] Figure 4A A elimination zone 114 is shown above the thumb muscles and above the base area of ​​the thumb.

[0045] Different areas on the dorsal, ventral and lateral sides of the hand are stretch / elimination zones. Additional areas on the dorsal side of the hand 119 ( Figure 5 ) shows air elimination zones that release trapped air during wear. These zones can also be on the ventral side of the hand.

[0046] In practice, the glove will be constructed from a thin layer of uniform latex, nitrile, vinyl, polyisoprene, neoprene or other elastic or elastomeric material, typically by dip molding in the desired shape of the glove using a hand mold. For the purposes of this application, any of these materials will be collectively referred to as "polymeric", and gloves formed from any of these and similar materials will be referred to as "polymeric gloves", unless otherwise expressly noted. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one stress relief area 112 ( Figure 1 ) are disposed above the knuckles (knuckle joints, finger joints, etc.) of the hand and are preferably located within a main glove portion of uniform thickness. However, the glove need not have uniform thickness to practice the present invention.

[0047] For example, when one or more fingers are curled to grasp a medical / dental instrument, this expansion zone 112 reduces the amount of force necessary for the glove's material to bend around the knuckles (or "joints") of the hand. By providing additional material / space in the relief zones in the type of bulging areas or "pockets," the wearer experiences less fatigue because the fingers are able to move a greater distance (or bend further) before the glove material is stretched to accommodate the movement or curling of the fingers. These expansion zones are designed to provide less resistance to stretching or elongation along the length of the fingers than in the lateral ("circumferential") direction and than material outside of the expansion zones of the glove.

[0048] An additional feature of the relief zone is that there is less constriction of the user's hand during operation due to the extension of the glove. When an elastic material (such as rubber, etc.) stretches / elongates, it simultaneously narrows, just as a rubber band will narrow when stretched. Since the glove is already adjacent to the wearer's skin, the extension of the glove will narrow around the hand causing constriction and discomfort to the hand. By providing additional material and free space through the design of the expansion zone, anatomical displacements, volume changes and movements of the joint bones and overlying soft tissues can be accommodated by the extended relief zone area, rather than actually requiring significant "stretching" of the material.

[0049] Figure 1 , Figure 1A and Figure 2 Various embodiments of the present invention are shown. A glove 110 is shown made of latex, nitrile, vinyl, polyisoprene, neoprene or other elastomeric material or similar material. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that portions of the present invention may be applied to gloves of any material.

[0050] One or more elimination zones 111, 112, 112A, 113, 113A, 114, 115, 115A, 116, 117, 118, 121, 122, 123, 124 may be manufactured in the glove.

[0051] The first set of relief zones 112 ("finger relief zones") are located above the joints between the middle phalanges and the proximal phalanges of each finger. The second set of relief zones 113 are located above the joints between the distal phalanges and the middle phalanges of each finger. The third set of relief zones 115 or 115A are located between the metacarpal bones and may extend into the webbed area adjacent to the proximal phalanges. These relief zones may also extend from one side of the hand to the other ("wrapped") or from one side to the other without passing through the root area between the fingers (i.e., disconnected / separated) and may be located on both dorsal and / or ventral sides of the glove (or only on the dorsal side). Depending on the needs of the glove, the relief zones may also extend only partially or completely along the bones, rather than extending over the joints between adjacent bones. Depending on the needs of the glove, the cushioning areas 115 / 115A may also extend partially or completely over the metacarpal phalanges (MCP) or other joints between adjacent bones.

[0052] Fig. 6A An alternative version of the elimination zone 111A is shown with a lower profile. By forming a vertical or horizontal ridge or groove in the center, the overall volume of the elimination zone is lower while maintaining its functionality. The double peak of the elimination zone allows for a more compact elimination zone. The groove can extend over the entire vertical length of the elimination zone or only over a portion of the elimination zone. The same applies to horizontally oriented elimination zones. This feature can be applied to any elimination zone described in this application.

[0053] Similar elimination zone 121 ( Figure 1 ) can be located on the outside of the index finger, at or near the MCP joint of the finger.

[0054] Another similar elimination zone 121A ( Figure 4 ) can be located on the side of the finger.

[0055] The fifth elimination zone 111 is disposed above the thumb joint, between or above the distal phalanx and proximal phalanx regions of the thumb and above the thumb MCP joint. In a preferred embodiment, one, none or two of these elimination zones may be used.

[0056] The sixth elimination zone 114 is located near or on the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb, the associated metacarpal / carpal bones, and the adjacent thenar muscle group / muscles.

[0057] The seventh elimination zone 117 is located above the web of the thumb / dorsal side of the hand and may or may not wrap around through the root area between the thumb and index finger to the ventral side of the hand. An alternative embodiment of this elimination zone can also be a non-connected double elimination zone located on both the ventral and dorsal sides, but not continuously through the root area of ​​the thumb. The elimination zone can be on only one side, that is, on the dorsal or ventral side of the hand in this position. The elimination zone can have a shape such as Fig. 6A The feature of a central groove or concave surface shown in (111A) extends over the entire length or a portion of the length of the elimination zone.

[0058] The eighth elimination zone 116 is located on the outside of the pinky side of the hand.

[0059] A ninth set of wrist elimination zones 118 are located above the wrist joint area (carpometacarpal joint area) and / or above the carpal, radial and ulnar areas. These elimination zones may be present on the dorsal or ventral side of the wrist and / or forearm, or combined on both sides. These elimination zones may be frusto-diamond, oval, arcuate, hourglass or generally parallel in shape.

[0060] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate another basic concept of the present invention. Figures 9A and 9B illustrate prior art hand molds ("molds") for dip molding (explained further below). These molds can be asymmetrical (Figure 9A) or symmetrical (Figure 9B). Note that an asymmetrical glove has the advantage that it can be partially formed with the natural curvature of the hand to better fit the hand and provide a pre-curvature to the glove.

[0061] The symmetrical glove is flatter, but can be worn on either hand because it is substantially symmetrical about a plane. Note that the form is also smoothed and has no protrusions at the knuckles / joints or other stress areas created during function. This can allow the glove to accommodate more hand sizes and shapes, and can make the dip molding process smoother / streamlined because there are fewer obstructions blocking the flow of the elastomeric glove making fluid around the mold.

[0062] For the purposes of this application, we will refer to gloves using these types of standard hand molds as standard asymmetric gloves (FIG. 9A) and standard symmetric gloves (FIG. 9B). A disadvantage of this method of manufacturing gloves on a standard mold is that it does not address anatomical areas that create stress during glove use, and therefore the user may experience damaging hand compression, associated fatigue, and negative consequences to the user and the outcome of the procedure.

[0063] By modifying the hand model to have a raised, vertically oriented, elongated "bump" ( Figures 1 to 3) or "pockets" extending outward from the standard hand mold shape, the glove can be manufactured to have "slack" areas in this area between the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and bones and slightly above them. These raised areas are oriented with an axis slightly parallel (e.g., + / - 20 degrees parallel) to the long axis of the hand and can extend into the area between the metacarpal bones and into the area between the proximal bones. This slack allows the glove to fit comfortably when the fingers are flexed or when a fist is made ("balled") and gives the glove some "flex" in the area of ​​the MCP joints or other areas before the slack is removed from the glove and the glove begins to resist hand movement more significantly. Because this slack is placed in the glove, this allows the hand to flex more in the modified glove than in a glove of the same size made using a standard hand mold before the glove begins to stretch. The ridges / pockets provide this extra material.

[0064] One such elimination zone 115 ( Figure 1 ) illustrates a preferred shape for the elimination zone. The elimination zone is a truncated rhombus shape, but may also be an hourglass shape, a parallelogram, or other shape. The points of the rhombus are preferably all missing and have been smoothed. This allows for a smoother transition between the non-elimination portion and the elimination portion of the glove. It is desirable that the material flow smoothly when forming the glove. The elimination zone may have three-dimensional forming characteristics, such as an arcuate form that follows the contour of the hand it covers. For the purposes of this application, unless otherwise expressly stated, the shape of a truncated rhombus is the general shape of a rhombus in which the points have been eliminated to provide a smooth transition from one side of the rhombus to the other. The truncated rhombus has a three-dimensional shape and may be generally flat or arcuate or some combination thereof, depending on the area of ​​the hand or fingers it covers. The rhombus may be symmetrical along one, two, or no axis, especially when stretched.

[0065] It is important to remember that although the drawings look like one separate material forming the elimination zone, it is simply formed of a raised area designed as a ridge or pocket away from the surface of the standard hand form to create a bladder or pocket of the glove material. The liquid latex or other material flows down and away from the hand form during dipping to form a layer of material around the glove that is slightly exaggerated from the normal hand contour.

[0066] The elimination zone can be similar to the glove in all other respects, except that the elimination zone has a different shape to provide a pocket of the elimination zone in the glove, but can be the same color, thickness, and material as the rest of the glove. The pocket shape is important to provide less spring force to resist bending of the hand. If the truncated diamond shape has points or sharp areas, the glove can more easily develop defects such as pinholes, inconsistencies, or wrinkles if the flowing material is disturbed. Smooth areas and transition areas reduce sharp edges to allow fluid to flow more smoothly between different areas.

[0067] This design feature is important to allow a smooth and even flow of the elastomeric material during the manufacturing process while still providing an effective stress relief area. The heated elastomeric material accumulates on the handformer during dipping. When the handformer is removed from the pool of liquid material, the excess material flows down and away from the mold, ideally leaving a smooth, relatively even thickness of material on all parts of the mold. Therefore, the development of different relief zones and the resulting profile / design features are critical to ensuring this even flow of material during the manufacturing process to produce a functional and effective relief feature.

[0068] This provides relief zones that provide less resistance to bending than without the relief zone portion, thereby improving functionality and comfort for the wearer. The improved glove also helps maintain the position of the glove on the hand and provides the same comfort as a larger glove (oversized glove) by allowing the use of a more form-fitting glove, thereby preventing the glove from slipping. It should also be noted that in practice, the ridges / relief zones can be on bones in the hand, on joints in the hand, on soft tissue areas of the hand, or some combination thereof.

[0069] When dip molding is used (as further explained below), the glove can have a nearly uniform thickness in the main glove and the elimination zone and still allow for reduced bending resistance. The elimination zone in this case allows for lower bending resistance ("springiness") in the elimination zone as described, which provides less bending resistance than if the glove had been manufactured strictly following the circumference and contour of a conventional hand mold (without elimination zones) (e.g., in Figures 9A and 9B). The glove can also be ambidextrous ("symmetrical"). By making the ventral and dorsal sides of the glove symmetrical, a single glove can be used for either hand. This symmetry can allow some elimination zones to span to opposite sides of the hand, or the elimination zones can stop before the edge (root zone) between the two sides.

[0070] Another important feature of the elimination zone in reducing elastic force is that it has Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 4A(reference numerals 112A, 114, 116, 121, 121A) as shown in the side or adjacent elimination areas.

[0071] The primary force resisting the flexion, extension and movement of the fingers and hand is the material of the glove. By cutting the glove in specific areas, it becomes apparent how the flexing form of the material may change and where the reduction of stresses is most beneficial to the function of the hand. The primary goal is to reduce or eliminate these stresses on the hand. Thus, by doing this (by "removing material" as described), this weakens the elastic forces that build up in a standard glove. In other words, area 311 ( Figure 3 ) (as an example of limiting hand / finger movement in the area of ​​a knuckle or joint) can be altered by making cuts in the glove, such as along areas 313 and 315. However, since the goal of the glove is to create a relatively impermeable barrier, cutting would not be a practical solution to the stress buildup problem. Instead, reducing or eliminating the stretch forces associated with the glove material by creating pockets of different shapes and sizes in various locations such as 313, 315, etc. is a solution. Stress relief areas 313 and 315 are examples of non-obvious solutions to the above challenges. The locations of the other stress reduction relief zones described in this application are based on similar experiments and findings.

[0072] Elimination Zone 114( Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 4A ) are preferably oval or arcuate in shape, but can be any shape. They can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, linear or non-linear. There can be one or more of these elimination zone structures built into the glove former / hand former, and these elimination zones can be located on the dorsal, ventral and / or lateral sides of the glove as desired to suit the specific goals of the glove.

[0073] Their function is to reduce the stress experienced in the underlying muscles in this area as the thumb flexes and moves on its axis of rotation. These relief zones also play a secondary role in that they help reduce the spring forces experienced in the thumb web and palm areas, as previously shown and described.

[0074] Elimination zones above the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, and thumb web elimination zones are also shown and have been previously described in this document. They can also be incorporated into ambidextrous gloves by having multiple elimination zones that mirror each other on opposite sides of the glove. It should be noted that this concept of mirrored gloves can be applied to any of the embodiments shown in this application, and any elimination zone in any one embodiment can be used interchangeably with another embodiment to suit the specific purpose of the glove.

[0075] Figure 5Additional embodiments of gloves are shown having added features which may be incorporated into any of the above described embodiments if desired. Figure 5 A knuckle relief area 120 is shown that is centered or extends over the joint where the proximal bone and metacarpal bone meet.

[0076] The relief zones on the knuckles, fingers or finger joints include raised symmetrical or asymmetrical, modified diamond / ridged shapes with smooth transition relief zones where the angles of the shapes converge and where the relief zones meet the uniform surface of the glove to create a smooth transition. The relief zones can also be knuckles, MCP joints, PIP joints (such as Figure 1A etc., (reference numerals 115A, 123, 124)) on an ellipse (or "arcuate") or any shape including multiple parallel, dome-shaped or oval-shaped relief areas that produces the desired stress relief.

[0077] These relief zones are designed to leave a gap or pocket over the joints of the fingers / knuckles that is not in plane with the glove area around it to allow room for movement of the hand / fingers before stretching occurs. By bulging out in this way, there is a slack area into which the fingers / knuckles can move during flexion so that the glove material does not have to stretch as far. This is because as the fingers flex or curl, the effective length of the dorsal side of the fingers and hand lengthens and the effective length of the ventral side shortens. This is easily seen on a bare hand because the skin of the knuckles is pulled taut on the dorsal surface as the fingers curl. The skin stretches to allow the fingers to flex.

[0078] To this end, a form of the hand ("hand former") may have raised areas on it to create ridges / pockets while still allowing for smooth flow of the elastomeric material during, for example, vertical or angled dip molding. This applies to all convergence points of all eliminated areas of the glove and all convergence areas of the glove that have a mostly uniform surface.

[0079] Figure 5 Also shown is an alternative system of air release channels 119 built into the glove as an additional alternative feature of the present invention. These air release channels help release air that may be trapped in some or all of the elimination zones during donning of the glove. The channels allow air to travel along the raised, grooved or formed channels from any elimination zone area to the distance of the area at the base of the glove or wrist. Or at / near the open end of the glove to allow air to escape that would otherwise be trapped in the glove. This allows the glove to cover the hand more tightly while trapping "air bubbles". These air release channels can be connected to multiple elimination zones or individual elimination zones together.

[0080] These air release channels can be connected to any, some or all of the eliminated areas anywhere on the glove / handform as needed to achieve the most effective air release system, including but not limited to the knuckle and finger joint eliminated areas. The air release channels can be located on the dorsal or ventral side or both sides of the glove. They can also be combined with lateral eliminated areas. Depending on the application of the glove to be produced, the air release channels can end inside the glove, or they can end out of the glove at the base.

[0081] When the fingers and / or thumbs (collectively referred to as "digits" or "digits") are curled ("bent") from an extended position to a curled or retracted position, the finger elimination areas 111, 111A ( Fig. 6A ), 112, 112A and 113( Figure 6 ) provides low stress yield of the glove along the fingers and thumb. The finger relief area is preferably 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of the width of the finger, and more preferably 2 / 3 of the maximum width of the finger of the hand wearing the glove. The knuckle relief area 120 ( Figure 5 ) provide areas of the glove to yield when the hand is clenched into a fist. These elimination zones can be on the back of the glove as well as on the ventral side of the glove or on only one side. Depending on the application of the glove to be produced, one, some, none or all of these elimination zones can be utilized.

[0082] Part of the elimination zone between the proximal bone and the metacarpal bone 115 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Fig.12 ) allows the release of elastic tension (low stress yield) when the hand is flexed or balled during movement and during function. This relief zone can be on the back side of the glove as well as on the ventral side of the glove or on only one side. The relief zone 115 can be continuous (see Figure 1 ) through the root zone or non-continuous (see Fig.12 ), with a separate dorsal elimination zone and a separate abdominal elimination zone as described. Portions of the buffer zone 115 may partially or completely encroach upon the adjacent proximal bones and / or metacarpal bones. Depending on the desired functionality of the resulting glove, one or more elimination zones 115 may be incorporated into the glove / handform design. This elimination zone is preferably 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the length of the main body of the hand.

[0083] Air channel 119 can be open to the environment or stop near the open end of the glove. It may be necessary to roll the open end of the glove back slightly on itself to expose the end of the channel to the external environment around the glove.

[0084] The web relief zone 117 provides a low stress stretching area when the thumb is extended away from the hand, and provides freedom of movement when the thumb rotates relative to the index finger. The web relief zone 117 is preferably generally parallel, but may also be other shapes.

[0085] A typical elimination zone is the elimination zone on the middle finger joint.See, for example, reference numeral 12, U.S. Patent 9,179,718 to Anstey, issued November 12, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] The relief zones are breaks in the otherwise smooth "flat" glove. The relief zones provide areas that are easier to extend, stretch or flex than a simple, uniform area of ​​the glove. The relief zones preferably include raised areas of various shapes and sizes, but can vary depending on the material or the amount of stretch required based on the underlying anatomical shape, anatomy and associated relief needs.

[0087] Ideally, the relief areas are raised areas of material that are raised diamond or truncated diamond shaped platforms or projections that preferably do not have sharp transitions / angles so that the elastic material flow remains uniform during the manufacturing process, thereby allowing the glove thickness to remain relatively consistent throughout.

[0088] The thickness of the glove in the elimination zone area is relatively constant and uniform relative to the remainder of the glove.

[0089] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the glove mainly includes a back portion of the glove having multiple elimination zones ( Figure 1 )(back), and the front of the glove ( Figure 2 The (ventral side) may have primarily only finger web elimination zones 117 that are separate or extend to the front of the glove. Additionally, elimination zones 115 may also be incorporated on the front side of the glove. As described above, the glove may also have air release channels 119. Finger and knuckle elimination zones ( Figure 1 and Figure 1A The glove numerals 112, 113, 115A, 122, 123 and 124) may also be located on both the front and back sides of the glove, or only on one side, depending on the functional requirements of the glove to be manufactured.

[0090] The glove may also use any of the shapes or patterns of the gloves described above, including a diamond / ridge / oval pattern or a partial diamond / ridge / oval pattern in place of or in addition to some or all of the elimination zones. Additionally, the glove may be improved by adding additional material to the base of the fingers / between the fingers. By moving the fingers out a standard distance on a hand former and then making the glove, there will be additional material between the fingers / fingers that provides its own type of elimination zone.

[0091] The elimination zones and design features presented herein can be implemented on one side of a glove or on both the dorsal and ventral sides of a glove to create hand specific gloves or ambidextrous gloves.

[0092] The preferred orientation of the elimination zone is elongated / vertical, although the invention is not limited to elimination zones in any one orientation. The shape of the elimination zone as described on the fingers and thumb is specifically intended to prevent glove material from slipping along the fingers / thumb, which would otherwise interfere with function and tactile feedback.

[0093] The overall orientation and shape of the entire relief zone is intentionally vertically inclined (i.e., more along the longitudinal axis). The vertical nature of the relief zone is designed to accommodate gravity pull during the manufacturing process. This allows the elastic material to better flow through the hand former ("mold") used in the glove manufacturing process. The concave surface ( Fig. 6A , 111A) can also be vertically inclined / vertical or horizontally inclined / horizontally oriented in the horizontal elimination zone as required. The concave surface can extend along the entire length or part of the length of the elimination zone. This feature can be applied to any elimination zone discussed in this application.

[0094] The vertical nature of the relief zones and channels allows for an even flow of glove making materials and a more homogenous / uniform thickness final product that does not allow for pooling of elastic material during glove manufacturing. This is a very important aspect of the glove manufacturing process. Pooling of material is unacceptable as it will have a negative impact on glove performance and it will hinder or negate the effect of the relief zones on stress reduction during glove use. This concept and embodiment of the generally vertical orientation of the relief areas is a key part and central element of the present invention.

[0095] During manufacture using a dip molding process, a handform is first dipped into a liquid elastic finger and the dipped area of ​​the handform forms an elastic layer around the mold. This forms the glove. As the mold is raised above the liquid, excess material flows down the mold and back into the liquid. By carefully designing the release zone, excess material can flow naturally (i.e., vertically downward or close to) back into the barrel of liquid. Certain relief zone designs, primarily horizontal relief zones, can cause the liquid to slow or pool, causing material to accumulate in the glove area where it dries / cools, which causes the glove area to become excessively thick and hard. When the elastomer is not blocked during flow (e.g., in a vertically oriented relief zone design), excess material can drip or flow away from the glove, thereby forming a glove with a relatively consistent glove layer depth / thickness throughout the entire portion of the glove.

[0096] Having a longitudinal, mostly / substantially longitudinal, and vertically oriented or smoothly transitioning from vertically oriented relief zones allows for such consistent formation of glove layers while providing desirable / functional relief zones. This allows for a lower cost, practical process to be used for a more uniform glove.

[0097] It is important to keep the cost of medical / utility gloves at a practical level since most of these gloves are either disposable or changed multiple times during a procedure.

[0098] The value of a glove with stress relief zones would be reduced if the cost was significantly higher than the standard gloves used today. One low-cost method of making gloves from latex, nitrile, neoprene, polyisoprene, vinyl or other elastomeric materials is through the use of a dip mold. The invention is not limited to this method of manufacture, and one such method is to build a base mold from ceramic or other similar or known materials. The mold relief zones described above can be built into a mold of various sizes and shapes configured to the desired size and shape on the product glove. The amount, length and shape of the relief zones will depend on the glove material and the glove size (small, medium, large, etc.) and other considerations. A silicone, resin, plastic, metal, nylon, ceramic or other type of cast can then be created using known methods from the master. The casting can then be dipped into an elastomeric material to form the glove, which then undergoes a process that may include heating, chlorination, vulcanization, washing and drying. Additional steps can also be incorporated into the process to improve different aspects of the final product. Additional dips and steps can also be implemented to add layers to the glove to create a more durable or reusable glove, such as a utility or kitchen glove, etc. The glove can then be peeled from the cast after it has dried, cured or solidified.

[0099] A horizontally designed elimination zone can impede this flow, causing pooling of material and thus an uneven coating along the glove which detracts from the operation of the elimination zone.

[0100] The vertical design may therefore provide optimal glove construction whilst minimising cost and avoiding the need for further manufacturing steps to prevent pooling etc.

[0101] The vertical relief zones 111 to 121A, 123 to 124, 313 to 317 are mostly and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hand / fingers, and they can reduce the amount of effort it takes to flex the fingers or make a fist (compared to other gloves of similar thickness and material). When the fingers are flexed, the relief zones can expand to allow the joint or soft tissue to move upward into the relief zones and stretch the relief zones laterally. This can provide stress relief not only for the area directly below the relief zone, but also for adjacent areas.

[0102] See also Fig.10 and Fig.11 , reference numerals 1010 to 1013 show different finger base elimination zones. For the purposes of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified, abduction and adduction are defined as movement of a limb, hand, finger, or toe in the coronal (medial to lateral) plane of translation. Moving a limb or hand laterally away from the body (such as spreading fingers or toes, etc.) is abduction.

[0103] These root relief zones serve to reduce stress buildup in the glove material during abduction (deployment) and movement of the fingers. These relief zones provide additional material to accommodate the movement of the fingers, wherein the lateral tension and contraction normally caused by the material pulling function is reduced. The current design of these finger root stress relief zones helps reduce overall stress in this area and adjacent areas of the hand. In doing so, the muscles of the hand experience less fatigue during movement and abduction of the fingers, and the overall stress on the associated soft tissues, bones, nerves, and blood vessels is reduced. This concept just described can be applied to all stress relief zones discussed in this application.

[0104] The finger root elimination area can be of any shape. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The preferred embodiments shown are symmetrical or asymmetrical, oval (or arcuate), truncated diamond (1011), ice cream cone (1010), rod-shaped, dome-shaped, oval or arcuate (1012, 1013). These elimination zones may partially or completely cover the MCP joint area and the area on the proximal phalanges. The number and shape of these elimination zones implemented depends on the desired glove to be manufactured. The finger base elimination zones may be present on the dorsal side, ventral side or both the dorsal and ventral sides of the glove and glove former.

[0105] Truncated rhombus and ice cream cone finger root elimination areas 1010 to 1013 and 115 / 115A ( Figure 1 ) relief zones allow for lateral expansion of the glove material. This primary lateral expansion then results in secondary expansion of expansion in other directions, including the longitudinal direction. This provides overall non-noticeable stress relief during hand function. This discovery of non-noticeable design and location of relief zones in the above areas helps reduce stress and hand fatigue during function. This can be considered one of the unique and novel features of the present invention.

[0106] Fig.12 Another embodiment having elimination zones 114 and 116 but without elimination zone 1010 is shown.

[0107] The shape and location of the elimination zone accommodates more movement / flexion of the fingers without creating as much tension in the glove itself. In a preferred embodiment, the glove material has a relatively uniform thickness even throughout the elimination zone, but may be thinner in portions of the elimination zone.

[0108] Elimination Zone 115( Figure 1 ) may extend into the root area between the fingers, but it may also stop before the root area. The relief zone 115 allows for expansion of the relief zone as the fingers spread out during hand movement. This feature allows for further reduction of stresses associated with standard gloves that do not have any relief zone in this area. As a result, the fingers and hand will experience less fatigue than if the fingers were pulled against the material as the fingers flex and curl. The relief zone between the fingers also acts to prevent contraction of the bone and soft tissue and helps to mitigate associated nerve and bone damage that occurs in this area.

[0109] In a similar manner, the finger web cushioning area 117 ( Figure 1 ) reduces the amount of stress in the glove, thereby reducing pressure on the thumb muscles and the web of the hand when the thumb moves or rotates away from the hand. The web cushioning area 117 can be located separately on the back and front of the hand, or can extend from the back of the hand to around the palm area of ​​the hand to provide additional relief to the web area throughout the movement of the thumb.

[0110] This elimination zone 117 also allows the glove material to maintain close contact with the web of the hand rather than disengaging as a conventional glove may due to glove tension in this area (known as the trampoline effect). This allows the user to wear a more fitted glove rather than relying on the added material of a larger glove to allow free movement of the hand and thumb within the glove. Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 4A ) also effectively helps reduce the trampoline effect, thereby helping to reduce stress in the finger web relief area.

[0111] For purposes of the claims of this application only, unless otherwise expressly stated, we use the term "knuckle" to refer to the MCP joint below the finger (near 115 / 115A) and finger joint to refer to the finger joint above the base of the finger (near 112 or 113) to distinguish between these two areas.

[0112] For purposes of the claims of this application only, the term "hand" includes the fingers and thumb of the hand unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0113] Although the present invention has been described as having a preferred design, it should be understood that it is capable of further modification, use and / or adaptation of the present invention in accordance with the principles of the present invention as a whole, and is included within the known or customary practice of the field to which the present invention belongs, and such deviations from the present disclosure that can be applied to the central features set forth above, all fall within the scope of the present invention and the limits of the appended claims. In addition, any feature shown in one embodiment may be used in combination with any feature of any other embodiment.

[0114] Applicants note that whenever an application states that a glove is shown in a drawing or written description, the drawing or description may refer to a corresponding glove mold on which the glove is manufactured. For example, where a drawing shows a glove with an arched relief area, the glove also depicts details of a corresponding glove mold having the same arched structure underneath it to produce the arched relief area. It is not believed that a separate drawing of the mold relief area is required to conform to the written description to instruct one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use, or sell the invention without undue experimentation. Therefore, the invention encompasses and includes the hand molds described in this application for producing gloves and all arrangements therein.

[0115] It is therefore to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but rather encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A glove formed from a polymer material of substantially uniform thickness; The glove has a belly, a back and finger portions; The glove has a top end at a wrist portion of the glove and a bottom end at a distal end of the finger portion; The glove has a plurality of pockets for selectively receiving at least a portion of a hand therein, each of the plurality of pockets including a raised area defining a relief zone, wherein The plurality of pockets are formed on the abdomen and the back; wherein a first pocket of the plurality of pockets is positioned between adjacent non-thumb portions of the finger portions and is adapted to be positioned between metacarpal bones to allow for release of elastic tension when the hand is flexed or clenched during movement and during function, and a second pocket of the plurality of pockets is positioned between the non-thumb portion and the thumb portion of the finger portions; The glove further includes a plurality of non-eliminative portions positioned between the eliminate zones, the eliminate zones providing less resistance to bending than the non-eliminative zone portions positioned between the eliminate zones; each of the plurality of pockets having only flat or arcuate surfaces, only smooth transitions between the eliminated areas and non-eliminated portions of the glove, and only smooth transitions from one side of the pocket to the other side of the pocket, such that each of the plurality of pockets is gapped to allow room for hand / finger movement before extension occurs; The combination of the elimination zone and the non-elimination portion helps maintain the position of the glove on the hand and prevents the glove from slipping by allowing the use of a more form-fitting glove while providing the same comfort as a larger glove; and wherein during the dip molding forming process of the glove, the arrangement of the plurality of pockets allows the polymer material in liquid form to flow to prevent the polymer material from accumulating around the outer edges of the pockets of the formed glove and / or within the pockets of the formed glove, thereby providing a substantially uniform thickness of the glove and the pockets along the outer edges of the pockets of the formed glove or within the pockets of the formed glove.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the relief zone has a height in a direction adapted to be along the length of the hand, the height being greater than a width of the relief zone in a lateral direction along the width of the hand.

3. The glove according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the plurality of pockets has a truncated rhombus shape.

4. The glove according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the plurality of pockets has a shape selected from an ice cream cone, a rod, a dome, an oval, or an arcuate shape.

5. The glove according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the plurality of pockets has a truncated rhombus shape.

6. The glove according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the elimination zones tapers continuously outwardly along a portion of the length of the elimination zone in a direction proximate the tip to promote laminar flow of the polymer material through the elimination zone during glove formation to substantially prevent pooling at or along the elimination zone.

7. The glove according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of the relief zones tapers continuously outwardly from a first width to a second width along a first portion of the length of the relief zone in a direction proximate the tip; and The relief zone tapers inwardly from the second width along a second portion of the length of the relief zone.

8. The glove according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the plurality of pockets has a truncated rhombus shape.

9. The glove according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the plurality of pockets has a bulge-shaped portion.

10. The glove according to claim 9, wherein: At least one of the plurality of pockets has a ridge down the center of the raised shape to reduce the profile of the pocket.

11. The glove according to claim 1, wherein: The glove has a first stress line axis adapted to be along a finger bone, and wherein at least one of the plurality of pockets is positioned along the first stress line axis to reduce stress of the glove along the finger when the finger is curled or moved laterally.

12. The glove according to claim 1, wherein: The glove has a first stress line axis adapted to be along a finger bone, and wherein at least one of the plurality of pockets is located outside the first stress line axis to reduce stress of the glove along the finger when the finger is curled or moved laterally.

13. The glove according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of pockets are adapted to receive fingers of the hand therein.

14. The glove according to claim 7, wherein: Flexion of a hand wearing the glove causes at least one joint to move relative to at least one of the plurality of pockets to allow the hand to flex without substantially stretching the glove.

15. The glove according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the plurality of pockets has a raised shape having a top region, the top region of the pocket facing the wrist of the glove and being narrower at the top region than the middle region of the pocket, and comprising a raised region along the outer edge of at least one of the plurality of pockets facing the wrist of the glove, opening toward the top end, wherein during formation of the glove, the raised region causes pooling or turbulence of the polymer material as the polymer material flows from the wrist through the outer edge of the pocket to the finger.

16. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a third pocket of the plurality of pockets near or above the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.

17. The glove of claim 16, further comprising a fourth pocket of the plurality of pockets on the outside of the pinky side of the hand.

18. The glove of claim 17, further comprising a fourth pocket of the plurality of pockets above a knuckle of the hand.

19. The glove of claim 18, further comprising a fifth pocket of the plurality of pockets between or above the region of the distal and proximal phalanges of the thumb and above the MCP joint of the thumb.

20. The glove of claim 19, further comprising a fifth pocket of the plurality of pockets located above the wrist joint area.

21. The glove according to claim 1, wherein: The first pocket of the plurality of pockets is located on the belly and the back of the glove.

22. The glove according to claim 21, wherein The first of the plurality of pockets extends into the web region adjacent the proximal phalanx.

23. A glove formed from a polymer material of substantially uniform thickness, comprising: abdomen, back and fingers; a top end at the wrist portion of the glove and a bottom end at the distal end of the finger portion; as well as a plurality of relief zones, a first set of the plurality of relief zones being located between the metacarpal bones to allow for release of elastic tension when the hand is flexed or clenched during movement and function, and a second set of the plurality of relief zones being located between the non-thumb and thumb portions of the finger portions, the relief zones comprising raised areas, the raised areas comprising longitudinal axes extending generally parallel to the long axis of the finger portions, each of the raised areas having only flat or arcuate surfaces, only smooth transitions between the relief zones and non-relief portions of the glove, and only smooth transitions from one side of the relief zones to the other side of the relief zones, such that each of at least one relief zone leaves a gap to allow room for movement of the hand / finger before extension occurs; such that the relief zones offer less resistance to flexion than the non-relief portions; as well as The combination of the elimination zone and the non-elimination portion helps maintain the position of the glove on the hand and prevents the glove from slipping by allowing the use of a more form-fitting glove that provides the same comfort as a larger glove.

24. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The at least one relief zone between the metacarpals extends into the web region adjacent the proximal phalanx.

25. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The at least one relief zone located between the metacarpal bones extends from one side of the hand to the other through the root areas between the fingers.

26. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The at least one elimination zone located between the metacarpals is on the back and / or the abdomen of the glove.

27. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The at least one relief area between the metacarpals is only on the dorsum.

28. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The at least one relief zone between the metacarpal bones extends along an axis parallel to the long axis of the hand.

29. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The at least one relief zone includes at least one pocket for selectively receiving at least a portion of a hand therein.

30. The glove according to claim 29, wherein: The at least one elimination zone is in the shape of a truncated rhombus.

31. The glove according to claim 29, wherein: The at least one pocket has a perimeter that extends completely around an outer edge of the pocket between the pocket and the glove.

32. The glove according to claim 29, wherein: During the dip molding formation of the glove, the arrangement of the at least one pocket allows the polymer material in liquid form to flow to prevent the polymer material from accumulating around the outer edge of the pocket of the formed glove and / or in the pocket of the formed glove, thereby providing a generally uniform thickness of the glove and the pocket along the outer edge of the pocket of the formed glove or within the pocket of the formed glove.

33. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The elimination zone has a height in a direction adapted to be along the length of the hand, the height being greater than a width of the elimination zone in a lateral direction along the width of the hand.

34. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The relief area has a raised shape with a ridge running down the center of the raised shape to reduce the profile of the raised shape.

35. The glove of claim 23, further comprising a relief zone located on the pinky toe side of the glove.

36. The glove of claim 23, further comprising a relief zone located near or above the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.

37. The glove of claim 36, further comprising a relief zone located on the outside of the pinky side of the hand.

38. The glove of claim 37, further comprising a relief zone located over the knuckles of the hand.

39. The glove of claim 38, further comprising a relief zone located between or above the region of the distal and proximal phalanges of the thumb and above the MCP joint of the thumb.

40. The glove of claim 39, further comprising a relief zone located above the wrist joint area.

41. The glove according to claim 23, wherein: The first set of the plurality of elimination zones is located on the belly and the back of the glove.

42. The glove according to claim 41, wherein The first set of the plurality of relief areas extends into the web region adjacent the proximal phalanx.

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