Glove device for a barrier system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a glove device (20) for mounting to a barrier wall (15) of a barrier system (10), the glove device including a sleeve device (21). The first and second sleeves (40, 41) include first and second inner surfaces (90, 91). The intermediate sleeve (40) includes an intermediate inner surface (92), an outer perimeter (61) attached to the first sleeve (40), and an inner perimeter (62) attached to the second sleeve (41), the outer perimeter (61) having a greater diameter than the inner perimeter (62). In an extended configuration, the first sleeve (40) extends from the second and intermediate sleeves (40) for use during manipulation of the glove (22) by an operator. In a retracted configuration, the second sleeve (41) is at least partially retracted inside the first sleeve (40) around the intermediate sleeve (40) such that the first and second inner surfaces (90, 91) at least partially face each other. The intermediate sleeve (40) separates the intermediate inner surface (92) from itself and from the first and second inner surfaces (90, 91, 92) to form a cavity (48) between the first, second, and intermediate inner surfaces (90, 91).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to glove devices for mounting to a barrier wall of a barrier system, barrier systems including such glove devices, methods of manufacturing such glove devices, and methods of operating such barrier systems. The present disclosure further relates to inserts, glove devices including such inserts, barrier systems including such inserts, and methods of operating such barrier systems. Background Art

[0002] Barrier systems typically include a barrier wall, which is usually transparent, to separate a work process area from an operator area. An exemplary barrier system is an isolator, such as the isolator disclosed in WO-A-2013 / 186518, where the work process area is isolated and sealed from the operator area to prevent the work process area from being contaminated by the environment of the operator area and vice versa. In an isolator, the work process area can be operated at a negative pressure or a positive pressure to assist in isolating it from the operator area. The work process area can be periodically decontaminated, for example, by passing a disinfecting gas or vapor through it. A particularly suitable decontaminant is hydrogen peroxide vapor, as discussed in WO-A-2013 / 186518.

[0003] In a barrier system, glove devices typically extend through an aperture in the barrier wall. Each glove device generally includes a glove mounted on a sleeve for successively receiving an operator's hand and arm, and the sleeve is mounted on the barrier wall. The glove device is generally flexible to enable easy manipulation and movement within the work process area. The glove can be detachably mounted to the sleeve such that it can be individually replaced onto the sleeve, or the glove and sleeve can be integrally formed as a gauntlet. An operator can place their hand and arm in the glove and sleeve such that, while remaining within the operator area, they can use the glove to perform work within the work process area. Examples of such work include preparing pharmaceutical prescriptions and the like.

[0004] During the decontamination cycle, in addition to the surfaces of the work process area, the surfaces of the glove device must also be thoroughly decontaminated. During decontamination, the gloves and sleeves can extend fully into the work process area. This configuration is discussed in US-B-5662581, which also discloses minimizing the sealing contact between the sleeve and the isolation wall or between the glove and the sleeve to improve decontamination. However, in this configuration, the gloves and sleeves may interfere with the items in the work process area. In an alternative configuration, the gloves and sleeves can extend fully into the operator area during decontamination. However, the decontaminant may not reach the fingers of the gloves because they are far from the decontaminant flow in the work process area. In any of the above fully extended configurations, folding is preferably avoided to prevent contact or occlusion between the surfaces of the sleeves and gloves that the decontaminant may not reach. For example, a rigid frame can be located inside or outside the glove device to hold it in a stretched configuration without folding.

[0005] A further alternative is to fold or pleat the sleeve itself to mitigate some of the disadvantages of the above configurations. The glove fingers are within or near the work process area so that they can be effectively decontaminated. Since the gloves and sleeves do not extend far into the work process area, they do not interfere with the items therein. However, in such a configuration, the surfaces of the sleeves and gloves contact at the folds, pinch points, or other such occlusions, and the decontaminant may not reach such surfaces. Additionally, during testing, biological indicators can be used to indicate whether the decontaminant has reached certain areas. The decontaminant may not reach any biological indicators placed at the folds or pinch points, so they may not prove that decontamination has been carried out. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved glove device, barrier system, manufacturing method, operating method, and insert. Another object is to provide a sleeve device, glove device, and barrier system that can be more effectively decontaminated.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a glove device, which is used to be mounted to a barrier wall of a barrier system and includes a sleeve device, the sleeve device including: a first sleeve, the first sleeve is used to be mounted around an aperture through the barrier wall and includes a first inner surface; a second sleeve, the second sleeve is used to mount the glove thereon and includes a second inner surface; and an intermediate sleeve, the intermediate sleeve including an intermediate inner surface, an outer periphery attached to the first sleeve and an inner periphery attached to the second sleeve, the outer periphery having a larger diameter than the inner periphery, wherein the sleeve device can be configured between the following two configurations: an extended configuration, in which the first sleeve extends from the second sleeve and the intermediate sleeve for use during operator manipulation of the glove; and a retracted configuration, in which the second sleeve is at least partially retracted around the intermediate sleeve into the interior of the first sleeve, so that the first inner surface and the second inner surface at least partially face each other; and the intermediate sleeve separates the intermediate inner surface from itself and from the first inner surface and the second inner surface to form a cavity between the first inner surface, the second inner surface and the intermediate inner surface.

[0008] The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned glove device, wherein the method comprises molding the sleeve device in a retracted configuration.

[0009] The present invention also provides a barrier system, which includes: a barrier wall that at least partially separates an operator area from a work process area and includes at least one aperture therethrough; and at least one of the aforementioned glove devices, wherein a first sleeve is mounted to the barrier wall around the at least one aperture, wherein in an extended configuration, a second sleeve, an intermediate sleeve, and at least a portion of the first sleeve are located in the work process area, and in a retracted configuration, the first sleeve and at least a portion of the second sleeve and the intermediate sleeve are located in the operator area.

[0010] The present invention also provides a method for operating the above-mentioned barrier system, the method comprising: configuring the sleeve device to be in an extended configuration and manipulating the glove device to perform work in a work process area; and configuring the sleeve device to be in a retracted configuration, guiding a decontaminant into the work process area to decontaminate the first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the intermediate inner surface.

[0011] The retracted configuration is suitable for use during decontamination of the sleeve device. The cavity is suitable for the detergent to pass through and contact the first inner surface, the second inner surface and the intermediate inner surface. Due to the separation between them, occlusions are not formed at the pinch points and folds as in the prior art system. As a result, effective and complete decontamination of the inner surface of the sleeve device can be achieved. Therefore, the detergent can also reach any biological indicator located on or around the intermediate cuff, so that the biological indicator can show decontamination.

[0012] By moving the first sleeve substantially along the extension direction, the sleeve device can be adjusted from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration and can be adjusted from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration along the retraction direction. The extension direction can be substantially opposite to the retraction direction. In the extended configuration, the first sleeve can extend along the extension direction to the intermediate sleeve, and the second sleeve can extend from the intermediate sleeve along the extension direction. In the retracted configuration, the first sleeve can extend along the retraction direction to the intermediate sleeve, the second sleeve can extend from the intermediate sleeve along the extension direction, and the intermediate sleeve can form a change in the extension direction of the sleeve device between the extension direction and the retraction direction.

[0013] The present disclosure also provides a glove device for mounting to a barrier wall of a barrier system, the glove device including: a glove mounted to the sleeve device and / or mounted to a cuff, the cuff being mounted to the sleeve device; an insert mounted to the cuff and / or the sleeve device and at least partially extending from the cuff and / or the sleeve device into the glove for supporting the glove.

[0014] The insert can include an insert coupler for selectively mounting to an insert mount of the cuff and / or the sleeve device. The insert can extend between an inner end of the insert and an outer end of the insert and include an insert wrist portion for contacting the wrist of the glove, extending from the inner end of the insert, and an insert hand portion for contacting the hand of the glove, extending from the insert wrist portion to the outer end of the insert. The insert hand portion can be wider than the insert wrist portion. The insert can be bent downward from the cuff and / or the sleeve device. The thickness of the insert can decrease starting from the cuff and / or the sleeve device.

[0015] The present disclosure also provides a barrier system including the above-described glove device mounted to a barrier wall.

[0016] The present disclosure also provides a method of operating the above-described barrier system, the method including mounting an insert to the cuff and / or the sleeve device and directing a decontaminant into the work process area to decontaminate the glove, the sleeve device, and the cuff (if present), wherein the insert supports the glove during decontamination such that it does not fold back and contact itself and / or does not contact the barrier wall, the sleeve device, and / or the cuff.

[0017] The present disclosure also provides an insert for supporting a glove of a glove device mounted to a barrier wall and including a cuff and / or a sleeve device to which the glove is mounted, wherein the insert includes: an insert wrist portion for mounting to the cuff and / or the sleeve device; and an insert hand portion extending from the insert wrist portion for extending from the sleeve device into the glove for supporting the glove during decontamination.

[0018] The barrier system of the present disclosure can be any barrier system that includes a barrier wall separating a work process area from an operator area and includes glove means for allowing an operator to manipulate an object in the work process area in the operator area. The work process area can be within an enclosure sealed and isolated from the operator area, and preferably, the barrier system includes an isolator. Alternatively, the barrier system can include a restricted access barrier system, a glove box, a sterile enclosure, a filling line, a process line that is separated from the operator area but not sealed from the operator area by a barrier wall or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] By way of example only, embodiments of glove means, barrier systems, manufacturing methods, operating methods, and inserts according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, and as shown in the drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a barrier system according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 is from Figure 1 a perspective view of the work process area side of the barrier wall and glove means of the barrier system;

[0022] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional side view of the barrier wall and glove means of the barrier system, wherein the glove means is in a retracted configuration;

[0023] Figure 4 is from Figure 1 a perspective view of the sleeve means of the glove means of the barrier system from the operator area side;

[0024] Figure 5 is from Figure 4 a perspective view of the work area side of the sleeve means;

[0025] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional side view of the barrier wall and glove means of the barrier system, wherein the glove means is in an extended configuration; and

[0026] Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 are respectively Figure 1 a perspective view, a side view, and a top view of an insert of the barrier system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1FIG. 0 shows a barrier system 10 according to the present disclosure, which is an isolator in this example. The barrier system 10 may include a housing 11 having a working process area 12 therein. The housing 11 may seal the working process area 12 from the external environment or the operator area 13 and may include at least one sealable access port 14. At least one port 14 may allow the isolator to be connected to another isolator.

[0028] The working process area 12 is at least partially separated from the operator area 13 by a barrier wall 15, which is transparent to the operator to observe the working process area 12. The barrier wall 15 may also be openable to allow access to the working process area 12. The barrier wall 15 includes at least one, preferably two wall apertures 16 therethrough. A wall mount 17 may extend around the edge of the wall aperture or each wall aperture 16 and may include a preferably annular (e.g., elliptical, including circular or oval, etc.) flange as shown. As shown, the wall mount 17 may be located on the operator area 13 side of the barrier wall 15, although it may alternatively be located on the working process area 12 side or around the inner edge of the wall aperture 16.

[0029] The barrier system 10 may include a decontamination system 18, which may, for example, include an air flow circuit having a fan for directing a decontaminant through the working process area 12 to decontaminate the surfaces therein. As shown, the decontamination system 18 may be mounted to the housing 11. Alternatively, the decontamination system 18 may include a separate decontamination device located within or outside the working process area 12 and in fluid communication therewith via at least one hose, etc. The decontaminant may be a gas or vapor, and a particularly suitable decontaminant is hydrogen peroxide vapor. Alternatively or additionally, the decontamination system 18 may direct ultraviolet light onto the surfaces.

[0030] The barrier system 10 includes at least one glove device 20, which is mounted to the barrier wall 15 and extends from the barrier wall into the working process area 12 and / or the operator area 13. As shown, the barrier system 10 may include at least a pair of glove devices 20, and each glove device 20 in each pair of glove devices is only different in that they are arranged for the left and right hands of the operator. Each glove device 20 may be mounted around the wall aperture 16 and to the wall mount 17. The operator may use at least one glove device 20 to manipulate articles in the working process area 12 and perform work therein, such as preparing pharmaceutical prescriptions in an isolator, handling articles on a process line, etc. The glove device 20 may enable the operator to remain in the operator area 13 while performing such work in the working process area 12. The operator may be a person or a machine.

[0031] As Figure 2 、 Figure 3 andFigure 6 Further shown, each glove device 20 includes a sleeve device 21 and a glove 22 mounted to the sleeve device 21. The glove 22 and the sleeve device 21 can be attached to each other through a cuff 23 of the glove device 20 therebetween. The glove 22 can extend between a fingertip 25 and a wrist end 26, and the wrist end can be removably mounted to the cuff 23. The glove 22 can include flexible and elastic materials for enabling an operator to operate effectively, and can include natural rubber latex, neoprene, nitrile rubber, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene propylene diene monomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, etc.

[0032] The cuff 23 can include a cuff body 30, which can be in the form of a hollow cylinder or a hoop as shown. The cuff 23 can include a first cuff coupling 31 for mounting the sleeve device 21 and a second cuff coupling 32 for mounting the glove 22 (e.g., through the wrist end 26). In an alternative arrangement, the cuff can include a ring (also referred to as a one-piece cuff ring) that clamps the glove 22 to the sleeve device 21, etc.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the glove device 20 can include a gauntlet, which may not include a cuff 23. In the gauntlet, the glove 22 can be integrally mounted and / or formed with the sleeve device 21.

[0034] The sleeve device 21 includes a first sleeve 40, a second sleeve 41, and an intermediate sleeve 42 attached therebetween. As Figures 3 to 6 shown, the sleeve device 21 can be substantially tubular and include an inner surface 50 exposed to the environment of the working process area 12 and an outer surface 51 exposed to the environment of the operator area 13. The inner surface 50 and the outer surface 51 can be formed by the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and the intermediate sleeve 42. The first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and the intermediate sleeve 42 include a first inner surface 90, a second inner surface 91, and an intermediate inner surface 92 forming the inner surface 50 and can include a first outer surface 93, a second outer surface 94, and an intermediate outer surface 95 forming the outer surface 51.

[0035] The sleeve device 21 can extend between a sleeve wall end 43 that can be formed by the first sleeve 40 and a sleeve glove end 44 that can be formed by the second sleeve 41. The sleeve wall end 43 and the sleeve glove end 44 can be open, thus forming an orifice for the operator's arm and hand to pass through.

[0036] The first sleeve 40 is installed around the wall orifice 16 and attached to the wall mount 17. The first sleeve 40 may include a sleeve wall coupler 45 at the sleeve wall end 43 for attachment to the wall mount 17. The sleeve wall coupler 45 may include a flange or rib that may be elastic and flexible for mounting around the flange of the wall mount 17 and may form a seal therebetween.

[0037] The second sleeve 41 is configured to have a glove 22 attached thereto, such as by a cuff 23, as shown. The second sleeve 41 may include a sleeve glove coupler 46 at the sleeve glove end 44 for attachment to the glove 22 or the cuff 23, such as attachment to the first cuff coupler 31. As shown, the sleeve glove coupler 46 may include a flange or rib that is preferably elastic and flexible for mounting around the recess of the first cuff coupler 31 and forming a seal therebetween. An O-ring or the like may be positioned around or integral with the sleeve glove coupler 46 to maintain the seal. As Figure 3 best shown, in use, the top of the second sleeve 41 may extend further into the work process area 12 than the bottom of the second sleeve 41, and thus, the cuff 23 and the glove 22 may point downward at an acute angle to limit the intrusion of the second sleeve 41 into the work process area 12.

[0038] The first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 may each be tubular and may include a substantially thin-walled hollow cylinder. The diameter of the second sleeve 41 is less than the diameter of the first sleeve 40 such that the second sleeve 41 is Figure 3 fitted within the first sleeve 40 as shown. In particular, the minimum diameter of the first inner surface 90 is greater than the maximum diameter of the second inner surface 91. As shown, the first sleeve 40 and / or the second sleeve 41 may be tapered. The first sleeve 40 may taper from the sleeve wall end 43 to the intermediate sleeve 42 and thus decrease in diameter. The second sleeve 41 may taper from the intermediate sleeve 42 to the sleeve glove end 44 and thus decrease in diameter. In an alternative embodiment, the first sleeve 40 and / or the second sleeve 41 may have a substantially constant diameter along their length such that they are not tapered.

[0039] The intermediate sleeve 42 includes an outer periphery 61 attached to the first sleeve 40 and an inner periphery 62 attached to the second sleeve 41. The outer periphery 61 has a larger diameter than the inner periphery 62. Thus, the diameter of the intermediate sleeve 42 decreases along its length. The rate of diameter decrease along the length of the sleeve device 21 can be greater along the intermediate sleeve 42 than along the length of the first sleeve 40 and / or the second sleeve 41. The rate of diameter decrease along the length can be defined as the change in the diameter size per unit length of the sleeve device 21. This length can be the dimension along the sleeve device 21 between the sleeve wall and the glove ends 43, 44, and can be a dimension parallel to and / or along the centerlines of the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and the intermediate sleeve 42, particularly in the extended configuration. When in the extended configuration, the diameter can be the outer diameter of the sleeve device 21 (i.e., the dimension perpendicular to the centerlines of the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and the intermediate sleeve 42). If the first sleeve and / or the second sleeve are not tapered, the rate of diameter decrease along their length is zero.

[0040] The length of the first sleeve 40 and / or the second sleeve 41 can be at least twice or at least five times the length of the intermediate sleeve 42.

[0041] The cross-sections of the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and the intermediate sleeve 42 (i.e., the cross-sections taken in a plane parallel to the plane of the barrier wall 15) can be substantially elliptical and / or the outer periphery 61 and the inner periphery 62 can be substantially elliptical. They can be circular and / or elliptical as shown, and the cross-sectional shape can vary along their length. In other embodiments, they can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as polygonal, etc.

[0042] The sleeve device 21 can be configured between a retracted configuration as shown in Figure 3 and an extended configuration as shown in Figure 6 The extended configuration is for use by an operator to manipulate the glove 22 in the work process area 12 through the barrier wall 15, where their hands are inside the glove 22 and their arms are inside the sleeve device 21. The retracted configuration can be used for storage of the sleeve device 21 and can be used for decontamination of the sleeve device 21.

[0043] When adjusted from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, the first sleeve 40 and the glove 22, if present, can move substantially along the extension direction 100. When adjusted from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, the first sleeve 40 and the glove 22, if present, can move substantially along the retraction direction 101. The extension direction 100 can be substantially opposite to the retraction direction 101. The extension direction 100 and the retraction direction 101 can be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the barrier wall 15.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, when moving from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, the first sleeve 40 can rotate at least partially from the inside out. In the illustrated embodiment, where the wall mount 17 is located on the operator area 13 side of the barrier wall 15, the sleeve wall end 43 can also be on the operator area 13 side in both the extended and retracted configurations. The second sleeve 41 can have substantially the same shape in the extended and retracted configurations. The intermediate sleeve 42 can have different shapes in the extended and retracted configurations. The intermediate sleeve 42 can include a tubular body 63 in the extended configuration and an annular body 60 in the retracted configuration.

[0045] In the extended configuration, the second sleeve 41 extends from the first sleeve 40. The first sleeve 40 can extend from the sleeve wall end 43 along the extension direction 100 to the intermediate sleeve 42. The intermediate sleeve 42 can extend from the outer periphery 61 along the extension direction to the inner periphery 62 and can thus form a tubular body 63. The second sleeve 41 can extend from the intermediate sleeve 42 along the extension direction 100 to the sleeve glove end 44. At least 50% of the length of the second sleeve 41, preferably the entire length, can be outside the first sleeve 40. At least a portion of the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and the intermediate sleeve 42 are located in the working process area 12. The first outer surface 93, the second outer surface 94, and the intermediate outer surface 95 can face inwards towards themselves, and the first inner surface 90, the second inner surface 91, and the intermediate inner surface 92 can face outwards away from themselves. The tubular body 63 tapers from the outer periphery 61 to the inner periphery 62.

[0046] In the retracted configuration, the second sleeve 41 retracts at least partially around the intermediate sleeve 42 and within the first sleeve 40 such that the first inner surface 90 and the second inner surface 91 at least partially face each other. The first outer surface 93 can face outwards from itself and the second outer surface 94 can face inwards towards itself. At least a portion of the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 and the intermediate sleeve 42 can be located in the operator area 13. The first sleeve 40 can extend from the sleeve wall end 43 along the retraction direction 101 to the intermediate sleeve 42. The second sleeve 41 can extend from the intermediate sleeve 42 along the extension direction 100 to the sleeve glove end 44. The intermediate sleeve 42 can form a change in the extension direction of the sleeve device 21 between the extension direction 100 and the retraction direction 101.

[0047] The intermediate sleeve 42 separates the intermediate inner surface 92 from itself (i.e., such that no part of the intermediate inner surface 92 contacts or abuts another part of the intermediate inner surface 92) and from the first inner surface 90 and the second inner surface 91 to form a cavity 48 between the first inner surface 90, the second inner surface 91, and the intermediate inner surface 92. The intermediate sleeve 42 separates at least the first inner surface 90 and the second inner surface 91 adjacent to the intermediate inner surface 92, and the cavity 48 may extend between the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 starting from the intermediate sleeve 42 and extend at least to the sleeve wall 43 and / or the glove end 44. The intermediate inner surface 92 may face the cavity 48 between the first inner surface 90 and the second inner surface 91. The cavity 48 is adapted for a decontaminant to flow through or across and contact the first inner surface 90, the second inner surface 91, and the intermediate inner surface 92. As a result, occlusion can be avoided and during decontamination, the decontaminant can effectively move around the cavity 48 to contact substantially all of the first inner surface 90, the second inner surface 91, and the intermediate inner surface 92. The inner surface 50 can thus be effectively decontaminated.

[0048] The minimum separation distance between the first inner surface 90 and the second inner surface 91 may be defined by a vertical separation of the outer perimeter 61 and the inner perimeter 62, which may be defined by the length of the intermediate sleeve 42 and the rate of diameter reduction along the length of the intermediate sleeve 42. In the retracted configuration, the minimum separation distance between the first inner surface 90 and the second inner surface 91 may be at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm. The separation distance is preferably large enough to allow a biological indicator to be located on the intermediate inner surface 92.

[0049] The intermediate sleeve 42 is arranged to maintain this separation in the retracted configuration by maintaining its shape in the retracted configuration. This can be achieved by appropriately selecting the material, dimensions, and shape of the intermediate sleeve 42. The intermediate sleeve 42 may be elastically biased to maintain the separation, such as by being formed of an elastic but fairly rigid material. The intermediate sleeve 42 may be substantially elastic with respect to compression of the outer perimeter 61 towards the inner perimeter 62, for example under the weight of the sleeve device 21. However, the intermediate sleeve 42 may be flexible enough such that it can change between the tubular body 63 and the annular body 60.

[0050] As shown, the intermediate sleeve 42 may thus include the annular body 60 in the retracted configuration. The annular body 60 may bend from the outer perimeter 61 to the inner perimeter 62 such that it forms a hollow semi-ring and may bend outwards and away from the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41. In the retracted configuration, the outer perimeter 61 and the inner perimeter 62 of the annular body 60 may be substantially aligned with each other in a plane substantially parallel to the barrier wall 15 and / or perpendicular to the extension direction 100 and the retraction direction 101.

[0051] The intermediate sleeve 42 can alternatively be substantially rigid to maintain the separation between the outer perimeter 61 and the inner perimeter 62. For example, although not shown, the intermediate sleeve 42 can have the same shape in the extended configuration and the retracted configuration and can include a substantially rigid ring, such as in the form of a circular annular disk. Such a rigid ring can be formed separately or integrally with the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 and can have a very high rate of diameter reduction (i.e., approaching infinity due to a step change in diameter).

[0052] The center of the inner perimeter 62 can be vertically offset from the center of the outer perimeter 61 and can be higher than the center of the outer perimeter. The term vertically offset means a separation or offset along the direction of gravity. The outer perimeter 61 and the inner perimeter 62 can be vertically offset in the same vertical plane in the retracted configuration as in Figure 3 and can be vertically offset in different parallel vertical planes in the extended configuration as in Figure 6 In the retracted configuration, the cavity 48 can thus have a larger volume in its lower half than in its upper half, and the second sleeve 41 can be closer to the top of the first sleeve 40 than to the bottom. Such an arrangement can provide additional space for the second sleeve 41 to bend downward under the action of gravity without contacting the first sleeve 40.

[0053] The first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and although not shown, optionally the intermediate sleeve 42 can include at least one rib 70 extending therearound. The at least one rib 70 can extend around the outer surface 51 of the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and / or the intermediate sleeve 42. Each of the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 can include at least three ribs 70. The at least one rib 70 can be at least 1.5 times or at least twice the thickness of the surrounding area of the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and / or the intermediate sleeve 42. In the present disclosure, the thickness refers to the thickness of the tubular wall of the sleeve device 21, rather than the total width of the sleeve device 21.

[0054] The first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and the intermediate sleeve 42 can be integrally formed and / or molded as shown, such that as in Figure 6As best shown, they can together form a tube in an extended configuration, the tube having a varying diameter along its length. The first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and the intermediate sleeve 42 can be integrally formed in a retracted configuration by molding, preferably injection molding. Alternatively, they can be formed in an extended configuration by dip molding. The molding method can be, for example, compression molding (such as silicone compression molding), injection molding (such as rubber injection molding), dip molding, and / or transfer molding. However, the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and / or the intermediate sleeve 42 can alternatively be formed and / or molded separately and then joined together. For example, the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 can each be formed separately by welding, for example, a sheet of polyvinyl chloride into a suitable shape. Then they can be joined to an annular disk that can be rigid or flexible.

[0055] The barrier system 10 can include a sleeve retainer 74 for selectively securing the glove device 20, preferably its sleeve device 21, to the barrier wall 15. The sleeve retainer 74 can enable the sleeve glove end 44 of the sleeve device 21 to be selectively mounted to the barrier wall 15 such that, in the retracted configuration, the second sleeve 41 is separated from the first sleeve 40. The sleeve retainer 74 can include a strap 75 connected at or near the sleeve glove end 44, optionally connected to the cuff 23 and / or the second sleeve 41. The sleeve retainer 74 can include a strap mount 76 on the barrier wall 15. An operator can selectively secure the strap 75 to the strap mount 76 in the retracted configuration. The sleeve retainer 74 can alternatively include a hook or support for holding the sleeve device 21, otherwise holding the second sleeve 42 separated from the first sleeve 41. Thus, the sleeve retainer 74 can help maintain the cavity 48 between the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 from the intermediate sleeve 42 to the sleeve glove end 44.

[0056] The sleeve device 21 can be flexible enough to enable an operator to orient it between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. The first sleeve 40 can be flexible enough such that it can be rotated inside-out between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. The first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 can be flexible enough to enable an operator to manipulate them while using the glove 22 to work in the work process area 12.

[0057] The sleeve device 21 can also be stiff, rigid or resilient enough to maintain its shape in the retracted configuration such that the first inner surface 90, the second inner surface 91 and the intermediate inner surface 92 do not contact each other. The sleeve device 21 can be elastically biased to return to preferably fully separate the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41 and the intermediate sleeve 42, optionally when supported by the sleeve retainer 74. If the barrier system 10 includes the sleeve retainer 74, the sleeve device 21 may only be stiff enough to maintain its shape in the retracted configuration while the sleeve retainer 74 secures the sleeve glove end 44 to the barrier wall 15. The first sleeve 40 can be stiff enough such that it maintains its tubular shape in the retracted configuration. The second sleeve 41 can be stiff enough to at least maintain its tubular shape and, if the barrier system 10 does not include the sleeve retainer 74, maintain its separation from the first sleeve 40.

[0058] This balance between flexibility and stiffness can be achieved by appropriately selecting the material and dimensions of the sleeve device 21. Additionally, at least one rib 70 can be arranged to contribute to the required stiffness.

[0059] In a particular example, the barrier system 10 includes the sleeve retainer 74 and the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41 and the intermediate sleeve 42 are integrally molded as shown. The sleeve device 21 is injection molded in the Figures 3 to 5 shown retracted configuration and has a circular cross-section. The first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41 and the intermediate sleeve 42 are formed of silicone having a Shore A hardness of 40 and a thickness of 1.5 mm. The first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 each include five and four convex ribs 70, each rib having a thickness of 4 mm and a radius of curvature of 5 mm. The sleeve wall coupler 45 and the sleeve glove coupler 46 each include an integral O-ring having a diameter of 5 mm each. The sleeve wall end 43 and the sleeve glove end 44 have diameters of 265 mm and 106 mm respectively. The length (i.e., the distance parallel to their centerlines) of each of the first sleeve 40 and the second sleeve 41 is 240 mm. The outer perimeter 61 and the inner perimeter 62 are 228 mm and 156 mm respectively, and the radius of curvature of the intermediate sleeve 42 varies from 9.5 mm at the outer perimeter 61 to 22 mm at the inner perimeter 62.

[0060] If the barrier system 10 does not include the sleeve retainer 74, the thickness of the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41 and the intermediate sleeve 42 can be at least 4 mm[. Such a thickness enables the sleeve device 21 to maintain its shape in the retracted configuration without the sleeve retainer 74. Additionally, a helical reinforcement or the like can be provided in the sleeve device 21 for additional support.

[0061] In an alternative suitable embodiment, the first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and / or the intermediate sleeve 42 may have a thickness in the range from about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm, except at any ribs 70 (if present). The first sleeve 40, the second sleeve 41, and / or the intermediate sleeve 42 may comprise polyurethane, silicone, natural rubber latex, neoprene, nitrile rubber, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene propylene diene monomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, and the like.

[0062] According to the present disclosure, and as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the glove device 20 may include an insert 80 that is mounted to the cuff 23 and / or the sleeve device 21 and extends at least partially into the glove 22 for supporting the glove 22 during decontamination. The insert 80 may support the glove 22, preferably supporting the top of the glove 22 in use such that it does not fold back and contact itself and / or does not contact the barrier wall 15 and / or the glove device 20. Occlusion between the underside of the wrist of the glove 22 and the fingers may be avoided, and occlusion between the glove 22 and other surfaces may be avoided, thereby improving the effectiveness of decontamination.

[0063] As Figures 7 to 9 shown, the insert 80 may extend between an inner end 81 of the insert and an outer end 82 of the insert, the inner end of the insert being for mounting to the cuff 23 and / or the sleeve device 21 and the outer end of the insert being for extending into the glove 22. The insert 80 may include an insert wrist portion 83 and an insert hand portion 84, the insert wrist portion being for contacting the wrist of the glove 22 and extending from the inner end 81 of the insert, the insert hand portion being for contacting the upper hand of the glove and extending from the insert wrist portion 83 to the outer end 82 of the insert. As Figure 9 best shown, the insert hand portion 84 may be wider (i.e., wider along the horizontal plane) than the insert wrist portion 83.

[0064] As Figure 3 and Figure 8 best shown in, the insert 80 may be bent downward from the inner end 81 of the insert to the outer end 82 of the insert and may be bent downward from the cuff 23 and / or the sleeve device 21 in use. The thickness of the insert 80 may decrease from the inner end 81 of the insert to the outer end 82 of the insert from the cuff 23 and / or the sleeve device 21.

[0065] The insert 80 may include an insert coupler 85 at the inner end 81 of the insert for selectively mounting to an insert mount 87 of the glove device 20. As shown, the insert coupler 85 may include a ridge along at least one side of the insert 80. The insert 80 may include an insert stop 86 for preventing the insert 80 from being pushed into the inner end 81 of the insert beyond a predetermined distance.

[0066] As shown, the insert mounting 87 can be formed on the cuff 23 and / or on the sleeve device 21. The insert mounting 87 can include at least one flange having a groove or the like. The insert mounting 87 can be mounted on the upper half and / or the top of the cuff 23 and / or the sleeve device 21. Alternatively, the insert mounting 87 can include a ring or the like that extends around the inside or outside of the cuff 23 and / or the sleeve device 21 for coupling the insert 80.

[0067] In use, when the glove device 20 is in the retracted configuration, the insert 80 can be mounted to the insert mounting 87, as Figure 3 shown. Thus, during decontamination, the insert 80 can prevent the formation of an occlusion around the glove 22. The insert 80 can be removed to move the glove device 20 to the extended configuration, as Figure 6 shown. However, when the glove device 20 is in the extended configuration, the insert 80 can also remain in the insert mounting 87, particularly if it is flexible enough not to interfere with the operator's manipulation of the glove 22.

[0068] The insert 80 can be integrally formed with the cuff 23 and / or the sleeve device 21 rather than being coupled by the insert mounting 87 such that it cannot be removed during use.

[0069] If the glove device 20 includes gauntlets, the insert mounting 87 can be formed on the glove 22, the cuff 23, and / or the sleeve device 21. The insert 80 can alternatively be integrally formed with the glove 22, the cuff 23, and / or the sleeve device 21. In gauntlets, the cuff 23 and the sleeve device 21 can be considered the cuff and sleeve regions of the gauntlets.

[0070] In use, an operator can insert their arm and hand into the glove device 20 and adjust the sleeve device 21 to the extended configuration. The operator can then use the glove 22 to work in the work process area 12. The operator can then retract the sleeve device 21 to the retracted configuration for storage and / or decontamination. The operator can connect the insert 80 to support the glove 22 and / or can attach the sleeve retainer 74 to assist in holding the sleeve device 21 in the retracted configuration. Subsequently, a decontaminant such as from the decontamination system 18 can be directed into the work process area 12 and onto the barrier wall 15 and the inner surface 50. Since the first inner surface 90, the second inner surface 91, and the intermediate inner surface 92 are completely separated from each other, no occlusion is formed to prevent the decontaminant from reaching them. Additionally, the insert 80 can support the glove 22 such that there is no occlusion. As a result, effective and complete decontamination of the glove device 20 can be achieved.

Claims

1. A glove device for mounting to a barrier wall of a barrier system defining a work process area, the glove device comprising a sleeve device, the sleeve device comprising: A first sleeve configured to be mounted around an aperture through the barrier wall, the first sleeve including a first inner surface; A second sleeve configured to have a glove mounted thereon, the second sleeve including a second inner surface; And An intermediate sleeve including: an intermediate inner surface, an outer perimeter attached to the first sleeve; and an inner perimeter attached to the second sleeve, the outer perimeter having a greater diameter than the inner perimeter, Wherein the sleeve assembly is configured to be movable between two configurations: An extended configuration in which the second sleeve extends from the first sleeve and the intermediate sleeve for use during manipulation of the glove by an operator, and the first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the intermediate inner surface are exposed to the environment of the work process area; and A retracted configuration in which: The second sleeve is at least partially positioned inside the first sleeve around the intermediate sleeve such that the first inner surface and the second inner surface at least partially face each other; and The intermediate sleeve separates the intermediate inner surface from itself and from the first and second inner surfaces to form a cavity between the first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the intermediate inner surface, the intermediate inner surface facing the cavity; Wherein the intermediate sleeve is elastically biased or rigid to maintain the separation of the intermediate inner surface from itself and from the first and second inner surfaces in the retracted configuration.

2. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The rate of decrease in diameter along the length of the sleeve assembly is greater along the intermediate sleeve than along the first sleeve and / or the second sleeve.

3. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sleeve and the second sleeve are flexible enough for manipulation by the operator and rigid enough to separate the first inner surface and the second inner surface from each other.

4. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The minimum separation distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface in the retracted configuration is at least 3 mm.

5. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sleeve tapers towards the intermediate sleeve and / or the second sleeve tapers away from the intermediate sleeve.

6. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the first sleeve and / or the second sleeve is at least twice or at least five times the length of the intermediate sleeve.

7. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate sleeve forms a tapered tubular body in the extended configuration and a curved annular body in the retracted configuration, or wherein the intermediate sleeve includes a rigid ring.

8. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the intermediate inner surface face outwards away from themselves in the extended configuration.

9. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, In the retracted configuration, at least 50% of the second sleeve is located inside the first sleeve; in the extended configuration, at least 50% of the second sleeve is outside the first sleeve.

10. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The center of the inner perimeter is vertically offset from the center of the outer perimeter.

11. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sleeve and / or the second sleeve includes at least one rib.

12. The glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the intermediate sleeve are integrally formed and / or molded together.

13. The glove device according to claim 1, further comprising a glove mounted to the second sleeve.

14. The glove device according to claim 13, wherein, The glove is integrally formed with the sleeve device or the glove is attached to the second sleeve via a cuff.

15. The glove device according to claim 13 or 14 further comprises an insert, the insert being mounted to the sleeve device and at least partially extending into the glove for supporting the glove in the retracted configuration.

16. A method of manufacturing the glove device according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes molding the sleeve device in the retracted configuration.

17. A barrier system, the barrier system comprising: A barrier wall that at least partially separates the operator area from the work process area, and the barrier wall includes at least one aperture therethrough; and At least one glove device according to claim 1, the first sleeve being attached to the barrier wall around the at least one aperture, wherein, in the extended configuration, at least a portion of the first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the intermediate sleeve are located in the work process area, and in the retracted configuration, at least a portion of the first sleeve and the second sleeve and the intermediate sleeve are located in the operator area.

18. The barrier system according to claim 17 further comprises a sleeve retainer for selectively securing the glove device to the barrier wall in the retracted configuration.

19. A method of operating the barrier system according to claim 17, the method comprising: Configuring the sleeve device to be in the extended configuration and manipulating the glove device to perform work in the work process area; and Configuring the sleeve device to be in the retracted configuration and directing a decontaminant into the work process area to decontaminate the first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the intermediate inner surface.

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