Fastening device for forming coated gloves

Abstract

The utility model provides a fixing device for forming coated gloves. The fixture includes a mandrel configured to move between an impregnation position and a curing position, a plurality of finger supports, and a thumb support. The mandrel includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the plurality of finger supports includes a first surface facing away from the top surface. A portion of the bottom surface of the body and each first surface of the plurality of finger supports are coplanar when the mandrel is in the impregnated position. When the mandrel moves from the dipping position to the curing position, the finger support pivots relative to the mandrel in a direction toward the bottom surface of the body.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 622,866, filed January 19, 2024; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 617,538, filed January 4, 2024; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 601,996, filed November 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of gloves. More specifically, it relates to gloves having a coating and a fastening mechanism, such as work gloves, the fastening mechanism including a movable mandrel for forming such gloves. Background Technology

[0004] During the manufacture of some coated gloves, the glove is immersed in a liquid material (e.g., a liquid polymer forming material), and then the glove is cured to create a coating (e.g., an external polymer coating). As the glove cures, the coating solidifies and contributes to the shape of the finished glove. Some conventional fastening devices used in forming coated gloves include a mandrel that supports the glove during immersion and curing. This mandrel is rigid and mimics a flattened hand shape (i.e., fingers oriented along a single plane). This shape is anatomically incorrect because it is unnaturally flattened. The applicant has confirmed that this shape affects the fit and stretchability of the coated glove because the coating typically cannot be adjusted or reformed after curing.

[0005] In some conventional methods for forming coated gloves, after the glove has been impregnated and cured on a first (flattened) mandrel, it is manually transferred to a second mandrel in which the glove can be reheated and reformed. The applicant has identified that reheating and reforming may be difficult to apply to gloves with certain coating materials, such as nitrile coatings and thermosetting polymers, due to the high heat resistance of these materials. Utility Model Content

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a fastening device for forming a coated glove. The fastening device includes a mandrel, a plurality of finger supports, and a thumb support. The mandrel is configured to move between the first position and the second position. The mandrel includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a body extending between the first and second ends. The body includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface. The plurality of finger supports are coupled to the second end of the mandrel. Each of the plurality of finger supports includes a first surface facing away from the top surface of the body. The thumb support is coupled to the body. When the mandrel is in the first position, a portion of the bottom surface of the body adjacent to the second end of the mandrel is coplanar with each of the first surfaces of the plurality of finger supports. When the mandrel moves from the first position to the second position, the plurality of finger supports pivot relative to the mandrel in a direction toward the bottom surface of the body.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a fixing device for forming a coated glove. The fixing device includes a mandrel configured to move between an immersion position and a curing position. The mandrel includes a first end configured to be mounted on a machine during the formation of the coated glove and a second end opposite to the first end. The fixing device further includes: a thumb support coupled to the mandrel between the first and second ends; a first finger support coupled to the second end of the mandrel; a second finger support coupled to the second end of the mandrel and positioned adjacent to the first finger support; and a third finger support coupled to the second end of the mandrel and positioned adjacent to the second finger support. When the mandrel is in the immersion position, the bottom surfaces of the first, second, and third finger supports each extend along substantially the same plane. When the mandrel is in the curing position, the bottom surfaces of the first, second, and third finger supports each bend toward the first end of the mandrel.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of forming a coated glove. The method includes placing the glove on a fixing device including a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a plurality of finger supports coupled to the second end of the mandrel, and a thumb support coupled to the mandrel between the first and second ends. The mandrel is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The method further includes moving the mandrel to the first position, immersing a portion of the glove in a coating material, moving the mandrel to the second position, and curing the coating material to form a coating along the outer surface of the glove. The coating is a single, adjacent, and continuous layer positioned along the underside of the palm portion, thumb portion, index finger portion, middle finger portion, ring finger portion, and little finger portion of the glove.

[0009] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or will be recognized by practice of the embodiments as described in the written description and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0010] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of various embodiments. Additionally, alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as generally recited in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0011] This application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the mandrel is in a first position;

[0013] Figure 2 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 A side perspective view of the fixing device, in which the mandrel is in the second position;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of a coated glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] Figure 4 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 3 Left side view of the coated gloves;

[0016] Figure 5 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 3 The right-side view of the coated gloves; and

[0017] Figure 6 This refers to the use of an actuation fixing device, such as, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing coated gloves using a fixing device. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of coated gloves and fixing devices for forming such coated gloves are shown.

[0019] As discussed herein, the applicant has developed various coated gloves and fixing devices for forming such coated gloves, which are believed to offer various advantages over conventional coated gloves and fixing devices. Specifically, the fixing device described herein includes a mandrel configured to be actuated between an impregnation position and a curing position. In the impregnation position, the fixing device allows the glove to be impregnated such that the impregnation material is applied to the palm, the palmar side of the fingers, and the left and right sides of the fingers, but not to the back of the hand. In the curing position, the fixing device allows the glove to be positioned in a configuration more closely resembling the shape of a human hand (i.e., where the fingers are slightly hinged toward the palm). Thus, when the coating material cures / solidifies with the fixing device in the curing position, the glove presents a finished or resting state resembling the shape of a human hand at rest (i.e., where the finger portions of the glove are slightly bent toward the palm).

[0020] The applicant believes that the fixing device discussed herein allows the glove to be formed into a shape more closely resembling the shape of a human hand without the need for manual transfer between mandrels and / or without the need for reheating and reforming the glove. The applicant believes this enables the process to be applied to coating materials such as nitrile and thermosetting polymers.

[0021] Furthermore, the applicant believes that the positioning of the fixing device provides coated gloves with improved fit and stretchability because the cured coated gloves will more closely reflect the natural hand position and allow the user to close their hands with less force when performing tasks. Additionally, in some embodiments, the applicant believes that this curing positioning can improve coating thickness, consistency, and / or control, thereby allowing the formation of gloves with a better, more consistent coating.

[0022] Reference Figures 1 to 2 The illustration shows a fastening device 10 for forming a coated glove according to an exemplary embodiment. The fastening device 10 includes a body of a mandrel 12, shown as hinged, and a plurality of attachments, shown as finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d and a thumb support 16, coupled to the mandrel 12. The mandrel 12, the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and the thumb support 16 are configured to support the glove during impregnation and curing. The mandrel 12 is configured to move between a first position or impregnation position and a second position or curing position. In various embodiments, the fastening device 10 may include one or more locking mechanisms for securing the mandrel 12 in one of the first and second positions.

[0023] The mandrel 12 includes a body or palm support 18 extending between a first end portion 20 and a second end portion 22 positioned opposite to the first end portion 20. The palm support 18 is inclined between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 22 such that the first end portion 20 lies on a first plane and the second end portion 22 lies on a second plane spaced apart from and generally parallel to the first plane. The first end portion 20 is configured to be held by a user and / or configured to be mounted to a machine during the glove forming process (e.g., during glove impregnation and / or curing).

[0024] The first end portion 20 includes a plurality of protrusions 24 extending from the top surface of the first end portion 20. In addition, the first end portion 20 includes side protrusions 26 extending from the side of the first end portion 20.

[0025] Several accessories are shown as finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d and thumb support 16. As the mandrel 12 moves between the impregnation position and the curing position, the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d and the thumb support 16 move relative to the mandrel 12. In this way, the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d and the thumb support 16 are oriented differently in the impregnation position compared to their curing position.

[0026] Finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are connected to the second end portion 22 and extend in a direction away from the first end portion 20, the palm support 18, and the second end portion 22. Each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d is sized and shaped to resemble a human finger, such that it can be received within the fingers of a glove. Specifically, the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are tapered, such that the thickest portion of each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d is connected to the second end portion 22, and the narrowest portion of each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d is located at the end of the finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d furthest from the second end portion 22 of the mandrel 12.

[0027] As shown, the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d include a first finger support 14a corresponding to the index finger of the hand, a second finger support 14b corresponding to the middle finger of the hand, a third finger support 14c corresponding to the ring finger of the hand, and a fourth finger support 14d corresponding to the little finger or pinky finger of the hand.

[0028] Each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d includes a first segment 30, a second segment 32, and a third segment 36. Furthermore, each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d has a right side portion 34 and a left side portion 33 opposite to the right side portion 34. The first segment 30 is pivotally connected to the second end portion 22 via a joint 28. The joint 28 may be integral with the first segment 30 such that the first segment 30 and the joint 28 are made of a single continuous and adjacent piece of material. The joint 28 extends into the second end portion 22 and connects between two protrusions 29.

[0029] The first segment 30 and the second segment 32 are pivotally connected to each other via a joint 31. The joint 31 may be integral with the second segment 32, such that the second segment 32 and the joint 31 are made of a single continuous and adjacent piece of material. The joint 31 extends at least partially into the first segment 30. The joint 31 connects along the first segment 30 between the left side portion 33 and the right side portion 34 of the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d.

[0030] The second segment 32 and the third segment 36 are pivotally connected to each other via a joint 35. The joint 35 may be integral with the third segment 36, such that the third segment 36 and the joint 35 are made of a single continuous and adjacent piece of material. The joint 35 extends at least partially into the second segment 32. The joint 35 connects along the second segment 32 between the left side portion 33 and the right side portion 34 of the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. In this way, the joints 28, 31, and 35 allow each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d to bend or flex relative to the spindle 12.

[0031] The thumb support 16 is coupled to the palm support 18 of the spindle 12 between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 22. The thumb support 16 is coupled to the palm support 18 approximately at the position where the thumb is located on the palm of the hand. The thumb support 16 is pivotally coupled to the palm support 18, allowing the thumb support 16 to move between an impregnation position and a curing position. As shown, the thumb support 16 includes a single engagement 37. In certain embodiments, the thumb support 16 may include two or more segments and engagements (similar to finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d).

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the retaining device 10 is illustrated as having a mandrel 12 in a first position or an immersion position. In the immersion position, the retaining device 10 allows the glove to be immersed in the coating material. In a particular embodiment, the retaining device 10 allows the coating material to be applied to the glove along the palm, the base / palm side of the fingers, and the left and right sides of the fingers, but not to the back of the glove opposite to the palm.

[0033] When in the immersion position, a portion of the palm support 18, the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and the thumb support 16 all extend along substantially the same plane. That is, when the spindle 12 is in the immersion position, the bottom surface of the second end portion 22, the bottom surface of each of the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and the bottom surface of the thumb support 16 are substantially coplanar with each other. This positioning is analogous to the flattening of a human hand against a surface. Therefore, as shown, the palm support 18 is bent in a direction away from the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d.

[0034] Specifically, each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d is flattened, and segments 30, 32, and 36 are pivoted relative to each other and the second end portion 22. For each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, joints 28, 31, and 35 are aligned. In this way, the edge of joint 28 can abut against the inner surface of the second end portion 22, the edge of joint 31 can abut against the inner surface of the first segment 30, and the edge of joint 35 can abut against the inner surface of the second segment 32. Therefore, when in the impregnated position, there is less space between the first segment 30 and the second end portion 22, the second segment 32 and the first segment 30, and the third segment 36 and the second segment 32 compared to the cured position. The thumb support 16 moves in a direction toward the top surface 40 of the mandrel and away from the bottom surface 42 of the mandrel.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing device 10 is illustrated as having a mandrel 12 in a second position or a cured position. In the cured position, the fixing device 10 is configured such that the glove mounted on the fixing device 10 is positioned in a configuration more closely resembling the shape of a human hand at rest (i.e., where the fingers are hinged slightly toward the palm). Therefore, when the coating on the glove cures, the resulting glove has a curve similar to the curvature of the user's hand.

[0036] Specifically, finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d pivot relative to the spindle 12 and bend in a direction toward the bottom surface 42 of the spindle 12, wherein the second finger support 14b and the third finger support 14c bend slightly more than the first finger support 14a. The thumb support 16 moves downward toward the bottom surface 42 relative to the palm support 18. Therefore, at least a portion of the thumb support 16 extends beyond the bottom surface 42.

[0037] Each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d bends toward the bottom surface 42, such that segments 30, 32, and 36 pivot relative to each other and the second end portion 22. As shown, the third segment 36 pivots relative to the second segment 32, such that the tips of the finger supports 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are away from the top surface 40 and away from the bottom surface 42. The third segment 36 pivots relative to the second segment 32 by a greater amount than the second segment 32 pivots relative to the first segment 30.

[0038] Each finger support 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d defines a first angle, a second angle, and a third angle. The first angle is defined between the second end portion 22 and the first segment 30. The second angle is defined between the first segment 30 and the second segment 32. The third angle is defined between the second segment 32 and the third segment 36. In a particular embodiment, the first angle is at least 170 degrees when in the immersion position. In another particular embodiment, the first angle is at most 135 degrees when in the curing position.

[0039] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The illustration shows a glove, such as a work glove 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The work glove 100 can be formed using a fastening device 10. When self-supporting (i.e., without a user's hand or fastening device inside the glove), the work glove 100 bends into a shape similar to a hand at rest.

[0040] The work glove 100 includes a body 102 and a coating 104 formed on the body 102. The body 102 is hand-shaped and includes a palm portion 105, a back portion 106, a thumb portion 108, and a plurality of finger portions 110, specifically four finger portions 110 configured to receive the user's index, middle, ring, and little fingers.

[0041] The body 102 may be made of a flexible material, such as a knitted material, and the coating 104 may be made of a material that provides additional durability and / or protection, such as a polymeric material (e.g., nitrile). The coating material may be nitrile, polyurethane (solvent-based and water-based), natural rubber, neoprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, butyl rubber, and mixtures thereof where compatible.

[0042] Coating 104 is applied to body 102 via an impregnation and curing process, wherein work gloves are impregnated into the coating material and then cured to solidify the coating material into a coating. In various embodiments, coating 104 is treated to include a foamed finish or a sandy finish (i.e., using industrial salt to affect the finish).

[0043] As shown, coating 104 is a single, adjacent, and continuous layer positioned along the palm portion 105, the thumb portion 108, the palm side / bottom side of the finger portion 110, the left and right sides of the finger portion 110, and around the tip of the finger portion 110. Coating 104 is not located on the back portion 106 opposite to the palm portion 105. As shown, at least a portion of the back / top side of the finger portion 110 does not include coating 104.

[0044] The coating 104 has a thickness that can vary depending on the type of glove or application. The thickness may be uniform along the body 102 or may have a greater thickness applied to certain portions of the body 102 (e.g., the palm portion 105, the palm side of the finger portion 110, or the palm side of the thumb portion 108). In a particular embodiment, the thickness of the coating 104 is between 0.025 mm and 1.0 mm. In a particular embodiment, the thickness of the coating 104 in the palm portion 105 is less than the thickness in the finger portion 110 and / or the thumb portion 108. In another particular embodiment, the thickness of the coating 104 in the palm portion 105 is 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm, and the thickness of the coating in the finger region is 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm. In a particular embodiment, such a thickness is defined as the average thickness of the entire coating 104, and in other embodiments, such a thickness is defined as the maximum thickness at any location within the coating 104.

[0045] When the coating 104 is less thick in the palm portion 105 than in the finger portion 110 and / or thumb portion 108 of a work glove, the fastening device, such as the fastening device 10, is oriented such that the finger portion 110 of the glove 100 is tilted downward (i.e., positioned below the palm portion 105), causing excess coating material to travel along the glove 100 from the palm portion 105 to the finger portion 110. This results in more coating material accumulating on the finger portion 110 during curing.

[0046] As shown, the work glove 100 has two finger portions formed when positioned in a first position (i.e., the flattened position). The work glove 100 also includes three finger portions formed in a second position (i.e., bent toward the palm portion 105). This second position can be achieved using a retaining device 10 in a cured position. The applicant believes that the second position provides a coated glove 100 with improved fit and stretchability and / or improved coating thickness.

[0047] Reference Figure 6A flowchart is provided for a method 200 for producing coated gloves, such as work gloves 100, using a fixing device, such as fixing device 10. In step 201 of the method, the glove is placed on the fixing device 10. In step 202, the mandrel 12 is moved as follows: Figure 1 In the first position or immersion position shown. In step 203, at least a portion of the glove is immersed in a liquid material or coating material (e.g., a liquid polymer forming material). In step 204, the glove is then removed from the coating material while still positioned on the fixing device, which moves as shown. Figure 2 In the second position or cured position shown. In step 205, the coating material is cured to form a coating, such as coating 104, along the outer surface of the glove. In step 206, a finish is applied to the coating. That is, a foamed finish or a sand finish (i.e., using industrial salt to affect the finish) is applied to the coating after curing.

[0048] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that this application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is used for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0049] Given this description, other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description should be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, values ​​of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended to interpret any method described herein as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, no particular order is intended to be inferred where a method claim does not actually describe the order in which its steps are followed, or where the claims or description do not otherwise specify that the steps are limited to a particular order. Furthermore, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more parts or elements and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0051] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" refers to the direct or indirect engagement of two components with each other. This engagement can be inherently static or inherently movable. It can be achieved by integrally forming a single, monolithic body with the two components and any additional intermediate components, or by attaching the two components to each other or by attaching the two components and any additional components to each other. This engagement can be inherently permanent, or alternatively inherently removable or releasable. As used herein, a "rigid connection" refers to the connection of two components in such a manner that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to forces.

[0052] Although the present application describes specific combinations of features in the appended claims, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any features described herein, whether or not such combinations are currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

[0053] In various exemplary embodiments, relative dimensions including angles, lengths, and radii, as shown in the accompanying drawings, are drawn to scale. Actual measurements of the accompanying drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and scales of the various exemplary embodiments. The various exemplary embodiments extend to a wide range of absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and scales that can be determined from the accompanying drawings. The various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this description can be determined by combining the scales of the dimensions measured in the accompanying drawings with the explicit dimensions stated in this description.

Claims

1. A fixing device for forming coated gloves, characterized in that, The fixing device includes: A mandrel, configured to move between a first position and a second position, the mandrel comprising: First end; The second end, which is opposite to the first end; and A body extending between a first end and a second end, the body including a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface; A plurality of finger supports, the plurality of finger supports being coupled to the second end of the mandrel, each of the plurality of finger supports including a first surface opposing the top surface of the body; and A thumb support member, which is connected to the body; Wherein, when the mandrel is in the first position, the portion of the bottom surface of the body adjacent to the second end of the mandrel and each first surface of the plurality of finger supports are coplanar; and When the spindle moves from the first position to the second position, the plurality of finger supports pivot relative to the spindle in a direction toward the bottom surface of the body.

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body is tilted such that the first end of the body is located on a first plane and the second end is located on a second plane, wherein the first plane is spaced apart from the second plane and is located above the second plane.

3. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of finger supports includes: The first segment, which is pivotally connected to the second end via a first joint; and The second segment is pivotally connected to the first segment via a second joint.

4. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thumb support is pivotally connected to the body.

5. The fixing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the spindle moves from the first position to the second position, the thumb support pivots relative to the spindle away from the top surface of the body.

6. The fixing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the spindle is in the second position, at least a portion of the thumb support extends below the bottom surface of the body.

7. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thumb support includes a second surface opposite to the top surface of the body, wherein, when the mandrel is in the first position, the second surface of the thumb support is coplanar with a portion of the bottom surface of the body adjacent to the first end of the mandrel.

8. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a locking mechanism coupled to the body, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to hold the mandrel in the first position.

9. The fixing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking mechanism is configured to hold the mandrel in the second position.

10. A fixing device for forming coated gloves, characterized in that, The fixing device includes: Mandrel, the mandrel being configured to move between an impregnation position and a curing position, the mandrel comprising: A first end, configured to be mounted on a machine during the formation of the coated glove; and The second end is opposite to the first end; A thumb support member, wherein the thumb support member is connected to the spindle between the first end and the second end; A first finger support is connected to the second end of the mandrel; A second finger support, the second finger support being coupled to the second end of the mandrel and positioned adjacent to the first finger support; and A third finger support is connected to the second end of the mandrel and positioned adjacent to the second finger support. When the mandrel is in the immersion position, the bottom surfaces of the first finger support, the second finger support, and the third finger support each extend along substantially the same plane; and When the mandrel is in the cured position, the bottom surface of the first finger support, the bottom surface of the second finger support, and the bottom surface of the third finger support are each bent in a direction toward the first end of the mandrel.

11. The fixing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first finger support includes: The first segment, which is pivotally connected to the second end via a first joint; and The second segment is pivotally connected to the first segment via a second joint.

12. The fixing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the mandrel is in the immersion position, the first edge of the first joint abuts against the inner surface of the second end, and the second edge of the second joint abuts against the inner surface of the first segment.

13. The fixing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, When in the immersion position, the angle between the first segment and the second segment of the first finger support is at least 170 degrees.

14. The fixing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, When in the cured position, the angle between the first segment and the second segment of the first finger support is at most 135 degrees.

15. The fixing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second finger support includes: The third segment, which is pivotally connected to the second end via a third joint; and The fourth segment, which is pivotally connected to the third segment via a fourth joint; and When in the cured position, the first angle defined between the first segment and the second segment of the first finger support is greater than the second angle defined between the third segment and the fourth segment of the second finger support.

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