Gloves and working gloves

Abstract

The present utility model relates to gloves and work gloves. The glove includes a body and a coating. The coating is coupled to an outer surface of a palm side of the body along a palm portion, a plurality of finger portions, and a thumb portion. The coating includes a first coating thickness and a second coating thickness. The second coating thickness is defined by a plurality of grooves formed in the coating. A first set of grooves is positioned at a base of each of the finger portions, and a second set of grooves is positioned at a first bend region of each of the finger portions. The first bend region corresponds to a user's knuckle. The first coating thickness is greater than the second coating thickness.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the rights and priorities of U.S. Application No. 63 / 667,919, filed July 5, 2024, and U.S. Application No. 63 / 652,385, filed May 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of gloves. Specifically, it relates to gloves, such as work gloves, having a coating designed to increase durability and improve flexibility when worn by a user. Background Technology

[0004] Conventional coated gloves typically include a lining, a portion of which is coated. In some conventional coated gloves, this layer is applied along the bottom side of the lining, covering the palm and finger areas. These coatings are usually applied via dipping or similar processes to form a continuous layer of relatively uniform thickness on the bottom side. Therefore, conventional coated gloves may result in reduced flexibility and dexterity, or increased hand fatigue for the user during use. Thus, there is a need to address these issues. Utility Model Content

[0005] One embodiment of this utility model relates to a glove comprising a body and a coating. The body includes: a palm side; a back side opposite the palm side; a palm portion located on the palm side; a plurality of finger portions; and a thumb portion. Each of the plurality of finger portions has a tip and a base opposite the tip. Each base is positioned along its corresponding finger portion closer to the palm portion than the tip is positioned relative to the palm portion. The coating is attached to the outer surface of the palm side of the body along the palm portion, the palm sides of the plurality of finger portions, and the palm sides of the thumb portion. The coating includes a first coating thickness and a second coating thickness. The second coating thickness is defined by a plurality of grooves formed in the coating. A first set of grooves is positioned at a corresponding base of each of the plurality of finger portions, and a second set of grooves is positioned at a first folding region of each of the plurality of finger portions. The first bending region of each of the multiple finger portions corresponds to the user's knuckle and extends from a first side of the corresponding finger portion to a second side of the corresponding finger portion opposite to the first side. The thickness of the first coating is greater than the thickness of the second coating.

[0006] Another embodiment of this utility model relates to a work glove comprising a lining and a coating. The lining includes a palm side and a back side opposite the palm side. The lining defines a palm portion, a plurality of finger portions, and a thumb portion. Each of the plurality of finger portions includes: a tip positioned along the finger portion furthest from the palm portion; a base opposite to the tip; a first folding region located between the tip and the base; and a second folding region located between the first folding region and the base. The coating is attached to an outer surface of the lining and defines a gripping surface. The gripping surface extends along the palm side of the lining on the palm portion, each of the plurality of finger portions, and the thumb portion. The gripping surface includes a first thickness and a second thickness. The second thickness is defined by a plurality of ridges. Each of the plurality of finger portions includes a first set of ridges located between the first folding region and the second folding region, and a second set of ridges located between the second folding region and the base of the corresponding finger portion. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

[0007] Another embodiment of this utility model relates to a glove comprising a body and a coating. The body includes a palm side; a back side opposite the palm side; a palm portion located on the palm side; a thumb portion; and an index finger portion. The coating is attached to the outer surface of the palm side of the body. The coating extends along the palm side of the palm portion, the palm side of the index finger portion, and the palm side of the thumb portion. The coating defines a first thickness. A first plurality of ridges extend away from the coating, and on the index finger portion, the first plurality of ridges are located between a first flexure region of the index finger portion corresponding to the user's knuckle and the base of the index finger portion. A second plurality of ridges extend away from the coating, and on the thumb portion, the second plurality of ridges are located between the tip of the thumb portion and the base of the thumb portion. The first plurality of ridges and the second plurality of ridges define a second thickness greater than the first coating thickness.

[0008] 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 shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a 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 may be generally described below. Attached Figure Description

[0010] This application will be more fully understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a palm side view of a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 A side view of the back of the hand of a glove;

[0013] Figure 3 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 A detailed view of a portion of the palm area of ​​the glove;

[0014] Figure 4 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 A detailed view of a portion of the finger section of the glove;

[0015] Figure 5 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 A detailed view of a portion of the wrist area of ​​the glove;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the palm portion of a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the palm portion of a glove according to an exemplary embodiment, including multiple gripping layers;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a palm side view of a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Figure 9 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 8 A side view of the back of the hand of a glove;

[0020] Figure 10A This is a palm side view of a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] Figure 10B According to an exemplary implementation Figure 10A Detailed view of the middle and index finger portions of the glove;

[0022] Figure 11 This is a palm side view of a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 12 This is a palm side view of a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 13This is a palm plan view of a pattern of a reinforcing ridge for a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 14 It is on the gloves according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13 A side view of the palm with a pattern;

[0026] Figure 15 It is a palm plan view of the pattern of the reinforcing ridge and reinforcing pad for a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 16 It is on the gloves according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 15 A side view of the palm with a pattern;

[0028] Figure 17 This is a palm plan view of a pattern of a reinforcing ridge for a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 18 It is on the gloves according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 17 A side view of the palm with a pattern;

[0030] Figure 19 This is a palm plan view of a pattern of a reinforcing pad for a glove according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 20 It is on the gloves according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 19 The pattern is a side view of the palm; and

[0032] Figure 21 This is a palm side view of a glove according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of coated gloves, such as work gloves, are provided. Coatings applied to work gloves can provide the glove user with improved grip, chemical resistance, cut resistance, and other benefits. According to various embodiments, the glove includes a coating (e.g., polymer coating, impregnated polymer coating, nitrile coating, etc.) formed on the glove body (e.g., a fabric glove body or glove lining). In various embodiments, the coating includes areas with lower coating thickness (e.g., recessed areas, etc.) and / or areas with higher coating thickness (e.g., embossed areas, secondary coating areas, etc.), the areas with lower coating thickness aligned with the bending / crease locations of the wearer's hand, making the glove easier to bend at those points, and the areas with higher coating thickness aligned with high-abrasion areas of the glove, providing improved grip and abrasion resistance at those points.

[0034] In some embodiments, lower and / or higher coating thickness regions are formed by recessing (e.g., embossing) one or more layers of the coating, such that the lower and / or higher coating thicknesses define a pattern. In other embodiments, higher coating thickness regions are formed by applying a secondary coating to the embossed coating. The coating thickness pattern can be formed in the impregnated coating after the impregnated coating material is applied to the glove body by impregnation but before its curing. In a specific embodiment, the coating is formed of a nitrile material, and the coating thickness pattern discussed herein is formed after the nitrile material dries but before the nitrile material cures. The applicant believes that the lower and higher coating thickness regions provided by the embodiments described herein offer enhanced durability, reduced hand fatigue during use, improved flexibility, and lower manufacturing costs compared to some conventional gloves.

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 4 A glove 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The glove 10 includes a glove body shown as a lining 12, a coating attached to the outer surface of the lining 12 as a gripping surface 14, a plurality of finger portions 16, a thumb portion 18, a palm portion 20, and a wrist portion 22. As shown, there are four finger portions 16. The finger portions 16 are configured to receive the user's index, middle, ring, and little fingers. Each finger portion 16 includes a tip 60 and a base 61. Each tip 60 is located at the end of its corresponding finger portion 16 furthest from the palm portion 20 of the lining 12. Each base 61 is located at the end of its corresponding finger portion 16 opposite to the tip 60 and adjacent to the palm portion 20 of the lining 12. Each base 61 is positioned along the corresponding finger portion 16 closer to the palm portion 20 than each tip 60 is positioned relative to the palm position 20. The thumb portion 18 includes a tip 62 located at the end of the thumb portion 18 furthest from the palm portion 20 and a base 63 located at the end of the thumb portion 18 opposite to the tip 62 and adjacent to the palm portion 20.

[0036] Liner 12 includes a palm side 64 and a back side 65. Grip surface 14 is a coating formed on the outer surface of the palm side 64 of liner 12. As shown, grip surface 14 is located on palm side 64 along finger portion 16, thumb portion 18, and palm portion 20. In a specific embodiment, grip surface 14 is a single, adjacent, and continuous layer positioned on palm side 64 of liner along finger portion 16, thumb portion 18, and palm portion 20. Grip surface 14 is not located on wrist portion 22 and is not positioned along the back side 65 of liner 12 opposite to palm portion 20. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the back side 65 of finger portion 16 and thumb portion 18 does not include grip surface 14.

[0037] The liner 12 includes an opening 24 formed at the bottom end of the glove 10 between the palm side 64 and the back side 65. The opening 24 is configured to receive the user's hand. As shown, the glove 10 includes a pull grip portion 25 located on the palm surface of the glove 10 above the opening 24. The liner 12 is configured such that when the user inserts their hand into the opening 24, the inner surface of the liner 12 surrounds the user's hand within the glove 10. The pull grip portion 25 is configured to be gripped by the user's other hand to assist in putting on and taking off the glove 10.

[0038] In some embodiments, the lining 12 is formed of a flexible material, and in a particular embodiment, the lining 12 is formed of a fabric material, such as a knitted material. In various other embodiments, the lining material may be formed of spandex, nylon, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, glass, tungsten, steel, basalt, Kevlar, cotton, or compatible combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the lining 12 is formed of a material made of spandex, nylon, and HDPE infused with graphite.

[0039] In various embodiments, the gripping surface 14 is formed by a coating applied to the lining 12, such as a polymer coating, an impregnated polymer coating, etc. In a specific embodiment, the gripping surface 14 is formed by an impregnation and curing process, wherein the glove 10 is impregnated into a coating material and then cured to solidify the coating material along a selected portion of the glove 10, such as the gripping surface 14. In a specific embodiment, the coating material used to form the gripping surface 14 is an acrylonitrile, such that the gripping surface 14 is an acrylonitrile coating. In various other embodiments, the gripping surface 14 is formed by a coating material, such as an acrylonitrile, polyurethane, silicone, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), natural rubber (polyisoprene), other rubbers, or compatible mixtures thereof.

[0040] As shown, the gripping surface 14 includes a plurality of curved grooves, shown as a first palm curved groove or upper palm curved groove 26, a second palm curved groove or lower palm curved groove 28, a thumb curved groove 30, and a finger curved groove 32. Each of the plurality of curved grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 is a recess formed in the gripping surface 14. The portion of the gripping surface 14 between the plurality of curved grooves includes a plurality of gripping grooves 15, which can be used to increase the friction between the glove 10 and the workpiece along the gripping surface 14. The gripping grooves 15 can be formed as recesses in the gripping surface 14. As shown, each of the plurality of curved grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 has a greater width and / or depth than the gripping groove 15. In various embodiments, the curved grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 are formed by creating recesses such that the thickness along the gripping surface 14 decreases along the curved grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 and defines a recess along the surface.

[0041] Multiple flexural grooves extend across the gripping surface 14 in a manner that roughly corresponds to common flexural areas in the glove (e.g., flexural areas along the finger portions opposite the knuckles, flexural areas along the palm portions, etc.). The upper palm flexural groove 26 extends laterally across the gripping surface 14 at a location closer to the finger portions 16 than the lower palm flexural groove 28 and the thumb flexural groove 30. The upper palm flexural groove 26 extends substantially horizontally from the edge of the gripping surface 14 opposite to the thumb portion 18, including an angled portion extending toward the finger portions 16 and away from the wrist portion 22, and then substantially horizontally toward the edge of the gripping surface 14 located between the thumb portion 18 and the finger portions 16.

[0042] The lower palmar flexure groove 28 is positioned between the upper palmar flexure groove 26 and the wrist portion 22. The lower palmar flexure groove 28 extends slightly downward from the edge of the gripping surface 14 located between the thumb portion 18 and the index finger portion 16, away from the thumb portion 18, and toward the central region of the palm portion 20. The lower palmar flexure groove 28 includes an angled portion in or near the central region of the palm portion 20, which extends substantially downward toward the wrist portion 22 away from the finger portion 16.

[0043] The thumb bending groove 30 is located at the base of the thumb portion 18 and extends through the base of the thumb portion 18. Each finger portion 16 includes a corresponding finger bending groove 32, which is located at the base 61 of the corresponding finger portion 16 and extends through the base 61 of the corresponding finger portion 16.

[0044] Multiple flexural grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 are configured to provide areas on the gripping surface 14 where the coating forming the gripping surface 14 is thinner than other portions of the gripping surface 14, thereby facilitating bending at those points despite reduced cohesion of the gripping surface 14. The multiple flexural grooves are located at positions corresponding to areas where the human hand typically bends, such as knuckles and areas where the palm bends when the hand is closed. The applicant believes that the multiple flexural grooves provide improved flexibility for the user of the glove 10 and allow the user to easily bend the glove 10 while reducing hand fatigue.

[0045] As shown, the glove 10 also includes a plurality of reinforcing pads 34 and reinforcing ridges 36. In a specific embodiment, each finger portion 16 of the glove 10 includes a reinforcing finger pad 34 along the palm side 64 at the end adjacent to each fingertip 60 (i.e., at the location corresponding to the user's fingertip). Each finger portion 16 also includes one or more reinforcing ridges 36 adjacent to the reinforcing pads 34. The reinforcing ridges 36 extend downward from the end of the respective finger portion 16, around a portion of the reinforcing finger pads 34, and toward the wrist portion 22.

[0046] The thumb portion 18 includes a reinforcing thumb pad 34 at the end of the thumb portion 18 adjacent to the tip 62. The thumb portion 18 includes one or more reinforcing ridges 36 extending around a portion of the reinforcing pad 34. As shown, each finger portion 16 includes at least two reinforcing ridges 36, and the thumb portion 18 includes one reinforcing ridge. In various embodiments, each finger portion 16 includes more than two reinforcing ridges 36. In a specific embodiment, at least one finger portion 16 includes three reinforcing ridges.

[0047] The palm portion 20 includes a plurality of reinforcing ridges 36. As shown, the reinforcing ridges 36 are shaped like lines or angled lines. In various embodiments, the reinforcing ridges 36 may be circular, triangular, or other geometric shapes. In a specific embodiment, the palm portion 20 includes one or more reinforcing ridges 36, or specifically two reinforcing ridges 36, extending toward the thumb portion 18 from the edge of the gripping surface 14 opposite to the thumb portion 18, between the upper palmar flexure groove 26 and the flexure groove 32 located at the base 61 of the finger portion 16 (i.e., the little finger portion 16) furthest from the thumb portion 18. The palm portion 20 includes one or more reinforcing ridges 36, or specifically two reinforcing ridges 36, extending toward the thumb portion 18 from the edge of the gripping surface 14 between the thumb portion 18 and the finger portion 16 (i.e., the index finger portion 16) positioned closest to the thumb portion 18, between the upper palmar flexure groove 26 and the finger flexure groove 32 closest to the thumb portion 18. In a specific embodiment, the palm portion 20 includes one or more reinforcing ridges 36, or specifically two reinforcing ridges 36, which extend from the edge of the gripping surface 14 opposite to the thumb portion 18 at a location between the upper palm curvature groove 26 and the wrist portion 22.

[0048] Reinforcing pads 34 and reinforcing ridges 36 are located on glove 10 in areas that the applicant believes typically experience wear during the normal use of a work glove (e.g., fingertips, base of the palm, etc.). Reinforcing pads 34 and reinforcing ridges 36 are configured to provide a thicker coating on the gripping surface 14 compared to other portions of the gripping surface 14. The applicant believes that the configuration of reinforcing pads 34 and reinforcing ridges 36 provides glove 10 with improved abrasion resistance and / or improved grip compared to some conventional gloves.

[0049] In various embodiments, the reinforcing pad 34 and reinforcing ridge 36 are formed by embossing the gripping surface 14 such that the thickness along the gripping surface 14 increases along the reinforcing pad 34 and reinforcing ridge 36. In other embodiments, the reinforcing pad 34 and reinforcing ridge 36 are formed by applying a secondary coating to the gripping surface 14, which can be used to increase the thickness of areas that are not recesses or do not have recesses.

[0050] In various embodiments, the reinforcing pad 34 and the reinforcing ridge 36 define a total area that is greater than or equal to 50% of the total surface area of ​​the gripping surface.

[0051] Reference Figure 5 The wrist portion 22 is shown. The wrist portion 22 does not include a gripping surface 14. As shown, the wrist portion includes a pattern formed in the lining 12, shown as knitted detail 38. The wrist portion 22 includes an elastic material such that the material allows the glove 10 to conform to the user's wrist to hold the glove 10 on the user when worn. The gripping surface 14 includes a pocket portion 40 adjacent to the bottom edge of the wrist portion 22. In a specific embodiment, the pocket portion 40 does not include gripping grooves.

[0052] Reference Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the palm side of a glove 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. A gripping surface 14 covers a liner 12 such that the gripping surface 14 forms the outer surface of the glove 10, which is configured to engage with the workpiece when held by a user. The liner 12 has a thickness 50. In a specific embodiment, the thickness 50 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm and less than or equal to 1.4 mm. More specifically, the thickness 50 is between 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm. The gripping surface 14 has a thickness 52. In a specific embodiment, the thickness 52 is less than or equal to 1 mm. More specifically, the thickness 52 is greater than or equal to 0.25 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In another specific embodiment, the thickness 52 is greater than or equal to 0.36 mm and less than or equal to 0.48 mm.

[0053] The gripping surface 14 includes a low-coating-thickness region 42 defined by a plurality of curved grooves formed therein (i.e., upper palm curved groove 26, lower palm curved groove 28, thumb curved groove 30, and finger curved groove 32). In some embodiments, the gripping surface 14 is applied as an impregnated coating to the liner 12. The low-coating-thickness region 42 is formed in the gripping surface 14 by recessing or embossing. In a specific embodiment, the gripping surface 14 is recessed after the coating on the liner 12 is applied and the coating on the liner 12 is dried but before the coating is cured. The low-coating-thickness regions 42, such as the curved grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32, have a thickness 54. In a specific embodiment, the thickness 54 is less than or equal to 1 mm, and more specifically less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In a specific embodiment, the thickness 54 is less than or equal to 0.48 mm. In another specific embodiment, the thickness 54 is 0 mm, such that the gripping surface 14 is absent in the region where the low-coating-thickness region 42 exists.

[0054] Reference Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the palm side of a glove 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown, the glove 10 includes a high coating thickness region 44 formed along a gripping surface 14. The high coating thickness region is defined by a plurality of pads 34 and a plurality of ridges 36. The high coating thickness region 44 has a thickness 56. In a specific embodiment, the thickness 56 is less than or equal to 1 mm. More specifically, the thickness 56 is greater than or equal to 0.25 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In a more specific embodiment, the thickness 56 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.4 mm. In a specific embodiment, the high coating thickness region 44 is formed by embossing or applying a secondary coating to the gripping surface 14, such that the thickness along the gripping surface 14 increases in the high coating thickness region. In another specific embodiment, a secondary coating applied to the glove 10 is used to define the high coating thickness region 44. In various embodiments, the secondary coating is formed of a coating material, such as nitrile, polyurethane, silicone, natural rubber (polyisoprene), chloroprene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a compatible mixture thereof. In a specific embodiment, the coating material is a nitrile.

[0055] In an embodiment with a secondary coating, a high coating thickness region 44 is applied to the top of the gripping surface 14 and defines a reinforcing pad 34 and a reinforcing ridge 36. In a specific embodiment, the high coating thickness region 44 is formed by a dotted secondary coating applied to the gripping surface 14 and forming the reinforcing pad 34 and the reinforcing ridge 36 (in... Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The height, spacing, and material configuration of the secondary coating dots form the reinforcing pads 34 and reinforcing ridges 36, providing enhanced durability relative to the rest of the gripping surface 14 while maintaining flexibility in using the glove 10.

[0056] Reference Figures 8 to 9 The image shows glove 110. Except for the differences discussed herein, glove 110 is substantially the same as glove 10. Specifically, glove 110 includes a plurality of flexural grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132 and a plurality of reinforcing ridges 136. The flexural grooves 126, 130, and 132 are located at a folded area along the palm side 164 of glove 110, which generally corresponds to the area opposite to the knuckle area 166 on the back side 165 of glove 110. When glove 110 is worn, the knuckle area 166 corresponds to the position of the user's knuckles. The applicant believes that by positioning the flexural grooves along the folded areas corresponding to the user's knuckles, glove 110 provides additional flexibility and mobility at the user's joints when glove 110 is in use.

[0057] Glove 110 includes a glove body shown as lining 112, a coating shown as gripping surface 114, a plurality of finger portions 116, a thumb portion 118, a palm portion 120, and a wrist portion 122. Each finger portion 116 includes a tip 160 and a base 161. The thumb portion 118 includes a tip 162 and a base 163. Gripping surface 114 is a coating formed on the outer surface of the palm side portion 164 of lining 12. Gripping surface 114 includes a plurality of curved grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132 and a plurality of reinforcing ridges 136. Gripping surface 114 includes an upper palm curved groove 126, a lower palm curved groove 128, a thumb curved groove 130, and a finger curved groove 132. Each of the plurality of curved grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132 is a recess or recessed surface formed along the palm side portion 164 in gripping surface 114. The curved grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132 have a thickness smaller than that of the gripping surface 114 and smaller than that of the reinforcing ridge 136. The reinforcing ridge 136 extends away from the gripping surface 114. The reinforcing ridge 136 defines a region along the gripping surface 114 that has a thickness larger than that of the gripping surface 114 and larger than that of the curved grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132.

[0058] The curved grooves 126, 130, and 132 correspond to one or more knuckle regions 166 located on the backside of the hand 165. In this way, a lower thickness region formed on the gripping surface 114 is located in a curved region on the palmside 164 opposite to the knuckle regions 166. Each finger portion 116 may include one or more knuckle regions 166. Specifically, the knuckle regions 166 are located on the backside of the hand 165 of the glove 110 and correspond to the knuckles of the user's fingers. As shown, each finger portion 116 defines three knuckle regions 166, which correspond to the three knuckles of the user's fingers. The thumb portion 118 may also include one or more knuckle regions 166. As shown, the thumb portion 118 includes one knuckle region 166. In a specific embodiment, each knuckle region 166 has a width between 1 mm and 6 mm, and more specifically, a width of 3 mm.

[0059] Each finger portion 116 has a length 167 measured between a tip 160 and a base 161. The knuckle regions 166 of each finger portion 116 are each positioned along a liner 112 and define a distance from the tip 160 relative to the length 167. A first knuckle region 166 defining a first bending region is 170 distanced from the tip 160. In a specific embodiment, the distance 170 is between 30% and 45% of the length 167. More specifically, the distance 170 for the index finger portion 116 is 37.7%, for the middle finger portion 116 it is 33.9%, for the ring finger portion 116 it is 37.4%, and for the little finger portion 116 it is 42.2%.

[0060] The second finger joint region 166, which defines the second bending region, is 172 meters away from the tip 160. In a specific embodiment, the distance 172 is between 60% and 75% of the length 167. More specifically, the distance 172 for the index finger portion 116 is 67.7%, for the middle finger portion 116 it is 65.4%, for the ring finger portion 116 it is 68.1%, and for the little finger portion 116 it is 69.2%.

[0061] The third finger joint region 166 is positioned along the back of the hand side 165 closer to the wrist portion 122. The third finger joint region 166 corresponds to a flexed region formed along the palm portion 120. In a specific embodiment, the flexed region defined by the third finger joint region 166 corresponds to a bending groove 126. The base 161 of each finger portion 116 is located between the second finger joint region 166 and the third finger joint region 166. The third finger joint region 166 is 174 distances from the tip 160. In a specific embodiment, the distance 174 is between 130% and 150% of the length 167. More specifically, the distance 174 for the index finger portion 116 is 148%, the distance 174 for the middle finger portion 116 is 131%, the distance 174 for the ring finger portion 116 is 135%, and the distance 174 for the little finger portion 116 is 133%.

[0062] The thumb portion 118 has a length 168 measured between the tip 162 and the base 163. The knuckle region 166 of the thumb portion 118 is positioned at a distance 176 from the tip 162, which is between 40% and 50% of the length 168. In a specific embodiment, the distance 176 is 49%.

[0063] Reference Figure 8 The flexural groove is located along the palm side 164 at a position corresponding to the area where the human hand normally bends (e.g., the bending area opposite the knuckle area 166). As shown, the upper palm flexural groove 126 extends laterally through the gripping surface 114. The upper palm flexural groove 126 extends generally horizontally toward the thumb portion 118 from the edge of the adjacent little finger portion 116 furthest from the thumb portion 118. The upper palm flexural groove 126 is located at the bending area corresponding to the third knuckle area 166 of the little finger portion 116, the ring finger portion 116, and the middle finger portion 116. The upper palm flexural groove 126 extends generally horizontally from the edge of the gripping surface 14 opposite the thumb portion 118, and includes an angled portion extending toward the finger portions 116 and away from the wrist portion 122, and then extends generally vertically until terminating at a position adjacent to the base 161 between the index finger portion 116 and the middle finger portion 116.

[0064] The lower palmar flexure groove 128 is positioned between the upper palmar flexure groove 126 and the wrist portion 122. The lower palmar flexure groove 28 extends from the edge of the gripping surface 114 located between the thumb portion 118 and the index finger portion 116, away from the thumb portion 118, along the central region of the palm portion 120 and toward the wrist portion 122. The lower palmar flexure groove 128 terminates on the palm portion 120 adjacent to the wrist portion 122.

[0065] The thumb portion 118 includes two thumb flexion grooves 130. A first thumb flexion groove 130 is positioned closer to the tip 162 and corresponds to the knuckle region 166 of the thumb portion 118. A second thumb flexion groove 130 is located at the base 163 of the thumb portion 118 and extends through the base 163. Each finger portion 116 includes three finger flexion grooves 132. Two of the finger flexion grooves 132 correspond to the first knuckle region 166 and the second knuckle region 166, respectively, while a third finger flexion groove 132 is located at the base 161 of the finger portion 116 and extends through the base 161. The flexion grooves 130 and 132 extend from a first side of the finger portion 116 along a palm side 164 to a second side of the finger portion 116. The flexion grooves 130 and 132 define heights measured along the respective finger portion 116 and / or thumb portion 118 in a direction toward the tips 160 and 162. In a specific embodiment, the heights of the curved grooves 130 and 132 are greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0066] In various embodiments, the low-coating-thickness region of the gripping surface 114 is defined by a plurality of curved grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132. In a specific embodiment, the low-coating-thickness region provides coverage of less than 50% of the maximum thickness of the gripping surface 114 in the bending region corresponding to the knuckle region 166. More specifically, the thickness of the gripping surface 114 in the bending region corresponding to the knuckle region 166 is less than 15% of the maximum thickness of the gripping surface 114, and more specifically, less than 5% of the maximum thickness of the gripping surface 114.

[0067] The reinforcing ridge 136 is configured to provide a thicker coating on the gripping surface 114 than on other portions of the gripping surface 114. The applicant believes this can contribute to abrasion resistance during use of the glove 110 and provide increased friction for gripping the workpiece during use. In various embodiments, the thicker coating can be formed by applying a secondary coating to the gripping surface 114. In other various embodiments, the thicker coating can be formed by embossing the gripping surface 114 to create areas of increased thickness relative to the rest of the gripping surface 114.

[0068] As shown, the reinforcing ridge 136 is positioned along the palm side 164. Specifically, the reinforcing ridge 136 is located on the palm side 164 of the palm portion 120, the finger portion 116, and the thumb portion 118. The reinforcing ridge 136 is situated between a plurality of curved grooves on the gripping surface 114. As shown, the reinforcing ridge 136 is rectangular in shape, such as a line or frame. In various embodiments, the reinforcing ridge 136 can be other geometries. In a specific embodiment, the reinforcing ridge 136 defines a width of less than or equal to 3 mm, and more specifically less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0069] As shown, a reinforcing ridge 136 on the thumb portion 118 extends laterally along the palm surface 164 of the thumb portion 118 between a first side 180 and a second side 181 of the thumb portion 118, in a direction generally horizontal relative to the thumb portion 118. Similarly, reinforcing ridges 136 on the finger portions 116 corresponding to the user's little finger, ring finger, and middle finger extend laterally along the palm surface 164 of the finger portions 116 between a first side 178 and a second side 179 of the finger portions 116, in a direction generally horizontal relative to the respective finger portions 116. The reinforcing ridge 136 on the index finger portion 116 includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being positioned such that they define a apex or corner. The first portion extends from the first side 178 toward the middle segment of the index finger portion 116, and the second portion extends from the middle segment toward the second side 179. As shown, the corner of the reinforcing ridge 136 on the index finger portion 116 is positioned closer to the tip 160, such that the first portion and the second portion extend from the corner toward the first side portion 178 and the second side portion 179 respectively, and the first portion and the second portion extend downward toward the base 161 at an angle away from the tip 160.

[0070] The reinforcing ridge 136 on the palm portion 120 is rectangular in shape and extends linearly along the palm portion 120. The reinforcing ridge 136 on the palm portion 120 is located in three different ridge groups. The first ridge group 137 is located on the palm portion 120 between the lower palmar flexure groove 128 and the edge of the palm side portion 164 extending between the thumb portion 118 and the wrist portion 122. The first ridge group 137 has a reinforcing ridge 136 oriented in a first direction along the palm portion 120. The second ridge group 139 is located on the palm portion 120 between the lower palmar flexure groove 128 and the upper palmar flexure groove 126. The second ridge group 139 has a reinforcing ridge oriented in a second direction along the palm portion 120, different from the first direction. The third ridge group 141 is located on the palm portion 120 between the upper palmar flexure groove 126 and the finger flexure groove 132 located at the base 161 of the finger portion 116. The third ridge group 141 has a reinforcing ridge 136 oriented upward along the palm portion 120 in a third direction different from the first and second directions.

[0071] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B Glove 210 is shown. Except for the differences discussed herein, glove 210 is substantially the same as gloves 10 and 110. Specifically, glove 210 includes a gripping surface 114 having a plurality of reinforcing pads 234 and reinforcing ridges 236 that define areas along which the gripping surface 114 increases in thickness. Glove 210 does not include any bending grooves formed by recessing or reducing the thickness of the gripping surface 214; instead, the reinforcing pads 234 and reinforcing ridges 236 are positioned along the palm side 264 of glove 210 such that the reinforcing pads 234 and reinforcing ridges 236 do not overlap with common bending areas in the glove (e.g., bending areas opposite the knuckles along the finger portions, bending areas along the palm portions, etc.). In this way, the thickness of the gripping surface 214 at these common bending areas is less than the thickness of the reinforcing pads 234 and reinforcing ridges 236. In a specific embodiment, the gripping surface 214 is not located over common bending areas. The applicant argues that the configuration of the reinforcing pad 234 and the reinforcing ridge 236 provides the glove 210 with improved abrasion durability and / or improved grip compared to some conventional gloves, and also provides additional flexibility and / or mobility at the user's joints when using the glove 210.

[0072] Reference Figure 10AThe glove 210 includes a glove body shown as a lining 212 and a coating shown as a gripping surface 214 positioned along the palm side 264 of the lining 112. The gripping surface 214 does not extend to the back side of the glove 210. The glove 210 also includes a plurality of finger portions 216, a thumb portion 218, a palm portion 220, and a wrist portion 222. A plurality of reinforcing pads 234 and a plurality of reinforcing ridges 236 are formed along the gripping surface 214 and positioned on the palm side 264 of the finger portions 216, the thumb portion 218, and the palm portion 220.

[0073] Each finger portion 216 includes a plurality of reinforcing ridges 236 and one or more reinforcing pads 234. The reinforcing pads 234 are positioned adjacent to the tip 260 of each finger portion 216. The reinforcing ridges 236 are positioned along each finger portion 216 between the tip 260 and a first bending region 290, between the first bending region 290 and a second bending region 291, and between the second bending region 291 and a base 261. The reinforcing ridges 234 extend laterally along the palm surface 264 of the finger portion 216 in a generally horizontal direction relative to the corresponding finger portion 216, between a first side 278 of the finger portion 216 and a second side 279 of the corresponding finger portion 216.

[0074] In one embodiment, the reinforcing pad 234 and the reinforcing ridge 234 have a width greater than or equal to 2 mm measured in a direction parallel to the length of each finger portion 216. In another embodiment, the bending regions 290 and 291 have a width greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm measured in a direction parallel to the length of each finger portion 216.

[0075] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10BThe index finger portion 216 includes two reinforcing pads 234. A first reinforcing pad 234A is positioned along the length of the finger portion 216 closer to the tip 260 than the base 261. A second reinforcing pad 234B is positioned along the length of the finger portion 216 between the first reinforcing pad 234A and the base 261. More specifically, the second reinforcing pad 234B is located between the first reinforcing pad 234A and the first bending region 290 of the index finger portion 216. As shown, the first reinforcing pad 234A has a first edge 271 facing the tip 260 and a second edge 273 facing the first bending region 290. The first edge 271 is rounded and convex relative to the tip 260. The second edge 273 includes two lateral portions 273A and an angled portion 273B extending between the two lateral portions 273A. The angled portion 273B extends away from the first 271. Specifically, the first lateral portion 273A extends generally horizontally away from the second side 279 of the index finger portion 216. The angled portion 273B extends downward from the lateral portion toward the base 261 and toward the first side 278 of the index finger portion 216. The second lateral portion 273A extends generally horizontally from the angled portion 273B toward the first side 278.

[0076] The second reinforcing pad 234B has a first edge 275 facing the second edge 273 of the first reinforcing pad 234A and a second edge 277 facing the bending region 290. The first edge 275 is shaped to match the second edge 273. Specifically, the first edge 275 includes two lateral portions and an angled portion extending between the lateral portions. The second edge 277 extends generally horizontally from the first side portion 278 to the second side portion 279 on the finger portion 216.

[0077] The index finger portion 216 includes a plurality of reinforcing ridges 234 positioned between the first bending region 290 and the second bending region 291 and between the second bending region 291 and the base 261. As shown, the index finger portion includes six reinforcing ridges 234 between the first bending region 290 and the second bending region 291 and four reinforcing ridges 234 between the second bending region 291 and the base 261.

[0078] The middle finger portion 216, ring finger portion 216, and little finger portion 216 each include a reinforcing pad 234 positioned adjacent to the tip 260 and a plurality of reinforcing ridges 234 positioned between the reinforcing pad 234 and the first bending region 290. The reinforcing pad 234 is shaped substantially the same as the reinforcing pad 234A on the index finger portion 216. The middle finger portion 216, ring finger portion 216, and little finger portion 216 each include a plurality of reinforcing ridges 236 positioned between the reinforcing pad 234 and the first bending region 290. As shown, these reinforcing pads 236 each have a different width measured between a first side 278 and a second side 279 of each finger portion 216. The width of the reinforcing pad 236 increases with the increase of the distance between the reinforcing pad 234 and the tip 260. As shown, each finger portion 216 includes between three and five reinforcing ridges 234 positioned along the length of the respective finger portion 216 between the reinforcing pad 234 and the first bending region 290. In a specific embodiment, the first ridge 236 is separated from the tip 260 of the middle finger portion 216 by a first distance, the second ridge 236 is separated from the tip 260 of the middle finger portion 216 by a second distance greater than the first distance, and the third ridge 236 is separated from the tip 260 of the middle finger portion 216 by a third distance greater than each of the first and second distances. In this embodiment, the first ridge 236 has a first width, the second ridge 236 has a second width greater than the first width, and the third ridge 236 has a third width greater than each of the first and second widths.

[0079] The middle finger portion 216, the ring finger portion 216, and the little finger portion 216 each include a plurality of reinforcing ridges 236 between the first bending region 290 and the second bending region 291, and a plurality of reinforcing ridges 236 between the second bending region 291 and the base 261. As shown, each finger portion 216 includes five to six reinforcing ridges 234 positioned between the first bending region 290 and the second bending region 291, and three to six reinforcing ridges 234 positioned between the second bending region 291 and the base 261.

[0080] The thumb portion 218 includes a plurality of reinforcing ridges 236 and one or more reinforcing pads 234. A first reinforcing pad 234A is positioned adjacent to the tip 262, and a second reinforcing pad 234B is positioned between the first reinforcing pad 234A and the thumb flexion region 292. As shown, the first reinforcing pad 234A has a rounded edge positioned adjacent to the tip 262 and an angled edge extending away from the rounded edge toward the base 263 and toward a first side 280 of the thumb portion 218. The second reinforcing pad 234B has a first edge shaped to match the angled edge of the first reinforcing pad 234A and a second edge extending generally horizontally from the first side 278 to the second side 279 on the finger portion 216.

[0081] Multiple reinforcing ridges 236 are positioned between the thumb flexure region 292 and the base 263 of the thumb portion 218. The reinforcing ridges 236 extend laterally along the palmar surface 264 of the thumb portion 218 between a first side 280 and a second side 281 of the thumb portion 218 in a generally horizontal direction relative to the thumb portion 218. As shown, the thumb portion 218 includes four reinforcing ridges 236.

[0082] The palm portion 220 includes multiple reinforcing pads 234 and multiple reinforcing ridges 236. The reinforcing ridges 236 on the palm portion 220 are located in three distinct ridge groups: a first ridge group 237, a second ridge group 239, and a third ridge group 241. The first ridge group 237 is located on the palm portion 220 below the thumb portion 218 and extends toward the wrist portion 222. The first ridge group 237 has reinforcing ridges 236 oriented in a first direction along the palm portion 220. The second ridge group 239 is centrally located on the palm portion 220 between the first ridge group 237 and the third ridge group 241. The second ridge group 239 has reinforcing ridges 236 oriented in a second direction along the palm portion 220, different from the first direction. The third ridge group 241 is located on the palm portion 220 adjacent to the base 261 of the finger portion 216. The third ridge group 241 has reinforcing ridges 236 oriented in a third direction along the palm portion 220, different from the first and second directions.

[0083] As shown, the palm portion 220 includes four reinforcing pads 234. One reinforcing pad 234 is located between the thumb portion 218 and the index finger portion 216. This reinforcing pad 234 abuts against a plurality of reinforcing ridges 236 located on the thumb portion 218, and abuts against a first ridge group 237 and a second ridge group 239. One reinforcing pad 234 is positioned along the farthest edge of the palm portion 220 from the thumb portion 218 and extends along the side of the second ridge group 239. Two reinforcing pads 234 are located on the opposite side of a third ridge group 241. One of the reinforcing pads 234 is positioned adjacent to the base 261 of the index finger portion 216. Another reinforcing pad 234 is positioned along the farthest edge of the palm portion 220 from the thumb portion 218 and is positioned between the little finger portion 216 and the reinforcing pad 234 adjacent to the second ridge group 239.

[0084] The reinforcing pad 234 and reinforcing ridge 236 are configured to provide a thicker coating on the gripping surface 214. In various embodiments, the reinforcing pad 234 and reinforcing ridge 236 are formed by embossing the gripping surface 214 such that the thickness along the gripping surface 214 increases along the reinforcing pad 234 and reinforcing ridge 236. In other embodiments, the reinforcing pad 234 and reinforcing ridge 236 are formed by applying a secondary coating to the gripping surface 214. In a specific embodiment, the reinforcing pad 234 and reinforcing ridge 236 have a thickness, measured from the outer surface of the gripping surface 214 to the outer surface of the reinforcing pad 234 / reinforcing ridge 236, that thickness is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm, and more specifically greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.48 mm. In another embodiment, the maximum thickness of the gripping surface (i.e., the thickness of the gripping surface 214 measured from the outer surface of the liner 212 to the reinforcing pad 234 / reinforcing ridge 236) is less than or equal to 1 mm and greater than or equal to 0.40 mm. In a more specific embodiment, the maximum thickness is between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm, and more specifically between 0.56 mm and 0.88 mm.

[0085] Reference Figure 11 The image shows glove 310. Except for the differences discussed herein, glove 310 is substantially the same as glove 210. In particular, glove 310 has a reinforcing pad 334 and a reinforcing ridge 336 in an additional or alternative location.

[0086] The glove 310 includes three reinforcing pads 334 positioned along the palm portion 320 of the glove 310. Two reinforcing pads 334 are located on opposite sides of a third ridge group 341. One of these reinforcing pads 334 is positioned adjacent to the base 361 of the index finger portion 316 and extends laterally along the palm portion 320 below the base 361 of the index finger portion 316. Another reinforcing pad 334 is positioned along the farthest edge of the palm portion 320 from the thumb portion 318 and adjacent to the base 361 of the little finger portion 316. A third reinforcing pad 334 is located along the farthest edge of the palm portion 320 from the thumb portion 318 between the wrist portion 322 and the reinforcing pad 234 positioned adjacent to the base 361 of the little finger portion 316. This reinforcing pad 334 is adjacent to a second ridge group 339.

[0087] The index finger portion 316 includes a reinforcing pad 334 positioned adjacent to the tip 360. The reinforcing pad 334 has a rounded edge positioned adjacent to the tip 360 and a second edge opposite to the rounded edge, the second edge extending generally horizontally from a first side 378 to a second side 379 on the finger portion 316. A reinforcing ridge 336 is positioned between the reinforcing pad 334 and a first bending region 390. The thumb portion 318 includes a plurality of reinforcing ridges 336 positioned below a base 363. As shown, four reinforcing ridges 336 are present.

[0088] Reference Figure 12 Glove 410 is shown. Except for the differences discussed herein, glove 410 is substantially the same as glove 110. Specifically, glove 410 does not include any bending grooves formed by recessing or reducing the thickness of the gripping surface 414; instead, reinforcing ridges 436 are positioned along the palm side 464 of glove 410 such that the reinforcing ridges 436 do not overlap with common bending areas in the glove (e.g., bending areas opposite the knuckles along the finger portions, bending areas along the palm portions, etc.). In this way, the thickness of the gripping surface 414 at these common bending areas is less than the thickness at the reinforcing ridges 436. In a specific embodiment, the gripping surface 414 is not located on common bending areas.

[0089] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 Glove 510 is shown. Except for the differences discussed herein, glove 510 is substantially the same as gloves 10, 110, 210, 310, and 410. Glove 510 includes a liner 512 and a gripping surface 514 formed on the liner 512. The gripping surface 514 is located on the palm side 564 along the finger portion 516, thumb portion 518, and palm portion 520. A plurality of reinforcing ridges 536 are positioned along the gripping surface 514, and the plurality of reinforcing ridges 536 define areas with increased coating thickness relative to the rest of the gripping surface 514.

[0090] Multiple reinforcing ridges 536 extend continuously from the tip 560 of the index finger portion 516 along the palm portion 520. In this way, some of the reinforcing ridges 536 extend from the first side 578 of the index finger portion 516 to the furthest edge of the palm portion 520 from the thumb portion 518. Reinforcing ridges 536 on the middle finger portion 516, ring finger portion 516, and little finger portion 516 are positioned adjacent to each tip 560 along their respective finger portions 516. The reinforcing ridges 536 extend along the length of their respective finger portions 516 and terminate before the base 561 of the finger portion 516. Each reinforcing ridge 536 extends from the first side 578 of each finger portion 516 to the second side 579. Similarly, the reinforcing ridges 536 on the thumb portion 518 extend from the tip 562 along the length of the thumb portion 518 and terminate before the base 563. Each reinforcing ridge 536 extends from the first side 580 of the thumb portion 518 to the second side 581.

[0091] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 Glove 610 is shown. Except for the differences discussed herein, glove 610 is substantially the same as gloves 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510. Glove 610 includes a liner 612 and a gripping surface 614 formed on the liner 612. The gripping surface 614 is located on the palm side 664 along the finger portion 616, thumb portion 618, and palm portion 620. A plurality of reinforcing ridges 636 and a plurality of reinforcing pads 634 are positioned along the gripping surface 614, and the plurality of reinforcing ridges 636 and the plurality of reinforcing pads 634 define an area with an increased coating thickness relative to the rest of the gripping surface 614.

[0092] Multiple reinforcing ridges 636 extend continuously from the tip 660 of the index finger portion 616 along the palm portion 620. In this way, some of the reinforcing ridges 636 extend from a first side 678 of the index finger portion 616 to the furthest edge of the palm portion 620 from the thumb portion 618. Reinforcing ridges 636 on the middle finger portion 616, ring finger portion 616, and little finger portion 616 are positioned adjacent to each tip 660 along their respective finger portions 616. The reinforcing ridges 636 extend along the length of their respective finger portions 616 and terminate before the base 661 of the finger portion 616. The thumb portion 518 includes a reinforcing pad 634 positioned adjacent to the tip 662. This reinforcing pad 634 extends from the tip 662 toward the base 663 of the thumb portion 618 and terminates before the base 663. Another reinforcing pad 634 is positioned on the palm portion 620 and is surrounded by multiple reinforcing ridges 636. The third reinforcing pad 634 is positioned adjacent to the thumb portion 518 and extends along the palm portion 620 between the thumb portion 18 and the index finger portion 516.

[0093] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 Glove 710 is shown. Apart from the differences discussed herein, glove 710 is substantially the same as gloves 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and 610. In particular, the plurality of reinforcing ridges 736 are Y-shaped. The reinforcing ridges 736 may vary in size along the gripping surface 714. As shown, the reinforcing ridges 736 located on the gripping surface 714 increase in size as they approach the wrist portion 722.

[0094] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 Glove 810 is shown. Except for the differences discussed herein, glove 810 is substantially the same as gloves 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, and 710. Glove 810 includes a liner 812 and a gripping surface 814 formed on the liner 812. The gripping surface 814 is located on the palm side 864 along the finger portion 816, the thumb portion 818, and the palm portion 820. A plurality of reinforcing pads 836 are positioned along the gripping surface 814, and the plurality of reinforcing pads 836 define areas with increased coating thickness relative to the rest of the gripping surface 814.

[0095] As shown, each finger portion 816 includes a reinforcing pad 834. Each reinforcing pad 834 extends from the tip 860 of the corresponding finger portion 816 toward the base 861 of the corresponding finger portion 816. The reinforcing pad 834 includes a cutout located at a first flexure region of the finger portion, the first flexure region being positioned opposite to the location where the user's knuckles will be when wearing the glove 810. Similarly, the thumb portion 818 includes a reinforcing pad 834. The reinforcing pad 834 extends from the tip 862 toward the base 863 of the thumb portion 818. The reinforcing pad 834 includes a cutout located at a first flexure region of the finger portion, the first flexure region being positioned opposite to the location where the user's knuckles will be when wearing the glove 810. The palm portion 820 includes two reinforcing pads 834. The first reinforcing pad 834 extends below the base 861 of the finger portion 816. The first reinforcing pad 834 extends laterally from the edge of the gripping surface 814 located between the thumb portion 818 and the index finger portion 816 toward the edge furthest from the thumb portion 818. The second reinforcing pad 834 is located on the palm portion 820 below the first reinforcing pad 834 and adjacent to the edge of the gripping surface furthest from the thumb portion 818.

[0096] Reference Figure 21Glove 910 is shown. Except for the differences discussed herein, glove 910 is substantially the same as glove 110. Specifically, glove 910 does not include any reinforcing padding or reinforcing ridges. Instead, flexural grooves 926, 928, 930, and 932 are positioned along the gripping surface 914 such that they overlap with common bending areas in the glove (e.g., bending areas opposite the knuckles along the finger portion, bending areas along the palm portion, etc.). In this way, the thickness of the gripping surface 914 at these common bending areas is less than the thickness of the rest of the gripping surface 914.

[0097] 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 specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0098] Given this description, other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is to be interpreted 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 proportion, parameter values, 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 changed or altered. 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 terms of the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0099] 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 unless a method claim actually describes the order in which its steps are followed, or unless the claims or description otherwise specify that the steps should be 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.

[0100] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" means that two components are directly or indirectly linked to each other. Such a connection can be inherently fixed or inherently movable. This connection can be achieved by the two components and any additional intermediate components forming a single monolithic body, or by the two components being attached to each other or by the two components and any additional components being attached to each other. Such a connection can be inherently permanent or alternatively inherently removable or releasable. As used herein, a "rigid connection" means two components connected such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to forces.

[0101] Although the present application recites specific combinations of features in the appended claims, various embodiments of the present 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 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.

[0102] In various exemplary embodiments, relative dimensions including angles, lengths, and radii, as shown in the accompanying drawings, are drawn to scale. Actual measurements in the drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and scales of the various exemplary embodiments. The various exemplary embodiments extend to a wide range around the 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 the description.

Claims

1. A glove, characterized in that, The gloves include: The body, the body comprising: Side of the palm; The back of the hand, which is opposite to the palm. The palm portion is located on the side of the palm. A plurality of finger portions, each of the plurality of finger portions having a tip and a base opposite to the tip, wherein the base is positioned along the respective finger portion closer to the palm portion than the tip is positioned relative to the palm portion; and The thumb part; and A coating, the coating being attached along the palm side of the palm portion, the palm side of the plurality of finger portions, and the palm side of the thumb portion to the outer surface of the palm side of the body, the coating comprising: First coating thickness; and The second coating thickness is defined by a plurality of grooves formed in the coating. A first set of grooves is positioned at a corresponding base of each of the plurality of finger portions, and a second set of grooves is positioned at a first bending region of each of the plurality of finger portions. The first bending region of each of the plurality of finger portions corresponds to the user's knuckle and extends from a first side of the corresponding finger portion to a second side of the corresponding finger portion opposite to the first side. The thickness of the first coating is greater than the thickness of the second coating.

2. The gloves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thumb groove, one of the plurality of grooves, is positioned at the base of the thumb portion.

3. The gloves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first palm groove of the plurality of grooves is positioned on the palm portion and extends laterally through the coating below the corresponding base of each of the plurality of finger portions.

4. The gloves according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second palm groove of the plurality of grooves is positioned on the palm portion and extends from the edge of the palm portion away from the thumb portion and toward the central region of the palm portion.

5. The gloves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first coating is less than or equal to 1 mm, and the thickness of the second coating is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

6. The gloves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coating also includes a third coating thickness defined by a plurality of pads, wherein each of the plurality of pads is positioned between a corresponding tip of each of the plurality of finger portions and a corresponding first bending region.

7. The gloves according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thickness of the third coating is greater than the thickness of the second coating.

8. The gloves according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thickness of the third coating is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

9. A work glove, characterized in that, The work gloves include: A liner including a palm side portion and a back side portion opposite the palm side portion, the liner defining a palm portion, a plurality of finger portions, and a thumb portion, each of the plurality of finger portions including: The tip, positioned along the finger portion, is furthest from the palm portion; The base is opposite to the tip; A first bending region, the first bending region being located between the tip and the base; and A second bending region, the second bending region being located between the first bending region and the base; and A coating, said coating being coupled to the outer surface of the liner and defining a gripping surface, said gripping surface extending along the palm side of the liner on the palm portion, each of the plurality of finger portions, and the thumb portion, said gripping surface comprising: First thickness; and The second thickness is defined by a plurality of ridges, wherein each of the plurality of finger portions further includes a first set of ridges located between the first bending region and the second bending region, and a second set of ridges located between the second bending region and the base of the corresponding finger portion, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

10. The work glove according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of finger portions has a length measured according to the tip and the base, wherein the first bending region of each of the plurality of finger portions is positioned at a distance from the corresponding tip of the finger portion between 30% and 45% of the corresponding length of the finger portion.

11. The work glove according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second flexed region of each of the plurality of finger portions is positioned at a distance from the corresponding tip of the finger portion between 60% and 75% of the corresponding length of the finger portion.

12. The work glove according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second thickness is further defined by a plurality of pads, wherein each of the plurality of finger portions further includes a pad located between the tip of the respective finger portion and the first bending region.

13. The work gloves according to claim 12, characterized in that, The thumb pad, one of the plurality of pads, is located on the thumb portion between the tip and the base of the thumb portion.

14. The work glove according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second thickness is measured from the lining to the outer surface defined by the plurality of ridges of the gripping surface, and wherein the second thickness is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 0.9 mm.

15. The work glove according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second thickness is greater than or equal to 0.66 mm and less than or equal to 0.88 mm.

16. A glove, characterized in that, The gloves include: The body, the body comprising: Side of the palm; The back of the hand, which is opposite to the palm. The palm portion is located on the side of the palm. The thumb part; and The index finger part; and A coating is attached to the outer surface of the palm side portion of the body, the coating extends along the palm side portion of the palm, the palm side portion of the index finger portion and the palm side portion of the thumb portion, the coating defining a first thickness; A plurality of ridges extending away from the coating are located on the index finger portion between a first flexure region of the index finger portion corresponding to the user's knuckle and the base of the index finger portion; and A second plurality of ridges, extending away from the coating, are located on the thumb portion between the tip and the base of the thumb portion; and Wherein, the first plurality of ridges and the second plurality of ridges define a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

17. The gloves according to claim 16, characterized in that, The glove also includes a finger pad located on the index finger portion between the tip of the index finger portion and the first folded area of ​​the index finger portion.

18. The gloves according to claim 17, characterized in that, The finger pad includes a rounded edge on the tip of the index finger portion and an angled edge on the first folded region opposite to the rounded edge and facing the index finger portion.

19. The gloves according to claim 16, characterized in that, The body also includes a middle finger portion, wherein a finger pad is positioned on the middle finger portion, between the tip of the middle finger portion and a first bending region of the middle finger portion, and wherein a third plurality of ridges extend away from the coating, the third plurality of ridges being positioned between the finger pad and the first bending region.

20. The gloves according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first ridge of the third plurality of ridges is spaced apart from the tip of the middle finger by a first distance, the second ridge of the third plurality of ridges is spaced apart from the tip of the middle finger by a second distance greater than the first distance, and the third ridge of the third plurality of ridges is spaced apart from the tip of the middle finger by a third distance greater than each of the first distance and the second distance, wherein the first ridge of the third plurality of ridges has a first width, the second ridge of the third plurality of ridges has a second width greater than the first width, and the third ridge of the third plurality of ridges has a third width greater than each of the first width and the second width.

Images