Gripping member and heat-resistant glove having a gripping member

Abstract

The invention relates to a gripping element (1) for connecting to a fingertip region of a heat-resistant glove and for grasping an object with the glove, comprising a contact surface (2) bounded by at least a first edge (3) and a second edge (4), wherein the first edge (3) has a defined edge profile adapted to the profile of the fingertip region of a glove finger. The gripping element has a connection area (5) designed for attaching the gripping element (1) to the fingertip region, and a retaining element (6) connected to the contact surface (2) and projecting in a first projection direction (7) transversely to the contact surface (2), wherein the retaining element has a longitudinal extension transversely to the first projection direction (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripping element for a heat-resistant glove, in particular a firefighter's glove, and to such a glove with at least one gripping element according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Heat-resistant gloves, for example with additional protective plates, are known from the state of the art.

[0003] US Pat. No. 5,822,796 A describes a firefighter's glove with segmented, thicker hand and finger elements. The glove provided the necessary heat protection for firefighting and, thanks to the segments, particularly on the back of the hand, good dexterity.

[0004] US 2007 / 0245453 A1 further discloses a firefighter's glove with a protective area on the back of the hand, which consists of a semi-rigid material and thus provides the necessary finger mobility.

[0005] Such gloves, especially firefighter gloves, are designed to be relatively robust. Due to the required heat protection, they are also typically relatively thickly lined, padded, or insulated.

[0006] A problem with such gloves can arise, for example, when attempting to grasp relatively small objects such as screws or metal bolts with the glove. Due to the protective nature of the glove, feeling or grasping such a small object is usually difficult or even impossible.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a heat-resistant or heat-insulating glove, in particular a firefighter's glove, which, in addition to temperature resistance, also has improved tactility or gripping ability for comparatively small objects.

[0008] The functionality of such a glove, particularly its resistance to temperature and high mechanical stress, is a prerequisite for its wearer to use the glove appropriately. The temperature resistance of the components and their insulating interaction provide thermal protection for the hand.

[0009] The glove's resistance to high mechanical stress not only provides improved protection for the wearer's hand, but also expands its range of applications, giving it a tool-like functionality. For example, it can also be used as a striking tool.

[0010] The application range of such heat-resistant gloves extends from motorcycle gloves to combat gloves for military special forces to dedicated firefighter gloves. Depending on the specific scenario, thermal insulation or mechanical strength are relevant to varying degrees.

[0011] Temperature resistance and thermal insulation are typically ensured by a coordinated construction of various materials, which are themselves temperature-resistant but, when combined, can act as thermal insulators. In the simplest case, the glove's basic structure can also be made of a single temperature-resistant material, which only provides short-term thermal protection due to the heat capacity of the otherwise homogeneous material. However, layered structures made of different materials, such as lining materials, membrane inserts, and / or outer materials, are advantageous; these, when combined, provide increased protection for the hand against thermal stress.

[0012] Picking up delicate objects, i.e. comparatively small objects (particularly in comparison to the size of the glove or the size of one of its finger elements), such as screws, narrow bolts, carabiners, cables, ropes, etc., was previously not possible or sometimes only difficult due to the high protection requirements and the resulting nature of such gloves.

[0013] The invention relates to a gripping element designed for connection to a finger end region of a heat-resistant glove and for gripping an object with the glove. The gripping element has a support surface delimited by at least a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge has a defined edge profile that is adapted to a profile of the finger end region, in particular a fingertip, of a glove finger. Furthermore, a connecting region designed for fastening the gripping element to the finger end region is provided. The gripping element also has a holding element connected to the support surface and projecting in a first projection direction transverse to the support surface, wherein the holding element has a longitudinal extension transverse to the first projection direction.

[0014] According to the invention, a gripping element is accordingly proposed that is designed to be combined, in particular connected, with a finger end region of a heat-resistant glove. The projecting holding element provides simplified gripping of the aforementioned small objects, while the other functional properties of the glove, such as temperature resistance, are still maintained.

[0015] In one embodiment, the longitudinal extension of the retaining element transverse to the first projection direction can correspond to the edge profile of the first edge. The retaining element can be molded onto the first edge or run along this edge, e.g., at a certain distance from the edge.

[0016] In one embodiment, the edge profile of the first edge can be at least partially curved or rounded and adapted to the profile of a fingertip of a glove finger.

[0017] By appropriately shaping the edge and / or the holding element, the design of the holding element can be further advantageous with regard to the tactility and graspability of objects.

[0018] In one embodiment, the thickness of the retaining element can decrease transversely to its extension in the projection direction. In particular, the retaining element accordingly has a shape that tapers toward its free end, particularly with respect to its thickness. The thickness is, in particular, the direction orthogonal to the first projection direction and orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the retaining element. Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the retaining element can be curved in the projection direction. The retaining element can, in particular, be designed in the shape of a blade.

[0019] The second edge can in particular be at least twice as long as the holding element in its longitudinal extension.

[0020] This shape of the retaining element further simplifies gripping, for example, a thin metal bolt on a flat surface. The shape of the retaining element allows the bolt to be easily pushed onto the retaining element or easily pried off. The tapered shape, in particular, makes it easier to slide the retaining element under the bolt.

[0021] When gripping the object, the position of the bolt in the holding element can be deepened by counterpressure from an opposite finger element of the glove, e.g. the index finger when the gripping element is arranged on the thumb of the glove, and the bolt can be lifted stably with the glove.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second edge can be straight and the first edge can have a curvature over a first angular range of 180°, in particular, wherein the support surface can at least partially have the shape of a semi-ellipse, a semicircle, a parabola, or a hyperbola. Such a shape can provide a customized application of the gripping element, in particular to the fingertip of a glove finger.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the holding element can be arranged in a first section of the support surface, wherein the first section is delimited by a first axis defined by the course of the second edge and a second axis intersecting the center point of the second edge, and the first axis and the second axis enclose a first angle of a maximum of 90°.

[0024] In one embodiment, a holding surface of the holding element can point toward the second edge and define a corresponding central holding axis of the holding element. The holding axis preferably extends through the center of the holding surface.

[0025] In particular, the holding axis and an extension direction of the second edge can enclose an angle from a range of 30° to 60°, in particular an angle of 45°.

[0026] The holding element can thus be arranged laterally on the gripping element. This allows the holding element to be easily placed on the surface from which the object is to be lifted. Accordingly, grasping the object is further simplified.

[0027] In particular, the shape of the holding surface can correspond to a part of a lateral surface of a pyramid with a circular base, ie have a curvature both in its extension and in the cantilever direction.

[0028] In one embodiment, the gripping element can have a clamping element connected to the support surface and projecting in a second projection direction transverse to the support surface, wherein the second projection direction is opposite to the first projection direction.

[0029] In particular, the clamping element can be arranged opposite the holding element with respect to the support surface and can be designed to fasten the gripping element to the finger end region of the glove.

[0030] The clamping element enables a more stable connection between the gripping element and the finger element of the glove. The clamping element can, for example, be additionally sewn to the glove material and / or bonded to the glove material on both sides. The clamping element can also provide a stable and homogeneous transition between the gripping element and the glove.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the clamping element can be designed and arranged such that its shape and / or spatial extent provides an enlargement of the contact surface of the gripping element on a substrate when gripping an object. This simplifies positioning the holding element relative to the object to be gripped.

[0032] In one embodiment, the support surface can have a slip-reducing, in particular friction-increasing, surface structure on its upper side. The upper side is understood to be the side of the support surface that is not resting on a glove or is not intended for this purpose. The surface structure allows an object to be grasped or held more reliably. The surface structure can provide increased roughness and / or waviness. The surface structure can be formed, for example, by ridges, knobs, waves, etc.

[0033] The invention also relates to a heat-resistant glove, in particular a firefighter's glove, with a fire-resistant outer material and at least one gripping element as described above.

[0034] The gripping element can be arranged, in particular, on a thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger element (finger element of the little finger) of the glove. In particular, the gripping element can be arranged on a finger end region, in particular the fingertip, of the respective finger element.

[0035] In one embodiment, the gripping element can be sewn, glued, and / or welded to the outer side of the outer material. In particular, the glove can have a seam connecting the connecting portion of the gripping element to the fire-resistant outer material. The seam can accordingly perforate the connecting portion.

[0036] In one embodiment, the gripping element can be arranged at least partially beneath the fire-resistant outer material, in particular between the outer material and the lining, or at least partially integrated into the outer material. In particular, at least the holding element can be arranged not beneath the outer material.

[0037] The gripping element according to the invention and the heat-resistant glove are described in more detail below purely by way of example using exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in the drawings. Identical elements are identified by identical reference numerals in the figures. The described embodiments are generally not drawn to scale and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0038] Show in detail Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a gripping element according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the gripping element according to the invention according to Figure 1in cross-section; Fig. 3a-b shows an embodiment of a heat-resistant glove according to the invention; and Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a heat-resistant glove according to the invention.

[0039] The Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a gripping element 1 according to the invention in a plan view. The gripping element 1 is designed for connection to a glove, in particular to a heat-resistant glove such as a firefighter's glove. For this purpose, the gripping element 1 can be connected, for example, to a thumb element of such a glove. The gripping element 1 is preferably arranged in an end region, in particular the tip, of the finger or thumb.

[0040] The gripping element 1 has a support surface 2. The support surface 2 is shaped for connection to the glove in terms of its spatial extent and / or shape to the respective glove or a finger element of the glove, e.g., the thumb or index finger. The support surface is bounded by a first edge 3 and a second edge 4.

[0041] The shape of the first edge 3 is curved. In the embodiment shown, the edge shape approximately describes part of an ellipse. However, the edge shape of the first edge 1 can have an alternative shape, such as partially parabolic, hyperbolic, or semicircular. In particular, the edge shape of the first edge 1 is adapted to the shape of an end region of a glove finger. The curvature of the edge 3 extends here, in particular, over a first angular range 8 of 180°.

[0042] The gripping element 1 also has a connecting region 5. The connecting region 5 is provided to provide the connection or attachment of the gripping element 1 to a glove. The connecting region 5 is designed here as a sewing edge. Using the sewing edge 5, the gripping element 1 can be sewn to the glove and connected thereto. The sewing takes place, for example, with an outer material of the glove, e.g., with a textile or fabric.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the connection area can be provided by at least a portion of the underside of the support surface 2 resting on the glove. Connection to the glove can then be achieved, for example, by gluing or (polymer-based) cross-linking.

[0044] The gripping element 1 further comprises a holding element 6. The holding element 6 is connected to the support surface 2, projects transversely from the support surface 2 in a first projection direction 7, and extends in particular along a part of the first edge 3, e.g., parallel to the edge 3 or on the edge 3. The connection between the holding element 6 and the support surface 2 is provided in particular by gluing, welding, or by a one-piece production of both elements.

[0045] The retaining element 6 can, in particular, be designed in a scoop-shaped manner. The profile of at least the inner surface of the retaining element 6 can be curved accordingly in the projection direction 7.

[0046] The holding element 6 is arranged in a first section 9 of the support surface 2. The first section 9 is defined or delimited by a first axis 10, which corresponds to the course of the second edge 4, and a second axis 11, which intersects the center point (with respect to its length) of the second edge 4. The first axis 10 and the second axis 11 form a first angle 12 of 90°. The holding element 6 is thus not arranged centrally, but laterally with respect to a central axis, which in the embodiment shown corresponds to the second axis 11.

[0047] The holding element 6 has a holding surface 13 that points in the direction of the second edge 4. The surface 13 thereby defines the position of a corresponding central holding axis 14. The holding axis 14 extends in particular through the center of the holding surface 13. The holding element 6 is oriented such that the holding axis 14 intersects the first axis 10 (corresponding to the extension direction of the second edge) at an angle of 45°.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, the holding element 6 is designed such that its outer side 15, which is opposite the holding surface 13, has a homogeneous transition to the first edge 3. Alternatively, the holding element 6 can be arranged offset from the edge 3.

[0049] Figure 2 shows the embodiment of the gripping element 1 according to the invention according to Figure 1 in cross-section (section parallel to the second axis 11).

[0050] As can be seen, the gripping element 1 has a clamping element 16 on its underside. The clamping element 16 extends in a second projection direction 17 transversely to the support surface 2, wherein the second projection direction 17 is opposite to the first projection direction 7. The clamping element 16 provides a robust and reliable attachment of the gripping element 1 to a finger end region of a glove. For this reliable connection to the glove, a portion of the outer material of a glove finger can be sewn to the clamping element 16 on both sides. Through this additional attachment to the clamping element 16, the gripping element 1 can be clamped to the outer material of the glove.

[0051] In this embodiment, the support surface 2 is designed as a two-layer structure. The two layers 2a and 2b can be joined together, for example, by gluing or welding, thus jointly providing the support surface 2. Alternatively, the support surface 2 can be manufactured such that the two layers 2a, 2b are connected to each other during production, e.g., through cross-linking processes during plastics processing, and can be considered as a single piece. In an alternative embodiment, the support surface 2 is formed by a single material layer.

[0052] The layer 2a, in particular, has a surface structure 18 that provides improved (increased) roughness and / or waviness of the surface. This can provide a slip-reducing or sliding-reducing and / or friction-increasing effect on the upper side of the gripping element 1. Such a structure 18 is very advantageous for gripping and / or holding a comparatively small object, since the comparatively large roughness or waviness of the surface (compared to a flat surface) results in a greater holding force.

[0053] Layer 2b is connected to the clamping element 16, in particular formed integrally therewith. The holding element 6 can be connected only to layer 2a or to both layer 2a and layer 2b.

[0054] The Figures 3a and 3bshow a possible embodiment of a heat-resistant glove 20 according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the glove 20 is designed in a five-finger shape, although it can alternatively also be designed in a three-finger or mitten shape. The glove 20 consists of a lining 22, which has one or more layers and comprises a heat-resistant outer material 21, which is composed or formed, in particular, from several material cuts.

[0055] The material from which the outer layer 21 (upper material) or further layers of the lining 22 are constructed can be selected, for example, from the group of leather, textile, or plastic materials. Furthermore, one or more layers of the lining 22 can be formed by functional layers that serve a specific purpose. For example, a liquid-tight functional layer, in particular a semipermeable membrane or film, can be provided in the lining 22.

[0056] The outer material 21 and / or one or more layers of the lining 22 and / or a lining or insulating material of the glove 20 can, for example, consist of the following basic materials or mixtures thereof (aromatic) polyamides with a high melting point, in particular meta- or para-aramids, such as Kermel, Nomex, Kevlar, Technora, PBI, Apyeil, Teijinconex or Twaron, crystalline polymers, in particular PBO fibers, such as Zylon or Vectran, viscose FR, e.g. Lenzing FR, glass fiber, flame-retardant leather or corresponding textiles or flexible carrier materials, e.g. with coatings made of silicone, polyurethane or silicone-carbon.

[0057] Tue Figure 3a shows the underside, ie the palm, of the glove 20. Figure 3b shows the top side, ie the back of the hand, of the glove 20.

[0058] The glove 20 has a gripping element 1 according to the invention with a holding element 6 on its palm. The gripping element 1 is arranged on an index finger element 23 of the glove 20 in the region of the fingertip.

[0059] The holding element 6 is oriented such that the outer side 15 of the holding element 6 points away from the glove 20. Such an arrangement allows the gripping element 1 or the holding element 6 to easily grasp small objects, such as a screw or a bolt, using a comparatively robust glove.

[0060] Grasping or picking up an object can advantageously be achieved by bringing the finger end region of the index finger element 23 provided with the gripping element 1 together with the thumb element 24, in particular with the finger end region of the thumb element 24, during a gripping movement and the object being present between the gripping element 1 and the thumb element 24.

[0061] When grasping an object lying on a flat surface, for example, the holding element 6 can be guided or pushed under the object, whereby the object comes to rest on the holding element 6 by counter-holding with the thumb element 24. Subsequently, the object can be held and picked up between the gripping element 1 and the thumb element 24 by clamping or pressing.

[0062] An optional, anti-slip surface structure of the gripping element 1 contributes to a reliable holding of the object and prevents it from slipping.

[0063] With a typical firefighter's glove without the gripping aid 1 according to the invention, picking up a bolt, for example, is very difficult or even impossible.

[0064] Figure 4shows a further possible embodiment of a heat-resistant glove 20 according to the invention. The palm of the glove 20 is shown. The glove 20 here has a gripping element 1 according to the invention on its thumb element 24.

[0065] The gripping element 1 has a holding element 6 and a surface structure 18 that prevents an object from slipping. The surface structure 18 can be provided, for example, by means of several transverse webs, slats, or a wave-shaped surface.

[0066] The gripping element 1 also has a connecting region 5, which here runs along the edge of the gripping element 1, in particular along the first and second edges. The gripping element 1 is sewn to the underlying glove 20 in the connecting region 5, i.e., sewn all the way around the gripping element 1. The connecting region 5 and the glove 20 thus have a corresponding seam.

[0067] Picking up a small object can be achieved with this embodiment analogously to the embodiment according to Figure 3 but with the difference that the index finger or middle finger element 23, 24 is used to counter-hold the object and then interacts with the holding element 6.

[0068] According to alternative embodiments, the gripping element 1 can be sewn to or partially covered by at least one layer of the outer material or a trim material. The retaining element, in particular, remains exposed. The gripping element 1 can be at least partially covered by a layer of lining or insert, such as a semipermeable membrane. In alternative embodiments, it is also possible to partially integrate the gripping element 1 between several layers of the outer material or lining of the palm of the hand.

[0069] A heat-resistant glove 20 according to the invention, in particular firefighter gloves, with a gripping element corresponds in particular to the European fire service standard EN 659 as well as the Australian fire service standard AS 2161.10 and the American fire service standard NFPA 1971. Furthermore, a glove 20 according to the invention also corresponds accordingly to the rescue standard NFPA 1951 and other worldwide known standards, such as EN 407 (thermal risks), the standard against heat and flames, etc.

[0070] The gloves 20 according to the invention thus meet the requirements of a firefighter's glove, with a flame exposure time of between 3 and 15 seconds, the afterburn time is less than 2 seconds and the afterglow time is less than 5 seconds. The distance between the flame tip and the lowest point of the flame-exposed glove is between 10 and 30 mm. The glove can be exposed to flame vertically or horizontally. The glove material used in this case neither drips nor melts upon exposure to flame, and / or the flame-exposed area does not exhibit any perforation.

[0071] Furthermore, the time span of temperature rise upon contact of flames with the glove from 24°C at the non-flame area is less than 13 seconds.

[0072] At a heat flux density of 40 kW / m², the time required for the material taken from the back of the hand to rise from 24°C to a non-flame-exposed area is no less than 11 seconds. At a contact temperature of at least 250°C, the material of the palm construction must retain heat for at least 10 seconds before a second-degree burn occurs. Furthermore, the lining material must not melt, drip, or ignite at a minimum temperature of 180°C. The glove's shrinkage at a minimum temperature of 180°C for a period of 5 minutes must not exceed 5%.

[0073] It is understood that these figures only schematically depict possible embodiments. The various approaches can also be combined with each other and with prior art devices and methods.

Claims

1. Gripping element (1) for connecting to a finger end region of a heat-resistant glove (20) and for gripping an object with the glove (20), characterized by • a support surface (2) delimited by at least a first edge (3) and a second edge (4), wherein the first edge (3) has a defined edge profile which is adapted to a profile of the finger end region of a glove finger, • a connecting region (5) designed to fasten the gripping element (1) to the finger end region, and • a holding element (6) connected to the support surface (2) and projecting in a first projection direction (7) transversely to the support surface (2), wherein the holding element has a longitudinal extension transversely to the first projection direction (7).

2. Gripping element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal extension of the holding element (6) transversely to the first projection direction (7) corresponds to the edge profile of the first edge (3).

3. Gripping element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the edge profile of the first edge (3) is at least partially curved and is adapted to the profile of a fingertip of a glove finger.

4. Gripping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that • a thickness of the holding element (6) decreases transversely to its extension in the projection direction (7), and / or • the course of the holding element (6) is curved in the projection direction (7), and / or • the second edge (4) is at least twice as long as the holding element (6) in its longitudinal extension.

5. Gripping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second edge (4) is straight and the first edge (3) has a curvature over a first angular range (8) of 180°, in particular wherein the support surface (2) at least partially has the shape of a semi-ellipse, a semicircle, a parabola or a hyperbola.

6. Gripping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element (6) is arranged in a first section (9) of the support surface (2), wherein the first section (9) is delimited by a first axis (10) defined by the course of the second edge (4) and a second axis (11) intersecting the center point of the second edge (4), and the first axis (10) and the second axis (11) enclose a first angle of a maximum of 90°.

7. Gripping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding surface (13) of the holding element (6) points in the direction of the second edge (4) and defines a corresponding central holding axis (14) of the holding element (6).

8. Gripping element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that• the holding axis (14) and an extension direction of the second edge (4) enclose an angle from a range of 30° to 60°, in particular an angle of 45°, and / or • the shape of the holding surface (13) corresponds to part of a lateral surface of a pyramid with a circular base.

9. Gripping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping element (1) has a clamping element (16) which is connected to the support surface (2) and projects in a second projection direction (17) transversely to the support surface (2), wherein the second projection direction (17) is opposite to the first projection direction (7).

10. Gripping element (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the clamping element (16) is arranged opposite the holding element (6) with respect to the support surface (2) and is designed to fasten the gripping element (1) to the finger end region.

11. Gripping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe support surface (2) has on its upper side a surface structure which reduces slipping and in particular increases friction.

12. Heat-resistant glove (20), in particular a firefighter's glove, with a fire-resistant outer material (21) and at least one gripping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Heat-resistant glove (20) according to claim 12, characterized in that the gripping element (1) is arranged on a thumb (24), index finger (23), middle finger (25), ring finger or little finger element of the glove (20), in particular wherein the gripping element (1) is arranged on a finger end region of the respective finger element.

14. Heat-resistant glove (20) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in thatthe gripping element (1) is sewn, glued and / or welded onto the outside of the outer material (21), in particular wherein the glove (20) has a seam which connects the connecting section (5) to the fire-resistant outer material (21).

15. Heat-resistant glove (20) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the gripping element (1) is arranged at least partially below the fire-resistant outer material (21), in particular is arranged between the outer material and the lining or is at least partially integrated into the outer material.

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