Glove with reinforced fingers

Abstract

A glove designed to protect the user's hand includes a main body configured to accommodate a metacarpal bone and a finger attached to the main body that extends longitudinally. The finger is configured to accommodate a finger and includes a panel that defines a rolled tip at its end. The glove also includes a fingertip reinforcement, bonded to the inner surface of the panel and positioned between the panel and the fingertip.

Description

Glove with reinforced fingers Background This disclosure generally pertains to clothing. More specifically, this disclosure pertains to gloves, particularly gloves that include fingertip reinforcements, including the thumb. Gloves are used to protect the user's hands in a variety of applications. Gloves facilitate the handling of objects while preventing the user's hands from coming into direct contact with contaminants, such as dirt or rust, or potentially hazardous surfaces, such as sharp edges, moving parts, heat sources, and the like. Through extended periods of use, gloves may wear out or lose functionality and require repair or replacement. Due to the way users commonly grip objects, this wear typically occurs first at the fingertips of the gloves, near the user's fingertips, including the thumb.Document US 2011 / 041225 A1 discloses a glove in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. Summary At least one embodiment relates to a glove for protecting a user's hand. The glove includes a main glove body configured to receive a metacarpal bone of the hand and a glove finger attached to the main glove body and extending longitudinally away from the main glove body. The glove finger is configured to receive a finger, including a thumb, and includes a panel defining a rolled-tip arrangement at one end of the glove finger. The glove further includes a fingertip reinforcement attached to an inner surface of the panel and positioned to extend between the panel and the fingertip of the finger. The fingertip reinforcement includes an upper portion positioned to extend above the finger and a lower portion positioned to extend below the finger. The volume of the upper portion is less than the volume of the lower portion.Further embodiments comprise an extended back panel that wraps around the fingertip to form a reinforcement in the fingertip area by folding the material covering the fingertip. Further embodiments comprise an extended palm panel that wraps around the fingertip to form a reinforcement in the fingertip area by folding the material covering the fingertip. Further embodiments comprise a fingertip reinforcement that is attached to the back panel such that the fingertip reinforcement is attached over the back panel, rather than under the panel, such that the overlap seam of the fingertip reinforcement is on the outer portion (away from a user's finger) of the back panel, rather than on the inner portion (in contact with a user's finger) of the back panel.As used in this document, "finger" or "fingertip" means the distal portion of any finger of the hand, including the thumb. Further embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a glove, according to any one of claims 1-9, for protecting a user's hand. The method includes providing a first panel that at least partially defines a main glove body configured to receive a metacarpal bone of the hand, attaching a second panel to the first panel, the second panel at least partially defining a glove finger configured to receive a finger of the hand, and the finger having a fingertip. The second panel extends continuously from a lower surface of the glove finger to an upper surface of the glove finger adjacent to the fingertip. In embodiments, the method further includes attaching a fingertip reinforcement to an inner surface of the second panel, such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned to extend between the fingertip and the second panel.In embodiments, the method further includes attaching a fingertip reinforcement to an outer surface of the second panel, such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned to extend between the fingertip and the second panel. In embodiments, the method further includes attaching a fingertip reinforcement to an inner surface of the second panel, such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned to extend between the fingertip and the second panel. The disclosed embodiments comprise a reinforced region that overlaps the back panel, such that the ridge formed by the overlap is raised on the outside of the glove, thereby eliminating the risk of a user catching a fingertip as the finger is inserted.The disclosed embodiments may include heat-resistant and flame-retardant materials, for example, yarns, fabrics, felts, and other fibrous blends that have improved flame-retardant properties, increased heat resistance, reduced heat transfer, improved durability when exposed to constant heat or bursts of high heat, along with adequate strength and abrasion resistance, improved softness, better breathability, improved moisture recovery, increased flexibility and comfort, and other performance criteria. The disclosed embodiments may include flame-retardant / heat-resistant fibers including polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyphenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO), modacrylic, p-aramid, m-aramid, polyvinyl halides, wool, flame-resistant polyesters, flame-resistant nylons, flame-resistant rayons, cotton, and melamine.The disclosed achievements may include impact-resistant materials, for example, plastics, Kevlar, laminates, and the like. This summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description provided herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, where similar reference numbers refer to similar elements. Brief description of the figures FIG.1 is a top view of a glove, according to an example embodiment. FIG.2 is a bottom view of the glove in FIG.1. FIG.3 is a top view of a flat pattern of a palm panel of the glove from FIG.1. FIG.4 is a bottom view of a flat pattern of a back panel of the glove from FIG.1. FIG. 5 is a top view of a flat pattern of a center finger panel of the glove in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a flat pattern of a back-side thumb panel of the glove in FIG. 1. 1. FIG.7 is a top view of a flat pattern of a palm-side thumb panel of the glove from FIG.1. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a glove seam, according to one example embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a glove seam, according to another example embodiment. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a glove seam, according to yet another example embodiment. Figure 11 is a top view of the flat pattern of a glove ribbing from Figure 1. FIG. 12 is a top view of a flat pattern of an outer sliding patch of the glove of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a top view of a flat pattern of a fingertip reinforcement of the glove of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a side section view of an index finger of the glove of FIG. 1. FIG.16 is a top view of a flat pattern of a thumb reinforcement of the glove of FIG.1. Figure 17 is a bottom perspective view of a glove, according to another example embodiment. Figure 18 is a bottom perspective view of a glove, according to another example embodiment. Figure 19 is a top view of a glove, according to another example embodiment. FIG.20 is a bottom view of the glove in FIG.19. FIG. 21 is a top view of the inside of a finger region where the palm panel extends over the fingertip and then joins the back panel, with the overlap creating a ridge facing the wearer on the outside of the glove. Figure 22 is a top view of the inside of a finger region where the fingertip reinforcement portion is attached beneath the back panel, thereby preventing the formation of a ridge that could hinder insertion of the glove over the fingertip once the glove is ready for use and has been turned inside out (thus placing the raised ridge on the outside of the glove, facing the user). Detailed description Before proceeding to the figures, which illustrate certain example embodiments in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used in this document is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting. With general reference to the Figures, a glove is shown that includes certain features that improve the glove's wear resistance compared to traditional gloves. In embodiments, each finger of the glove has a rolled-tip arrangement in which a palm panel extends continuously across a user's fingertip, from under the user's finger to over the user's finger without any laterally extending seam. A seam between the palm panel and a back panel of the glove is positioned away from the fingertip, along an upper side of the glove, where the palm panel can be joined over the back panel, such that the end of the palm panel overlaps the back panel, thereby eliminating the impediment of a "ridge" formed at the point of joining on the inside of the glove.This moves the seam away from areas that experience relatively high amounts of wear, thus improving the glove's lifespan. In some embodiments, the glove also includes fingertip reinforcement at the end of each of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers. The fingertip reinforcements extend continuously along an inner surface of the glove, adjacent to the user's fingertips, from under the user's finger to over the user's finger. In other embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements extend continuously along an outer surface of the glove, adjacent to the user's fingertips, from under the user's finger to over the user's finger, including the thumb. Fingertip reinforcements increase the thickness of the glove near the fingertips, for example, by a factor of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.5 or the like, thereby increasing the amount of wear the glove can experience before failure.The increased thickness can vary in different areas of the glove; for example, in some embodiments, the thickness of a single fingertip reinforcement may differ from the thickness of another fingertip reinforcement on the glove. In some embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements are attached to the corresponding glove panels, which reduces the potential for the fingertip reinforcements to separate from the panels if a portion of the glove finger wears through them. The rolled toe design and continuous fingertip reinforcement each improve the glove's durability, shock resistance, impact resistance, and heat resistance. Traditional gloves do not include rolled toe or fingertip reinforcement; instead, they have a single layer of material with a seam that runs laterally across the fingertip. Seams are typically weaker than the surrounding parts of the glove. For example, a seam can be compromised simply by cutting the thread, whereas the surrounding material would have to be completely worn through to expose the user's finger.Because the user's fingertip is typically the first part of the hand to come into contact with an object, placing the seam at the fingertip causes it to repeatedly come into contact with the items handled by the glove wearer. This leads to premature seam failure, exposing the user's hand after a relatively short period of use. In embodiments described herein, the seam between the palm panel and the back panel is positioned away from the fingertip, reducing wear on the seam. Furthermore, this seam is positioned along the upper side of the finger, which experiences even less contact with other objects than the lower side of the finger, further reducing wear on the seam. Fingertip reinforcements increase the thickness of the glove near the fingertip. Without fingertip reinforcements, the wearer's fingers would be exposed after only a relatively thin portion of the glove had worn through. However, with the addition of fingertip reinforcement, once the outer layer of the glove has worn completely through, the reinforcement provides additional protection to the finger, further extending the glove's lifespan. In some embodiments, the fingertip reinforcement further protects the finger, extending the glove's lifespan even after the inner layer has worn completely through. Some traditional gloves include an outer protective layer and an inner insulating layer that extend the entire length of the glove. The fingertip reinforcements of the glove described here offer certain benefits not provided by these traditional gloves. Traditional double-layer gloves increase the overall thickness of the glove. In contrast, the fingertip reinforcements described here only increase the glove's thickness in targeted areas where the potential for wear is greatest. Because the fingertip reinforcements do not extend the entire length of the glove, the amount of material used is reduced compared to traditional double-layer gloves. This reduces the cost and weight of the glove compared to traditional double-layer gloves, while also providing an improved user experience by increasing the glove's flexibility compared to multi-layered gloves. In some embodiments, the glove described in this document is used during welding. Welders typically wear protective clothing, such as welding gloves, to protect themselves from the heat generated by a torch and from the metal spray produced during the welding process. During welding, a welder must hold the trigger of a torch for extended periods. Holding the trigger for such long periods can be quite painful, particularly for the middle and index fingers, as these are typically the fingers that hold the trigger and bear the most stress. Over time, welders may develop disorders or conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and similar ailments as a result of this occupational exposure.In addition to abrasion from rubbing against other objects, welding gloves also experience wear from repeated contact with hot objects (e.g., objects hot enough to char, burn, or melt the glove material). This wear occurs primarily at the fingertips, as this is the part of the hand most commonly used to manipulate objects during welding. Moving the seams away from the fingers and fingertips also reduces this wear. Furthermore, the added thickness provided by fingertip reinforcements helps insulate the user's fingers at the most common point of contact without having to insulate the entire glove. This extra thickness also provides cushioning in areas where force is applied through the glove by the user. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, clothing or protective equipment (e.g., a glove) is shown as glove 10 according to an example embodiment. Although only a left glove 10 is shown, it should be understood that a right glove substantially similar to the glove 10 shown and described herein may be provided. In some embodiments, glove 10 is a work glove. By way of example, glove 10 may be configured for use in gardening, construction, landscaping, equipment maintenance, welding, handling firearms, mining, the oil and gas industry, driving, or other tasks. As described in this document, a longitudinal direction extends along a length of the glove (for example, from a user's wrist to the user's fingertips). Distal indicates something closer to the fingertips of the glove, and proximal indicates something closer to the opening where the user's hand rests. A lateral direction extends along a width of the glove (for example, between the side of the user's hand and the user's thumb). Interior indicates something closer to the thumb side (for example, closer to a centerline of a user's body while wearing the gloves), and exterior indicates something farther from the thumb side. A vertical direction extends along a thickness of the glove (for example, between the user's palm and the back of the user's hand).The upper portion of the glove corresponds to the back of a user's hand, and the lower portion of the glove corresponds to the palm of the user's hand. "Inner" refers to features inside the glove, and "outer" refers to features outside the glove. The disclosed embodiments comprise a total glove length of 300 mm and a glove opening of 170 mm. Additional embodiments comprise a total glove length of 300 mm, a glove opening of 170 mm, and 25 mm reinforcement regions (as measured from the fingertip). Glove 10 includes a palm portion or main body, shown as glove main body 20, configured to contain a main portion of the user's hand containing the metacarpals. Attached to a first end of glove main body 20 is a wrist portion, shown as cuff 30, configured to receive the user's wrist and / or forearm. Cuff 30 defines an opening or aperture, shown as entry 32, through which a user can insert their hand into glove 10. Attached to a second end of glove main body 20 opposite the cuff 30 is a series of fingers configured to receive the user's finger phalanges.The fingers include a first finger or glove index finger, shown as index finger 40, a second finger or glove middle finger, shown as middle finger 42, a third finger or glove ring finger, shown as ring finger 44, and a fourth finger, glove little finger, shown as little finger 46, configured to receive an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, and a little finger (e.g., a small finger) of the user, respectively. Each of these glove fingers 10 can extend longitudinally away from the main body of glove 20. Each of these glove fingers 10 can be at least partially separated from the others (e.g., having a gap that extends laterally between adjacent fingers) to facilitate individual movement of each finger.Attached to one side of the main glove body 20, between the cuff 30 and the index finger 40, is a fifth finger or thumb of the glove, shown as thumb 50, configured to receive a user's thumb. The thumb extends laterally outward from the main glove body 20. Together, the main glove body 20, cuff 30, index finger 40, middle finger 42, ring finger 44, little finger 46, and thumb 50 define an interior volume configured to receive a user's hand and / or wrist. Glove 10 can be made of a variety of different materials. For example, the glove may be made of fabric, leather, plastic, or other materials. Glove 10 may include flexible materials to facilitate the user's hand movement. Glove 10 may be made of multiple different materials. For example, a finger of glove 10 may use a first material layered over a second material. In some embodiments, the two materials may have different properties, such as abrasion resistance and heat resistance, or similar properties. With reference to Figures 1-16, glove 10 is formed from a series of pieces, sheets, or panels that are joined together. For example, the panels may be sewn (e.g., with stitches, etc.) together along one or more seams, or joined by adhesive tape, ultrasonic bonding, solvent welding, adhesives, thermal bonding, and the like. Alternatively, the panels may be bonded together (e.g., using an adhesive such as epoxy, etc.). In some embodiments, each panel begins as a flat sheet of material. The flat sheet is then shaped (e.g., curved, rolled, folded, etc.) to the final form of glove 10. Figures 3-7, 11-14, and 16 illustrate the panels of glove 10 in their flat pattern format, according to one example embodiment.In these figures, solid lines indicate panel edges and / or cut lines (i.e., the lines along which a piece of material is cut to form a panel edge). Dashed lines indicate the approximate center of a fold or bend. Such bends may have varying radii of curvature, depending on their location within Glove 10. Although a specific set of panels is shown, in other embodiments, Glove 10 is formed using more or fewer panels. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-16, glove 10 is a Gunn pattern glove. Specifically, the index finger 40 and little finger 46 are formed from a first panel, and the middle finger 42 and ring finger 44 are formed from a second panel that is attached to the first panel. In other embodiments, glove 10 has a different arrangement. With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the glove 10 includes a first piece, sheet, or panel (for example, a lower panel), shown as the palm panel 100. As shown, the palm panel 100 is formed from a single continuous piece of material. In other embodiments, the palm panel 100 includes multiple pieces of material joined together. The palm panel 100 defines portions of the main glove body 20, the index finger 40, and the little finger 46. Specifically, the palm panel 100 extends primarily along the lower, inner, and outer surfaces of the wearer's palm, index finger, and little finger. The palm panel 100 further extends along the upper surfaces of the wearer's index and little fingers near the fingertips. The palm panel 100 includes a central portion, shown as the main palm portion 102, which extends the length of a user's palm. The main palm portion 102 can form a lower surface of the glove 10 when the glove 10 is complete. Attached to one thumb side (i.e., the inner side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main palm portion 102 is an inner side portion, shown as the inner palm portion 104. The inner palm portion 104 is curved upward along a longitudinally extending line of curvature, shown as the line of curvature 106, such that the inner palm portion 104 extends along one inner side of the main portion of a user's hand. Attached to one side of the main palm portion 102 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an inner side portion, shown as the inner palm portion 104.3) There is an outer side portion, shown as the outer palm portion 108. The outer palm portion 108 is curved upward along a longitudinally extending curve line, shown as curve line 110, such that the outer palm portion 108 extends along one outer side of the main portion of a user's hand. An opening, shown as the thumb opening 112, extends through the main palm portion 102 and the inner palm portion 104 along curve line 106. The thumb opening 112 is positioned to allow the user's thumb to extend through it and into the thumb 50 of glove 10. The palm panel 100 also includes another central portion, shown as the index main portion 120, which extends along the underside of a user's index finger. The index main portion 120 extends longitudinally away from the palm main portion 102. A lateral curvature line, shown as curvature line 122, extends between the index main portion 120 and the palm main portion 102. The index main portion 120 curves relative to the palm main portion 102 around curvature line 122 when a user flexes their index finger. Attached to one thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main portion of index 120 is an inner lateral portion, shown as the inner portion of index 130. The inner portion of index 130 is curved upward along a longitudinally extending line of curvature, shown as line of curvature 132, such that the inner portion of index 130 extends along one inner side of the user's index finger. As shown, the inner portion of index 130 is continuous with the inner palm portion 104. Attached to one side of the main portion of index 120 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer lateral portion, shown as the outer portion of index 134.The outer portion of index 134 is curved upward along a longitudinally extending curve line, shown as curve line 136, such that the outer portion of index 134 extends along one outer side of the wearer's index finger. A cut separates the main palm portion 102 from the outer portion of index 134, such that the main palm portion 102 defines a mid-connecting edge 138 and the outer portion of index 134 defines a mid-connecting edge 140, both of which extend laterally into the flat pattern of the palm panel 100. In the completed state of glove 10, the mid-connecting edge 140 extends substantially vertically upward from the main palm portion 102. The palm panel 100 also includes another central portion, shown as the index fingertip main portion 150, which extends longitudinally away from the palm main portion 102 in the flat pattern. A lateral curvature line, shown as the fingertip curvature line 152, extends between the index finger main portion 120 and the index fingertip main portion 150. The index fingertip main portion 150 is curved relative to the palm main portion 102 around the fingertip curvature line 152 such that the index fingertip main portion 150 extends along the upper surface of a user's index finger near the fingertip when glove 10 is in a completed state. The fingertip curvature line 152 extends laterally across the user's fingertip. Attached to one thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main index tip portion 150 is an inner side portion, shown as the inner index tip portion 154. The inner index tip portion 154 is curved downward relative to the curved main index tip portion 150 along a longitudinally extending line of curvature, shown as the line of curvature 156, such that the inner index tip portion 154 extends along one inner side of the user's index finger. The line of curvature 156 may be continuous with the line of curvature 132. Attached to one side of the main index tip portion 150 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer side portion, shown as the outer index tip portion 158.The outer portion of index tip 158 is curved downward relative to the main portion of curved index tip 150 along a longitudinally extending line of curvature, shown as line of curvature 160, such that the outer portion of index tip 158 extends along one outer side of the user's index finger. Line of curvature 160 may be continuous with line of curvature 136. The palm panel 100 also includes another central portion, shown as the little finger main portion 170, which extends along the underside of a user's little finger. The little finger main portion 170 extends longitudinally away from the palm main portion 102. A lateral curvature line, shown as curvature line 172, extends between the little finger main portion 170 and the palm main portion 102. The little finger main portion 170 curves relative to the palm main portion 102 around curvature line 172 when the user flexes their little finger. Attached to one thumb side (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG. 3) of the main portion of little finger 170 is an inner lateral portion, shown as the inner portion of little finger 180. The inner portion of little finger 180 is curved upward along a longitudinally extending line of curvature, shown as line of curvature 182, such that the inner portion of little finger 180 extends along one inner side of the user's little finger. Attached to one side of the main portion of little finger 170 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer lateral portion, shown as the outer portion of little finger 184.The outer little finger portion 184 curves upward along a longitudinally extending curve line, shown as curve line 186, such that the outer little finger portion 184 extends along one outer side of the wearer's little finger. As shown, the inner little finger portion 180 is continuous with the outer palm portion 108. A cut separates the main palm portion 102 from the inner little finger portion 180, such that the main palm portion 102 defines a ring finger connection edge 188 and the inner little finger portion 180 defines a ring finger connection edge 190, both of which extend laterally into the flat pattern of the palm panel 100. In the completed state of glove 10, the ring finger connection edge 190 extends substantially vertically upward from the main palm portion 102.The palm panel 100 also includes another central portion, shown as the little finger tip main portion 200, which extends longitudinally away from the palm main portion 102 in the flat pattern. A lateral curvature line, shown as the fingertip curvature line 202, extends between the little finger main portion 170 and the little finger tip main portion 200. The little finger tip main portion 200 is curved relative to the palm main portion 102 around the fingertip curvature line 152 such that the little finger tip main portion 200 extends along the upper surface of a user's little finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in a completed state. The fingertip curvature line 202 extends laterally across the user's fingertip. Attached to one side of the thumb (i.e., the left side as shown in FIG.3) Attached to the main little finger tip portion 200 is an inner lateral portion, shown as the inner little finger tip portion 204. The inner little finger tip portion 204 is curved downward relative to the curved main little finger tip portion 200 along a longitudinally extending line of curvature, shown as line of curvature 206, such that the inner little finger tip portion 204 extends along an inner side of the user's little finger. Line of curvature 206 may be continuous with line of curvature 182. Attached to one side of the main little finger tip portion 200 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the right side as shown in FIG. 3) is an outer lateral portion, shown as the outer little finger tip portion 208.The outer portion of the little finger tip 208 is curved downward relative to the main curved portion of the little finger tip 200 along a longitudinally extending line of curvature, shown as line of curvature 210, such that the outer portion of the little finger tip 208 extends along an outer side of the wearer's little finger. Line of curvature 210 may be continuous with line of curvature 186. With reference to FIG. 3, the edges of palm panel 100 connect to other panels to form glove 10. Moving clockwise around the perimeter of palm panel 100, palm panel 100 includes: a cuff connecting edge 220 defined by the main palm portion 102, the inner palm portion 104, and the outer palm portion 108 extending laterally in the flat pattern; a back connecting edge 222 defined by the inner palm portion 104 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; an index connecting edge 224 defined by the inner index portion 130 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; and an index tip connecting edge 226 defined by the inner index tip portion 154 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern.an index tip connecting edge 228 defined by the inner portion of index tip 154, the main portion of index tip 150, and the outer portion of index tip 158 extending laterally in the flat pattern; an index tip connecting edge 230 defined by the outer portion of index tip 158 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; an index tip connecting edge 232 defined by the outer portion of index tip 134 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; the middle connecting edge 140; the middle connecting edge 138; the ring connecting edge 188; the ring connecting edge 190; a little finger connecting edge 234 defined by the inner portion of little finger 180 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; a little finger tip connecting edge 236 defined by the inner portion of little finger 204 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern;a little finger tip connecting edge 238 defined by the inner portion of little finger tip 204, the main portion of little finger tip 200, and the outer portion of little finger tip 208 extending laterally in the flat pattern; a little finger tip connecting edge 240 defined by the outer portion of little finger tip 208 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; a little finger connecting edge 242 defined by the outer portion of little finger 184 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; and a back connecting edge 244 defined by the outer portion of palm 108 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the glove 10 includes a second piece, sheet, or panel (e.g., a top panel) shown as the back panel 300. As shown, the back panel 300 is formed from a single continuous piece of material. In other embodiments, the back panel 300 includes multiple pieces of material joined together. The back panel 300 defines portions of the main glove body 20, the index finger 40, the middle finger 42, the ring finger 44, and the little finger 46. Specifically, the back panel 300 extends primarily along the upper surfaces of the back of a user's hand and the user's index, middle, ring, and little fingers. The back panel 300 includes a center portion, main portion, knuckle portion, or back-of-hand portion, shown as knuckle portion 302, which extends across the back of a user's hand. Specifically, as shown, knuckle portion 302 extends across a user's most proximal knuckles. Knuckle portion 302 can form a top surface of glove 10 when glove 10 is complete. Attached and extending longitudinally away from the knuckle portion 302 is a series of finger portions, shown as the index portion 310, middle portion 312, ring portion 314, and little portion 316. The index portion 310, middle portion 312, ring portion 314, and little portion 316 are configured to extend along the upper surfaces of a user's index, middle, ring, and little fingers, respectively.The index portion 310, middle portion 312, ring portion 314, and little portion 316 are configured to curve relative to the knuckle portion 302 around longitudinally extending lines of curvature, shown as line of curvature 320, line of curvature 322, line of curvature 324, and line of curvature 326, respectively. Specifically, the index portion 310, middle portion 312, ring portion 314, and little portion 316 are configured to curve when the user flexes their corresponding fingers. A first cut separates the index portion 310 from the middle portion 312, such that the index portion 310 defines a connecting edge of index 330 and the middle portion 312 defines a connecting edge of middle 332, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of back panel 300. A second cut separates the middle portion 312 from the ring portion 314, such that the middle portion 312 defines a connecting edge of middle 334 and the ring portion 314 defines a connecting edge of ring 336, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of back panel 300. A third cut separates the ring portion 314 from the little portion 316, such that the ring portion 314 defines a connecting edge of ring 338 and the little portion 316 defines a connecting edge of pinky 340, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of the back panel 300.The first, second, and third cuts facilitate independent movement of the glove fingers 10. With reference to FIG. 4, the edges of the back panel 300 connect to other panels to form the glove 10. Moving clockwise around the perimeter of the back panel 300, the back panel 300 includes: a back connecting edge 350 defined by the knuckle portion 302 and extending laterally in the flat pattern; a palm connecting edge 352 defined by the knuckle portion 302 and extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; a little finger connecting edge 354 defined by the little finger portion 316 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; a little finger tip connecting edge 356 defined by the little finger portion 316 extending laterally in the flat pattern; the little finger connecting edge 340; the ring finger connecting edge 338; a connecting edge of annular tip 358 defined by the portion of annular 314 that extends laterally in the flat pattern;the ring finger connecting edge 336; the middle finger connecting edge 334; a middle finger tip connecting edge 360 ​​defined by the portion of middle 312 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; the middle finger connecting edge 332; the index finger connecting edge 330; an index finger tip connecting edge 362 defined by the portion of index 310 that extends laterally in the flat pattern; an index finger connecting edge 364 defined by the portion of index 310 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern; and a palm finger connecting edge 366 defined by the portion of knuckles 302 that extends longitudinally in the flat pattern. With reference to Figures 1, 2, and 5, the glove 10 includes a third piece, sheet, or panel (for example, a lower panel) shown as the center finger panel 400. As shown, the center finger panel 400 is formed from a single continuous piece of material. In other embodiments, the center finger panel 400 includes multiple pieces of material joined together. The center finger panel 400 defines portions of the middle finger 42 and the ring finger 44. Specifically, the center finger panel 400 extends along the inner, outer, and lower surfaces of the user's middle and ring fingers. The center finger panel 400 includes a first center portion, shown as the main portion of middle 402, which extends along a lower surface of a user's middle finger. Attached to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) of the main portion of middle 402 is an inner side portion, shown as the inner portion of middle 404. The inner portion of middle 404 is curved upward along a curve line 406, such that the inner portion of middle 404 extends along an inner side of the user's middle finger. Curve line 406 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. Attached to a side of the main portion of middle 402 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the front side as shown in FIG. 5) There is an outer lateral portion, shown as the outer portion of medium 408. The outer portion of medium 408 is curved upward along a curve line 410, such that the outer portion of medium 408 extends along one outer side of the wearer's middle finger. The curve line 410 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The center finger panel 400 further includes another center portion, shown as the main middle tip portion 420, which extends laterally away from the main middle portion 402 in the flat pattern. A finger tip curvature line 422 extends between the main middle portion 402 and the main middle tip portion 420. The finger tip curvature line 422 extends longitudinally in the flat pattern and laterally in the completed glove 10. The main middle tip portion 420 is curved relative to the main middle portion 402 around the finger tip curvature line 422 such that the main middle tip portion 420 extends along a top surface of a user's middle finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in a completed state.In the completed state of glove 10, the fingertip curvature line 422 extends laterally through the user's fingertip. Attached to one thumb side (i.e., the rear side as shown in FIG. 5) of the main tip portion of mid-finger 420 is an inner side portion, shown as the inner tip portion of mid-finger 424. The inner tip portion of mid-finger 424 is curved downward relative to the curved main tip portion of mid-finger 424 along a curve line 426, such that the inner tip portion of mid-finger 424 extends along one inner side of the wearer's middle finger. Curve line 426 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove. Curve line 426 may be continuous with curve line 406. Attached to one side of the main tip portion of mid-finger 420 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the front side as shown in FIG. 5) is an outer side portion, shown as the outer tip portion of mid-finger 428.The outer portion of mid-tip 428 curves downward relative to the main curved mid-tip 420 portion along a curve line 430, such that the outer portion of mid-tip 428 extends along an outer side of the wearer's middle finger. The curve line 430 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The curve line 430 may be continuous with the curve line 410. The central finger panel 400 includes a second central portion, shown as the main ring portion 442, which extends along a lower surface of a user's ring finger. Attached to a thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) of the main ring portion 442 is an inner side portion, shown as the inner ring portion 444. The inner ring portion 444 is curved upward along a curve line 446, such that the inner ring portion 444 extends along an inner side of the user's ring finger. The curvature line 446 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. Attached to one side of the main ring portion 442 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) is an outer side portion, shown as the outer ring portion 448.The outer portion of ring 448 curves upward along a curve line 450, such that the outer portion of ring 448 extends along the outer side of the wearer's ring finger. The curve line 450 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The center finger panel 400 further includes another center portion, shown as the ring finger tip main portion 460, which extends laterally away from the ring finger main portion 442 in the flat pattern. A finger tip curvature line 462 extends between the ring finger main portion 442 and the ring finger tip main portion 460. The finger tip curvature line 462 extends longitudinally in the flat pattern and laterally in the completed glove 10. The ring finger tip main portion 460 is curved relative to the ring finger main portion 442 around the finger tip curvature line 462 such that the ring finger tip main portion 460 extends along a top surface of a user's ring finger near the fingertip when the glove 10 is in a completed state.In the completed state of glove 10, the fingertip curvature line 462 extends laterally through the user's fingertip. Attached to one thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) of the main ring-tip portion 460 is an inner side portion, shown as the inner ring-tip portion 464. The inner ring-tip portion 464 is curved downwards relative to the curved main ring-tip portion 460 along a curve line 466, such that the inner ring-tip portion 464 extends along one inner side of the user's ring finger. The curve line 466 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The curve line 466 may be continuous with the curve line 446. Attached to one side of the main ring tip portion 460 opposite the thumb side (i.e., the back side as shown in FIG. 5) is an outer side portion, shown as the outer ring tip portion 468.The outer portion of ring fingertip 468 curves downward relative to the main curved ring fingertip 460 portion along a curve line 470, such that the outer portion of ring fingertip 468 extends along an outer side of the wearer's ring finger. The curve line 470 extends laterally in the flat pattern and longitudinally in the completed glove 10. The curve line 470 may be continuous with the curve line 450. With reference to FIG. 5, the outer portion of middle finger 408 and the inner portion of ring finger 444 are mated together in such a way that they are continuous. The outer portion of middle finger 408 and the inner portion of ring finger 444 are curved relative to each other around a curve line 480. Specifically, both the outer portion of middle finger 408 and the inner portion of ring finger 444 are curved downward (i.e., on the page as shown in FIG. 5) around curve line 480. Curve line 480 extends longitudinally in the flat pattern and vertically in the completed glove 10. The lateral position of curve line 480 is based on the desired lengths of middle finger 42 and ring finger 44. A cut separates the main portion of middle 402 and the inner portion of middle 404 from the main portion of ring 442 and the outer portion of ring 448. Along this cut, the main portion of middle 402 defines a palm connecting edge 482 and the inner portion of middle 404 defines an index connecting edge 484, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of palm panel 100. Along the cut, the main portion of ring 442 defines a palm connecting edge 486 and the outer portion of ring 448 defines a little finger connecting edge 488, both of which extend longitudinally in the flat pattern of palm panel 100. In the completed state of glove 10, the palm connecting edge 482 and the palm connecting edge 486 extend substantially laterally, and the index connecting edge 484 and the connecting edge of The little finger 488 extends substantially vertically. With reference to FIG. 5, the edges of the center finger panel 400 connect to other panels to form glove 10. Moving clockwise around the perimeter of the center finger panel 400, the center finger panel 400 includes: a ring connecting edge 500 defined by the inner portion of ring 444 extending laterally in the flat pattern; a ring tip connecting edge 502 defined by the inner portion of ring tip 464 extending laterally in the flat pattern; a ring tip connecting edge 504 defined by the inner portion of ring tip 464, the main portion of ring tip 460, and the outer portion of ring tip 468 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; a ring tip connecting edge 506 defined by the outer portion of ring tip 468 extending laterally in the flat pattern;a ring finger connecting edge 508 defined by the outer portion of ring finger 448 extending laterally in the flat pattern; the little finger connecting edge 488; the palm connecting edge 486; the palm connecting edge 482; the index finger connecting edge 484; a middle finger connecting edge 510 defined by the inner portion of middle finger 404 extending laterally in the flat pattern; a middle finger tip connecting edge 512 defined by the inner portion of middle finger tip 424 extending laterally in the flat pattern; a middle finger tip connecting edge 514 defined by the inner portion of middle finger tip 424, the main portion of middle finger tip 420, and the outer portion of middle finger tip 428 extending longitudinally in the flat pattern; and a middle finger tip connecting edge 516 defined by the outer portion of middle finger tip 428 extending laterally in the flat pattern;a connecting edge of medium 518 defined by the outer portion of medium 408 that extends laterally in the flat pattern.; With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, glove 10 further includes a fourth piece, sheet, or panel (e.g., a top panel), shown as the back panel 600, which extends along the back of the main portion of a user's hand, between back panel 300, palm panel 100, and cuff 30. In other embodiments, back panel 600 is omitted, and back panel 300 extends to join the cuff 30. Cuff 30 includes a fifth piece, sheet, or panel, shown as cuff panel 602. Cuff panel 602 substantially surrounds the user's wrist and / or forearm. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, glove 10 includes a third piece, sheet, or panel, shown as the backside thumb panel 650, and a fourth piece, sheet, or panel, shown as the palmside thumb panel 652. The backside thumb panel 650 extends along the upper side of a user's thumb. The palmside thumb panel 652 extends along the lower side of a user's thumb. The backside thumb panel 650 includes a thumb connecting edge 660 and a palm connecting edge 662. The palmside thumb panel 652 includes a thumb connecting edge 670 and a palm connecting edge 672. In some embodiments, the panels of glove 10 are joined together along a series of seams. Figures 8–10 illustrate examples of possible seam arrangements used in glove 10. At each seam, an edge E1 of a first panel P1 is placed adjacent to an edge E2 of another panel P2. The edges E1 and E2 are then joined together (e.g., with adhesive, with a thread T extending through both panels, etc.). Figure 8 illustrates an internal seam where both edges E1 and E2 are positioned inside glove 10. Figure 9 illustrates an external seam where both edges E1 and E2 are positioned outside glove 10. Figure 10 illustrates an overlapping seam where edge E1 is positioned outside glove 10 and edge E2 is positioned inside the glove. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, a first series of seams extends longitudinally along the length of glove 10, forming the fingers and the main body of glove 20. A first seam extends longitudinally, attaching the back connecting edge 222 of palm panel 100 to a rear back panel edge 600 and to the palm connecting edge 366 of back panel 300, and attaching the index connecting edge 224 of palm panel 100 to the index connecting edge 364 of back panel 300 and to the index tip connecting edge 226 of palm panel 100. A second seam extends longitudinally, attaching the index connecting edge 232 of palm panel 100 to the index tip connecting edge 230 of palm panel 100 and to the index connecting edge 330 of back panel 300.A third seam extends longitudinally, mating the middle connecting edge 510 of the 400 finger center panel with the middle tip connecting edge 512 of the 400 finger center panel and with the middle connecting edge 332 of the 300 back panel. A fourth seam extends longitudinally, mating the middle connecting edge 518 of the 400 finger center panel with the middle tip connecting edge 516 of the 400 finger center panel and the middle connecting edge 334 of the 300 back panel. A fifth seam extends longitudinally, mating the ring connecting edge 500 of the 400 finger center panel with the ring tip connecting edge 502 of the 400 finger center panel and with the ring connecting edge 336 of the 300 back panel.A sixth seam extends longitudinally, mating the ring finger connecting edge 508 of the center finger panel 400 with the ring finger tip connecting edge 506 of the center finger panel 400 and the ring finger connecting edge 338 of the back panel 300. A seventh seam extends longitudinally, mating the little finger connecting edge 234 of the palm panel 100 with the little finger tip connecting edge 236 of the palm panel 100 and the little finger connecting edge 340 of the back panel 300. An eighth seam extends longitudinally, mating the back connecting edge 244 of the palm panel 100 to a back edge of the rear panel 600 and to the palm connecting edge 352 of the back panel 300, and mating the little finger connecting edge 242 of the palm panel 100 to the little finger connecting edge. 354 of the back panel 300 and to the little finger tip connection edge 240 of the palm panel 100. A second set of seams extends laterally across a glove width of 10, joining back panel 300 to palm panel 100 and center finger panel 400 to form the fingertip portions of glove 10. A ninth seam extends laterally along glove 10, joining index fingertip connecting edge 228 of palm panel 100 to index fingertip connecting edge 362 of back panel 300. A tenth seam extends laterally along glove 10, joining middle fingertip connecting edge 514 of center finger panel 400 to middle fingertip connecting edge 360 ​​of back panel 300. An eleventh seam extends laterally along glove 10, joining ring fingertip connecting edge 504 of center finger panel 400 to ring fingertip connecting edge 360 ​​of back panel 300. 358 of the rear panel 300.A twelfth seam extends laterally along glove 10, coupling the little finger tip connecting edge 238 of palm panel 100 with the little finger tip connecting edge 356 of back panel 300. With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, a seam 700 partially wraps around the middle finger 42 and ring finger 44, attaching the center finger panel 400 to the palm panel 100. A first portion of seam 700 extends vertically through glove 10, attaching the index finger connecting edge 484 of the center finger panel 400 to the middle finger connecting edge 140 of the palm panel 100. A second portion of seam 700 extends laterally through glove 10, attaching the palm connecting edge 482 of the center finger panel 400 to the middle finger connecting edge 138 of the palm panel 100, and attaching the palm connecting edge 486 of the center finger panel 400 to the ring finger connecting edge 188 of the palm panel 100. A third portion of seam 700 It extends vertically through glove 10, coupling the little finger connecting edge 488 of the center finger panel 400 with the ring finger connecting edge 190 of the palm panel 100. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 11, glove 10 may include a seam reinforcement member, piece, or panel, shown as welt 702. Welt 702 extends along part or all of the length of seam 700. Welt 702 is positioned within seam 700 between the center finger panel 400 and the palm panel 100. Welt 702 can reinforce seam 700 to resist separation of the center finger panel 400 from the palm panel 100 over time. In other embodiments, welt 702 is omitted. In some embodiments, one or more of the other seams of glove 10 include welts to reinforce the seams. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, a first thumb seam extends along a perimeter of thumb 50, coupling the thumb connecting edge 660 of the backside thumb panel 650 to the thumb connecting edge 670 of the palmside thumb panel 652. A second thumb seam couples the palm connecting edge 662 of the backside thumb panel 650 and the palm connecting edge 672 of the palmside thumb panel 652 to an edge of the thumb opening 112 defined by the palm panel 100. A section or portion of the palm panel 100 adjacent to the thumb opening 112, shown as the thumb overlap pad 710, extends halfway across the palmside thumb panel 652. A third thumb seam couples an edge of the thumb overlap pad 710 to the palmside thumb panel 652. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 12, glove 10 includes a reinforcing piece, panel, patch, or section, shown as the outer sliding patch 750. The outer sliding patch 750 extends longitudinally along a length of glove 10. The outer sliding patch 750 is attached to the main body of glove 20 and to the little finger 46. As shown, the outer sliding patch 750 is positioned on the outside of glove 10. As shown, the outer sliding patch 750 extends along a top surface of back panel 300 and rear back panel 600, a bottom surface of palm panel 100, and an outer surface of palm panel 100, back panel 300, and rear back panel 600.As shown, the outer sliding patch 750 is stitched to the palm panel 100, back panel 300, and rear back panel 600 in a seam that extends along a perimeter of the outer sliding patch 750. In other embodiments, the outer sliding patch 750 is attached to the palm panel 100, back panel 300, and / or rear back panel 600. The outer sliding patch 750 can reduce wear on the glove 10 caused by a user rubbing an outer side of the glove 10 against another object. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 13, glove 10 includes a reinforcing piece, panel, patch, or section, shown as thumb reinforcement patch 760. Thumb reinforcement patch 760 extends halfway along a length of thumb 50, from the connection of thumb 50 and the main glove body 20 to the end of thumb 50. Thumb reinforcement patch 760 is positioned on the outside of thumb 50 such that when a user touches their thumb with the main portion of their hand, thumb reinforcement patch 760 engages with the main glove body 20. Thumb reinforcement patch 760 extends along the seam between the thumb connection edge 660 and the thumb connection edge 670. As shown, thumb reinforcement patch 760 is positioned on the outside of glove 10.As shown, the 760 thumb reinforcement patch extends along a top surface of the 650 backside thumb panel, a bottom surface of the 652 palmside thumb panel, and an outer surface of both the 652 palmside thumb panel and the 650 backside thumb panel. The 760 thumb reinforcement patch is stitched to the 100 palm panel, the 652 palmside thumb panel, and the 650 backside thumb panel in a seam that extends along a perimeter of the 760 thumb reinforcement patch. In other embodiments, the 760 thumb reinforcement patch is attached to the 100 palm panel, the 652 palmside thumb panel, and / or the 650 backside thumb panel. The 760 thumb reinforcement patch can reduce wear on the glove caused by gripping an object (e.g., a hammer, a bat, etc.) between the thumb 50 and the main body of the glove 20. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, glove 10 includes a reinforcement piece, panel, patch, or section, shown as knuckle reinforcement 770. Knuckle reinforcement 770 extends laterally along a width of glove 10 and longitudinally along a length of glove 10. Knuckle reinforcement 770 is attached to the knuckle portion 302 of back panel 300. As shown, knuckle reinforcement 770 is positioned inside glove 10 (e.g., on a lower side of back panel 300). As shown, the knuckle reinforcement 770 is attached to the back panel 300. The knuckle reinforcement 770 can be attached to the back panel 300 before assembling the glove 10 (for example, before sewing the back panel 300 to the palm panel 100 or the center finger panel 400). The outer sliding patch 750 can reduce wear on the glove 10 caused by contact on a knuckle portion of the glove 10. With reference to FIG. 14, glove 10 includes a series of reinforcing pieces, panels, patches, or sections, shown as fingertip reinforcements 800. Each fingertip reinforcement 800 can be formed from a single continuous piece of flat material. As shown, fingertip reinforcement 800 includes an upper portion 802 coupled to a lower portion 804. The upper portion 802 and the lower portion 804 are curved relative to each other around a laterally extending line of curvature, shown as the fingertip curvature line 806. The upper portion 802 and the lower portion 804 are continuous across the fingertip curvature line 806. As shown, the flat pattern of the fingertip reinforcement 800 has a length L measured longitudinally across the upper portion 802 and the lower portion 804. In some embodiments, the length L is approximately 28 mm. The upper portion 802 has a width W1, and the lower portion 804 has a width W2, each measured laterally. In some embodiments, the width W2 is approximately 24 mm. The width W2 is greater than the width W1. The length L is greater than the width W2, which is greater than the width W1. The upper portion 802 has an area A1, and the lower portion 804 has an area A2. The area A2 is greater than the area A1. The fingertip reinforcement 800 may have a substantially constant thickness along its length. In some embodiments, each of the fingertip reinforcements 800 is the same size. In other embodiments, the fingertip reinforcements 800 vary in size based on the size of the associated glove finger 10. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 14, the 800 fingertip reinforcements are integrated into the fingers of glove 10. Specifically, the index finger 40, middle finger 42, ring finger 44 and little finger 46 each include an 800 fingertip reinforcement. The 800 fingertip reinforcements extend along the inner surface of each finger, between the user's fingertip and the corresponding finger panels, such that a user's fingertip comes into contact with the 800 fingertip reinforcement when worn.Each 800 fingertip reinforcement extends through and is coupled to the main finger portion of the panel (e.g., index main portion 120, middle main portion 402, ring main portion 442, pinky main portion 170) and the main tip portion of the panel (e.g., index main tip portion 150, middle main tip portion 420, ring main tip portion 460, pinky main tip portion 200). The fingertip curvature line 806 of each fingertip reinforcement 800 can be aligned with the corresponding fingertip curvature line of the palm panel 100 or center finger panel 400 (e.g., fingertip curvature line 152, fingertip curvature line 422, fingertip curvature line 462, fingertip curvature line 202).Accordingly, the upper portion 802 extends along an upper inner surface of glove 10 and over the user's corresponding finger, and the lower portion 804 extends along a lower inner surface of glove 10 and under the user's corresponding finger. With reference to FIG. 15, a side section view of index finger 40 of glove 10 is shown with a user's index finger F inserted into index finger 40. Although only index finger 40 is shown, it should be understood that the middle finger 42, ring finger 44, and little finger 46 may have similar arrangements. Index finger F includes the user's phalanges (i.e., phalangeal bones). Specifically, index finger F includes a distal phalanx P1, an intermediate phalanx P2, and a proximal phalanx P3. The distal phalanx P1 is coupled to the intermediate phalanx P2 at a distal knuckle K1. The intermediate phalanx P2 is coupled to the proximal phalanx P3 at an intermediate knuckle K2. The proximal phalanx P3 is coupled to a corresponding metacarpal M at a proximal knuckle K3. The M metacarpal is contained at least partially within the main body of glove 20 of glove 10. The point on finger F most distal to the M metacarpal is a fingertip FT. As shown in FIG. 15, the fingertip curvature line 152 and the fingertip curvature line 806 are located approximately in the same vertical position as the tip of finger FT. Consequently, the main portion of the index fingertip 150 and the upper portion 802 extend above the distal phalanx P1, and the main portion of the index fingertip 120 and the lower portion 804 extend below the distal phalanx P1. The main portion of the index fingertip 150 and the main portion of the index fingertip 120 extend continuously through the tip of finger FT from above the distal phalanx P1 to below the distal phalanx P1 without any seam extending laterally across the distal phalanx P1 at the tip of finger FT. Consequently, index finger 40 has a rolled tip arrangement.Similarly, the upper portion 802 and the lower portion 804 extend continuously across the FT fingertip without any seam. As shown, the seam between the index fingertip connecting edge 228 and the index fingertip connecting edge 362 is positioned above finger F and distal (e.g., longitudinally forward) to the first knuckle K1. In other embodiments, this seam is positioned behind the first knuckle K1. As shown, the upper portion 802 and the lower portion 804 are positioned entirely in front of the first knuckle K1. In other embodiments, the upper portion 802 and / or the lower portion 804 extend behind the first knuckle K1. As shown in FIG. 15, index finger 40 has a thickness T1 adjacent to the fingertip reinforcement 800. At the fingertip reinforcement 800, index finger 40 has a thickness T2, which is greater than thickness T1. If glove 10 did not include the fingertip reinforcement 800, finger F would be exposed if the wearer wore through thickness T1. However, due to the addition of the fingertip reinforcement 800, once the main portion of index finger 120 and / or the main portion of index fingertip 150 wears completely through it (i.e., wear extends through thickness T1), the fingertip reinforcement 800 further protects finger F. With the inclusion of the fingertip reinforcement 800, glove 10 must experience wear through thickness T2 before failing, thus extending the glove's life. Because the upper portion 802 of the fingertip reinforcement 800 has a larger area than the lower portion 804, a greater amount (e.g., area, volume, etc.) of material extends across the lower side of the F finger than across the upper side. In some embodiments, the upper portion 802 is approximately the same size and shape as a fingernail of the F finger. Because most of the gripping action takes place along the lower side of the F finger, this arrangement places more material where greater wear would normally occur, thereby increasing glove life and / or reducing glove weight 10 compared to a fingertip reinforcement 800 having the same amount of material above and below the F finger. In some embodiments, the 800 fingertip reinforcement is made of a different material than the outer layer or layers (e.g., the 100 palm panel, 300 back panel, 400 center finger panel, etc.) of the 10 glove. In some embodiments, the 800 fingertip reinforcements are more insulating than the outer layer (e.g., to reduce heat loss at the fingertips). In some embodiments, the 800 fingertip reinforcements have a higher coefficient of friction with finger F than the coefficient of friction of the outer layer with finger F. This may help prevent the 10 glove from slipping on a user's hand. In some embodiments, the outer layer is more abrasion-resistant than the 800 fingertip reinforcements. The 800 fingertip reinforcements are attached to the inner surfaces of the corresponding layers (e.g., the 100 palm panel, the 400 center finger panel). This attachment can be made while the panel is still in a flat pattern (i.e., before folding or curving the glove 10 panels), as shown in Figures 3 and 5. Attaching the 800 fingertip reinforcements improves the durability of the glove 10 compared to a sewn attachment. When attaching the 800 fingertip reinforcements, most or all of the surface of the 800 fingertip reinforcement is attached to the corresponding panel. Consequently, even if a portion of the 800 fingertip reinforcement wears through or becomes detached from the panel, the remaining 800 fingertip reinforcement remains attached to the panel, unaffected.If the 800 fingertip reinforcement were sewn to the panel, breaking the stitching thread would release the 800 fingertip reinforcement, allowing the 800 fingertip reinforcement to partially or completely separate from the panel. By attaching the 800 fingertip reinforcements to the outer layer, the 800 fingertip reinforcements can be positioned anywhere on the inner surface of the glove 10 without requiring a suitable location for the threads that attach the 800 fingertip reinforcements to the outer layer. In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5), the 800 fingertip reinforcements are relieved (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) so that they do not extend into the seams of the outer layer. This can facilitate movement of the 800 fingertip reinforcements relative to the seams of the outer layer, which can enhance wearer comfort. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 16, the thumb 50 includes a reinforcing piece, panel, patch, or section, shown as the thumb reinforcement 900. The thumb reinforcement 900 may be substantially similar to the fingertip reinforcement 800 (e.g., in construction, in relation to the corresponding glove finger, in function, etc.), unless otherwise specified herein. The thumb reinforcement 900 extends across an inner surface of the palm-side thumb panel 652 and below the distal phalanx of the wearer's thumb. The thumb reinforcement 900 does not extend across the tip of the thumb. Instead, the thumb reinforcement 900 is contained on a lower side of the thumb 50, below the seam between the thumb connecting edge 660 and the thumb connecting edge 670. The 900 thumb reinforcement has a width W measured laterally and a length L measured longitudinally. In some embodiments, the 900 thumb reinforcement has a substantially triangular shape with rounded corners. In some embodiments, the length L is approximately 33.5 mm. In some embodiments, the width W is approximately 33 mm. Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a glove, shown as glove 1000. Glove 1000 may be substantially similar to glove 10, unless otherwise specified herein. In some embodiments, glove 1000 is a welding glove. Figures 19 and 20 illustrate another alternative embodiment of a glove, shown as glove 1100. Glove 1100 may be substantially similar to glove 10, unless otherwise specified herein. In some embodiments, glove 1000 is a work glove. With reference to Figure 21 (showing a disclosed "inside-out" embodiment), the fingertip reinforcement 1200 is formed by extending the palm panel over the fingertip so that it overlaps the back panel.22 represents an alternative embodiment comprising a separate fingertip reinforcement 1202 that attaches beneath the back of the hand panel (in this reverse view), thereby preventing the formation of an edge that could "catch" a user's fingertip. As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and the like are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with common usage accepted by those of normal experience in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those skilled in the art who examine this disclosure that these terms are intended to permit a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided.Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insignificant or unimportant modifications or alterations to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of disclosure as cited in the appended claims. It should be noted that the term "example" and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various realizations, are intended to indicate that such realizations are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible realizations (and such terms are not intended to connote that such realizations are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). The term "coupled" and variations thereof, as used in this document, means the direct or indirect joining of two members to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or detachable). Such joining may be achieved by the two members being coupled directly to one another, by the two members being coupled to one another using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled to one another, or by the members being coupled to one another using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unit body with one of the two members.If "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two members without any separate intervening members), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluid. References in this document to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") are used simply to describe the orientation of the various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be covered by the present invention as defined in the claims. Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of the method steps, the order of such steps may differ from that depicted and described, unless otherwise specified above. Also, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or with partial concurrency, unless otherwise specified above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the chosen software and hardware systems and the designer's decision. All such variations are within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Similarly, software implementations of the described methods could be achieved using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection, processing, comparison, and decision stages. It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the glove as shown in the various example embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated into or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the fingertip reinforcements 800 of the example embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be incorporated into the glove 1000 of the example embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18. Although only one example of an element of one embodiment that may be incorporated into or used in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated into or used with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A glove (10) for protecting a user's hand, comprising: a main glove body (20) configured to receive the metacarpals of the hand; a glove finger attached to the main glove body (20) and extending longitudinally away from the main glove body (20), wherein the glove finger is configured to receive a finger of the hand, and wherein the glove finger includes a panel defining a rolled tip arrangement at one end of the glove finger; and a fingertip reinforcement (800) attached to an inner surface of the panel and positioned to extend between the panel and a fingertip of the finger of the hand, characterized in that the fingertip reinforcement (800) includes an upper portion positioned to extend above the finger of the hand and a lower portion positioned to extend below the finger of the hand, and wherein a volume of the upper portion is less than a volume of the lower portion. 2.The glove (10) of Claim 1, wherein the glove finger is one of a glove index finger configured to receive an index finger (40) of the hand, a glove middle finger configured to receive a middle finger (42) of the hand, a glove ring finger configured to receive a ring finger (44) of the hand, or a glove little finger configured to receive a little finger (46) of the hand.

3. The glove (10) of Claim 2, wherein the glove finger is the glove index finger, further comprising the glove middle finger, glove ring finger, and glove little finger, and wherein the glove index finger, glove middle finger, glove ring finger, and glove little finger are arranged in a Gunn pattern. 4.The glove (10) of Claim 3, wherein the panel is a first panel, further comprising a second panel extending continuously from an end of the middle finger of the glove to an end of the ring finger of the glove, and wherein the first panel extends continuously from the end of the index finger of the glove to an end of the little finger of the glove. 5.The glove (10) of Claim 1, wherein the glove finger is a first glove finger and the fingertip reinforcement (800) is a first fingertip reinforcement, the glove further comprising: a second glove finger, a third glove finger, and a fourth glove finger, each defining a corresponding rolled-tip arrangement; a second fingertip reinforcement attached to an inner surface of the second glove finger; a third fingertip reinforcement attached to an inner surface of the third glove finger; and a fourth fingertip reinforcement attached to an inner surface of the fourth glove finger.

6. The glove (10) of Claim 1, wherein the panel is a first panel, further comprising a second panel coupled to the first panel by a seam, wherein the seam extends laterally through the glove finger. 7.The glove (10) of Claim 6, wherein the second panel is an upper panel extending across an upper surface of the glove finger above the finger, and wherein the seam is positioned along the upper surface of the glove finger.

8. The glove (10) of Claim 7, wherein the first panel is a lower panel extending continuously across a lower surface of the main glove body (20), a lower surface of the glove finger below the finger, and an upper surface of the glove finger above the finger.

9. The glove (10) of Claim 1, wherein the fingertip reinforcement (800) does not extend into the main glove body (20). 10.A method of manufacturing a glove according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising: providing a first panel that at least partially defines a main glove body configured to receive a metacarpal of the hand; attaching a second panel to the first panel, the second panel at least partially defining a glove finger configured to receive a finger of the hand, the finger having a fingertip, wherein the second panel extends continuously from a lower surface of the glove finger to an upper surface of the glove finger adjacent to the fingertip of the finger; attaching a fingertip reinforcement to an inner surface of the second panel such that the fingertip reinforcement is positioned to extend between the fingertip and the second panel. 11.The method of Claim 10, wherein the first panel is attached to the second panel at a seam, wherein the first panel is one of (a) an upper panel defining an upper surface of the main body of the glove or (b) a lower panel defining a lower surface of the main body of the glove, and wherein the second panel is the other of (a) the upper panel or (b) the lower panel.

12. The method of Claim 10, wherein the first panel is an upper panel defining at least partially an upper surface of the main body of the glove and an upper surface of the glove finger, wherein the second panel is a lower panel defining at least partially a lower surface of the main body of the glove and a lower surface of the glove finger, and wherein the first panel is attached to the second panel at a seam extending across the upper surface of the glove finger. 13.The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said panels overlap adjacent to the fingertip, thereby forming a reinforced region.

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