Glove cartridge
The glove wearing device addresses the risk of glove contamination by automating the donning process, ensuring sterility and safety in sterile environments through its automated glove lifting, positioning, and inflation mechanism.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- IGIN SMART HYGIENE LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure 0007867526000001 
Figure 0007867526000002 
Figure 0007867526000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a glove wearing device for wearing a sterilized glove on the palm.
Background Art
[0002] It is customary, and sometimes essential, to use sterilized gloves in operating rooms, laboratories, and various other places where a sterilized environment should be maintained for performing surgeries. For example, a user such as a surgeon preparing for surgery usually washes and disinfects their hands with soap and a disinfectant and then wears a sterilized glove.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] If the user touches the glove while putting it on their hand, there is a potential risk of contaminating the outside of the glove. Even after washing and disinfecting with soap, touching the outside of the glove may contaminate the glove with bacteria. The present invention describes a system that provides a solution to such problems.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0004] The drawings attached to this application are not intended to limit the present invention and its scope of application. The drawings are merely for illustrating the present invention and constitute only one of many possible embodiments. [Figure 1] A glove 100 having an opening 103 and a circumferential portion 104 of the opening 103 is shown. [Figure 2] A glove wearing device 1 including a casing 2, a glove opening device 3, a glove lifting and positioning device 4, an air pump 5, and a replaceable glove cartridge 7 is shown. [Figure 3] A glove wearing device 1 including a casing 2, a glove opening device 3, a glove lifting and positioning device 4, an air pump 5, and a replaceable glove cartridge 7 is shown. [Figure 4]This shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the movable rod 411 is facing downwards during the process of collecting gloves from the replaceable cartridge 7. [Figure 5] This shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the movable rod 411 is facing downwards during the process of collecting gloves from the replaceable cartridge 7. [Figure 6] This shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the insertion pin is inserted into the fitting hole of the glove holder. [Figure 7] This shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the insertion pin is inserted into the fitting hole of the glove holder. [Figure 8] This shows a glove lifting and positioning device 4 that holds the glove in the process of attaching it to the glove release device 3 in a diagonal position. [Figure 9] This shows a glove lifting and positioning device 4 that holds the glove in the process of attaching it to the glove release device 3 in a diagonal position. [Figure 10] The glove lifting and positioning device 4 holds the glove in a horizontal position and attaches the glove to the glove release device 3. [Figure 11] The glove lifting and positioning device 4 holds the glove in a horizontal position and attaches the glove to the glove release device 3. [Figure 12] The glove lifting and positioning device 4 is shown for attaching gloves to the glove release device 3. [Figure 13] The glove lifting and positioning device 4 is shown for attaching gloves to the glove release device 3. [Figure 14] The image shows a glove 100 that has been inserted onto a gripping pin and inflated, ready to receive the user's hand. [Figure 15] This shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the movable rod 411 is in the "up" position. [Figure 16] This shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the movable rod 411 is in the "down" position. [Figure 17] The glove lifting and positioning device 4 is located at a diagonal position. [Figure 18]Shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 at the diagonal position. [Figure 19] Shows the adjustment piece 48 in two states with respect to the movable rod 411. [Figure 20] Shows the insertion pin 42 when inserted into the glove holder. [Figure 21] Shows the insertion pin 42 when inserted into the glove holder. [Figure 22] Shows the insertion pin 42 before and after being inserted into the glove holder 6. [Figure 23] Shows the insertion pin 42 before and after being inserted into the glove holder 6. [Figure 24A] Shows multiple states of the movable rod 411 and the glove holder 6. [Figure 24B] Shows multiple states of the movable rod 411 and the glove holder 6. [Figure 24C] Shows multiple states of the movable rod 411 and the glove holder 6. [Figure 24D] Shows multiple states of the movable rod 411 and the glove holder 6. [Figure 24E] Shows multiple states of the movable rod 411 and the glove holder 6. [Figure 25] Shows the glove holder 6. [Figure 26] Shows the glove holder 6 with the glove 100. [Figure 27] Shows the glove opening device 3 where the gripping pins 36 are concentrated at the center of the polygonal circumferential frame 31. [Figure 28] Shows the glove opening device 3 where the gripping pins 36 are concentrated at the center of the polygonal circumferential frame 31. [Figure 29] Shows the glove opening device 3 in a partially open position. [Figure 30] Shows the glove opening device 3 in the open position. [Figure 31] Shows the regulator 8 in multiple states. [Figure 32] Shows the regulator 8 in multiple states. [Figure 33] Shows the regulator 8 in multiple states. [Figure 34] Partial cross-sectional view of an exchangeable cartridge 7 having a follower 92 and a spring 93. [Figure 35] An empty exchangeable cartridge 7 is shown. [Figure 36] Plan view of the exchangeable cartridge 7. [Figure 37] Upper end frame of the cartridge including a stopper 75.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0005] The main object of the present invention is to provide a glove wearing device 1 designed to assist a user in putting on gloves. The glove wearing device 1 includes the following main parts: a casing 2, a glove opening device 3, a glove lifting and positioning device 4, and an air pump 5.
[0006] The glove wearing device 1 can include an exchangeable glove cartridge 7 designed to accommodate the glove 100. The gloves can be stacked and arranged inside the exchangeable glove cartridge. The exchangeable glove cartridge can be fixed as a permanent part of the glove wearing device that is replenished each time the gloves run out, or alternatively, the entire exchangeable cartridge can be replaced with a new exchangeable glove cartridge to serve as a kind of disposable glove cartridge. When it is necessary to maintain the sterilized state of the gloves, the disposable, exchangeable glove cartridge setting is more appropriate and recommended.
[0007] The glove lifting and positioning device 4 is designed to lift the gloves one by one from the exchangeable glove cartridge and position the glove opening 103 at the glove opening device 3.
[0008] The glove dispensing device 1, as shown in the drawings and as described above, includes a casing 2, a glove lifting and positioning device 4, a glove release device 3, and an air pump 5. The casing 2, partially shown in the drawings, includes the aforementioned components of the glove dispensing device 1. The casing 2 may also further include a replaceable glove cartridge 7.
[0009] The glove lifting and positioning device 4 includes the following: (a) A base 43 comprising a linear actuator 41 to which a movable rod 411 is attached. The movable rod is designed to move back and forth when the linear actuator is operated. (b) A rotary actuator 44 designed to rotate the glove lifting and positioning device 4. By operating the rotary actuator, the glove lifting and positioning device can be rotated to change the direction in which the movable rod is facing. (c) A lifting arm 45 equipped with a lifting actuator 46 designed to raise and lower the glove lifting and positioning device 4. The drawing shows, for example, two lifting arms. The position of the glove lifting and positioning device is changed by controlling the lifting actuator. (d) The base also includes a release rod 47. An insertion pin 42 is provided at the end of the movable rod 411, and the movable rod 411 includes an adjustment piece 48 having an adjustment rod 49.
[0010] The glove lifting and positioning device 4 is designed to "pick up" the glove by the movable rod 411 after it has descended and reached the glove holder 6 to which the glove 100 is attached, by which the insertion pin 42 is passed through the fitting hole 61 in the glove holder 6 and locked onto the movable rod. At this stage, the glove lifting and positioning device 4 lifts the glove upward and forward to provide the glove to the glove release device.
[0011] Some descriptions of the gloves: The glove attachment device 1 may include a replaceable glove cartridge 7 containing a plurality of gloves 100. Each glove 100 is attached to a glove holder 6. The glove holder can be made of flexible plastic having a plurality of fixing rods 62, each having a fixing clip 63 at its end to which the circumferential portion 104 of the opening 103 of the glove 100 is attached, and a fitting hole 61 that matches the insertion pin 42 of the glove lifting and positioning device 4. In this manner, the insertion pin 42 is inserted into the fitting hole 61, fixing the glove holder 6 thereto and moving the glove holder with the glove attached to it to the glove release device 3. To center the insertion pin 42 directly in the fitting hole 61, the movable rod 411 includes an adjustment piece 48 having an adjustment rod 49 that centers the insertion pin 42 in a straight line in the fitting hole 61 by housing and surrounding the glove holder 6.
[0012] When in the closed position, the opening of the glove is inserted onto the gripping pin 36, and when such gripping pin 36 moves to the open position, the glove is separated from the glove holder 6. At this stage, the glove lifting and positioning device 4 moves backward to bring in another glove as needed. The glove lifting and positioning device 4 removes the glove holder 6 that currently has no gloves by pulling back the movable rod 411, thereby causing the glove holder 6 to collide with the release rod 47 connected to the base 43, which causes the glove holder 6 to slip out of the insertion pin 42 and preferably fall into the trash can.
[0013] The drawing shows a glove release device 3 having a six-sided frame, but the present invention can be embodied in a frame with more or fewer sides. The outer end 33 of each spreading rod 32 is attached to the polygonal circumferential frame 31 by an axial joint 34. A gripping pin 36 is fitted to the inner end 35 of each spreading rod 32. The glove release device 3 further includes a mechanism to change the joining angle between the spreading rods 32 and the polygonal circumferential frame 31.
[0014] The glove dispensing device 1 may include a regulator 8 that covers the holes inside the polygonal circumferential frame 31 and is designed to close when the device 1 is not in use, and vice versa.
[0015] Operation of the glove dispensing device 1: The glove lifting and positioning device 4 descends to pick up the glove 100, as described above. Next, the glove lifting and positioning device 4 moves the opening of the glove over the gripping pin 36. Then, the glove release device 3 moves from the closed position to the open position, that is, to a position where the opening of the glove is stretched into the shape of a polygonal circumferential frame, and the glove actually seals the opening of the glove release device. Next, the air pump 5 generates subpressure inside the casing 2 to inflate the glove. The user can then insert their hand into the inflated glove, and if they move slightly inward, it will be released from the gripping pin and remain on the user's hand. A sensor or a press or touch switch can control the release of the glove from the gripping pin, identifying when the hand is fully inserted into the glove. The glove dispensing device is also equipped with various activators to activate each of the aforementioned device components, as well as sensors to enable them to operate automatically.
[0016] Figure 1 shows a glove 100 having an opening 103 and a circumferential portion 104 of the opening 103. Figures 2 and 3 show a glove mounting device 1 including a casing 2, a glove release device 3, a glove lifting and positioning device 4, an air pump 5, and a replaceable glove cartridge 7. Figures 4 and 5 show the glove lifting and positioning device 4 with the movable rod 411 facing downwards during the process of collecting a glove from the replaceable cartridge 7. Figures 6 and 7 show the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the insertion pin is inserted into the fitting hole of the glove holder. Figures 8 and 9 show the glove lifting and positioning device 4 in a diagonal position, fixing the glove in place during the process of mounting the glove to the glove release device 3. Figures 10 and 11 show the glove lifting and positioning device 4 in a horizontal position, taking a glove and mounting it to the glove release device 3. Figures 12 and 13 show the glove lifting and positioning device 4 mounting a glove to the glove release device 3.
[0017] Figure 14 shows the glove 100 inserted into the gripping pin and inflated, ready to receive the user's hand. Figure 15 shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the movable rod 411 is in the "up" position, and Figure 16 shows the glove lifting and positioning device 4 when the movable rod 411 is in the "down" position. Figures 17 and 18 show the glove lifting and positioning device 4 in diagonal positions. Figure 19 shows the adjustment piece 48 in two states relative to the movable rod 411. Figures 20 and 21 show the insertion pin 42 when inserted into the glove holder 6. Figures 22 and 23 show the insertion pin 42 before and after insertion into the glove holder 6. Figures 24A to 24E show the various states of the movable rod 411 and the glove holder 6. Figure 25 shows the glove holder 6. Figure 26 shows the glove holder 6 with the glove 100 attached.
[0018] Figures 27 and 28 show the glove release device 3 with the gripping pin 36 concentrated at the center of the polygonal circumferential frame 31, i.e., in the closed position. Figure 29 shows the glove release device 3 in the partially open position, i.e., the expansion rod 32 has been slightly rotated so that the inner end 35 is closer to the side of the polygonal circumferential frame 31. Figure 30 shows the glove release device 3 in the open position, i.e., the expansion rod 32 is parallel and adjacent to the side of the polygonal circumferential frame 31, and the gripping pin 36 is positioned at an angle between the aforementioned side of the polygonal circumferential frame. Figures 31-33 show the regulator 8 in various states.
[0019] The replaceable cartridge 7 and glove holder 6 of the glove dispensing device 1 are described in the drawings and above, and will be described in more detail below. The glove dispensing device 1 preferably includes a replaceable cartridge 7 for the gloves 100, and more preferably includes various replaceable cartridges 7 as described below.
[0020] The glove attachment device 1 includes a cartridge mechanism 90, which includes a cartridge housing 91, a follower 92, and a spring 93. The follower 92 may include a push rod 921, for example, as shown in Figure 34, with a push plate 922 attached to its upper end and a pool plate 923 attached to its lower end. Preferably, the spring applies pressure to the follower 92, moving upward through the cartridge housing, causing the glove 100 to push up the holder 6. One end of a constant-force spring 93 is attached to the bottom of the cartridge housing 91, and the other end of the spring is attached to the pool plate 923, similar to how a rifle cartridge / magazine operates.
[0021] The cartridge mechanism 90 may include associated components such as a follower and a spring, multiple cartridge housings 91, and an activator that rotates the cartridge mechanism to align the interchangeable cartridges involved with the insertion pin 42. Figures 2 and 3 show a glove-wearing device having a cartridge mechanism 90 designed to include multiple interchangeable cartridges 7.
[0022] The user can insert the replaceable cartridges 7 into each cartridge housing 91 through the upper opening of the cartridge housing, thereby pushing the follower 92 downwards and locking the replaceable cartridge into the housing. The tensioned spring 93 then activates an upward force on the follower 92, as described above. Each time the glove holder 6 is pulled out into the cartridge 7, the follower 92 rises slightly upward, similar to the operating principle of a rifle cartridge. When there are no more replaceable cartridges, the cartridge mechanism rotates slightly to align another cartridge with the insertion pin, and when all cartridges are gone, the user can replace them all.
[0023] The replaceable glove cartridge 7 is designed to include multiple glove holders 6, each to which a glove 100 is attached in an overlapping manner. The replaceable cartridge 7 includes a closed peripheral wall 71 having an upper opening 72 from which the glove holders 6 can be pulled out of the replaceable cartridge and a lower opening 73 from which a follower 92 can pass through the glove holders 6 and push upward.
[0024] The replaceable cartridge 7 includes at least three internal corners 74 that serve as guides when the glove holder 6 is inside the cartridge. In this manner, the glove holder 6 is located inside the cartridge such that the end of each fixing rod 62 is positioned at each internal corner 74, and therefore if the glove holder includes three legs, it means three fixing rods, and the cartridge must include at least three internal corners.
[0025] Along two or more or all of the internal corners 74, there are stoppers 75 designed to prevent the glove holder 6 from moving upward. The stoppers 75 can correspond to the ends 64 of the fixing rod 62. For example, the stopper 75 may include two horizontal projections 751 with a gap 752, corresponding to the ends 64 of the fixing rod 62, which include two horizontal pieces 641 with a vertical piece 642 between them. In this manner, while the vertical piece 642 of the glove holder 6 is positioned within the gap 752, the two horizontal projections 751 of the stopper 75 prevent the two horizontal pieces 641 from moving upward, thereby properly positioning the upper glove holder 6 in the cartridge to meet the insertion pin 42. The glove holder 6 may be manufactured from a flexible material so that when the insertion pin 42 passes through the fitting hole 61 of the glove holder 6, it locks and pulls upward, causing the fixing rod 62 to bend and the glove holder to be pulled out of the cartridge. Figure 35 shows an empty cartridge 7, Figure 4 shows it with a glove holder 6, Figure 36 is a plan view of the cartridge 7, and Figure 37 is the upper end frame of the cartridge including the stopper 75.
[0026] The glove holder 6 described above and below includes a base 60 and at least three fixing rods 62. The base 60 includes a mating hole 61 having a plurality of horizontal slots 611 that coincide with an insertion pin 42. The insertion pin 42 includes a round mushroom-shaped tip 421 and a polygonal stem 422. The round mushroom-shaped tip 421 allows the insertion pin 42 to easily pass through the mating hole 61 and prevents it from easily coming out. The base can be designed such that the area 612 around and between the mating hole slopes toward the hole to further facilitate the insertion of the insertion pin and prevent the pin from easily coming out of the hole. The polygonal stem 422 is located within the mating hole 61 and is surrounded by the ends of the horizontal slots 611 that prevent rotational movement of the glove holder 6 around the insertion pin 42. Each end 64 of at least three fixing rods 62 includes a fixing clip 63 to which the circumferential portion 104 of the opening 103 of the glove 100 is attached, and two horizontal pieces 641 with a vertical piece 642 between them. When the glove holders 6 are positioned stacked vertically inside the cartridge, the vertical piece 642 of each glove holder is positioned between the two horizontal pieces 641 of the glove holder above it, thereby ensuring that the glove holders are stably and regularly stacked vertically inside the cartridge.
Claims
[Claim 1] A glove cartridge to be installed in a glove dispenser for dispensing sterile gloves, The aforementioned glove cartridge is Equipped with a glove holder for attaching gloves, The aforementioned glove cartridge is It includes a closing peripheral wall and at least two stoppers, and is designed to house the glove holder with the glove attached in the space enclosed by the closing peripheral wall, The glove holder is designed to have a plurality of fixing rods, each having a fixing clip at its end to which the circumferential portion of the opening of the glove is attached. The aforementioned enclosed peripheral wall is The glove holder has at least three internal corners designed to guide the end of the fixing rod when the glove holder is pulled up, An upper opening designed to allow the glove holder to pass through together with the glove when the glove holder is lifted up together with the glove by the movable rod of the glove attachment device, The lower opening is designed so that the glove holder within the closed peripheral wall is pushed upward by the bushing plate of the glove attachment device, The aforementioned glove holder is The fixing rod is made of a flexible material such that it bends when the glove holder is further pulled up while the fixing rod is in contact with each of the stoppers. Each of the aforementioned stoppers is The glove holder is provided so as to abut against the end of each fixing rod, The stopper is provided at the position of at least two of the three internal corners, The stopper is, When the glove holder is pushed upward by the bush plate, the upward movement of the glove holder is restricted, The glove holder is designed so that when it is pulled up by the movable rod, the fixed rod is bent, causing the glove holder to pass through the upper opening together with the glove. Glove cartridge.