Glove with Interior Finger Pads

Abstract

A glove with interior finger pads is provided. The glove includes a plurality of finger portions and a thumb portion. Each finger portion includes a first bend region that corresponds to a first knuckle of a user. At least one pad is coupled to an interior surface of the glove. The at least one pad is positioned along a first finger portion of the plurality of finger portions. The first pad is positioned adjacent to a tip of the first finger portion and extends along the first finger portion such that it overlaps with the first bend region of the first finger portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 770,109 filed on Mar. 11, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of gloves. The present invention relates specifically to a glove with a pad coupled to an interior surface of a finger portion of the glove.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One embodiment of the invention relates to a glove. The glove includes a body with a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side. The bottom side defines an exterior surface facing away from the top side and defines an interior surface facing towards the top side of the body. The body further includes a palm portion located on the bottom side, a plurality of finger portions, and a thumb portion. Each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions includes a tip, a base opposite the tip, and a first bend region. The base is positioned along the bottom side of the respective finger portion closer to the palm portion than the tip is positioned to the palm portion. The first bend region is positioned along the bottom side of the glove between the tip and the base. The first bend region is configured to correspond to a first knuckle of a user when the glove is worn by the user. The glove further includes a first pad coupled to the interior surface of the body along a first finger portion of the plurality of finger portions. The first pad is positioned along the first finger portion such that it overlaps with the first bend region of the first finger portion.

[0004] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a welding glove. The welding glove includes a body with a palm side defining an exterior surface and defining an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, a back side opposite the palm side, a palm portion, and a plurality of finger portions. Each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions includes a tip, a base, a first bend region, and a second bend region. The tip is positioned along the finger portion furthest from the palm portion of the body. The base is positioned opposite the tip. The first bend region is located between the tip and the base along the palm side of the body. The second bend region is located between the first bend region and the base along the palm side of the body. The welding glove further includes a first pad coupled to the interior surface of the body along a first finger portion of the plurality of finger portions. The first pad is positioned along the first finger portion such that it extends across the first bend region of the first finger portion.

[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a work glove. The work glove includes a body. The body includes a palm side defining an interior surface, a back side opposite the palm side, a palm portion located on the palm side, an index finger portion, and a thumb portion. The index finger portion includes a first tip, a first base, and a first bend region. The first tip is located at an end of the index finger portion furthest from the palm portion. The first base is located opposite the first tip. The first bend region is positioned along the palm side of the body between the first tip and the first base. The thumb portion includes a second tip, a second base, and a thumb bend region. The second tip is located at an end of the thumb portion furthest from the palm portion. The second base is located opposite the second tip. The thumb bend region is positioned along the palm side of the body between the second tip and the second base. The work glove further includes a finger pad and a thumb pad. The finger pad is coupled to the interior surface of the body along the index finger portion between the first tip and the first base. The thumb pad is coupled to the interior surface of the body along the thumb portion between the second tip and the second base. At least a portion of the thumb pad overlaps with the thumb bend region.

[0006] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and / or shown in the accompany drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. In addition, alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the glove of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an interior surface of the bottom side of the glove of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a pad for a finger portion of the glove of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0013] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a pad for a thumb portion of the glove of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a glove (e.g., a work glove, a construction glove, a welding glove, etc.) with finger and / or thumb pads are shown. Gloves may be worn in a variety of construction jobs or other situations. In some conventional gloves, an extra layer of material is added to reinforce specific portions of the glove (such as the fingertips, palm, back of hand, etc.). These extra layers may be used to provide cushioning to pressure points, additional heat resistance, additional cut resistance, and other benefits to a user of the glove. However, Applicant has identified that when the extra material is added to an exterior surface of the glove, the material may snag on a workpiece and be subject to faster wear. Additionally, in some conventional gloves, the extra layer of material is added to an inner surface of the glove at the tip of the finger portion of the glove and does not extend or overlap with a bend region of a user's finger (e.g., a portion of the bottom side of a user's finger that corresponds to the knuckles of the finger). Applicant has identified that such positioning may limit the benefits of the extra material by not providing support to a greater length of the finger or side portions of the bend region of the finger.

[0015] In contrast, as discussed herein, Applicant has developed various gloves with finger and thumb pads that are believed to provide various advantages over conventional gloves. Specifically, the finger pads and thumb pads discussed herein are coupled to an interior surface of the glove. Each finger pad and / or thumb pad is positioned adjacent to a tip of a finger portion of the glove and extends along the finger portion / thumb portion such that at least a portion of the pad overlaps with a bend region. In particular, the finger pads include an upper section positioned above the bend region, a lower section positioned below the bend region, and two side sections extending across the bend region and connecting the upper section and the lower section. Applicant believes that this finger pad design provides greater support to the fingers of the user by including an extra layer of material below the bend region and along the sides of the bend region, which allows for additional cushioning, additional heat resistance, additional cut resistance, and other benefits.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a glove 10 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Glove 10 includes a body 12 with a top side, or back side, 14 and a bottom side, or palm side, 16 opposite top side 14. Body 12 includes a plurality of finger portions 18, a thumb portion 20, a palm portion 22 located on bottom side 16 of glove 10, and a back portion 24 located on top side 14. The plurality of finger portions 18 and thumb portion 20 are defined by top side 14 and bottom side 16 of body 12. As shown, glove 10 is a left-handed glove such that, when positioned with top side 14 facing upwards, finger portions 18 are positioned to the left of thumb portion 20 (as shown in FIG. 1) and, when positioned with bottom side 16 facing upwards, finger portions 18 are positioned to the right of thumb portion 20 (as shown in FIG. 2).

[0017] Body 12 may be made from a variety of materials, such as a cloth material, leather, or a synthetic leather material. In a specific embodiment, body 12 is made from a single, continuous, contiguous piece of material such that finger portions 18, thumb portion 20, palm portion 22, and back portion 24 are made from the same piece of material.

[0018] Bottom side 16 of body 12 includes an outer or exterior surface 26 that faces away from top side 14. Exterior surface 26 is configured to interface with a workpiece when held by a user wearing glove 10. As shown in FIG. 3, bottom side 16 further includes an inner or interior surface 28. Interior surface 28 faces towards top side 14 and is configured to interface with a user's hand when a user is wearing glove 10.

[0019] Plurality of finger portions 18 correspond to the fingers of a user such that there are four finger portions 18: an index finger portion, a middle finger portion, a ring finger portion, and a littler finger portion. Each finger portion 18 includes a tip 32 and a base 34. Each tip 32 is located at an end its respective finger portion 18 furthest from palm portion 22 of body 12. Each base 34 is located at an end of its respective finger portion 18 adjacent to palm portion 22 of body 12. In this way, bases 34 are located closer to palm portion 22 than tips 32. Each finger portions 18 may include one or more bend regions 30 that are configured to correspond to the knuckles of a user. In particular, bend regions 30 are located on bottom side 16 of glove and correspond to a portion of the palm side of a user's finger that corresponds to the knuckles of the finger. Bend regions 30 of finger portion 18 are located between tip 32 and base 34 of the respective finger portion 18. Bend regions 30 extend along bottom side 16 from a first side 31 of finger portion 18 to a second side 33 of finger portion 18.

[0020] As shown, each finger portion 18 defines three bend regions 30, which correspond to the three knuckles of a user's finger. Each finger portion 18 includes a first bend region 30A positioned along bottom side 16 closest to tip 32, a third bend region 30C positioned along bottom side 16 closest to base 34 and palm portion 22, and a second bend region 30B positioned along bottom side 16 between first bend region 30A and third bend region 30C.

[0021] Thumb portion 20 includes a tip 36 and a base 38. Tip 36 is located at an end of thumb portion 20 furthest from palm portion 22 of body 12. Base 38 is located at an end of thumb portion 20 adjacent to palm portion 22 of body 12. Thumb portion 20 may also include one or more thumb bend regions. As shown, thumb portion 20 includes two bend regions 30. In particular, thumb portion 20 includes a first bend region 30A positioned along bottom side 16 closest to tip 36, and a second bend region 30B positioned along bottom side 16 closest to base 38 and palm portion 22.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 3, glove 10 includes extra material used to reinforce body 12, shown as first pads or finger pads 40 and second pad or thumb pad 42. Finger pads 40 and thumb pad 42 are coupled to interior surface 28 of bottom side 16.

[0023] Finger pads 40 are coupled to interior surface 28 along finger portions 18. As shown, each finger portion 18 includes one finger pad 40. Each finger pad 40 is positioned adjacent to tip 32 of its respective finger portion 18. Each finger pad 40 extends along a length of its respective finger portion 18 from tip 32 towards base 34. In particular, each finger pad 40 overlaps with at least a portion of first bend region 30A of its respective finger portion 18 and terminates before second bend region 30B. In particular, finger pads 40 overlap with first bend region 30A adjacent to first side 31 and second side 33 of finger portion 18.

[0024] Thumb pad 42 is coupled to interior surface 28 along thumb portion 20. Thumb pad 42 is positioned adjacent to tip 36 of thumb portion 20. Thumb pad 42 extends along a length of thumb portion 20 from tip 36 towards base 38. In particular, thumb pad 42 overlaps with at least a portion of first bend region 30A of thumb portion 20 and terminate before second bend region 30B.

[0025] Finger pads 40 and thumb pad 42 may be made from a variety of materials, such as a cloth material, leather, a synthetic leather material, heat resistance material, or abrasive resistance material. In a specific embodiment, finger pads 40 and thumb pad 42 are made from the same material as body 12. In another specific embodiment, finger pads 40 and thumb pad 42 are made from a different material from body 12.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, each finger pad 40 includes a first or upper section 44, a second or lower section 46, and two side sections or arms 48. Upper section 44 is positioned along finger portion 18 adjacent to tip 32 and above first bend region 30A. Upper section 44 is positioned between tip 32 and first bend region 30A. Lower section 46 is positioned along finger portion 18 below first bend region 30A. Lower section is positioned between first bend region 30A and second bend region 30B. Arms 48 extend across first bend region 30A between upper section 44 and lower section 46. Arms 48 are spaced apart from each other across bend region 30A. Applicant believes that this finger pad structure provides for less resistance when a user bends their finger but provides additional support along the sides of the bend region and below the bend region.

[0027] In particular, a first arm 48 is located adjacent to first side 31 of finger portion 18 and a second arm 48 is located adjacent to second side 33 of finger portion 18. First arm 48 is spaced from second arm 48 across bend region 30A such that a portion of bend region 30A is positioned between first arm 48 and second arm 48. Together, upper section 44, lower section, and arms 48 define a window 50 around a center portion of bend region 30A. In a specific embodiment, each finger pads 40 is formed from a single, continuous, contiguous piece of material.

[0028] Each finger pad 40 has a height 51, a width 52, and a thickness 53. Height 51 is measured in a direction along the length of finger portions 18 between tip 32 and base 34. In a specific embodiment, height 51 is at least 40 mm and at most 50 mm, and more specifically is 46 mm. Width 52 is measured from first side 31 to second side 33 of finger portion 18. In a specific embodiment, width 52 is at least 20 mm and at most 30 mm, and more specifically is 29.5 mm.

[0029] Upper section 44 of finger pad 18 has a radius of curvature 54. In a specific embodiment, radius of curvature 54 is at least 10 mm and at most 20 mm, and more specifically is 16 mm. Lower section 46 has a height 55. In a specific embodiment, height 55 of lower section 46 is at least 10 mm and at most 20 mm, and more specifically is 12 mm. Arms 58 are each substantially the same size and shape as each other. Each arm 58 has a width 56. In a specific embodiment, width 56 is at least 1 mm and at most 6 mm and more specifically is 4 mm. Window 50 has a height 57 and a width 58. In a specific embodiment, height 57 is at least 5 mm and at most 15 mm and more specifically is 10.5 mm. In a specific embodiment, width 58 is at least 20 mm and at most 30 mm and more specifically is 21.5 mm.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, thumb pad 42 includes a body section 60 and an angled protrusion 62 extending away from body section 60. Body section 60 is positioned adjacent to tip 36 and extends along thumb portion 42 towards first bend region 30A. Angled protrusion 62 is angled with respect to body section 60. Angled protrusion 62 defines an angle 64. In a specific embodiment, angle 64 is at least 30 degrees and at most 40 degrees and more specifically is 37 degrees.

[0031] Angled protrusion extends from body section 60 across at least a portion of first bend region 30A. Specifically, angled protrusion is a tapered extension that overlaps with at least a side portion of first bend region 30A. As shown, angled protrusion 62 extends across a left side of bend region 30A. In a specific embodiment, thumb portion 20 is formed from a single, continuous, contiguous piece of material.

[0032] Thumb pad 42 has a height 65 and a thickness 66. In a specific embodiment, height 65 is at least 40 mm and at most 50 mm and more specifically is 45.8 mm. Body section 60 has a radius of curvature 67 and angled protrusion 62 has a radius of curvature of 68. In a specific embodiment, radius of curvature 67 is at least 20 mm and at most 30 mm and more specifically is 28 mm. In another specific embodiment, radius of curvature 68 is at least 1 mm and at most 10 mm and more specifically is 5 mm. As shown, a center of body section 60 is offset from the center of angled protrusion 62 by a distance 69 in the horizontal direction and a distance 70 in the vertical direction. In a specific embodiment, distance 69 is at least 1 mm and at most 10 mm and more specifically is 9 mm. In another specific embodiment, distance 70 is at least 20 mm and at most 30 mm and more specifically is 26.8 mm.

[0033] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application 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 is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0034] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0036] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

[0037] While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0038] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles, and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.

Claims

1. A glove, comprising:a body comprising:a top side;a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side defining an exterior surface facing away from the top side and an interior surface facing towards the top side of the body;a palm portion located on the bottom side;a plurality of finger portions, each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions comprises:a tip;a base opposite the tip, wherein the base is positioned along the bottom side of the respective finger portion closer to the palm portion than the tip is positioned to the palm portion; anda first bend region positioned along the bottom side of the glove between the tip and the base, the first bend region configured to correspond to a first knuckle of a user; anda thumb portion; anda first pad coupled to the interior surface of the body along a first finger portion of the plurality of finger portions, the first pad positioned along the first finger portion such that it overlaps with the first bend region of the first finger portion.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the first pad comprises:a first section positioned along the first finger portion between the tip and the first bend region of the first finger portion;a second section positioned along the first finger portion between the first bend region and the base of the first finger portion;a first side section extending across the first bend region between the first section and the second section; anda second side section extending across the first bend region between the first section and the second section.

3. The glove of claim 2, wherein the first pad is formed from a single, continuous, contiguous piece of material.

4. The glove of claim 2, wherein the second side section is spaced apart from the first side section across the first bend region such that a portion of the first bend region is positioned between the first side section and the second side section.

5. The glove of claim 1, wherein each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions further comprises a second bend region configured to correspond to a second knuckle of a user different from the first knuckle, wherein the first bend region is positioned along the bottom side between the tip and the second bend region of each respective finger portion of the plurality of finger portions such that the first bend region is located closer to the tip than the second bend region is to the tip.

6. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a second pad coupled to the interior surface of the body along the thumb portion.

7. The glove of claim 6, wherein the thumb portion further comprises a tip located at an end of the thumb portion furthest from the palm portion, a base opposite the tip, and a thumb bend region positioned along the bottom side of the body between the tip and the base of the thumb portion, wherein the thumb bend region is configured to correspond to a first thumb knuckle of a user, and wherein the second pad extends along the thumb portion such that it overlaps with the thumb bend region.

8. The glove of claim 7, wherein the second pad includes a tapered extension that overlaps with at least a side portion of the thumb bend region.

9. A welding glove, comprising:a body comprising a palm side defining an exterior surface and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, a back side opposite the palm side, a palm portion, and a plurality of finger portions, each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions comprising:a tip positioned along the finger portion furthest from the palm portion;a base opposite the tip;a first bend region located between the tip and the base along the palm side; anda second bend region located between the first bend region and the base along the palm side; anda first pad coupled to the interior surface of the body along a first finger portion of the plurality of finger portions, the first pad positioned along the first finger portion such that it extends across the first bend region of the first finger portion.

10. The welding glove of claim 9, wherein the first pad extends along the interior surface of the first finger portion from a first side of the first finger portion to a second side of the first finger portion opposite the first side, wherein the first pad comprises:a first section positioned along the first finger portion between the tip and the first bend region of the first finger portion;a second section positioned along the first finger portion between the first bend region and the second bend region of the first finger portion;a first arm positioned along the first side of the first finger portion and extending across the first bend region between the first section and the second section; anda second arm positioned along the second side of the first finger portion opposite the first arm, the second arm extending across the first bend region between the first section and the second section.

11. The welding glove of claim 10, wherein the first section, the second section, the first arm, and the second arm define a window around a center portion of the first bend region.

12. The welding glove of claim 9, wherein the first pad has a height measured along the length of the first finger portion, wherein the height is at least 40 mm and at most 50 mm.

13. The welding glove of claim 9, wherein the first pad has a width measured from a first side of the first finger portion to a second side of the first finger portion opposite the first side, wherein the width is at least 20 mm and at most 30 mm.

14. The welding glove of claim 9, further comprising a thumb portion, wherein a thumb pad is coupled to the interior surface along the thumb portion of the body between a tip of the thumb portion and a base of the thumb portion.

15. The welding glove of claim 14, wherein the thumb portion comprises a body section and a protrusion extending away from the body section at an angle.

16. The welding glove of claim 15, wherein the angle is at least 30 degrees and at most 40 degrees.

17. A work glove, comprising:a body, comprising:a palm side defining an interior surface;a back side opposite the palm side;a palm portion located on the palm side;an index finger portion comprising a first tip located at an end of the index finger portion furthest from the palm portion, a first base opposite the first tip, and a first bend region positioned along the palm side of the body between the first tip and the first base; anda thumb portion comprising a second tip located at an end of the thumb portion furthest from the palm portion, a second base opposite the second tip, and a thumb bend region positioned along the palm side of the body between the second tip and the second base; anda finger pad coupled to the interior surface along the index finger portion between the first tip and the first base; anda thumb pad coupled to the interior surface along the thumb portion of the body between the second tip and the second base, wherein at least a portion of the thumb pad overlaps with the thumb bend region.

18. The work glove of claim 17, the thumb portion comprises a body section and a protrusion extending away from the body section at an angle, wherein the protrusion extends across the thumb bend region.

19. The work glove of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the finger pad overlaps with the first bend region.

20. The work glove of claim 17, wherein the body is made from a first material and the finger pad and the thumb pad are made from a second material, wherein the first material is different from the second material.

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