Glove with aesthetic and functional design

Abstract

A glove for gardening and other general utility uses is provided comprising a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and palm side surface of the user's fingers and thumb, and a back portion configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and back surface of the user's fingers and thumb. One or more gripping portions are provided on the palm portion, with the back portion and the gripping portion comprising the same design pattern. Alternatively, the back portion and the gripping portions may comprise different design patterns. The design pattern or patterns are intended to be aesthetically pleasing, with the pattern on the gripping portions also aiding in the functionality of the glove by improving gripping and dexterity.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to gloves, and more particularly to gloves having both aesthetic and functional designs.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gloves for general utility and gardening are well known in the art. Various utility and gardening gloves have been developed for protection of the hand and to allow for improved gripping. When working on general utility tasks or in the garden, it is important for the glove wearer to use a glove that is sufficiently protective of the hands while still allowing flexibility, dexterity, comfort and tactile feel. However, many utility and gardening gloves are designed for a wide variety of hands such that they come in one size and shape that is generally wearable on substantially all hands. Such gloves may provide some protection for the glove wearer's hands, but because they may not adequately fit the contour of an individual wearer's hand, they may make it difficult for the user's hands to maintain desired flexibility, dexterity, comfort and tactile feel.

Additionally, many general utility and gardening gloves are not aesthetically pleasing. In the alternative, many utility and gardening gloves may be aesthetically pleasing, but do not offer the level of protection and functionality desired by many glove users. It is thus desirable to provide a glove that can sufficiently protect a user's hands, while providing the fit, flexibility, comfort, tactile feel, and aesthetically pleasing design many glove wearers desire.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an aesthetically pleasing glove that comfortably fits the contours of a user's hands and allows for proper tactile feel, with the glove also being durable, sufficiently flexible, comfortable, and customizable. One embodiment of a glove according to the present invention comprises a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and palm side surface of the user's fingers and thumb, and a back portion configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and back surface of the user's fingers and thumb. One or more gripping portions on the palm portion are also provided, with the back portion and the gripping portions comprising the same design pattern.

Another embodiment of a glove according to the present invention comprises a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and palm side surface of the user's fingers and thumb, and a back portion configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and back surface of the user's fingers and thumb. A gripping portion on the thumb and a gripping portion on at least one of the fingers is also provided, with the back portion and the gripping portions comprising a design pattern.

Another embodiment according to the present invention comprises a garden glove. The glove comprises a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm, a back portion configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand, finger portions configured to substantially cover the fingers of a user's hand, and a thumb portion configured to substantially cover the thumb of a user's hand. One or more gripping portions are provided on the palm portion, with the gripping portion comprising a design pattern.

These and other further features and advantages of the invention would be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a glove according to the present invention, shown from the back side of the glove;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, shown from the palm side of the glove;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a glove according to the present invention, shown from the back side of the glove;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, shown from the palm side of the glove;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a glove according to the present invention, shown from the back side of the glove; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, shown from the palm side of the glove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing glove that comfortably fits the contours of a user's hands and allows for proper tactile feel, with the glove also being durable, sufficiently flexible, comfortable, and customizable. The glove comprises design features that are also functional in nature. This results in a general utility/gardening glove comprising a design pattern that can carry over to the palm side of the glove and provide improved gripping, protection, tactile feel, and dexterity. The present invention is generally directed to gloves used for general utility purposes and gardening, but it is understood that the gloves may be appropriate for a number of applications.

FIGS. 1-2 show one embodiment of a glove 10 according to the present invention, generally comprising a back portion 12 that substantially covers the back of the user's hand, fingers, and thumb. The back portion 12 can be formed from many different materials, with a suitable material being Spandex, leather, synthetic leather, heavy mesh, or Lycra®. The material is suited to protect the back of the user's hand while allowing for freer movement, ease of finger bending, comfort, and durability. The back portion 12 may comprise pieces of material joined together, and can also be a combination of heavy mesh, Lycra®, leather, synthetic leather, and/or other suitable materials, and can also include padding where appropriate.

The glove 10 also includes a palm portion 14 that substantially covers the user's palm and palm side surface of the fingers. The palm is preferably made of leather, synthetic leather, heavy mesh, Spandex, or Lycra®, although it is understood that other suitable materials may also be used. The palm portion 14 may comprise pieces of material joined together, and can also be a combination of leather, synthetic leather, heavy mesh, Spandex, Lycra®, and/or other suitable materials, and can also include padding where appropriate.

Finger sections 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d may be an extension of either the back portion 12 or palm portion 14 of the glove 10, or both. Alternatively, finger sections 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d can be separate portions from back portion 12 or palm portion 14, such that they are stitched or otherwise attached separately to the remainder of the glove. They may also comprise various pieces of material that are joined together via stitching, gluing or another suitable means of joining the materials. Finger sections 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d preferably cover substantially all of the fingers. Alternatively, sections 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d may cover the surfaces running between the saddle of adjacent fingers, such that they are attached to the glove to combine back portion 12 and palm portion 14. Finger sections 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d can be made of leather, synthetic leathers, heavy mesh, Spandex, Lycra®, or any combination thereof, although it is understood that other suitable materials may also be used.

Thumb section 18 may likewise be an extension of either the back portion 12 or palm portion 14 of the glove 10, or both. Alternatively, thumb section 18 can be a separate portion from back portion 12 or palm portion 14, such that it is stitched glued, or otherwise suitable attached separately to the remainder of the glove. Thumb section 18 preferably covers substantially all of the thumb. Thumb section 18 can be made of leather, synthetic leather, heavy mesh, Spandex, Lycra®, or any combination thereof, although it is understood that other suitable materials may also be used.

Finger sections 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and thumb section 18 may comprise vent holes (not shown) or a breathable material to allow air to pass through the glove and enhance the breath-ability of the glove. Alternatively, vent holes (not shown) or a breathable material can be added to the back portion 12 or palm portion 14 of the glove to enhance breath-ability.

Glove 10 further comprises a design pattern 20 on back portion 12, with the pattern covering substantially all of or only portions of back portion 12. Design pattern 20 may be a design inherent in the fabric of back portion 12, or may be a pattern that is later painted on, etched onto, layered onto, or otherwise added as a secondary step onto back portion 12. Design pattern 20 is intended to be aesthetically pleasing for the glove user, such that it comprises a look that is artistic and visually appealing to the user. Pattern 20 may comprise any number of colors or color combinations and may be any pattern that is aesthetically pleasing to the user.

Glove 10 further comprises gripping portions 22, which are added to cover portions of or substantially all of the palm portion 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, gripping portions 22 are added to the thumb and two finger sections of palm portion 14, although it is understood that gripping portions 22 may be added to more or less finger sections and may also be added to sections below the fingers. Gripping portions 22 are preferably made from a material that is sufficiently supple while also comprising gripping characteristics, such as any number of gels, silicon, rubber, or foam, although it is understood that many materials are suitable.

Gripping portions 22 are preferably layered onto sections of palm portion 14 using deposition techniques well known in the art, such that portions 22 are texturally raised from the surface of the material comprising palm portion 14. However, it is understood that they may also be glued on, sewn on, or attached via another suitable method. Gripping portions 22 further comprise a design pattern which is intended to be aesthetically appealing for the glove user. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, gripping portions 22 utilize design pattern 20, which is substantially the same pattern 20 used on the back portion 12 of glove 10. However, it is understood that the design pattern of gripping portions 22 may comprise a design pattern different from pattern 20, such that the pattern on the back portion 12 and the pattern of gripping portions 22 on palm portion 14 are not substantially the same. The design pattern of gripping portions 22 may comprise a color contrasting the color of the underlying palm portion 14 material, although it is understood that any number of colors may be used in accordance with the present invention. Further, the design pattern of gripping portions 22 may comprise a color contrasting or matching design pattern 20, although any color or color combination may be used.

The gripping portions 22 provide a number of advantages. One advantage is to provide one or more grip surfaces on the palm side of the glove such that the glove 10 acts like a tool for the user and improves the user's ability to effectively grab objects and maintain desired contact with them. Additionally, providing the gripping portions 22 improves the dexterity of the user and improves the tactile feel enabled by the glove. Another advantage is to provide an aesthetically attractive or pleasing means of functionality such that a user is able to have effective gripping, dexterity and tactile feel while also exhibiting an outward appearance that coincides with the user's aesthetic tastes.

Glove 10 may also comprise a wrist portion 24 that is adjacent to and extends from back and palm portions 12 and 14, with wrist portion 24 configured to encircle the user's wrist to help secure the glove. The wrist portion 24 may extend beyond the user's wrist and partially up the arm to add additional protection. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the wrist portion 24 comprises an elastic portion 26 that can fit snugly about the user's wrist such that dirt and debris is prevented from entering the inside of the glove. A large section of wrist portion 24 may extend beyond elastic portion 26 up a portion of the arm. The wrist portion 24 may also include a wrist closure tab (not shown) that closes the wrist portion 24 around the user's wrist and is held in place by Velcro (not shown). The closure tab and Velcro can act together to tighten or loosen the glove at the wrist according to the user's preference. Alternatively, a wrist portion can include a closure strap that closes the wrist section around the user's wrist and is held in place by a hook and loop closure (not shown). It is understood that many additional, suitable means of closure about the wrist portion can also be utilized.

Wrist portion 24 may also comprise a tab portion 28, which may extend from palm portion 14 past wrist portion 24 and aid in the user's ability to easily pull the glove onto his/her hand. Additionally, the tab portion 28 may comprise a loop section (not shown) that extends beyond wrist portion 24 and provides a means for the glove 10 to be hung on a hook or the like, be connected with a another glove 10, or be displayed on an appropriate retail display apparatus (not shown).

All parts of the glove 10 are preferably connected together using a sewn inseam. However, it is understood that other suitable methods of joining the various portions together may also be used, including using an outer seam or using an adhesive such as glue. The glove 10 is preferably comprised of material or a combination of materials that allow it to be easily cleaned, such as in a washing machine.

FIGS. 3-4 show another embodiment of a glove 30 similar to the glove 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-2, having back portion 12, palm portion 14, finger portions 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, thumb portion 18, wrist portion 24, elastic wrist closure 26, and tab portion 28. However, FIGS. 3-4 depict a different design 32, which is provided on substantially all of back portion 12 except for finger portions 16a-d and thumb portion 18; finger portions 16a-d and thumb portion 18 may be comprised of another material without a pattern. However, it is understood that the design 32 may extend to finger portions 16a-d and thumb portion 18. The same arrangement of pattern 32 may be utilized in gripping portions 34 as described above and shown in FIG. 4; however, it is understood that a pattern not substantially similar to pattern 32 may also be used for gripping portions 34. The pattern of gripping portions 34 may be comprised of a color that contrasts with the underlying palm portion 14 material color as shown in FIG. 4. However, it is understood that the gripping portions 34 may comprise any color or a combination of colors that may or may not contrast with the underlying material. Further, gripping portions 34 are shown in sections on the thumb and two fingers of the glove, but it is understood that they may also be included on just one of the fingers or 3 or more fingers and not on the thumb. Moreover, the gripping portions 34 may also be disposed on portions of the palm (not shown).

FIGS. 5-6 show another embodiment of a glove 40 similar to the gloves 10 and 30 depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 3-4 respectively. Glove 40 has a back portion 12, palm portion 14, finger portions 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, thumb portion 18, wrist portion 24, elastic wrist closure 26, and tab portion 28. However, FIGS. 5-6 depict a different design 42, which is provided on substantially all of back portion 12 except for finger portions 16a-d and thumb portion 18; finger portions 16a-d and thumb portion 18 may be comprised of another material without a pattern. The same arrangement of pattern 42 may be utilized in gripping portions 44 as described above and shown in FIG. 6; however, it is understood that a pattern not substantially similar to pattern 42 may also be used for gripping portions 44. The pattern of gripping portions 44 may be comprised of a color that substantially matches the underlying palm portion 14 material color as shown in FIG. 6. However, it is understood that the gripping portions 44 may comprise any color or a combination of colors that may or may not contrast with the underlying material.

Further, gripping portions 44 are shown in sections on the thumb and all four fingers of the glove, but it is understood that they may also be included on less than all of the fingers and not on the thumb. Moreover, the gripping portions 44 may also be disposed on portions of the palm (not shown). While design patterns 20, 32, and 42 and the patterns of gripping portions 22, 34, and 44 represent some possible, preferred embodiments of patterns that can be used to provide features that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, it is understood that a number of different patterns and combinations of patterns can be used.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. The aesthetic and functional designs can be used in many different types of gloves, and the gloves may be utilized for a number of varying purposes. The designs can also have many different shapes and can be configured around the gloves in many different ways. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the preferred versions of the invention described above.

Claims

1. A glove, comprising:

a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and palm side surface of the user's fingers and thumb;

a back portion configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and back surface of the user's fingers and thumb; and

one or more gripping portions on said palm portion;

wherein said back portion and said gripping portions comprises the same design pattern.

2. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a wrist portion configured to encircle the user's wrist and secure the glove.

3. The glove of claim 1, wherein said wrist portion is secured with an elastic cuff.

4. The glove of claim 2, wherein said wrist portion is secured with a tab and Velcro.

5. The glove of claim 1, further comprising finger sections which run between each of the user's fingers.

6. The glove of claim 1, wherein the design pattern of said gripping portions comprises a rubber material.

7. The glove of claim 1, wherein said back portion is at least partially comprised of a durable and flexible material such as Spandex, mesh, or Lycra®.

8. The glove of claim 1, wherein said palm portion is at least partially comprised of a durable and flexible material such as leather or synthetic leather.

9. The glove of claim 1, wherein said gripping portions are aesthetically pleasing and assist in improving the grip of the user.

10. The glove of claim 1, wherein said glove is machine washable.

11. A glove, comprising:

a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and palm side surface of the user's fingers and thumb;

a back portion configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and back surface of the user's fingers and thumb; and

a gripping portion on said thumb and a gripping portion on at least one of said fingers;

wherein said back portion and said gripping portions comprise a design pattern.

12. The glove of claim 11, further comprising a wrist portion configured to encircle the user's wrist and secure the glove.

13. The glove of claim 12, wherein said wrist portion is secured with an elongated elastic cuff such that dirt and debris are prevented from entering the inside of the glove.

14. The glove of claim 11, further comprising finger sections which run between each of the user's fingers.

15. The glove of claim 14, wherein said finger sections are comprised of a breathable material.

16. The glove of claim 11, wherein said back and palm portions are at least partially comprised of durable and flexible materials.

17. The glove of claim 16, wherein said back and palm portions are comprised of different materials, said back portion material comprising an aesthetically pleasing design pattern.

18. The glove of claim 11, wherein said gripping portions are comprised of a different material than said palm portion, said gripping portion material texturally raised from said palm portion.

19. The glove of claim 11, wherein vent holes or a breathable material may be included along any portion of said back and palm portions to make the glove more breathable and to aid in cooling the user's hand.

20. A gardening glove, comprising:

a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm;

a back portion configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand;

finger portions configured to substantially cover the fingers of a user's hand;

a thumb portion configured to substantially cover the thumb of a user's hand; and

one or more gripping portions on said palm portion, said gripping portion comprising a design pattern.

21. The gardening glove of claim 25, wherein said back portion comprises a second design pattern.

22. The gardening glove of claim 26, wherein said second design pattern and said design pattern of said gripping portions are substantially similar.