Glove for pumping gasoline

Abstract

A glove for pumping gasoline includes an outer layer defining an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface is adapted for direct contact with objects exterior to the glove, and the interior surface is adapted to define a volume for receiving a hand. The glove is substantially leak-proof and defines a digits portion for covering substantially the fingers and the thumb of the hand and a palm portion for covering substantially the remainder of the hand. The glove is adapted to be partially reversible upon removal from the hand such that the digits portion is disposed substantially entirely within the resulting volume defined by and interior to the palm portion upon turning the interior surface outward so that gasoline disposed upon the digits portion is substantially disposed within the resulting volume defined by and interior to the palm portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 60/272,079 filed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) on Feb. 28, 2001 and entitled “Gasoline Glove.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to, generally, gloves and, more particularly, gloves for pumping gasoline.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] In general, the invention is directed to a glove for use by operators of gasoline pumps. In particular, the invention is directed to a glove for use by occupants of motor vehicles who pump gasoline into their vehicles from such pumps at service stations.

[0006] A gasoline pump of the type found at service stations and employed for pumping gasoline into a motor vehicle typically includes a housing having a hose extending therefrom. A handle is attached at the end of the hose opposite the housing such that a hand of a user of the pump can control movement of the hose by grasping the handle. A nozzle extends from the handle opposite the hose. An actuation device, such as a lever, is disposed proximate the handle such that the hand can grasp the handle and actuate the lever simultaneously. Further, the housing may include a “start” button, for instance, the pressing of which turns on the pump. In the inoperative state of the pump, the handle, the nozzle, and the lever are usually secured in stored relation to the exterior of the housing.

[0007] To pump gasoline into the vehicle, the user removes the gas cap from the vehicle, grasps the handle with one of his or her hands, removes the handle from the housing, turns on the pump, inserts the nozzle at least partially into the opening of a gas tank of the vehicle, and actuates the lever to pump gasoline from the housing, through the hose and nozzle, and into the tank. Although the user sometimes can manually set the lever such that he or she does not have to continuously hold the handle and lever while the gasoline is pumped, the user often maintains his or her hand on the handle and lever until the desired amount of gasoline has been pumped into the tank. At this point, the user releases the lever to cease pumping of any more gasoline and, quite often, manipulates the nozzle, such as by shaking the handle, to release excess gasoline into the tank that may be clung to the nozzle. Thereafter, the user removes the nozzle from the opening, secures the handle to the housing, and secures the gas cap to the vehicle.

[0008] The gasoline-pumping process described above normally occurs outdoors in all types of weather conditions and can take several minutes, depending upon the amount and flow rate of gasoline to be pumped. Each pump at a service station can be sequentially operated by many users throughout any given day. The amount of time, then, that a particular pump is in operation can be substantial, and, thus, the amount of gasoline and its fumes exposed in the area immediate the pump can also be substantial.

[0009] Over time, then, the surface area of the handle, in particular, can become coated with gasoline as a result of such operation. In fact, all the other objects with which the hand regularly comes in contact when performing the process described above—the gas cap, lever, and “start” button—can also typically have surfaces that are coated with gasoline to a greater or lesser extent.

[0010] Gasoline has a strong odor that is difficult to remove from anything with which it comes into contact, especially a user's skin. Furthermore and in this latter regard, some types of skin may be hypersensitive to gasoline and, thus, may react adversely to contact with it. In addition, the surfaces of the handle, gas cap, lever, and button may be contaminated with germs that, if spread to the user, such as by direct contact with such objects, can harm the health of the user and others with whom he or she comes into physical contact. As such, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate contact between the user's skin—particularly, the hand, which often touches the user's mouth area—and such objects.

[0011] To prevent such contact and/or protect the hand from cold, precipitation, wind, and/or sun, the user may wear a typical glove on the hand that he or she employs to pump the gasoline. However, pumping the gasoline this way can damage such a glove by effecting a long-lasting odor or permanent stain thereto. And, since the typical glove is generally worn in connection with wearing business or casual attire, not for performing a particular task, such as pumping gasoline, such a glove is often worn a significant amount of time in a variety of places around many people. So, if the typical glove carries a stain thereon or is contaminated with gasoline odors, the effectiveness of such a glove as an accessory to an outfit is highly reduced. Moreover, since employing a glove in the gasoline-pumping process may cause the glove to become a germ-carrier, as described above, the potential for spreading germs to the user and others is greatly enhanced if the glove is also employed as an ordinary-wearing glove.

[0012] In view of the above, gloves are presently available for the exclusive handling of objects that are at least partially coated with gasoline. However, some gloves of this type have the undesirable trait of allowing gasoline to soak through the gloves and come into contact with the users' hands while other gloves of this type, although forbidding gasoline to soak through the gloves, have the undesirable trait of allowing gasoline odors to pollute the air immediately surrounding the gloves. In fact, a glove that is at least partially coated with gasoline and in contact with a hand actually exacerbates the gasoline odor by creating two sources from which such odor can emanate—the hand and the glove. Accordingly, the user, the person(s) with whom the user comes into physical contact, or the immediate environment in which the hand or glove is or was located can act as a primary or secondary source of gasoline odor.

[0013] A glove that is at least partially coated with gasoline and in contact with a hand also may pose a health risk for the user of such glove and those with whom the user makes physical contact. For example, upon taking off the glove from the hand, the user may touch with the hand, which is at least partially coated with gasoline, certain parts of his or her or somebody else's body—such as skin, open wounds, or the mouth—which can lead to allergic reactions, infection, sickness, etc.

[0014] Accordingly, there is a need in the related art for a glove for handling such gasoline-coated objects, in general, and pumping gasoline into motor vehicles from pumps at service stations, in particular, that substantially limits or prevents gasoline on the glove from polluting the surrounding air and soaking through the glove and coming into contact with the user's hand.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The invention overcomes the disadvantages in the related art in a glove for pumping gasoline that includes an outer layer defining an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface is adapted for direct contact with objects exterior to the glove, and the interior surface is adapted to define a volume for receiving a hand. The glove is substantially leak-proof and defines a digits portion for covering substantially the fingers and the thumb of the hand and a palm portion for covering substantially the remainder of the hand. The glove is adapted to be partially reversible upon removal from the hand such that the digits portion is disposed substantially entirely within the resulting volume defined by and interior to the palm portion upon turning the interior surface outward so that gasoline disposed upon the digits portion is substantially disposed within the resulting volume defined by and interior to the palm portion.

[0016] With the glove worn on the hand, the outer layer contacts objects that are at least partially coated with gasoline as well as generally protects the user's hand. The glove substantially prevents gasoline, gasoline fumes, germs, odors, and the like from penetrating the glove and coming into contact with the hand.

[0017] To remove the glove from the hand, the user pulls off the glove by attempting to turn the glove inside out. The glove is designed to be partially reversible such that, upon turning the portion of the glove inside out, the digits portion is disposed substantially entirely within the resulting volume defined by and interior to the palm portion to eliminate or reduce escapement of gasoline fumes, germs, odors, and the like from the digits portion into the immediate surroundings of the glove.

[0018] One advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that it promotes handling of objects coated with gasoline while not allowing the hand to come into contact with the gasoline.

[0019] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that the hand is substantially protected from gasoline fumes, germs, odors, and the like.

[0020] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that gasoline fumes, germs, odors, and the like are substantially trapped within the glove and prevented from escaping into the immediate surroundings of the glove.

[0021] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that it allows the user of the glove good manipulation of parts.

[0022] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that it can be conveniently stored within and retrieved from the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0023] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that it can be easily put on and taken off the hand.

[0024] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that it is non-flammable.

[0025] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that it is designed to be disposable or washable.

[0026] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that it can be of any color.

[0027] Another advantage of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is that it can be designed to include the logo of the manufacturer of the vehicle from which the glove is retrieved and in which it is stored.

[0028] Other objects, features, and advantages of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood while reading the subsequent detailed description of the glove when taken in conjunction with the accompanying several views of the drawing of the glove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0029] FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention showing the glove in a state just prior to insertion therein of a hand of a user of the glove;

[0030] FIG. 2 is an environmental view of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention showing the glove worn on a hand of a user of a gasoline pump;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention showing the glove being removed from a hand of a user of a gasoline pump;

[0032] FIG. 4 is an elevational front view of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention showing the interior surface of the glove turned outward; and

[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional cut-away side view of the glove for pumping gasoline of the invention along line 5-5 of FIG. 1 showing an inner layer of the glove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Referring now to the figures, throughout which like numerals represent like structure, a glove for pumping gasoline of the invention is generally indicated at 10. The glove 10 is described below and shown in FIG. 2 in connection with use of the glove 10 on a hand 11 of a user of a gasoline pump of the type generally found at service stations and employed for pumping gasoline into a motor vehicle. In FIG. 2, the pump includes a housing (not shown) having a hose 13 extending therefrom. A handle 15 is attached at the end of the hose 13 opposite the housing such that the hand 11 can control movement of the hose 13 by grasping the handle 15. A nozzle 17 extends from the handle 15 opposite the hose 13. An actuation device, such as a lever 19, is disposed proximate the handle 15 such that the hand 11 can grasp the handle 15 and actuate the lever 19 simultaneously. Further, the housing may include a “start” button, for instance, the pressing of which turns on the pump. In the inoperative state of the pump, the handle 15, the nozzle 17, and the lever 19 are usually secured in stored relation to the exterior of the housing.

[0035] The glove 10 includes an outer layer, generally indicated at 12, and defines a digits portion, generally indicated at 16, and a palm portion, generally indicated at 18. The glove 10, as will be described in greater detail below, is adapted to be substantially leak-proof.

[0036] As can easily be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer layer 12 is substantially hand-shaped and defines an exterior surface 20 and an interior surface 22.

[0037] The exterior surface 20, best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is adapted to be used for direct contact with objects, such as for gripping parts that are at least partially coated with liquid, in general, and parts that are at least partially coated with oil and gasoline, in particular. As such, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the exterior surface 20 is made of cotton because of the known gripping and absorbency qualities of cotton in connection with liquid-covered surfaces. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other textiles made from synthetic and/or natural fibers or a combination of such fibers and metal mesh can be used. And, since the exterior surface 20 is also adapted to generally protect the hand 11 and any inner layers 14, which are shown in FIG. 5 and to be described in greater detail below, cut-resistance of the exterior surface 20 may be especially important. In this regard, to increase the cut-resistance of the exterior surface 20, the exterior surface 20 can be in the form of a cut-resistant cloth.

[0038] The interior surface 22, best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is adapted to define a volume for receiving the hand 11 and includes a fastening member 24, such as a loop or button, for hanging the glove 10 in a location where the glove 10 can be easily retrieved and stored, such as the dashboard of the motor vehicle, when the glove 10 is not being worn. In the preferred embodiment, the fastening member 24 is disposed on the palm portion 18, which will be described in greater detail below, distal the digits portion 16. However, it is to be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the fastening member 24 can be located anywhere on the interior surface 22, such as the central area thereof, and include any structure adapted for hanging the glove 10 in a location where the glove 10 can be easily retrieved and stored. In addition, a button, pin, logo, or other ornament can be disposed upon the glove 10, especially the interior surface 22, to act as an aesthetically pleasing design feature of the glove 10.

[0039] The glove 10 can be designed such that the volume defined by the interior surface 22 is adapted to receive a hand 11 of many shapes and sizes. Alternatively, the glove 10 can be designed such that the volume defined by the interior surface 22 is adapted to receive only a hand 11 of a given size. And, since the interior surface 22 is adapted to come into direct contact with the hand 11, considerations of comfort, warmth, and the like will more or less determine the material from which the interior surface 22 is made. With this in mind, the interior surface 22 may be fabricated from cotton, wool, cashmere, fur, etc. In any event, the interior surface 22 may or may not be made from the same material from which the exterior surface 20 is made.

[0040] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digits portion 16 consists of five sheaths 26, one for insertion therein of each of the four fingers and the thumb of the hand 11. The bases of the sheaths 26, proximate the palm portion 18, define the division between the digits portion 16 and the palm portion 18. During use of the glove 10, the exterior surface 20 of the sheaths 26 and the area of the palm portion 18 proximate the sheaths 26 probably directly contact liquid- and germ-covered parts more often than any other area of the exterior surface 20.

[0041] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the palm portion 18 includes the portion of the glove 10 worn in connection with covering all parts of the hand 11 except the fingers and the thumb, including the palm, wrist, and some of the forearm of the user of the glove 10. The palm portion 18 constitutes a substantial area of the glove 10 and extends substantially longitudinally in a substantially continuous fashion. In the preferred embodiment, the palm portion 18 extends opposite the digits portion 16 substantially beyond the wrist and at least partially along the forearm of the user. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the extension of the palm portion 18 can vary considerably in any suitable fashion and direction.

[0042] As can easily be seen, the glove 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 is for use with a left hand 11. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the glove 10 can be designed to be used with a right hand. In fact, it is to be understood by such persons that a user can wear a right-handed version of the glove 10 on the right hand and a left-handed version of the glove 10 on the left hand. Plus, it is to be recognized that the glove 10 can also be formed in any hand-covering shape, such as a mitten.

[0043] As already stated, the glove 10 is adapted to be substantially leak-proof. In furtherance of this, in one embodiment of the glove 10, the glove 10 includes a composition or a combination of two or more compositions having substantially leak-proofing characteristics. Specifically, the outer layer 12 can be treated with such composition or combination to substantially leak-proof the outer layer 12. More specifically, either the exterior surface 20 or the interior surface 22 can contain or the exterior surface 20 and the interior surface 22 can contain such composition or combination.

[0044] In the preferred mode of this embodiment, such composition or combination provides a substantially effective leak-proofer by substantially leak-proofing the exterior surface 20 and/or the interior surface 22. Specifically, the composition or combination provides for an initial substantially fast-acting leak-proofing activity substantially evenly distributed over the exterior surface 20 and/or the interior surface 22 and a substantially lasting leak-proofing effect, particularly when the exterior surface 20 and/or the interior surface 22 come(s) into contact with gasoline.

[0045] Moreover, in a preferred embodiment of the glove 10, the glove 10 is adapted to be also substantially odor-absorbing and/or disinfecting (including germicidal). In furtherance of this, like the embodiment of the glove 10 that includes a composition or a combination of two or more compositions having substantially leak-proofing characteristics, another embodiment of the glove 10 includes a composition or a combination of two or more compositions having substantially odor-absorbing and/or disinfecting characteristics.

[0046] Specifically, the outer layer 12 can be treated with such composition or combination to substantially absorb odors from and/or disinfect the outer layer 12. More specifically, either the exterior surface 20 or the interior surface 22 can contain or the exterior surface 20 and the interior surface 22 can contain such composition or combination to provide an initial substantially fast-acting odor-absorbing and/or disinfecting activity and a substantially lasting odor-absorbing and/or disinfecting effect to the glove 10, particularly when the exterior surface 20 and/or the interior surface 22 come(s) into contact with gasoline. In the preferred mode of this embodiment, the composition or combination is substantially evenly distributed over the exterior surface 20 and/or the interior surface 22.

[0047] In any event, the glove 10 can be designed to be substantially leak-proof only. Alternatively, the glove 10 can be designed to be substantially leak-proof and odor-absorbing. Or, the glove 10 can be designed to be substantially leak-proof and disinfecting. In the alternative, the glove 10 can be designed to be substantially leak-proof, odor-absorbing, and disinfecting.

[0048] In another embodiment of the glove 10 as shown in FIG. 5, at least one inner layer 14 is adapted to function as a substantially leak-proof lining. The inner layer 14 is disposed between and substantially co-extensive with the exterior surface 20 and the interior surface 22. As such, the inner layer 14, like the outer layer 12, is substantially hand-shaped. In the preferred mode of this embodiment, in fact, the inner layer 14 extends co-extensively with the outer layer 12.

[0049] The substantially liquid-impermeable inner layer 14 is sufficiently flexible for the wearer of the glove 10 to have sufficient manipulation of the glove 10 to pump gasoline as described above. Thus, the inner layer 14 may include materials that can provide flexibility and substantial liquid impermeability to the inner layer 14, including, but not limited to, polyurethane, natural rubber, or latex. Significantly, the protective inner layer 14 is substantially resistant to attack from petroleum-based liquids. As used herein, the term “liquid impermeable” should be understood as synonymous with “leak proof” or the like.

[0050] The at least one inner layer 14 also can be adapted to function as a substantially odor-absorbing and/or disinfectant lining. Accordingly, the at least one inner layer 14 can be designed to be substantially leak-proof only. Alternatively, the at least one inner layer 14 can be designed to be substantially leak-proof and odor-absorbing. Or, the at least one inner layer 14 can be designed to be substantially leak-proof and disinfecting. In the alternative, the at least one inner layer 14 can be designed to be substantially leak-proof, odor-absorbing, and disinfecting.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the glove 10, the at least one inner layer 14 includes compositions to substantially leak-proof, absorb odors from, and disinfect the inner layer 14. In this regard, the inner layer 14 contains substantially leak-proofing, odor-absorbing, and disinfecting ingredients in various combinations—various amounts, mixtures, and proportions. In the preferred mode of this embodiment, the combination s of the ingredients in the compositions provide a substantially effective leak-proofer, odor-absorber, and disinfectant by substantially leak-proofing, absorbing gasoline odor from, and disinfecting the inner layer 14 upon contact of the inner layer 14 with gasoline, odors, and germs. Specifically, the compositions provide an initial substantially fast-acting leak-proofing, odor-absorbing, and disinfecting activity substantially evenly distributed over the inner layer 14 and for a substantially lasting leak-proofing, odor-absorbing, and disinfecting effect, particularly when the inner layer 14 comes into contact with gasoline.

[0052] In the preferred mode of this embodiment, the liquid-, odor-, germ-impermeable inner layer 14 is a continuous surface bonded to the entire inner surface of the outer layer 12. The bonding allows the user of the glove 10 to retain sufficient control over handled material that would not be possible if the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 14 were not bonded together and could move relative to each other.

[0053] The glove 10 of this embodiment, then, includes at least two layers 12, 14 that are bonded, i.e., an outer layer 12, preferably of cotton, to provide a superior surface for the handling of oily and/or odor- and/or germ-contaminated parts and an inner layer 14 of a flexible and substantially leak-, odor-, germ-proof material to substantially protect the hand from contamination by the oil, odors, and/or germs.

[0054] Although the preferred mode of this embodiment consists of one inner layer 14, it is to be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that additional inner layers 14 may be included such that each inner layer 14 performs one or more of the substantially leak-proofing, odor-absorbing, and disinfecting functions of the glove 10. By way of illustration, an inner layer 14 proximate the exterior surface 20 may be designed to perform the substantially leak-proofing aspect of the glove 10 while an inner layer 14 proximate the interior surface 22 may be designed to perform the substantially odor-absorbing and disinfecting aspects of the glove 10. Or, instead of the inner layer 14 proximate the interior surface 22 performing two functions, another inner layer 14 disposed between the inner layer 14 proximate the exterior surface 20 and the inner layer 14 proximate the interior surface 22 may be designed to perform the function not performed by the other two inner layers 14.

[0055] Importantly and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the glove 10 is designed to be partially reversible such that, upon attempting to turn the glove 10 inside outward, resulting in the interior surface 22 being disposed outward and the exterior surface 20 being disposed inward, the digits portion 16 is disposed substantially entirely within the resulting volume defined by and interior to the palm portion 18. Specifically, the five sheaths 26 are not exposed. Rather, the sheaths 26 are hidden from view and disposed within the volume now defined by the exterior surface 20. In this way, the escapement of gasoline fumes, germs, odors, and the like from the digits portion 16 into the immediate surroundings of the glove 10 is reduced or eliminated. Thus, gasoline fumes, germs, odors, and the like from the digits portion 16 will not escape into the environment in which the user places the glove 10, such as the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0056] In operation, the user first retrieves the glove 10 from the dashboard, under the seat, the glove box, the trunk, etc. of the motor vehicle. He or she then inverts the glove 10 such that the exterior surface 20 is disposed outward and inserts his or her corresponding hand 11 into the volume defined by the interior surface 22, including the fingers and thumb into the respective sheaths 26, such that the hand 11 fits comfortably and fully into the glove 10. The user then proceeds to pump gasoline into his or her vehicle by the process described above.

[0057] The exterior surface 20, especially the sheaths 26 and the area of the palm portion 18 proximate the sheaths 26, physically contacts the gasoline-contaminated objects as well as protects both the hand 11 and the inner layer(s) 14, if applicable, from direct contact with such objects. The inner layer(s) 14 or the treatment of a surface or the surfaces of the glove 10 with a leak-proofing, odor-absorbing, and disinfecting composition or combination of such compositions increases the probability of preventing gasoline, fumes, germs, odors, and the like from penetrating the glove 10 and coming into contact with the hand 11.

[0058] Upon completion of pumping gasoline into the vehicle, the user removes the glove 10 from the hand 11. To remove the glove 10 from the hand 11, the user pulls off the glove 10 from the hand 11 from the approximate end of the palm portion 18 opposite the sheaths 26 to turn the glove 10 inside outward such that a portion of the interior surface 22 is now disposed outward. Finally, the user returns the glove 10 to a proper storage place.

[0059] By pulling off the glove 10, such as by using the exposed other hand, from such end of the palm portion 18, rather than from the approximate ends of the respective sheaths 26 opposite the palm portion (a common method of removing a glove from a hand), a user substantially minimizes or avoids contact of the other hand with any portion of the glove 10 that may be at least partially coated with gasoline. In so doing, the other hand, or any other object employed to pull off the glove 10 from the hand 11, remains substantially gasoline-, fume-, germ-, and odor-free.

[0060] The glove 10 is designed to be non-flammable, disposable or washable, and of any color. In a preferred embodiment, the color of the glove 10 matches the color of the interior of the vehicle in which the glove 10 is retrieved and stored. In addition, the glove 10 can be designed to include the logo of the manufacturer of the vehicle in which the glove 10 is retrieved and stored.

[0061] One advantage of the glove 10 is the substantially leak-proof, odor-absorbing, and disinfectant outer layer 12 or the combination of the outer layer 12 with at least one substantially leak-, odor-, germ-proof inner layer 14 that is bonded as an integral film to the entire inner surface of the outer layer 12. As a result, there are substantially no places where a liquid, odors, or germs could penetrate the glove 10 and reach the hand 11, and, thus, the hand 11 is protected from gasoline, fumes, germs, odors, and the like.

[0062] Continuity of the substantially leak-, odor-, germ-proof outer layer 12 or the at least one inner layer 14 increases the probability that gasoline, oils, and/or other liquids will not eventually reach the hand 11, which otherwise would defeat the purpose of the glove 10. Additionally, in the case of the embodiment of the glove 10 having the at least one inner layer 14, the continuous bond of the outer layer 12 and the at least one inner layer 14 allows the user good manipulation of parts, which would be less probable if the outer layer 12 and the at least one substantially leak-, odor-, germ-proof inner layer 14 could move relative to one another. Also, a highly textured exterior surface 20, such as one made of metal mesh, or any other suitable surface can serve to protect the integrity of the at least one substantially leak-, odor-, germ-resistant inner layer 14.

[0063] Another advantage is that the glove 10 is designed such that, upon turning the glove 10 inside outward so that the interior surface 22 is facing outward, the digits portion 16 is disposed substantially entirely within the palm portion 18. Therefore, gasoline fumes, germs, odors, and the like from the digits portion 16 are substantially trapped and cannot escape into the immediate surroundings of the glove 10. Also, the glove 10 can be easily put on and taken off the hand 11.

[0064] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

[0065] Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A glove for pumping gasoline, comprising:

an outer layer defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, said exterior surface adapted for direct contact with objects exterior to said glove, said interior surface adapted to define a volume for receiving a hand, said glove being substantially leak-proof to substantially prevent the hand from contact with liquid and defining a digits portion for covering substantially the fingers and the thumb of the hand and a palm portion for covering substantially the remainder of the hand, said glove adapted to be partially reversible upon removal from the hand such that said digits portion is disposed substantially entirely within the resulting volume defined by and interior to said palm portion upon turning said interior surface outward so that gasoline disposed upon said digits portion is substantially disposed within the resulting volume defined by and interior to said palm portion.

2. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said exterior surface and said interior surface is substantially leak-proof.

3. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 1, wherein said glove further includes at least one inner layer disposed within said outer layer between said exterior surface and said interior surface and is substantially leak-proof.

4. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one of said exterior surface and said interior surface and said at least one inner layer is substantially leak-proof.

5. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said exterior surface and said interior surface is substantially odor-absorbing to substantially prevent the hand from contact with odors.

6. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 3, wherein said at least one inner layer is substantially odor-absorbing to substantially prevent the hand from contact with odors.

7. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one of said exterior surface and said interior surface and said at least one inner layer is substantially odor-absorbing to substantially prevent the hand from contact with odors.

8. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said exterior surface and said interior surface is substantially disinfecting.

9. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 3, wherein said at least one inner layer is substantially disinfecting.

10. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one of said exterior surface and said interior surface and said at least one inner layer is substantially disinfecting.

11. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said exterior surface and said interior surface is substantially odor-absorbing to substantially prevent the hand from contact with odors and substantially disinfecting.

12. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 3, wherein said at least one inner layer is substantially odor-absorbing to substantially prevent the hand from contact with odors and substantially disinfecting.

13. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one of said exterior surface and said interior surface and said at least one inner layer is substantially odor-absorbing to substantially prevent the hand from contact with odors and substantially disinfecting.

14. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 3, wherein said at least one inner layer is continuous and bonded to said outer layer.

15. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 14, wherein said at least one inner layer is disposed substantially co-extensively with said outer layer.

16. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 1, wherein said outer layer is made of a textile.

17. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 1, wherein said exterior surface is in the form of a cut-resistant cloth.

18. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 17, wherein said exterior surface is made from metal mesh.

19. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 1, wherein said interior surface includes a fastening member disposed thereon for hanging said glove.

20. The glove for pumping gasoline as recited in claim 19, wherein said fastening member is disposed on said palm portion.