Glove with seamless finger tips and gussets

Abstract

A glove according to the present invention with a seamless fingertip comprises a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and inside surface of the user's fingers. A back portion is configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and back surface of the user's fingers. One or more gussets are arranged in saddle between a user's adjacent fingers. One or more finger sections, each of which runs along an inside surface of one of the user's fingers and over the fingertip, between the palm and back portions. At least one end of each of the finger sections is attached to one of the gussets. Each of the finger sections is arranged such that there are no joining seams across the fingertips of the user. A scratch pad is included on the glove that can be written and erased by the user.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/466,236 which was filed on Apr. 28, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to work and sport gloves, and particularly to gloves having finger gussets, seamless fingertips and a writing pad.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Gloves have been developed for use mechanics, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, athletes and others and others, for protection of the hand and to allow for improved gripping. These gloves are often used for a variety of tasks using the tips of the fingers with one example of these tasks including putting a nut on a bolt. One of the disadvantages of current gloves is that they are too thick, loose which can reduce the tactile feel of the hand, including the fingertips. Another disadvantage is that there is a one or more seems across the fingertips, which can also reduce the dexterity and tactile feel of the gloves.

[0006] Another disadvantage of conventional gloves is that they lack ventilation such that heat tends to build up in inside the glove, which can make them uncomfortable for a user, particularly in hotter climates. Current gloves also continue the glove material down the length of the fingers and along the saddle between the fingers. This can result in glove material bunching up between the fingers, which can be uncomfortable for the user, particularly when using thick glove material such as leather.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows one example of a conventional glove 10 that can be made of many different materials, such as leather. The glove includes a seam 12 across each of the fingertips, which can reduce dexterity and feel. The glove material running the length of the surfaces between the fingers and along the saddle between the fingers, which is can be uncomfortable for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention overcomes the problems noted above. One embodiment of a glove according to the present invention with a seamless fingertip comprises a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and inside surface of the user's fingers. A back portion is configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and back surface of the user's fingers. One or more gussets are arranged in saddle between a user's adjacent fingers. One or more finger sections, each of which runs along an inside surface of one of the user's fingers and over the fingertip, between the palm and back portions. At least one end of each of the finger sections is attached to one of the gussets. Each of the finger sections arranged such that there are no joining seams across the fingertips of the user.

[0009] Another embodiment of a glove according to the present invention comprises a palm portion, back portion, finger sections and a gussets all joined together to form a glove such that none are joined together to form a seam across the fingertips of the user. A scratch pad is included on the glove that can be written by the user.

[0010] Another embodiment of glove according to the present invention comprises a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and inside surfaces of the user's fingers. A back portion is configured to substantially cover the back of a user's hand and fingers. A scratch pad is included on the back portion that can be written on and erased by the user.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art glove.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of a glove according to the present invention from the back of the glove.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of a glove according to the present invention from the palm of the glove.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of one embodiment of a glove according to the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of another embodiment of a glove according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] FIGS. 2-5 show one embodiment of a glove 20 according to the present invention generally comprising a back portion 22 that substantially covers back of the user's hand and fingers. Back portion 22 can be formed from many different materials with a suitable material being a heavy mesh. The back portion 22 can also be made from other materials including leather or synthetic leather, to protect the user's hand and to also allow freer movement. The back portion 22 can also be a combination of heavy mesh, leather and synthetic leather and can also include padding where appropriate.

[0018] The glove 20 also includes a palm portion 24 that substantially covers the user's palm and inside surface of the fingers. The palm is preferably made of leather, synthetic leather, or a similar material and can also comprise pieces of material joined together. The palm portion can also include padding where appropriate.

[0019] Gussets 26a-c are included between the fingers at the base of the fingers and each runs along the saddle between its respective fingers. The gussets 26a-c are also joined along one edge with the back portion 22 and are joined along another edge with the palm portion. Gussets 26a-c are typically made from a stretchable, breathable fabric, such as Lycra®, Neoprene®, Airprene®, Spandex® or other similar fabric.

[0020] The gussets 26a-c provide at least two advantages. In conventional gloves, a section of the glove material runs along the surface of the fingers between the fingers, through the saddle between the fingers. This arrangement requires that each of these sections be joined with the back portion along one edge and the palm portion along another edge. Adjacent sections then need to be joined at the top of the fingers, which typically results in a seam at the top of the fingers. By having gussets 26a-c between the fingers, finger sections 28a-d do not run through the saddle of the fingers. Instead, they are arranged to fun over each of the fingertips. Each is joined at along one edge to the back portion and along another edge to the palm portion. Each is also joined at least one of its ends to a finger gusset. Accordingly, each finger section 28a-d does not need to be joined at the tip of a finger to an adjacent finger section but continues uninterrupted between finger gussets 28a-c. By not having the seam at the fingertip, the feel and dexterity of the glove 20 is increased. The user can more easily unscrew a bolt with the thumb and forefinger because of the enhanced dexterity and tactile feel of the seamless fingertip.

[0021] The finger gussets 26a-c also provide for improved comport to the user. The gussets 26a-c allow heat to escape from the glove during use such that the hand is less likely to overheat. The fabric that comprises the gussets 26a-c can be softer, thinner are more flexible than the other glove materials so that there is reduced bunching between the fingers.

[0022] Finger sections 28a-d can also be made of leather or synthetic leather, but may be made from other similar materials. Furthermore, finger sections 28a-d may have vent holes 29 in it to allow air to pass through and further enhance breathability of the glove.

[0023] Glove 10 also includes a tab 30 adjacent to a wrist portion 32. Tab 30 assists the user when putting on and removing the glove 20. When the user inserts a hand into the glove 20, the tab 30 can be grasped with the other hand to pull the glove on. The wrist portion 32 is adjacent to back and palm portion 22, 24 and is configured to encircle the user's wrist to help secure the glove. In one embodiment according to the present invention the wrist portion comprises an elastic material. The glove 10 also includes a closure strap 33 on the wrist portion 32 that closes that wrist section around the user's wrist and is held in place by a hook and loop closure, to tighten or loosen the glove.

[0024] All parts of glove 20 are connected together using a sewn inseam, however other methods of joining together these parts may be used, including an outer seam and gluing.

[0025] As best shown in FIG. 1, the glove 20 can also comprise writing pad 34 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Pad 34 may be sewn into back portion 22 or can be attached in other ways including gluing. Pad 34 may be made of a material that can be written on, including a plastic, styrene or other material. The writing pad can be used to write information that the user needs to remember for future use, such as measurements or lists of material needed. Pad 34 may be written on with an ink pen, pencil or other writing instrument. Writing on pad 24 may be removed with a pencil eraser, water, saliva or other method.

[0026] Glove further includes knuckle portion 36 that is preferably flexible to allow a user to bend their fingers easier and allow for freer movement of all parts of the user's hand.

[0027] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A glove with a seamless fingertip, comprising:

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

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

one or more gussets each of which is arranged in saddle between a user's adjacent fingers; and

one or more finger sections each of which runs along an inside surface of one of the user's fingers and over a fingertip, between said palm and back portions, at least one end of each of said finger sections attached to one of said gussets, wherein each said finger sections are arranged such that there are no joining seams across the fingertips of the user.

2. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a writing pad.

3. The glove of claim 2 wherein said pad is formed from plastic or styrene.

4 The glove of claim 1, wherein said palm portion is made from synthetic leather.

5 The glove of claim 1, wherein said gusset portion is made from a flexible and breathable material.

6. The glove of claim 1, wherein said finger portion includes vent holes to aid in cooling the user's hand.

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

8. The glove of claim 7, further comprising a tab portion adjacent to said wrist portion configured to assist the user in putting on and removing said glove from the user's hand.

9. The glove of claim 7, wherein said wrist portion is secured with a hook and loop fastener.

10. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a knuckle portion adjacent to said back portion, wherein said knuckle portion is flexible to allow easier movement of the user's fingers.

11. The glove of claim 1, wherein said back portion is flexible to allow easier movement of the user's fingers.

12. A glove comprising:

a palm portion, back portion, finger sections and a gussets all joined together to form a glove such that none are joined together to form a seam across the fingertips of the user; and

a scratch pad that can be written on by the user.

13. A glove comprising:

a palm portion configured to substantially cover a user's palm and inside surfaces of said fingers; and

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

a scratch pad on said back portion that can be written on and erased by the user.

14. The glove of claim 13, further comprising

one or more gussets, each of which runs along the saddle between adjacent ones of the user's fingers the gusset arranged said palm and back portion; and

one or more finger sections each of which is arranged between said palm and back portions over one of the user's fingers, with at least one end of each said finger sections attached to one of said gussets such that there are no joining seams across the fingertips of the user.