Double texture device

Abstract

An article having a first portion, the first portion having a first texture; and a second portion, the second portion having a second texture, the second texture being rougher than the first texture; wherein the first portion and the second portion define an open cavity of sufficient size to accommodate at least one finger of a human hand; wherein the first portion and the second portion are formed from the same material; and wherein one of the portions has been treated to create its texture.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to devices for caring for surfaces such as for shampooing an animal.

Examples of products that serve this purpose are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,782,502 to Crane, U.S. Pat. No. 3,151,333 to Scholz, U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,555 to Means, U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,065 to Schneiderman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,148 to Vargas et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,543 to Lee, U.S. Pat. No. 6,75,995 to Le Gette et al., and French Patent No. FR694877 to Bouvier.

A need exists for an improved version of these prior art devices.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an article having a first portion, the first portion having a first texture; and a second portion, the second portion having a second texture, the second texture being rougher than the first texture.

The first portion and the second portion define an open cavity of sufficient size to accommodate at least one finger of a human hand. The first portion and the second portion are formed from the same material. One of the portions has been treated to create its texture.

The article may also have a liner coupled to at least one of the portions. The liner may comprise polyethylene laminate. The article may also have an exudable composition such as a soap. The article may be stored in a resealable container. The cavity of the article may be of sufficient size to accommodate all five fingers of a human hand, or of sufficient size to accommodate only a single finger of a human hand.

In an additional embodiment, an article has a first portion, the first portion having a first texture and a peripheral edge; and a second portion, the second portion having a second texture and a peripheral edge, the second texture being rougher than the first texture. The first portion and the second portion are coupled to each other along their peripheral edges to define a cavity having an opening. At least one of the portions comprises polyethylene, polypropylene or mixtures thereof.

The present invention is also directed to a method for caring for a surface by (a) selecting an article according to the present invention, (b) placing the article on at least one finger; (c) contacting the surface with the first portion of the article; and (d) contacting the surface with the second portion, wherein steps (c) and (d) may be done in either order.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention will be had with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a glove according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the glove of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a glove according to a first alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the glove of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a glove according to a second alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a finger glove according to a third alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “treated” refers to subjecting a surface to physical manipulation using for e.g. heat and cold; subjecting a surface to mechanical manipulation such as stretching, compression, and abrading; and subjecting a surface to a chemical that alters the surface in order to change the texture of the surface.

As used herein the term “glove” refers to a covering for at least one finger of a human hand.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a glove 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a first portion 12. The first portion 12 has a first texture 14. The first texture is typically a relatively smooth washing surface. The smoothness of the first texture may be varied depending on the application that the glove is to be used in connection with. For example, the first texture may be more smooth if the glove is to be used for buffing than if the glove is to be used for washing.

The glove 10 also has a second portion 16. The second portion 16 has a second texture 18. The second texture is a relatively rough scrubbing or exfoliating surface. The roughness of the second texture may be varied depending on the application that the glove is to be used in connection with. For example, the second texture may be rougher and more abrasive if the glove is to be used for sanding than if the glove is to be used for scrubbing skin.

The first portion 12 and the second portion 16 define an open cavity 20. The open cavity 20 is of sufficient size to accommodate at least one finger of a human hand. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the open cavity is subdivided into two pockets. A first pocket 22 is designed to fit over four fingers of a human hand. A second pocket 24 is designed to fit over the thumb of a human hand. By configuring the cavity of the glove in this manner, it is relatively easy to remove a glove from one hand, turn the glove over, and place the glove on the other hand, thereby making the glove ambidextrous. Alternatively, a user may use the second portion without removing the glove 10 by turning their hand over to orient the palm-side away from a work surface.

In a first additional embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the glove 10′ has four finger pockets 26, 28, 30, 32 for placement over four fingers of a human hand. Additionally, the glove according to the first additional embodiment has a thumb pocket 34 for placement over a human thumb.

In a second additional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the glove 10″ has a single cavity 36 that fits over the fingers and thumb of a hand. This construction allows the glove to be easily rotated 180 degrees on a human hand so that the same hand can be used with both sides of the glove without having to turn the hand upside down. Additionally, this construction allows a glove to be usable on either hand with either the first surface or the second surface facing a work surface.

In a third additional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the glove 10′″ has a single pocket 38 sized to fit over a single human finger. This construction allows the glove to be easily rotated on the single finger to allow a user to use both sides of the glove without straining or moving the glove to a different finger. Gloves according to the third additional embodiment are useful for getting into tight areas, such as for treating teeth inside of a human mouth, or for treating teeth inside the mouth of an animal such as a dog or a cat.

Typically, the first and second portions 12, 16 of the glove are made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or a blend of polyethylene and polyproylene. Alternatively, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, additional materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, may be used to form one or more portions of the glove depending on the task for which the gloves will be used. Typically, at least one portion of the glove has been treated so that the first and second portions of the glove have different textures.

Woven or non-woven rayon and/or cotton fibers may be added to impart different textures to the two portions. Additionally, blends of fibers containing rayon and/or cotton in combination with other synthetic fibers may be added to impart different textures to the two portions.

Typically, a glove is manufactured by coupling a first piece of material that forms the first portion 12 to a second piece of material that forms the second portion 16. The first and second pieces of material are coupled to each other along their edges to form the glove. The two pieces of material may be coupled using an adhesive, such as glue, or thread.

Alternatively, the edges of the material may be fused together using heat, ultrasonic, or chemical means. The two pieces of material may have different textures at the time of attachment. Alternatively, one portion of the glove may be treated after the two pieces of material have been coupled to each other. Optionally, a glove may be manufactured as a single piece by molding.

Optionally, at least one portion of the glove is treated by placing the portion against a texture imparting surface and then heating the portion. The heating causes the portion to assume the texture of the texture imparting surface. Alternatively, a portion of the glove is treated by exposing the portion to a chemical that either roughens or smoothes the exposed portion.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the glove may be lined with a liner 40 to prevent moisture from getting inside the glove and onto the hands of a user. The liner maybe formed from polyethylene. The liner 40 may be attached to the first and second portions of the glove using an adhesive such as glue. Alternatively, the liner 40 may be formed in a glove shape, a thumbless mitt shape, or a finger shape, separately placed over a human hand, and inserted into the glove 10. Alternatively, the liner material, such as polyethylene, may be laminated onto the inside of the first and second portions 12, 16 before the portions are coupled to each other. Additionally, the liner material may be attached or laminated onto the outside of the glove.

Optionally, at least one portion of the glove has an exudable composition 42, as shown in FIG. 3. As used herein the term “exudable” means capable of oozing out, or spreading from. The selection of an exudable composition is dependent upon the purpose for which the gloves will be used. For example, if the gloves are to be used for washing a surface such as a car, then at least one surface of the glove may be impregnated with soap. Additionally, a glove may be treated with, for example, a shampoo, a solvent, a wax, a sunblock, or a medicine. Additionally, the inside of a glove may have with a lotion for conditioning hands or feet.

Optionally, the exudable composition is dehydrated and rehydrates upon exposure to water. Additionally, each portion of the glove may have a different exudable composition. For example, a glove may have a shampoo on the first portion and a conditioner on the second portion.

Optionally, each glove may be packaged in a container 44, as shown in FIG. 1. The container can be a sealed foil container. The sealed foil container may be disposable or resealable. The packaging of the glove in a sealed foil container allows for gloves that have a wet exudable composition to retain the moisture in the exudable composition. Additionally, packaging the glove in a sealed foil container allows for gloves that have a dehydrated exudable composition to stay dry. A resealable foil container allows a user to store a glove after usage for reuse at a later time.

Alternatively, more than one glove may be packaged together in a moisture tight resealable dispenser. A suitable dispenser may be made of plastic and may have a resealable lid. Packaging of the gloves in this manner allows for a user to quickly access more than one glove. Additionally, the moisture tight resealable dispenser allows for gloves that have a wet exudable composition to retain the moisture in the exudable composition. Additionally, the moisture tight resealable dispenser allows for gloves with a dehydrated exudable composition to stay dry. Additionally, a resealable dispenser allows a user to store a glove after usage for reuse at a later time.

An exemplary method of manufacturing the glove of the present invention will now be described. A nonwoven fabric is prepared. The nonwoven fabric is heated on one side to create a rougher texture on the heated side. At least one of the smooth fabric and the roughened fabric is then coated with an exudable composition and dried through a heat tunnel. Roughened fabric is then placed together with smooth fabric. The roughened and smooth fabrics are then cut to size and sealed to each other using an ultrasonic sealer.

An exemplary use of the glove of the present invention is for washing an animal, such as a dog, with a glove having soap as an exudable composition. The first portion of the glove may be used to wet down the animal and spread the soap over the animal's fur. The second portion of the glove may be used to scrub any parts of the animal covered with particularly troublesome or hard to remove dirt.

An additional exemplary use of the glove of the present invention is for cleaning a countertop, sink, tub or dish, with the glove having a cleanser as an exudable composition. The first portion of the glove may be used to spread the cleanser on the countertop, sink, tub or dish. The second portion of the glove may be used to scrub any troublesome or hard to remove dirt.

An additional exemplary use of the glove of the present invention is for applying a tooth whitener to a tooth, with the glove having a tooth whitener as an exudable composition. The first portion of the glove is used to scrub the surface of the tooth. The second portion of the glove is used to apply the tooth whitener to the surface of the tooth.

An additional exemplary use of the glove of the present invention is for cleaning and deodorizing the teeth of dogs, cats, horses and other animals, with the glove having a tooth cleanser or deodorant as an exudable composition. The first portion of the glove is used to apply the tooth cleanser or deodorant to the teeth of the animal. The second portion of the glove is used to scrub the surface of the animal teeth with the tooth cleanser or deodorant.

An additional exemplary use of the glove of the present invention is for cleaning and waxing the outside surface of an automobile, with the glove having a cleanser as an exudable composition on the first portion and a wax as an exudable composition on the second portion. The first portion of the glove is used to apply the cleanser to the outside surface of the automobile and to scrub away dirt. The second portion of the glove is used to apply the wax and to buff the outside surface of the automobile.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions described herein.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112.

Claims

1. An article comprising:

a) a first portion, the first portion having a first texture; and

b) a second portion, the second portion having a second texture, the second texture being rougher than the first texture;

wherein the first portion and the second portion define an open cavity of sufficient size to accommodate at least one finger of a human hand;

wherein the first portion and the second portion are formed from the same material; and

wherein one of the portions has been treated to create its texture.

2. The articles of claim 1 wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene and mixtures thereof.

3. The article of claim 2 wherein one of the portions further comprises woven rayon.

4. The article of claim 1 further comprising a liner coupled to at least one of the portions.

5. The article of claim 4 wherein the liner comprises polyethylene laminate.

6. The article of claim 1 wherein at least one of the portions includes with an exudable composition.

7. The article of claim 6 wherein the exudable composition is dehydrated.

8. The article of claim 1 further comprising a reusable container removably surrounding the first portion and the second portion.

9. The article of claim 1 wherein the open cavity is of sufficient size to accommodate a human hand.

10. The article of claim 1 wherein the open cavity is of sufficient size to accommodate only a single finger of a human hand.

11. An article comprising:

a) a first portion, the first portion having a first texture and a peripheral edge; and

b) a second portion, the second portion having a second texture and a peripheral edge, the second texture being rougher than the first texture;

wherein the first portion and the second portion are coupled to each other along their peripheral edges to define a cavity having an opening large enough for a finger; and

wherein at least one of the portions comprises polyethylene, polypropylene or mixtures thereof.

12. The article of claim 11 wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion further comprises cotton fibers, rayon fibers or blends thereof.

13. The article of claim 12 further comprising a waterproof liner coupled to at least one of the portions.

14. The article of claim 13 further comprising dehydrated soap coupled to at least one of the portions.

15. The article of claim 14 wherein the liner comprises a polyethylene laminate.

16. The article of claim 15 further comprising a disposable sealed foil container removably surrounding the first portion and the second portion.

17. The article of claim 16 wherein the glove may be used on either a right human hand or a left human hand.

18. An article comprising:

a) a first portion, the first portion having a first texture; and

b) a second portion, the second portion having a second texture, the second texture being rougher than the first texture;

wherein the first portion and the second portion define an open cavity of sufficient size to accommodate at least one finger of a human hand;

wherein one of the portions has been treated to create its texture; and

at least one of the portions has an exudable composition.

19. The article of claim 18 wherein the exudable composition comprises a soap.

20 The article of claim 18 wherein the exudable composition comprises a sunblock.

21. The article of claim 18 wherein the exudable composition comprises a tooth whitener.

22. A method for caring for a surface comprising:

(a) selecting the article of claim 18;

(b) placing the article on at least one finger;

(c) contacting the surface with the first portion; and

(d) contacting the surface with the second portion;

wherein items (c) and (d) can be done in either order.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein at least one of step (c) and (d) further comprises applying the exudable composition to the surface.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the surface is an animal and the exudable composition is soap.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein the surface is a tooth and the exudable composition is a tooth whitener.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein the surface is a human skin; one of the first and second portions exfoliates the skin; and the exudable composition is a soap.

27. The method of claim 23 wherein the surface is at least one of the group consisting of a countertop, a sink, a tub or a dish; and the exudable composition is a cleanser.