INDUSTRIAL AND UTILITY GLOVE

Abstract

A glove system is described herein that includes: a hand covering segment, and a receptacle segment, wherein the receptacle segment is coupled to the hand covering segment. A storage system for a glove system is also disclosed that includes: a hand covering segment, a receptacle segment, wherein the receptacle segment is coupled to the hand covering segment and wherein the receptacle segment comprises the bottom portion of the storage system; and a lid, wherein the lid is removably coupled to the receptacle segment.

Description

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The field of the subject matter is an industrial and utility glove designed to catch, collect and/or attract loose items and unwanted materials in order to assist the wearer.

BACKGROUND

There are a lot of tasks and jobs that require a person to work on a device or apparatus above his/her head or body. For example, mechanics and plumbers routinely lay on their back or reach up and work on machinery or plumbing above their heads/bodies.

In the case of auto mechanics, they routinely change oil and fluids in automobiles by using a drip plate or drip pan to catch the fluid that falls out of the pipe or container by virtue of gravity. However, when the mechanic is loosening a cap or screws, it may not be convenient or useful to put a drip pan in place yet, because the screws or cap becomes hard to get at or inaccessible.

For plumbers, especially those who work in homes where each plumbing system is designed differently, they are often forced to lie on their backs to access kitchen and bathroom pipes and plumbing fixtures. In these instances, a drip pan or drip plate may not be available or useful at all, in that the pipes have to be arranged to hold the plate and the cabinet space has to be big enough to hold the drip plate or pan, along with having room for the plumber to work.

It is also likely that there are several tasks and jobs around the home that would be aided by having a glove that could catch and/or collect loose items and unwanted material.

An example of this type of task might be hanging a light fixture or ceiling fan, where there are several small screws that need to be coupled to the fixture or fan. It would be helpful to have a way to catch and hold loose screws—other than a cup or magnetic screwdriver.

It would be ideal if a glove system were developed for industrial, utility and individual uses where one could work on a project that requires reaching above his/her head and/or body and catch loose materials and/or unwanted materials safely in the glove system.

SUMMARY

A glove system is described herein that includes: a hand covering segment, and a receptacle segment, wherein the receptacle segment is coupled to the hand covering segment.

A storage system for a glove system is also disclosed that includes: a hand covering segment, a receptacle segment, wherein the receptacle segment is coupled to the hand covering segment and wherein the receptacle segment comprises the bottom portion of the storage system; and a lid, wherein the lid is removably coupled to the receptacle segment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a contemplated embodiment of a glove system.

FIG. 2 shows a contemplated embodiment of a glove system.

FIG. 3 shows a contemplated embodiment of a glove system.

FIG. 4 shows a contemplated embodiment of a glove system.

FIG. 5 shows a contemplated packaging system for a glove system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A glove system has been developed for industrial, utility and individual uses where one can work on a project that requires reaching above his/her head and/or body and can catch loose materials and/or unwanted materials safely in the glove system and is shown in FIGS. 1-4. A contemplated storage system for a glove system is shown in FIG. 5.

Contemplated glove systems comprise a hand covering segment and a receptacle segment that is coupled to the hand covering segment. In some embodiments, the hand covering segment comprises a plurality of finger enclosures and a thumb enclosure coupled to the hand covering segment.

In a contemplated embodiment, a hand covering segment 210 is a part of a glove system 200 and may comprise several individual portions. A contemplated hand covering segment 210 may comprise a portion that covers the fleshy part of the hand and has a plurality of holes 220 whereby the fingers 230 and thumb (not shown) can stick through and remain uncovered/exposed, as shown in FIG. 2. A contemplated receptacle segment 240 and a portion of the wearer's arm 250 are also shown. With respect to the receptacle segment 240, it has an inner cavity 245 and an outer shell 247.

In some embodiments, a contemplated hand covering segment comprises a plurality of finger enclosures and a thumb enclosure that are designed to couple to the hand covering segment to make a full glove, such that the finger and/or thumb enclosures can be removed or removable (as shown in FIG. 3), or are designed as one continuous glove where the finger and/or thumb enclosures are one piece with the hand covering segment (as shown in FIG. 1). In embodiments where the finger and/or thumb enclosures are removable, it is advantageous for the user in that a particularly tough or sensitive job might require using fingers that are not covered by a glove material.

FIG. 1 shows a contemplated glove system 100 wherein the finger enclosures 160 and the thumb enclosure (not shown) are made to be permanently attached and continuous with the hand covering segment 110. A contemplated receptacle segment 140 and a portion of the wearer's arm 150 are also shown. With respect to the receptacle segment 140, it has an inner cavity 145 and an outer shell 147.

FIG. 3 shows a contemplated glove system 300 wherein the finger enclosures 360 and the thumb enclosure (not shown) are made to be removably attached with the hand covering segment 310. A contemplated receptacle segment 340 and a portion of the wearer's arm 350 are also shown. With respect to the receptacle segment 340, it has an inner cavity 345 and an outer shell 347. In this Figure, snaps 370 are shown that allow the wearer to detach the snap and pull off the finger enclosure 360 and/or thumb enclosure (not shown).

In a contemplated embodiment, a receptacle segment is coupled to the hand covering segment, such that the receptacle segment is located at or below the wrist (closer to the elbow) of the wearer. The receptacle segment may be designed like a cup, wherein it will catch and contain any loose materials and/or unwanted materials, as the wearer works on a project. The wearer of the glove system puts his/her hand through the receptacle segment and into the hand covering segment.

The receptacle segment may also comprise a sticky material and/or magnetic material, such that any loose and/or unwanted materials are not only caught by the receptacle, but are also held in place in the receptacle segment.

The receptacle segment may also comprise a plug fitting that allows a hose to be connect to the segment in order to drain fluids away from the receptacle segment as it is collected. This plug fitting is designed to be utilized in situations where there may be a lot of unwanted fluids collected, so that the wearer does not need to stop the job in order to dump the liquid out of the receptacle segment. FIG. 4 shows a contemplated glove system 400 wherein the finger enclosures 460 and the thumb enclosure (not shown) are made to be permanently attached and continuous with the hand covering segment 410. A contemplated receptacle segment 440 and a portion of the wearer's arm 450 are also shown. With respect to the receptacle segment 440, it has an inner cavity 445 and an outer shell 447. The receptacle segment 440 also comprises a plug fitting 480 and tubing 485 that allows liquids to be drained from and directed away from the glove system.

The receptacle segment may be designed so that it is one piece with the hand covering segment or it may be designed so that it can be removed and replaced with another type of receptacle segment or left off altogether, so that the hand covering segment can be worn alone.

The receptacle segment may be utilized to catch and/or collect any suitable loose material and/or unwanted materials, including liquids, nails, screws, bolts, metal shavings, debris, rocks, food or a combination thereof.

The hand covering segment, the receptacle segment, the finger enclosures and/or the thumb enclosures may be made out of any suitable material, including vinyl, nylon, suede, leather, plastic, metal, composite material, tyvek, polyester or any combination thereof. Any of these segments or enclosures may be lined with any suitable lining material. Contemplated hand covering segments, receptacle segments, finger enclosures, thumb enclosures and combinations thereof may be made out of the same material or different materials, depending on the needs of the consumer or the need of the glove itself.

In another embodiment, the glove system comprises an easy and novel storage system, whereby the glove system can be tucked away and stored for later use, where a contemplated embodiment of the storage system 500 is shown in FIG. 5. A contemplated receptacle segment 540 has an inner cavity 545 and an outer shell 547. The hand covering segment and any other enclosures and fittings are secured in the storage system 500 as one unit 590. Other items for use with the glove system can be stored in the storage system, such as the plug fitting and tube assembly, any additional removable finger and thumb enclosures and any other additional components.

In these embodiments, the receptacle is used as the container for the hand covering segment and any finger and/or thumb enclosures. The wearer just pushes the hand covering segment and any finger and/or thumb enclosures down into the receptacle. A lid can then be placed on the receptacle in order to seal the storage system. In a contemplated embodiment, a storage system for a glove system includes: a hand covering segment, a receptacle segment, wherein the receptacle segment is coupled to the hand covering segment and wherein the receptacle segment comprises the bottom portion of the storage system; and a lid, wherein the lid is removably coupled to the receptacle segment.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Automobile Maintenance

As disclosed earlier, a glove system can be used to help a mechanic work on an automobile while under the car. In the instance where a mechanic is working on a car and the car is on a car lift or auto lift, the mechanic can change the oil and/or take off bolts and small parts without the use of a drip pan or other holder. The glove system can utilize a plug fitting and tube arrangement to catch and drain the oil or other fluid from the receptacle segment to a disposal unit. For the “weekend car enthusiast”, a contemplated glove system is useful, because usually the person is lying on his or her back under the automobile and does not have the room for a drip pan or drip bucket.

Example 2

Ceiling Painting or Light Fixture Installation

A contemplated glove system is also especially useful to anyone who paints ceilings and/or who installs ceiling light fixtures and ceiling fans. If you are painting a ceiling, then the contemplated glove system is useful in order to keep paint dripping on the wearer's arm and even in the wearer's face. For lighting and ceiling fan installations, if a screw or bolt drops during installation, it will likely fall into the receptacle segment and keep the installer from needing to stop work, get down off of the ladder and pick up the dropped pieces.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of a utility and/or industrial glove system, including a storage system, have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure herein. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Claims

1. A glove system, comprising:

a hand covering segment, and

a receptacle segment, wherein the receptacle segment is coupled to the hand covering segment.

2. The glove system of claim 1, further comprising at least one finger enclosure, a thumb enclosure or a combination thereof.

3. The glove system of claim 2, wherein the at least one finger enclosure, the thumb enclosure or the combination thereof is removably coupled to the hand covering segment.

4. The glove system of claim 2, wherein the at least one finger enclosure, the thumb enclosure or the combination thereof is permanently coupled to the hand covering segment.

5. The glove system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle segment comprises a cup shape.

6. The glove system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle segment comprises a magnetic portion, a sticky portion or a combination thereof.

7. The glove system of claim 1, wherein the hand covering segment and the receptacle segment comprise different materials.

8. The glove system of claim 2, wherein the at least one finger enclosure, a thumb enclosure or a combination thereof comprise different materials from the hand covering segment or the receptacle segment.

9. The glove system of claim 1, wherein the hand covering segment, the receptacle segment or a combination thereof comprise vinyl, nylon, suede, leather, plastic, metal, composite material, tyvek, polyester or any combination thereof.

10. The glove system of claim 2, wherein the at least one finger enclosure, a thumb enclosure or a combination thereof comprise vinyl, nylon, suede, leather, tyvek, polyester or any combination thereof.

11. The glove system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle segment comprises a plug fitting.

12. The glove system of claim 11, wherein the plug fitting further comprises a tube that is coupled to the plug fitting.

13. A storage system for a glove system, comprising:

a hand covering segment,

a receptacle segment, wherein the receptacle segment is coupled to the hand covering segment and wherein the receptacle segment comprises the bottom portion of the storage system; and

a lid, wherein the lid is removably coupled to the receptacle segment.

14. The storage system of claim 13, further comprising at least one finger enclosure, a thumb enclosure or a combination thereof.

15. The storage system of claim 14, wherein the at least one finger enclosure, the thumb enclosure or the combination thereof is removably coupled to the hand covering segment.

16. The storage system of claim 14, wherein the at least one finger enclosure, the thumb enclosure or the combination thereof is permanently coupled to the hand covering segment.

17. The storage system of claim 13, wherein the receptacle segment comprises a cup shape.

18. The storage system of claim 13, wherein the receptacle segment comprises a magnetic portion, a sticky portion or a combination thereof.