PROTECTIVE GLOVE SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective system that can be used in the record management industry. The protective system includes a root portion, covering portions, and gripping portions. The root portion can receive the palm of the user, the covering portions can receive the fingers of the user, and the gripping portions are carried by the covering portions and/or the root portion and help the user grip different items. The gripping portions can be made of various materials, including rubber.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/365,806, entitled “Protective Glove System,” filed on 20 Jul. 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Various aspects of the present invention relate to personal protective systems and, more particularly, to a protective glove system for a person's hands, wrists, and arms.

A variety of occupations, hobbies, and activities require handling large amounts of files, folders, paper documents, and the like (hereafter “filing materials”). Frequently, the filing materials have thin, sharp edges that are capable of cutting skin. Further, these same filing materials can be made of moisture-absorbent material, which can dry-out skin during repeated or prolonged contact. Frequent handling of filing materials can lead to cutting, scratching, bruising, and drying of the hands, wrists, and arms. These injuries are particularly likely during filing and sorting through filing materials in tight spaces, such as on shelves and in cabinets. Often times, cutting, scratching, bruising, and drying can lead to bleeding, which can cause blood to be left on the filing materials, and can facilitate the transfer of germs and disease. Furthermore, the injuries can lead to discomfort, which can cause the injured person to lose the ability to effectively and efficiently handle the filing materials.

Other problems that can arise when handling large amounts of filing materials are slipping and mishandling of the same. When many items are handled on a daily basis, the probability that at least one of the items will be mishandled or will slip out of the handler's grip increases. In the case of filing materials, slipping or mishandling can lead to dropping important items, which can lead to the various filing materials, or their contents, being spread across the floor. This can cause disorganization and disarrangement of important filing materials.

Yet another problem that may arise when handling filing materials is difficulty in flipping through pages, since multi-page documents often stick together. Frequent separation of pages can lead to prolonged contact with the documents, which can lead to drying, scratching, or cutting, as described above.

Occupations that require handling large amounts of filing materials include those in the records management industry, such as records management professionals. Therefore, in the records management industry, as well as in other industries, there is a need for the present invention.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, aspects of the present invention comprise a protective system, such as a protective glove system that can be used to protect a user's hands, wrists, and arms. The protective glove system provides a novel and effective apparatus for handling and gripping files, folders, paper documents, and the like, while protecting the user's hands.

The protective system comprises a root portion, a plurality of covering portions extending from the root portion, and gripping portions carried by the covering portions and/or the root portion.

In some exemplary embodiments, the root portion is adapted to receive the palm of a user's hand, one or more of the covering portions are adapted to receive fingers of the user's hand, and one covering portion is adapted to receive the user's thumb. In these embodiments, a hand can be inserted into the protective system, and the root portion, the covering portions, and the gripping portions can help protect the hand while also helping to grip filing materials.

In exemplary embodiments, the gripping portions are carried by the sections of the covering portions that cover the distal phalanx of an inserted finger or thumb. This location of the gripping portions can prevent a decrease in the dexterity of a person using the protective system because the gripping portions do not cover any interphalangeal creases of the hand, and thus do not prevent bending of the fingers. Moreover, because the distal phalanxes of the fingers are the sections most commonly used while gripping many items, gripping ability is not significantly decreased.

In some embodiments, there are five covering portions extending from the root portion, and each covering portion is adapted to receive one of the user's thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or baby finger. In an exemplary embodiment, gripping portions are carried by all five of the covering portions, and the ability to grip filing materials is thus increased due to the addition of more gripping portions.

In other exemplary embodiments, gripping portions are carried by only one, two, three, or four covering portions. In these embodiments, the ability to grip documents may be reduced, but the weight of the protective glove system and the cost of manufacturing may be lower than in other embodiments due to the presence of less gripping portions.

Additionally, having gripping portions on all of the covering portions may not always be necessary because, during some document management activities, gripping with all the fingers may not be required. Specifically, gripping with the ring finger and the baby finger may not always be needed, so an embodiment with gripping portions carried by three or less of the covering portions may sometimes be sufficient to accomplish a task.

In some embodiments, less than five covering portions may extend from the root portion. In these embodiments, when the root portion receives the palm of a user's hand, and when the covering portions receive the fingers of the user, there will be fingers of the user that are not disposed within a covering portion. This is desirable in order to reduce the weight of the system, or when the user is performing tasks that do not risk cuts, scratches, or other injury to certain fingers. Moreover, in some embodiments, the covering portions can be detachably attached to the root portion, thus allowing the number of covering portions extending from the root portion to vary.

To increase the ability to grip documents, files, folders, and other objects, a plurality of raised portions can extend outwardly from each of the gripping portions. The raised portions can aid in creating traction between the gripping portions and the object that the user of the system is gripping. Thus, the raised portions can help prevent a user of the system from dropping items.

Further, in some embodiments, a jacket portion extends from the root portion in a direction generally opposite the direction in which the covering portions extend. This jacket portion is adapted to receive the wrist and/or arm of the user, and thus provides protection to the wrist and/or arm.

In some embodiments, the protective glove system has a back portion. The back portion is adapted to receive the back of the user's hand, and protects the back of the user's hand from cutting, scratching, and bruising.

The gripping portions can be made of many materials, including a variety of polymers, such as rubber, which can provide good gripping characteristics. The root portion and covering portions can be made from many materials that are resistant to cuts from paper. Additionally, the root portion and covering portions can be made from materials that, in addition to or instead of reducing cuts, can provide some cushioning in the event that the user bumps his/her hand against cabinets, desks, shelves, drawers, or the like. Additionally, the root portion, the covering portions, the jacket portion, and the back portion can be made from porous material. Fabricating these sections from a porous material will allow air to flow in and out of the protective system, which can prevent the user from sweating.

In some embodiments, the root portion, the covering portions, the jacket portion, and the back portion are made from thin material, such as material that is less than about one-tenth of an inch (0.1″) thick. The thinness of these portions of the protective glove system can reduce the weight of the system because less material is used when making the system. This light weight can prevent fatigue and can increase ease of movement when the system is frequently used. Moreover, the thinness of the system can allow the user to have more dexterity because thin material is often more flexible than thick material.

The protective glove system can be made in a variety of sizes. It is well known that people have various sized hands. Users can, therefore, select the size that best fits their hand and provides the best protection and gripping ability.

One method of using the protective glove system is to insert a hand into the protective glove system. In this way, the root portion receives the palm of the hand of the user, and the covering portions receive the fingers of the user. Additionally, the jacket portion can receive the wrist and/or arm of the user, and the back portion can receive the back of the hand of the user.

The protective glove system can, in this fashion, be used in filing, shelving, general records management tasks, and other tasks.

Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a palm-up view of a protective glove system on a left hand, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a palm-up view of the protective glove system on a left hand, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a palm-down view of the protective glove system on a left hand, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present invention, they are explained hereinafter with reference to implementation in an illustrative embodiment. In particular, they are described in the context of being a protective glove system.

Embodiments of the present invention, however, are not limited to use in the described system. Rather, embodiments of the present invention can be used when a protective system is desired or necessary. Thus, the system described hereinafter as a protective glove system can also find utility as a system for other applications, beyond that of a protective glove system, and beyond use in the records management industry.

The components and materials described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components and materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the components and materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the views, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Aspects of the protective glove system 100 comprise a root portion 110, a plurality of covering portions 120, and a plurality of gripping portions 130. When the protective glove system 100 is in use, the root portion 110 can cover and protect the palm of the user's hand, and the covering portions 120 can cover and protect the fingers and thumb of the user. The gripping portions 130 can help the user grip different items.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there are five covering portions 120 extending from the root portion 110. The covering portions 120 define a channel adapted to receive one of the user's thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or baby finger. The covering portions 120 can be substantially cylindrical, and can have one open end in communication with the root portion 110, and one terminal closed end near the tip of the fingers or thumb. The covering portions 120 can be permanently attached to the root portion 110, or detachably attached to the root portion 110. Additionally, each of the covering portions 120 can comprise a distal phalanx-covering portion 121 that covers the distal phalanx of the thumb or finger that is received by that respective covering portion 120. The distal phalanx-covering portion 121 can be at the terminal closed end of the covering portions 120.

The gripping portions 130 can be carried by the covering portions 120. The gripping portions 130 can comprise a single layer or multiple layers of gripping material on or in the covering portions 130, and can be arranged such that at least one surface of the gripping portions 130 is exposed to the environment outside of the protective system 100. In an embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the five covering portions 120 carries one gripping portion 130. Further, each gripping portion 130 is carried solely by the distal phalanx-covering portion 121 of each covering portion 120. The gripping portions 130 can extend outward from the covering portions 120, or be integrated into the covering portions 120.

The gripping portions 130 can be of a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The gripping portions 130 can also be carried by the covering portions 120 in a number of ways, for example but not limited to, being affixed with adhesive or being sewn to the covering portions 120. The gripping portions 130 can also extend outward from the covering portions 120 in a variety of lengths, such as a length less than about two-tenths of an inch (0.2″). When multiple gripping portions 130 are utilized on one protective glove system 100, each gripping portion 130 can be a different shape, size, and material, and can extend to different lengths. The gripping portion 130 can be comprised of a variety of materials, such as polymers (for example rubber).

FIG. 1 also shows raised portions 131 extending outwardly from the gripping portions 130. The raised portions 131 can extend from a single gripping portion 130, from some gripping portions 130, or from all gripping portions 130. The raised portions 131 can vary in length, shape, size, and material. Additionally, if multiple raised portions 131 are utilized on one protective glove system 100, each raised portion 131 can be of a different height, shape, size, and material.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment wherein the gripping portions 130 extend outwardly from the palm-side of the covering portions 120 in a direction away from the covering portions 120. When the gripping portions 130 extend only in this direction, the protective system 100 can be lighter and less expensive because less material can be used to fabricate the gripping portions 130. Moreover, gripping ability is often increased and improved because a majority of items, while being gripped, will make contact with the system 100 on the gripping portions 130 because the palm side of the distal phalanx is the portion of the finger most likely used to grip items, including documents, files, folders, and the like.

FIG. 1 also shows an embodiment wherein a jacket portion 140 extends from the root portion 110 in a direction generally opposite the direction in which the covering portions 120 extend. The jacket portion 140 defines an aperture and can be a gateway for the hand to the root portion 110. The jacket portion 140 can be substantially cylindrical, and is adapted to receive the wrist and/or arm of the user and provide protection to the wrist and/or arm.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, only three of the covering portions 120 carry a gripping portion 130, specifically, the covering portions 120 adapted to receive the thumb, index finger, and middle finger carry a gripping portion 130.

FIG. 3 shows a palm-down view of an embodiment the protective glove system 100 comprising a back portion 150. The back portion 150 receives the back of the user's hand, and can protect the back of the user's hand from cutting, scratching, bruising, and drying.

In some embodiments, the root portion 110, the covering portions 120, the jacket portion 140, and the back portion 150 are made from thin material, such as material that is less than about one-tenth of an inch (0.1″) thick. The thinness of these portions can reduce the weight of the protective glove system 100 because the glove comprises less material. This light weight can increase ease of movement and prevent fatigue. Moreover, the thinness of the material of the system 100 can allow the user to have more dexterity because thin material is often more flexible than thick material.

In some embodiments of the protective glove system 100, the root portion 110, the covering portions 120, the jacket portion 140, and the back portion 150 are fabricated from a porous material. Fabricating these sections from a porous material allows air to flow in and out of the protective system 100, which can prevent the user from sweating.

Moreover, the present invention can be made in a variety of sizes. Fabricating the protective glove system 100 in a variety of sizes will allow for users of the system 100 to select the size that provides the best protection and fit.

While the invention has been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A protective system, comprising:

a root portion comprising a palm portion;

a plurality of covering portions extending from the root portion, each of the covering portions comprising an open end in communication with the root portion and an opposing terminal closed end; and

a plurality of gripping portions carried by at least one of the plurality of covering portions, the gripping portions being disposed solely on the terminal closed end of the plurality of covering portions, and the gripping portions extending generally outwardly from the covering portions.

2. The protective system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of raised portions extend outwardly from at least one gripping portion.

3. The protective system of claim 1, wherein the gripping portions are fabricated from a polymer.

4. The protective system of claim 1, wherein the root portion and the covering portions are fabricated from porous material.

5. The protective system of claim 1, further comprising a back portion, the back portion in communication with the root portion generally opposite the palm side of the root portion.

6. The protective system of claim 1, further comprising a jacket portion, the jacket portion extending outwardly from the root portion in a direction generally opposite the direction in which the covering portions extend.

7. The protective system of claim 1, wherein the root portion and covering portions are made of material less than one-tenth of an inch (0.1″) thick.

8. A protective system, comprising:

a root portion comprising a palm portion;

five covering portions extending from the root portion, each of the covering portions comprising a distal phalanx-covering portion; and

five gripping portions carried the five covering portions, the gripping portions being disposed solely on the distal phalanx-covering portions of the covering portions, and the gripping portions extending generally outwardly from the covering portions.

9. The protective system of claim 8, wherein a plurality of raised portions extend outwardly from at least one gripping portion.

10. The protective system of claim 8, wherein the gripping portions are fabricated from a polymer.

11. The protective system of claim 8, wherein the root portion and the covering portions are fabricated from porous material.

12. The protective system of claim 8, further comprising a back portion, the back portion in communication with the root portion generally opposite the palm side of the root portion.

13. The protective system of claim 8, further comprising a jacket portion, the jacket portion extending outwardly from the root portion in a direction generally opposite the direction in which the covering portions extend.

14. The protective system of claim 8, wherein the root portion and covering portions are made of material less than one-tenth of an inch (0.1″) thick

15. A protective system, comprising:

a root portion;

at least three covering portions extending from the root portion, each of the covering portions comprising a distal phalanx-covering portion; and

three gripping portions carried by the three covering portions, the gripping portions being disposed solely on the distal phalanx-covering portions of the covering portions, and the gripping portions extending generally outwardly from the covering portions.

16. The protective system of claim 15, wherein a plurality of raised portions extend outwardly from at least one gripping portion.

17. The protective system of claim 15, wherein the gripping portions are fabricated from a polymer.

18. The protective system of claim 15, wherein the root portion and the covering portions are fabricated from porous material.

19. The protective system of claim 15, wherein the gripping portions extend outwardly from the covering portions.

20. The protective system of claim 15, further comprising a jacket portion, the jacket portion extending outwardly from the root portion in a direction generally opposite the direction in which the covering portions extend.