Heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support

Abstract

A heat resistant wrist support glove reliably provides therapeutic relief/support when handling hot objects or tools. The heat resistant glove comprises an inner member composed of an elastic material having a wrist supporting portion, a palm supporting portion, and at least one shallow opening adapted for passage of a user's fingers. The inner member is therapeutic in nature as it provides compression to the user's hand and/wrist and optionally at least a portion of the user's forearm. Preferably the inner member is composed of an elastic compression material. The heat resistant glove further comprises an outer member composed of a light-weight, thin, heat resistant material and is formed having a wrist segment, palm segment, and finger covering segment. The inner member is housed within the outer member. The glove provides therapeutic relief and protection against repetitive stress injuries (“RSI”), carpal tunnel, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation and provides protection from burns when being worn.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 61/334,961, filed Nov. 30, 2010, entitled “Heat Resistant Glove with Therapeutic Relief/Support”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a heat resistant gloves; and more particularly, to a heat resistant glove having a therapeutic relief/support appointed for use in providing protection and therapeutic treatment to a user's wrist and hand when handling heated, hot or otherwise warm objects or tools.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Heated tools including but not limited to hair irons, blow dryers, hot combs and rollers are used to change or temporarily modify the structure of hair using heat. Heated tools include the three general kinds: curling irons, used to make the hair curly; straightening irons or hot combs, used to straighten the hair; and crimping irons, used to create crimps of the desired size in the hair. Heat settings generally range from 100-430 degrees. Higher heat settings are utilized for coarser, thicker, or ethnic hair, while lower heat settings are recommended for finer, thin or damaged hair. Owing to the high heat delivery of these structures accidental burns pose a risk to users while styling hair, rendering severe burns when making the slightest contact with the skin. In addition, hair dressers/beauticians and stylists are repetitive users of heated hair tools and are at high risk for repetitive stress and burn injuries to the hands, wrists and fingers. For these occupations, repetitive strain, repetitive stress injuries (“RSI”), carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation and, occasionally, painful burns from direct heat contact frequently result.

Other heated tools are used in many households, including but not limited to irons and/or steam cleaners for clothing. Employers at dry cleaners use these tools repetitively and are susceptible to RSI injuries and burns as well.

Additionally, chefs/cooks are in frequent contact with heated kitchen tools such as hot pots/pans. On these occasions, the chefs/cooks hands and fingers often come in direct contact with hot pans, stoves or other hot kitchen equipment. Also, repetitive flipping, sautéing, or quick hand motions associated with cooking can cause RSI. Moreover, restaurant waiters/waitresses also experience burns and RSI injuries to the hands/wrists due to carrying very hot plates that also tend to be very heavy.

Although various types of glove constructs have been proposed, many of the glove constructs are ineffective at insulating the user's hand from heat. Moreover, many of the glove constructs lack finger coverings or have cutouts integrated in the glove, which result in exposure of a finger or fingers to heat and burns. Still further, many of the gloves are simply too bulky and thick, and render the picking-up of objects difficult. Besides burn injuries, RSI, carpal tunnel and other hand injuries are a major concern faced by individuals and professionals. However, none of the glove constructs heretofore proposed or utilized provides a heat resistant glove that also provides therapeutic treatment to the hand and wrist.

There remains a need in the art for a heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support integrated therein for providing heat protection and therapeutic treatment to a user's wrist and hand when handling heated, hot or otherwise warm objects or tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support appointed for use in providing protection and therapeutic treatment to a user's wrist and hand when handling heated hair tools. The glove has particular applications in protecting and providing therapy to occupations such as chefs, cooks, waiters, waitresses, cleaners, seamstresses, beauticians, hair stylists, and other occupations using heated tools or implements, as well as consumers for home use.

Particularly, the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support generally comprises: (i) an inner member composed of an elastic material having a wrist supporting portion, a palm supporting portion, and at least one shallow opening adapted for passage of a user's fingers, the inner member being therapeutic in nature to provide relief and protection against repetitive strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation; (ii) an outer member composed of a light-weight, thin, heat resistant material having a wrist segment, palm segment, and finger covering segment; and (iii) the inner member being housed within the outer member. Wherein the heat resistant, wrist support glove provides therapeutic relief and protection against repetitive strain, repetitive stress injuries (“RSI”), carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation and provides protection from burns when being worn.

Heated hair styling and treatment tools place beauticians and other operators at risk of hand and finger burns. For examples, heater hair styling tools such as hair irons, hot combs, hair tongs, crimpers and straighteners use high heat temperatures to style the hair. Often beauticians and other operators of the tools must use great care to avoid contact with their hands and fingers. At the same time, even the hair being removed from the tool is hot to the touch and can cause discomfort to the stylist. Burns caused by the heat are not the only problem encountered by the beautician/stylist or operator. Extended and repeated usage, which involves holding of the hair styling tool over an extended time period, often results in soreness of the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other hand and wrist injuries. Advantageously, the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support of the subject invention is directed to a glove having both heat resistance and therapeutic support for the beautician/stylist/or operator's hand and wrist, and optionally, at least a portion of the user's forearm.

The heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support offers therapeutic relief/support/protection from RSI's of the hand. Use of the subject glove protects the hands and fingers from direct skin contact with an iron or heat source to prevent burns. Close fitting, lightweight support of the glove is provided due to a wrist/hand brace inside that will. This support promotes a relaxed hand and wrist position when using the flat iron. At the same time, it provides a sleek fitting glove without loose over draping material that would pose dangerous obstruction of the user's view or obstruction of the heated hair tool. Typically a flat iron is used to straighten hair. This usage can occur at least once a day. During the hair straightening process, the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support produces a massaging, stimulating effect which enhances circulation. Therapeutically, the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support prevents and relieves pain and stiffness associated with repetitive strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and poor circulation which commonly result from repetitive use of the straightening tool. While the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support is appointed to be used to protect the stylist from hot hair styling tools, the subject glove also has applications for use with non-heat repetitive hair styling activities, such as brushing, combing, placing curlers in hair, and the like. Advantageously, the glove provides protection against and alleviates wrist and hand soreness and injury during these repetitive styling activities.

A method of using the heat resistant wrist support glove is also provided. The method includes the steps of donning a heat resistant wrist support glove comprising an inner member composed of an elastic material having a wrist supporting portion, a palm supporting portion, and at least one shallow opening adapted for passage of a user's fingers, the inner member being therapeutic in nature, an outer member composed of a light-weight, thin, heat resistant material having a wrist segment, palm segment, and finger covering segment, and the inner member being housed within the outer member. The method further includes the step of handling heated, hot or otherwise warm objects or tools. The heat resistant, wrist support glove provides therapeutic relief and protection against repetitive strain, repetitive stress injuries (“RSI”), carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation and provides protection from burns when being worn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of the inner member of the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the inner member of FIG. 1 housed within the outer member as an integral unit in its completed construction and being worn on a user;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of another embodiment of the inner member of the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support wherein the wrist support extends onto at least a portion of a user's forearm; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the inner member of FIG. 3 housed within the outer member as an integral unit in its completed construction with attachment means included, and being worn on a user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a heat resistant wrist support glove that reliably provides therapeutic relief/support when handling hot objects or tools. The heat resistant glove comprises an inner member composed of an elastic material having a wrist supporting portion, a palm supporting portion, and at least one shallow opening adapted for passage of a user's fingers. The inner member is therapeutic in nature as it provides compression to the user's hand and/wrist and optionally at least a portion of the user's forearm. Preferably, the inner member is composed of an elastic compression material. The heat resistant glove further comprises an outer member composed of a light-weight, thin, heat resistant material and is formed having a wrist segment, palm segment, and finger covering segment. The inner member is housed within the outer member. The glove provides therapeutic relief and protection against repetitive stress injuries (“RSI”), carpal tunnel, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation and provides protection from burns when being worn.

The inner and outer members are joined together by sewing or the like to form an integral unit. Advantageously, the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support provides therapeutic relief and protection against repetitive strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation, and provides protection from burns when being worn. A glove should be worn on both hands to provide equal protection for right and left hand, fingers and writs.

Generally stated, the invention involves a heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support appointed for use in providing protection and therapeutic treatment to a user's wrist and hand when handling heated hair tools, irons and steam cleaners. The glove will also provide protection and therapeutic support while cooking or carrying heated plates.

The heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support provides therapeutic relief, support and protection from RSI's of the hand. Use of the glove protects the hands and finger from direct skin contact with an iron or heat source to prevent burns. Close/snug fitting and lightweight support of the glove is provided due to a wrist/hand brace therewith. This support promotes a relaxed hand and wrist position when using a hair iron. At the same time, there is provided a sleek fitting glove without loose over draping material that would dangerously obstruct the user's view or obstruct operation of the heated hair tool.

Typically a flat iron or heated hair tool can be used at least one time a day. During the hair styling process, the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support can provide therapeutic support, prevent and relieve pain and stiffness associated with repetitive strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and poor circulation which are commonly associated with repetitive use of heated hair tools.

Hair dressers/beauticians and stylist are chronic users of heated hair tools and are at high risk for repetitive stress and burn injuries to the hands, wrists and fingers. The gloves mentioned can be worn by hair dressers to prevent burn injuries by reducing heat contact with the skin, while also helping to prevent repetitive stress injuries to risk areas of the hands/fingers and wrist while styling hair. Additionally, the gloves can be worn to relieve hair stylists that are already experiencing symptoms of RSI hands/wrists injuries.

The heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support can also be utilized for protection and therapeutic purposes by users of household irons and/or steam cleaner for clothing. Employees at dry cleaners use these tools repetitively and are susceptible to RSI injuries. The gloves can provide protection from direct heat contact which would greatly reduce the possibility of burn injuries. The glove can also provide therapeutic support and prevention of RSI's and wrists/hands fatigue that is associated with chronic use of a house hold iron or steam cleaner.

Additionally, chefs/cooks that are in contact with hot pots/pans can benefit from protecting themselves from burn injury while wearing the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support by preventing the hands and fingers from making direct contact with hot pans, stoves, or other hot kitchen equipment. The gloves can also provide therapeutic support/relief/and protection against common wrist and hand repetitive stress injuries that are associated with repetitive flipping, sautéing, or quick hand motions associated with cooking.

Restaurant waiters/waitresses also experience burns and RSI injuries to the hands/wrist due to carrying very hot plates that also tend to be very heavy. The heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support can be worn to reduce hand contact to hot plates and also provide added wrist/hand support while carrying heavy plates. The gloves can also be worn to prevent burns and the onset of RSI injuries to risk areas of the hand/wrist. They also can be worn to relieve waiters/servers that are already experiencing symptoms of RSI hand/wrist injuries.

Therapeutic properties are bestowed by the inner member as it is composed of an elastic compression material, much like that of bandages such as those commonly sold by 3M Company under the trade name ACE. Such materials include woven and/or knitted elastic material or compression elastic wrap material constructed from cotton, polyester and rubber-free and latex-free elastic yarns for compression and breathability. Alternatively, rubber and/or latex elastic yarns may be used, although owing to latex allergies and/or lack of breathability, these rubber and/or latex yarns, although contemplated, may not be as desirable. The heat resistant wrist support glove can have an inner member composed of varying ratios of cotton, polyester, and elastic yarns that provide various grades of compression and durability. In other embodiments, the elastic material of the inner member is composed of a woven and knitted elastic material, including cotton, polyester and elastic yarns, nylon, spandex, lycra, or other types of elastic materials and fibers that provide compression of the body. Moreover, varying degrees of compression may be provided to the inner member. For example, the wrist area of the inner member may be constructed of a heavier gauge elastic compression material than the palm or shallow opening region for extra pressure or compression of the wrist area of the user.

The inner member is substantially housed within the outer member so that it is located within the outer member and is not visible externally. Preferably, the inner member is entirely housed within the outer member and does not protrude from or extend from or beyond the outer member. Preferably, the inner member is fixedly attached to the outer member to form an integral unit, although the inner member may be separate from the outer member so that it is donned separately, followed by the outer member.

Heat resistance properties are provided by the outer member so that the user is not subjected to discomfort owing to the hot or heated tool or implement. Preferably, the outer member is composed of a para-aramid or aramid synthetic fiber, such as that sold under the trade name KEVLAR by DuPont, or other related aramids by DuPont sold under the trade names Nomex and Technora. Generally, the outer member is composed of a knitted or woven fabric including heat-resistant fiber yarns or threads, natural or synthetic fabrics. A fabric of a temperature-resistant aromatic polyamide fiber is preferably utilized to form the outer member. The outer member may be composed nearly entirely of the aramid fiber, or partially. The outer member may for example be composed of a tight, twill weave fabric of the polyamide fiber, and the outer surface of the outer member may be coated with a flame-resistant elastomeric coating or the like, generally having a thickness from about 4 to about 5 mm, preferably a neoprene elastomer, but can be any elastomeric material which has similar flexibility, and heat and flame-resistant properties as those of neoprene and which therefore aid in preventing conductive heat penetration. Optionally, the outer member can be constructed of a natural fiber, such as heavy gauge cotton, or a synthetic fiber, such as nylon, depending on the degree of heat protection needed.

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of the inner member of the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support, shown generally at 10. FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the inner member housed within the outer member, showing generally at 20 the glove as an integral unit in its completed construction and being worn on a user. The gloves' inner member 10 is shown placed upon a user's hand 1. Hand 1 is shown as a typical hand with fingers 2 and a thumb 6 having finger tips 2′, 6′ and a finger base 2″, 6″, and palm 3 attached to wrist 4 of arm 5.

The heat resistant glove's inner member 10 is formed having a wrist supporting portion 11, a palm supporting portion 12, and at least one shallow opening 16′ adapted for passage of a user's fingers. The “at least one” shallow opening 16′ is shown in phantom view; more preferably there are four separate shallow openings 16 and a thumb shallow opening 17 to individually pass through finger 2 and the thumb 6 remains free from containment. In this manner, the openings allow the fingers and thumb to pass through, however, preferably the openings do not actually cover the fingers and thumb, but rather the rim of the openings 16, 17 stop at the base or webbing of the fingers and or thumb. Preferably, the rim of the openings 16, 17 have a length ranging from about 0.05 inches to no more than about 1 inch so that it only slightly travels up the fingers and/or thumb.

The inner member 10 is therapeutic in nature and provides relief and protection against repetitive strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/ or poor circulation. Therapeutic properties of the inner member 10 are owed to its composition. In particular, the inner member 10 is composed of an elastic material, such as that of the type used to construct elastic bandages, such as those commonly sold by 3M Company under the trade name “ACE” bandage. The inner member 10 elastic material provides a compression bandage like treatment for the hand and wrist. Due to its elasticity, the inner member 10 provides a stretchable construct used to create localized pressure and therapeutically treat muscle sprain and strains in the hand and wrist. This therapeutic effect is achieved by reducing the flow of blood to the particular affected area by the application of evenly distributed, stable pressure operative to restrict swelling at the place of injury. Preferably, the fitted material of the inner member 10 is composed of a woven and knitted elastic material to provide adequate compression without the use of natural rubber or latex for comfort and breathability

The inner member 10 is placed inside an outer member 21, shown generally at 20 in FIG. 2. Outer member 21 includes a wrist segment 22, palm segment 23, and finger covering segment 24. Outer member 21 is composed of a light weight, thin, heat resistant material. It covers the fingers 2 and protects them from burns during use of the heated tool. At the same time, the inner member 10 supports the palm and wrist, providing therapeutic relief and protection again repetitive strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and poor circulation. The glove is constructed by sewing inner member 10 to outer member 21, so that the two joined pieces form an integral unit. Advantageously, because the outer member 21 of the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support extends over and encases the fingers 2, including tips 2′, the outer member 21 offers full protection for finger tips. The lightweight, breathable glove is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and offers full motions of fingers and hands. The glove provides therapeutic relief and protection against repetitive strain, carpal tunnel, syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation through the unique construct of the inner member 10, while further providing protection from burns when being worn through the unique construct of the outer member 21.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of another embodiment of the inner member of the heat resistant glove with therapeutic relief/support wherein the wrist support extends onto at least a portion of a user's forearm, shown generally at 100. FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the inner member housed within the outer member, showing generally at 200. The gloves' inner member 100 is shown placed upon a user's hand 101. Hand 101 is shown as a typical hand with fingers 102 and a thumb 106 having finger tips 102′, 106′ and a finger base 102″, 106″, and palm 103 attached to wrist 104 of arm 105.

The heat resistant glove's inner member 110 is formed having a wrist supporting portion 111, a palm supporting portion 112, and at least one shallow opening 116′ adapted for passage of a user's fingers. The “at least one” shallow opening 116′ is shown in phantom view; more preferably there are four separate shallow openings 116 and a thumb shallow opening 117 to individually pass through finger 102 and the thumb 106 remains free from containment. The inner member 110 is therapeutic in nature and provides relief and protection against repetitive strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation via elastic compression. The inner member 110 is placed inside an outer member 121, shown generally at 200 in FIG. 4. Outer member 121 includes a wrist segment 122, palm segment 123, and finger covering segment 124. Outer member 121 is composed of a light weight, thin, heat resistant material and covers the fingers 102 and protects them from burns during use of the heated tool.

Preferably, as shown, the wrist supporting portion 111 and wrist segment 122 of the inner member 110 and outer member 121, respectively, have a length ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches from the wrist joint to a portion of the forearm, but before the elbow region, as shown at phantom length line 110′ and 120′. Preferably, the wrist supporting portion 111 and wrist segment 122 of the inner member 110 and outer member 121, respectively, have a length ranging from about 1 inch to 3 inches. In this embodiment, the inner member 110 and outer member 120 extend past the wrist upward on the forearm to provide extra compression support and heat protection to the wrist and lower forearm.

External attachment means 130 may be integrated on the wrist segment 122 of the outer member 120. The external attachment means 130 is preferably located on a rim 122′ of the wrist segment 122 of the outer member 120. At least one loop 131 is preferably provided as the attachment means 130 for attachment of hair accessories or items (clips, barrettes, etc.) and/or to be used as a hook for hanging the glove on an object or surface.

Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

Claims

1. A heat resistant wrist support glove, comprising:

a. an inner member composed of an elastic material having a wrist supporting portion, a palm supporting portion, and at least one shallow opening adapted for passage of a user's fingers, said inner member being therapeutic in nature;

b. an outer member composed of a light-weight, thin, heat resistant material having a wrist segment, palm segment, and finger covering segment; and

c. said inner member being housed within said outer member; wherein the heat resistant, wrist support glove's inner member provides therapeutic relief and protection against repetitive strain, repetitive stress injuries (“RSI”), carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation and said outer member provides protection from burns when being worn.

2. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner member comprises at least four separate shallow openings and a thumb shallow opening appointed to individually pass through fingers and a thumb of a user.

3. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner member is composed of a woven and/or knitted elastic material or compression elastic wrap material.

4. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner member is constructed from cotton, polyester and rubber-free and latex-free elastic yarns.

5. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner member is constructed having varying ratios of cotton, polyester, and elastic yarns offering various grades of compression and durability.

6. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said elastic material of said inner member is composed of a woven and knitted elastic material.

7. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner member is substantially housed within said outer member.

8. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner member is entirely housed within said outer member and does not protrude from said outer member.

9. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said outer member is composed of a para-aramid or aramid synthetic fiber.

10. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said outer member is composed of a knitted or woven fabric including heat-resistant fiber yarns or threads.

11. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said outer member is composed of a knitted or woven natural or synthetic fabric.

12. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner member is fixedly attached to said outer member to form an integral unit.

13. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said wrist supporting portion of said inner member has a length ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches.

14. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said wrist supporting portion of said inner member has a length ranging from about 1 inch to 3 inches.

15. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said wrist segment of said outer member has a length ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches.

16. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1, wherein said wrist segment of said outer member has a length ranging from about 1 inch to 3 inches.

17. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 1 comprising external attachment means located on said wrist segment of said outer member.

18. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 17, wherein said external attachment means is located on a rim of said wrist segment of said outer member.

19. A heat resistant wrist support glove as recited by claim 17, wherein said external attachment means comprises at least one loop.

20. A method of using a heat resistant wrist support glove appointed for use in providing protection and therapeutic treatment when handling heated, hot or otherwise warm objects or tools, comprising said steps of: wherein the heat resistant, wrist support glove provides therapeutic relief and protection against repetitive strain, repetitive stress injuries (“RSI”), carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, hand fatigue and/or poor circulation and provides protection from burns when being worn.

a. donning a heat resistant wrist support glove comprising: i. an inner member composed of an elastic material having a wrist supporting portion, a palm supporting portion, and at least one shallow opening adapted for passage of a user's fingers, said inner member being therapeutic in nature; ii. an outer member composed of a light-weight, thin, heat resistant material having a wrist segment, palm segment, and finger covering segment; and iii. said inner member being housed within said outer member;

b. handling heated, hot or otherwise warm objects or tools,