PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR USE WITH A GLOVE

Abstract

A protective device has a thumb connector and an index finger connector with a protective member extending therebetween. The protective device is designed to protect the thumb webbing region surface of a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten as a spit from a rotisserie oven is drawn atop the protective device. The device may be adjustably connected to the glove or mitten. The protective member may have a generally corrugated shape permitting the spit to transition easily atop it. Further, a living hinge may be provided as part of the protective member allowing it to be formed into a V-shaped channel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to protective coverings. More particularly, the present invention relates to protective coverings used in conjunction with a glove or mitten. Specifically, the present invention provides a protective device to cover the webbing region located between a thumb and index finger on a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten.

2. Background Information

Humans have enjoyed roasting chickens on a rotisserie since at least the middle ages. Modern rotisserie devices are provided in the form of ovens, often at supermarkets. The chickens cook on a rotisserie spit that rotates in the oven. The spit is extremely sharp as it has to pierce the chicken so the chicken may be affixed to the spit while it rotates through the oven. The rotisserie oven heats up to high temperatures, often in excess of 500 degrees, and cooks the chicken.

Liquid proof heat resistant gloves are often used in commercial settings, such as delicatessens or delis that cook their own rotisserie chickens. These gloves are designed to protect a worker's hands from the high heat, and hot liquids that are associated with the rotisserie roasting of chicken. A deli worker dons these gloves prior to removing the chickens from the spit. To remove a chicken from a spit, a worker wearing the liquid proof heat resistant gloves removes the spit from the rotating oven. The worker then grasps the spit at one end. Ordinarily, a right handed person grasps the right end with his right hand and grasps adjacent the right end of the spit with his left hand in the glove. The user then pulls the spit using his right hand in a motion similar to drawing a sword, all while continuing to grasp the spit with his left hand. As the spit travels through the user's grasped hand, the chickens are released from the spit and fall into a desired container. A problem often arises when the worker removes the chickens because drawing the spit through the grasped glove has a tendency to cut the glove surface. The liquid proof heat resistant gloves often cost around one hundred dollars a pair and currently some delicatessens are replacing cut or damaged gloves every three days.

Thus, while the liquid proof heat resistant gloves exist for protecting the deli worker from the hot spit and hot liquids, a need exists to protect the expensive glove from the slicing motion of the spit as it pulled through the grasped hand of the deli worker.

A search for prior art revealed a protector for a ski glove. One exemplary ski glove protector is manufactured by Kombi, Ltd. of Essex Junction, Vermont, USA and sold commercially under the name of “Glove Protector” available at www.skis.com. This Kombi glove protector is constructed of natural leather and is for use with ski gloves to protect a cold weather ski glove from being torn by ski tow ropes while a wearer grasps the tow rope. This Kombi glove protector is cold weather outdoor gear and would not function in the protective manner at the high temperatures required for protecting a liquid proof heat resistant glove donned by a deli worker. The leather constructed Kombi glove would melt at the high temperatures ranges in which the present invention operates.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention may provide a protective device that protectively engages an outer surface of a thumb webbing region of a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a protective device comprising: a thumb connector; an index finger connector spaced apart from the thumb connector; and a protective member extending between the thumb connector and the index finger connector adapted to protect a thumb webbing region surface of a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of protecting a liquid proof heat resistant glove comprising the steps of: donning a liquid proof heat resistant glove having a thumb webbing region; providing a protective device comprising a thumb connector, an index finger connector; and a protective member extending between the thumb connector and the index finger connector adapted to protect the surface of the thumb webbing region; affixing the protective device to the glove; impacting an elongated member on the protective device; drawing the elongated member atop the protective device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the protective device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a palmar perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention shown attached to and in protective position on a liquid proof heat resistant glove.

FIG. 5 is a dorsal perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present invention shown as if laid flat.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of the protective device 10 is shown generally in FIGS. 1-3; a second embodiment 210 in FIGS. 4-5; and a third embodiment 310 in FIGS. 6-7. Prior to describing the protective device, a liquid proof heat resistant glove 12 is first described. The embodiments of the protective device 10, 210, and 310, respectively are used in combination with the liquid proof heat resistant glove 12 (FIGS. 4-5) to protect the surface of the glove 12. One such glove is disclosed by U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2011/0145967, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Glove 12 has a top end 13 located adjacent the tip of the fingers and a bottom end 15 located adjacent the wrist. Bottom end 15 defines a glove opening through which a person's hand may be inserted into the glove and be removed therethrough. Glove 12 has an index finger portion or sheath 14 and a thumb portion or sheath 16. Glove 12 may also have sheaths respectively covering the remaining fingers (14a, 14b, 14c), or glove 12 may be configured as a mitten having only a thumb sheath and a four finger sheath covering the remaining fingers. Index finger portion 14 receives at least the index finger of a human hand. Thumb portion 16 receives the thumb of a human hand. Glove 12 has a front or palmar region 18 and a back or dorsal region 20. Palmar region 18 lies along the palm of a user's hand when glove 12 is worn. Dorsal region 20 lies along the back of a user's hand when glove 12 is worn. Glove 12 defines a J-shaped (when viewed from the palmar side of a left hand glove or viewed form the dorsal side of a right hand glove) thumb webbing region or crotch 22 between index finger portion 14 and thumb portion 16, starting adjacent and below the tip of index finger portion 14 and adjacent and below the tip of thumb portion 16. Webbing region 22 extends partially around the hand from front 18 to back 20 crossing between the index finger portion 14 and thumb portion 16. In general, the embodiments of the protective device engage and protect the thumb webbing region 22 of glove 12 when device 10 is in a mounted position.

Turning to FIGS. 1-3, protective device 10 may be a one piece integrally molded body which may be formed by injection molding. It is noted that device 10 is described here unattached configuration/orientation, and will be discussed later in this application in an attached or protective configuration. Device 10 is typically formed of a plastic material and has a top side 17, a bottom side 19, a first or front end 21, a second or rear end 23, and a first or right side 25, a second or left side 27. Device 10 includes an index finger connecter 24 which defines rear end 23, a thumb connector 26 which defines front end 21, and a protective member 28 extending between and connected to the index finger connector 24 and the thumb connector 26. Top side 17 and bottom side 19 define therebetween a vertical direction. Front end 21 and rear end 23 define therebetween a longitudinal direction. Right side 19 and left side 21 define therebetween a transverse direction. Index finger connector 24 comprises an arcuate, annular, tubular, ring-like or substantially circular sidewall 37. Sidewall 37 has an upwardly facing top surface or first annular edge 36 spaced apart from a downwardly facing bottom surface or second annular edge 38. Sidewall 37 has an inner surface 30 and an outer surface 32, each surface 30, 32 extending from top surface 36 to bottom surface 38. Inner surface 30 of sidewall 37 defines a generally circular through aperture 42 extending from top surface 36 to bottom surface 38. Inner surface 30 faces radially inward towards the center of aperture 42 and is concavely curved as viewed from above. Outer surface 32 faces radially outward away from the center of aperture 42 and is convexly curved as viewed from above. Inner and outer surfaces 30, 32 curve in a parallel fashion and may be concentric about the center of aperture 42.

Sidewall 37 has a base segment 39, a left segment 41, and a right segment 43. Right segment 43 connects to base 39 in a cantilevered manner and is arcuate as viewed from above, extending rearwardly to a terminal end or a first slit edge 52. Left segment 41 connects to base 39 in a cantilevered manner and is arcuate as viewed from above, extending rearwardly to a terminal end or second slit edge 54. Slit edges 52, 54 define and bound a gap or slit 50 extending from the first annular edge 36 to the second annular edge 38. A plurality of projections 46 are rigidly secured to sidewall 37 and extend radially inwardly to an arcuate edge 45 which is concavely curved as viewed from above and substantially concentric with inner surface 30. Each edge 45 terminates at circumferential ends 47 of a given projection 46. Projections 46 extend radially inward towards the center of aperture 42 from sidewall 37 beyond inner surface 30. A distance from inner surface 30 to arcuate edge 45 is typically approximately 1 or 2 to 4, 5, or 6 millimeters (mm). As seen in FIG. 2, projections 46 extend from the first annular edge 36, however they may be located along any portion of sidewall 37 extending radially inward beyond inner surface 30. A space or gap 49 is defined between two adjacent circumferential ends 47 of each adjacent pair of projections 46.

Thumb connector 26 comprises an arcuate, annular, tubular, ring-like or substantially circular sidewall 69. Sidewall 69 has an upwardly facing top surface or first annular edge 68 spaced apart from a downwardly facing bottom surface or second annular edge 70. Sidewall 69 has an inner surface 62 and an outer surface 64, each surface 62, 64 extending from top surface 68 to bottom surface 70. Inner surface 62 of sidewall 69 defines a generally circular through aperture 74 extending from top surface 68 to bottom surface 70. Inner surface 62 faces radially inward towards the center of aperture 74 and is concavely curved as viewed from above. Outer surface 64 faces radially outward away from the center of aperture 74 and is convexly curved as viewed from above.

Sidewall 69 has a base segment 65, a left segment 67, and a right segment 69. Right segment 69 connects to base 65 in a cantilevered manner and is arcuate as viewed from above, extending forwardly to a terminal end or a first slit edge 84. Left segment 67 connects to base 65 in a cantilevered manner and is arcuate as viewed from above, extending forwardly to a terminal end or a second slit edge 86. Slit edges 84, 86 define and bound a gap or slit 82 extending from the first annular edge 68 to the second annular edge 70. A plurality of projections 78 are rigidly secured to sidewall 69 and extend radially inward to an arcuate edge 71 which is concavely curved as viewed from above and substantially concentric with inner surface 62. Each edge 71 terminates at circumferential ends 73 of a given projection 78. Projections 78 extend radially inward towards the center of aperture 74 from sidewall 69 beyond inner surface 62. A distance from inner surface 62 to arcuate edge 71 is typically approximately 1 or 2 to 4, 5, or 6 millimeters (mm). As seen in FIG. 2, projections 69 extend from the first annular edge 68, however they may be located along any portion of sidewall 69 extending radially inward beyond inner surface 62. A space or gap 75 is defined by the space created between two adjacent circumferential ends 73 of each adjacent pair of projections 78.

As shown in FIG. 3, protective member 28 extends between and is connected to the index finger connector 24 and the thumb connector 26 adapted to protect the thumb webbing region 22 of glove 12. Protective member includes a first protective section 122, a second protective section 124, a third protective section 126, and a fourth protective section 128. Further, protective member 28 comprises a first end 104 defined by the first protective section 122, a second end 102 defined by the fourth protective section 128, a first edge 106, a second edge 108, a first or forward living hinge 110, a second or rear living hinge 112 rearward of hinge 110, a third or intermediate living hinge 114 rearward of hinge 110 and forward of hinge 112, an upwardly facing top surface 116, and a downwardly facing bottom surface 118.

First protective section 122 is bound by the first edge 106, second edge 108, first end 104 connected to index finger connector 24, and first living hinge 110. First section 122 connects to thumb connector 26 and extends outwardly beyond outer surface 64. Section 122 connects adjacent the second annular edge 70 extending beyond outer surface 64, however other attachment positions are contemplated having section 122 extending beyond outer surface 64. Section 122 has an upwardly facing top surface and a downwardly facing bottom surface, which respectively form portions of top surface 116 and bottom surface 118. First protective section 122 pivotably connects to a second protective section 124 by first living hinge 110. Second protective section 122 is bound by first edge 106, second edge 108, first living hinge 110, and third living hinge 114. Second section 124 has an upwardly facing top surface and a downwardly facing bottom surface, which respectively form portions of top surface 116 and bottom surface 118.

Second protective section 124 pivotably connects to a third protective section 126 by third living hinge 114. Third protective section 126 is bound by first edge 106, second edge 108, second living hinge 112, and third living hinge 114. Third section 126 has an upwardly facing top surface and a downwardly facing bottom surface, which respectively form portions of top surface 116 and bottom surface 118. Third protective section 126 pivotably connects to a fourth protective section 128 by second living hinge 112. Fourth protective section 128 is bound by first edge 106, second edge 108, second living hinge 112, and second end 102 connected to thumb connector 26. Fourth section 128 connects to base 39 adjacent the second annular edge 38 extending beyond outer surface 32, however other attachment positions are contemplated having fourth section 128 extending beyond outer surface 64. Fourth section 128 has an upwardly facing top surface and a downwardly facing bottom surface, which respectively form portions of top surface 116 and bottom surface 118. Fourth protective section 128 of protective member 28 connects to index connector 24 and extends outwardly beyond outer surface 32.

First straight edge 106 extends longitudinally from the index finger connector 24 to the thumb connector 26. Second straight edge 108 is spaced apart and may extend generally parallel to the first edge 106. Top surface 116 is continuous and bound by the first end 104, second end 102, first edge 106, and second edge 108. Bottom surface 118 is generally spaced apart a distance vertically below and facing opposite top surface 116. Bottom surface 118 is likewise continuous and bound by the first end 104, second end 102, first edge 106, and second edge 108.

Top surface 116 may be corrugated in a manner to facilitate transitional transverse movement of an elongated member atop the top surface 116. Top surface may include a plurality of individually alternating spaced ridges 130 and grooves 132. Each ridge 130 and groove 132 extends transversely between first and second edges 106, 108 when viewed from above. The apex of each ridge 130 on top surface 116 is above a valley of each groove 132 on top surface when viewed from either side 25, 27. Further, when viewed from either side 25, 27, top surface 116 may be sinusoidal or sine-wave shaped. The corrugated top surface 116 shape may be mirrored by a corrugated bottom surface 118 having similar grooves and ridges extending transversely between first and second edges 106, 108.

First living hinge 110 is positioned closely adjacent thumb connector 26 and extends transversely from first edge 106 to second edge 108. Second living hinge 112 is positioned closely adjacent index connector 24 and extends transversely from first edge 106 to second edge 108. Third living hinge 114 is positioned between first living hinge 110 and second living hinge 112 extending transversely from first edge 106 to second edge 108. Third living hinge 114 may be equidistant from the first living hinge 110 and the second living hinge 112. Hinges 110, 112, and 114 are typically parallel to each other.

Living hinges 110, 112, 114 may be manufactured during an injection molding operation that creates the integrally formed device. The molding process creates the hinges and the sections they connect at one time all as a single part. The material used to mold typically has an excellent fatigue resistance to extend the life of the living hinges. Device 10 may be made of material permitting the protective sections 122, 124, 126, 128 to be mostly rigid, yet able to flexibly bend about each living hinge 110, 112, 114. Preferably, the material used to mold the protective device 10 is a hardened plastic or polymer, however other materials may be utilized. Two alternative materials that may be used to mold the device 10 are an aramid or a para-aramid synthetic fiber. One exemplary para-aramid material is sold under the name Kevlar® manufactured by the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del. A further contemplated alternate material that may be used to form the device 10 is chainmail. Device 10 is adapted to withstand melting, ignition, and combustion in air at standard reference conditions, at temperatures of at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and perhaps able to withstand higher temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

With primary reference to FIGS. 4-5, an alternate embodiment of the present invention provides protective device 210 having an index finger connector or sheath 212, a thumb connector or sheath 214, and a protective member 216 extending between the index finger sheath 212 and the thumb sheath 214. Device 210 protects the surface of glove 12 as a rotisserie spit traverses transitionally atop the thumb webbing region 22. Index finger sheath 212 is generally cannular having a diameter and a length adapted to receive a portion of the index portion 14 of the glove 12. Index finger sheath 212 defines an end aperture 222 permitting the index finger portion 14 of glove 12 to pass through end aperture 222. Index finger sheath 212 length is a distance configured shorter than the index portion 14 of glove 12. Index finger sheath 212 diameter is a distance configured similar to the outside diameter of the index portion 14 of glove 12. Thumb sheath 214 is generally cannular having a diameter and a length adapted to partially receive the thumb portion 16 of the glove 12. Thumb sheath 214 defines an end aperture 228 permitting the thumb portion 16 of glove 12 to pass through end aperture 228. Thumb sheath 214 length is a distance configured shorter than the thumb portion 16 of the glove 12. Thumb sheath 214 diameter is a distance configured similar to the outside diameter of the thumb portion 16 of glove 12. Protective member 216 extends between index finger sheath 212 and thumb sheath 214. Preferably, protective member 216 is constructed from the same material as the two sheaths 212, 214. The protective device 210 material is capable of withstanding thermal deformation (i.e. melting) and not igniting at temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, Kevlar® and chainmail, however other materials are contemplated. Protective member 216 extends and partially covers the palmar region 18 of glove 12. Protective member 216 connects adjacent one end of index finger sheath 212 and extends connecting to adjacent one end of thumb sheath 214. Further, protective member 216 extends and partially covers the dorsal region 20 of glove 12. Protective member 216 may contain distinct inserts to further protect glove 12 from a sharp and hot elongated member as it transitions transversely atop the protective member 216.

With primary reference to FIGS. 6-7, a second alternate embodiment of the protective device 310 is provided. Protective device 310 has an index finger cover 312, a thumb cover 314, a protective seam member 316, a patch or insert 318, and a securing member 320. Device 310 has an outer surface 317 and an inner surface 319. Index finger cover 312 is generally cup-shaped having a first end 322 and a second end 324. First end 322 is enclosed and spaced apart from second end 324. Index finger cover 312 is hollow and configured to receive the index finger portion 14 of glove 12. Thumb cover 314 is generally cup-shaped having a first end 326 and a second end 328. First end 326 is enclosed and spaced apart from second end 328. Thumb cover 314 is hollow and configured to receive the thumb portion 16 of glove 12. Second end 328 of thumb cover 314 attached adjacent second end 324 of index finger cover 312. Protective seam 316 is formed where the material of thumb cover 314 attaches to the index finger cover 312. Protective seam 316 is positioned a distance vertically above the surface of the thumb webbing region 22 of glove 12 when the device 310 is donned over the glove 12.

A patch or insert 318 substantially covers protective seam 316. Patch 318 has a substantially circular shape when device 310 is laid flat, as shown in FIG. 6. Patch 318 extends from seam 316 to outward to a patch edge 332. Patch 318 has a first surface 334 and a second surface 336. Patch first surface 334 engages outer surface 317 of device 310. Patch second surface 334 is spaced apart and positioned opposing patch first surface 336. In accordance with this embodiment, patch 318 is constructed from material capable of withstanding melting and not igniting at temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, Kevlar® and chainmail, however other materials are contemplated.

An additional alternative embodiment provides thumb connector 26 capped at one end. Preferably, in the alternate embodiment, a hemispheric cap may enclose one end of the index finger connecter at the first annular edge 68. The enclosed thumb connector 26 defines a thumb cavity. Thumb cavity receives the thumb portion 16 of glove 12. This alternate embodiment may also provide an index finger connector 24 capped at one end. A hemispheric cap may enclose one end of the index finger connecter at the first annular edge. The enclosed index finger connector 24 defines an index finger cavity. Index finger cavity receives the index finger portion 14 of glove 12.

In operation, a user first dons a liquid proof heat resistance glove. The user grasps the protective device from a separate and dismounted position as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and then affixes the device to glove 12 to a mounted and engaged position as seen in FIGS. 4-5. To affix device 10 to glove 12, user aligns their index finger within the index finger sheath with through aperture 42. User aligns their thumb within the thumb sheath with through aperture 74. Thumb and index finger are passed through their respective apertures 42, 74. Preferably, inner surface 30 engages and is disposed a distance closely adjacent the index finger portion 14 of glove 12 surface.

Projections 46 assist the securement of the index finger connector 24 to the glove 12. One embodiment provides an adjustable index connector 24. Index connector 24 is adjustable by varying the diameter of the aperture 42. Aperture 42 diameter varies by flexing sidewall 37 to increase the width of 50. By expanding the slit width, the aperture diameter 44 relationally expands. Projections 78 assist the securement of the thumb connector 26 to the glove 12. One embodiment provides an adjustable thumb connector 26. Thumb connector 26 is adjustable by varying the diameter of the aperture 74. Aperture 74 diameter varies by flexing sidewall 69 to expand the width of slit 82. By expanding the slit width, the aperture diameter 76 relationally expands. Preferably, inner surface 62 engages and is disposed a distance closely adjacent the thumb portion 16 of glove 12 surface. Once the device 10, 210, or 310 is attached to glove 12, a rotisserie spit or other elongated hot or sharp member is grasped. Preferably, the spit has cooked chickens speared through and attached to the spit. The user grasps by engaging the protective device positioned atop the thumb webbing region and wrapping their fingers around the spit. Ordinarily, a right handed person grasps the right end of the spit with their right hand and grasps adjacent the right end of the spit with his left hand in the glove. The user then pulls the spit using his right hand in a motion similar to drawing a sword, all while continuing to grasp the spit with his left hand and the protective device positioned between the spit and the webbing region of the glove. As the spit travels through the user's grasped hand, the chickens are released from the spit and fall into a desired container. Clearly, the motion described above could be reversed for left handed individuals.

One embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 4-5, provides the index finger connecting to the glove 12 and not extending past remaining fingers 14a, 14b, and 14c. However, an alternate embodiment as seen in FIGS. 6-7 may extend and cover remaining fingers 14a, 14b, and 14c.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodiment of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A protective device comprising:

a thumb connector;

an index finger connector spaced apart from the thumb connector; and

a protective member extending between the thumb connector and the index finger connector and adapted to protect a thumb webbing region of a one of a glove and mitten.

2. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the protective member further comprises first and second edges extending from adjacent the index finger connector to adjacent the thumb connector.

3. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the protective member further comprises at least one living hinge.

4. The protective device of claim 3, wherein the at least one living hinge further comprises first, second, and third living hinges.

5. The protective device of claim 4, wherein the first, second, and third living hinges are parallel to one another.

6. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the protective member has a corrugated surface.

7. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the thumb connecter comprises a sidewall defining an opening adapted to at least partially receive a thumb portion of the one of glove and mitten.

8. The protective device of claim 7, wherein the thumb connector further comprises a plurality of projections extending radially inwards from the sidewall.

9. The protective device of claim 7, wherein the thumb connector further comprises at least two segments movable relative to each other adapted to adjust the diameter of the opening.

10. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the index finger connecter comprises a sidewall defining an opening adapted to at least partially receive an index finger portion of the one of the glove and mitten.

11. The protective device of claim 10, wherein the index finger connector further comprises a plurality of projections extending radially inwards from the sidewall.

12. The protective device of claim 10, wherein the index finger connector further comprises at least two segments movable relative to each other adapted to adjust the diameter of the opening.

13. The protective device of claim 1, in combination with a liquid proof heat resistant glove or mitten, wherein the protective member extends over the thumb webbing region of the one of the glove and mitten.

14. The combination of claim 13, in further combination with a spit from a rotisserie roasting oven, wherein the protective device prevents the spit from cutting the glove or mitten during sliding engagement between the spit and the protective member.

15. The protective device of claim 1 integrally molded from a polymer having a melting temperature of at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

16. The protective device of claim 1 further comprising a patch disposed above the protective member.

17. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the protective device comprises chainmail.

18. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the protective member comprises of one of (a) a para-aramid synthetic fiber and (b) an aramid synthetic fiber.

19. A method of protecting a liquid proof heat resistant glove comprising the steps of:

donning a liquid proof heat resistant glove having a thumb webbing region;

providing a protective device comprising a protective member which is mounted on the glove so the protective member extends over an outer surface of the thumb webbing region;

affixing the protective device to the glove; and

drawing a spit across the protective device wherein the protective member protects against the spit cutting the glove.