EXPANDABLE GLOVE WITH LATERAL CLOSURE

Abstract

An expandable glove includes a hand portion having a first cavity and a second cavity adjacent to the first cavity, a sleeve portion including a cuff having an opening therein for access to the hand portion, and a lateral closure extending from the hand portion to the sleeve portion. The lateral closure is configured to repeatedly and reversibly move from a closed position in which the opening of the cuff has a first perimeter, to an open position in which the opening of the cuff has a second perimeter larger than the first perimeter. The glove is formed of vinyl.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/744,638, filed on Oct. 1, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a glove having a lateral closure to expand a size of a cuff of the glove.

Users often wear household gloves to protect their hands from chemicals present in cleaning products or gardening products or from the heat of hot water. Household gloves may be disposable or reusable. Reusable household gloves are often thicker than disposable gloves. Once an interior of a pair of reusable household gloves gets wet due to water from the task being performed (e.g., dishwashing, cleaning or gardening) or from the user's sweat due to the thickness of the gloves, the gloves may develop an unpleasant smell that is difficult to remove. In addition, once the reusable household gloves are wet, they are difficult to take off and put on again until they are dry.

A need exists for improved technology, including technology that may address one or more of the above described disadvantages.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to an expandable glove including a hand portion having a first cavity and a second cavity adjacent to the first cavity, a sleeve portion including a cuff having an opening therein for access to the hand portion, and a lateral closure extending from the hand portion to the sleeve portion. The lateral closure is configured to repeatedly and reversibly move from a closed position in which the opening of the cuff has a first perimeter, to an open position in which the opening of the cuff has a second perimeter larger than the first perimeter. The glove is formed of vinyl.

Another embodiment relates to a method of cleaning an expandable glove comprising a hand portion including a first cavity and a second cavity adjacent to the first cavity, a sleeve portion including a cuff having an opening therein for access to the hand portion, and a lateral closure extending from the hand portion to the sleeve portion, the lateral closure configured to repeatedly and reversibly move from a closed position in which the opening of the cuff has a first perimeter, to an open position in which the opening of the cuff has a second perimeter larger than the first perimeter. The method includes inverting the glove to an inside-out position, placing the glove into a dishwashing machine and running the dishwashing machine for a cleaning cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an expandable glove with a lateral closure in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the expandable glove of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the expandable glove of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the expandable glove of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the expandable glove of FIG. 1 with the lateral closure in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the expandable glove of FIG. 1 with an opening and closing device for the lateral closure.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the opening and closing device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an expandable glove with a lateral closure in a closed position.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the expandable glove of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the expandable glove of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the expandable glove of FIG. 8 with the lateral closure in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of an expandable glove with a decorative appearance or design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Presently preferred embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. An effort has been made to use the same or like reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6 and 8-11, a preferred embodiment of a glove 100 includes a hand portion 110, a sleeve portion 120, and a lateral closure 130 extending from the hand portion 110 to the sleeve portion 120.

The hand portion 110 and the sleeve portion 120 preferably are integrally formed. In other words, the hand portion 110 and the sleeve portion 120 preferably are made of the same material that is continuous from the hand portion 110 through the sleeve portion 120. For example, the glove 100 is preferably made of a reusable, washable, and waterproof material. In a preferred embodiment, the glove 100 is made of a vinyl material, for example, latex free vinyl. Vinyl gloves offer an alternative to users who are sensitive to latex and/or dislike the smell of rubber gloves. In other embodiments, the glove 100 may be made of other suitable materials such as nitrile, latex or another rubber or resin provided that the material may be washed, for example, in a dishwashing machine or laundry machine, and will not break, deform or otherwise deteriorate when exposed to household cleaning products (e.g., dishwashing soap, bleach, or ammonia) or gardening products (e.g., fertilizer, dirt, or pesticide). The waterproof material may be natural or synthetic (i.e., man-made). In yet other embodiments, the hand portion 110 and the sleeve portion 120 may not be integrally formed. For example, the hand portion 110 may be formed of a first material and the sleeve portion 120 may be formed of a second material, and the first and second materials of the hand portion 110 and the sleeve portion 120 may be joined by a waterproof joining portion. In such embodiments, the first and second materials of the hand portion 110 and the sleeve portion 120 may be the same material or may be different materials.

Although only a single glove 100 is described hereafter, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a pair of gloves 100 may be utilized by the user (one glove for each of the user's hands) and that each glove 100 in the pair is configured to be a mirror image of the other glove 100 in the pair.

The hand portion 110 preferably is configured to cover a hand of a user by being configured to extend approximately from tips of the user's fingers to the user's wrist. The hand portion 110 includes a first cavity 111A configured to receive the user's thumb and at least one other cavity 111B disposed adjacent to the first cavity 111A and configured to receive at least one of the user's fingers, other than the user's thumb. In one embodiment, the glove 100 includes the first cavity 111A configured to receive the user's thumb and a plurality of other cavities 111B-111E, each configured to receive one of the user's fingers. For example, the cavity 111B may be configured to receive the user's index finger, the cavity 111C may be configured to receive the user's middle finger, the cavity 111D may be configured to receive the user's ring finger and the cavity 111E may be configured to receive the user's pinky finger. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the glove 100 comprises a mitten in which the first cavity 111A is configured to receive the user's thumb and a single, other cavity 111B is configured to receive the rest of the user's fingers (i.e., the user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger and pinky finger).

The sleeve portion 120 preferably is configured to cover at least a portion of a forearm of the user by being configured to extend approximately from the user's wrist to a point below the user's shoulder. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve portion 120 is configured to extend from the user's wrist to a point on the user's forearm between the user's wrist and the user's elbow. In other embodiments, the sleeve portion 120 may be configured to extend from the user's wrist to the user's elbow. In additional embodiments, the sleeve portion 120 may be configured to extend from the user's wrist to a point on the user's arm between the user's elbow and the user's shoulder. The sleeve portion 120 includes a cuff 121 disposed at an end of the sleeve portion 120 furthest away from the hand portion 110. The cuff 121 may define, at least in part, an opening 122 through which the user's hand is inserted into the glove 100.

The glove 100 further includes the lateral closure 130. In preferred embodiments (see FIGS. 1-6), the lateral closure 130 extends along a top surface of the glove 100 in a substantially straight line from an area of the hand portion 110 located between the first cavity 111A and the cavity 111B (i.e., an area located between the user's thumb and index finger) to the cuff 121 of the sleeve portion 120. In this embodiment, the lateral closure 130 is configured to extend substantially along the radius bone of the user's forearm. The preferred location of the lateral closure 130 is considered to be the most ergonomic location for the lateral closure 130 in that it provides optimum comfort and avoids any stress or injury associated with the user opening and closing the lateral closure 130 with the user's other hand, which may be disposed in a second glove 100.

In other embodiments (see FIGS. 8-11), the lateral closure 130 extends on the top surface of the glove 100 in a substantially straight line from an area of the hand portion 110 proximate to the cavity 111C (i.e., an area beneath the user's middle finger) to the cuff 121 of the sleeve portion 120. In such an embodiment, the lateral closure 130 is configured to extend substantially between the radius and ulna bones of the user's forearm. In other embodiments (not illustrated) the lateral closure 130 may be provided at other locations, for example, on a bottom surface of the glove 100, a side surface of the glove 100, or a portion of the top surface of the glove 100 different from the locations illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 and 8-11. For example, the lateral closure 130 may extend on the top surface of the glove 100 in a substantially straight line from an area of the hand portion 110 proximate to the cavity 111E (i.e., an area beneath the user's pinky finger) to the cuff 121 of the sleeve portion 120.

In a preferred embodiment, the lateral closure 130 comprises a zipper. In other embodiments, the lateral closure 130 may be any other suitable closure, including, but not limited to a ziplock, a snap, or Velcro lateral closure 130. The lateral closure 130 is configured to repeatedly and reversibly move between a closed position and an open position to allow a size of the opening 122 of the glove 100. To facilitate this movement, the lateral closure 130 may include an opening and closing device 131 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) configured to assist the user in moving the lateral closure 130 between the closed position (FIGS. 1-4 and 6) and the open position (FIG. 5).

The opening and closing device 131 may include a base portion 132 configured to couple the opening and closing device 131 to the lateral closure 130 and a puller portion 133 configured to be gripped between the user's fingers (e.g., the user's thumb and index finger) and pulled to move the lateral closure 130 between the closed and open positions. The base portion 132 and the puller portion 133 may be integrally or separately formed. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the puller portion 133 is a ring-like or substantially circular body. However, in other embodiments, any other shape may be used. The opening and closing device 131 is formed from an easy-to-grip material, for example, a plastic or a rubber. In one embodiment, the opening and closing device 131 is made of high density polyethylene that has been injection molded into the desired shape.

When the lateral closure 130 is in the closed position (see FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 8-10), the cuff 121 of the glove 100 is in a non-expanded state. For example, in the non-expanded state, the opening 122 may have a circumference or perimeter of 10 inches. When the lateral closure 130 is moved to the open position (see FIGS. 5 and 11), the cuff 121 of the glove 100 is in an expanded state. For example, in the expanded state, the opening 122 may have an increased circumference or perimeter of 13 inches. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 11, when the lateral closure 130 is in the open position, a gusset 140 may extend from a first edge 130A of the lateral closure 130 to a second edge 130B of the lateral closure 130. The gusset 140 may be affixed substantially adjacent to the first edge 130A and the second edge 130B by any suitable method, for example, gluing or sewing. In some embodiments, the gusset 140 is made of the same reusable, washable, and waterproof material as the glove 100. In other embodiments, the gusset 140 is made of a different material from which the glove 100 is made. In a preferred embodiment, the gusset 140 is made of vinyl. In other embodiments, the gusset 140 may be made of nitrile, latex, a rubber, or a resin material, provided that the material is waterproof, may be washed, for example, in a dishwashing machine or laundry machine, and will not break, deform or otherwise deteriorate when exposed to household cleaning products (e.g., dishwashing soap, bleach, or ammonia) or gardening products (e.g., fertilizer, dirt, or pesticide). The gusset 140 is configured to allow the cuff 121 to repeatedly and reversibly move between the non-expanded state in which the gusset 140 is not visible to the user (i.e., is hidden from view) when the lateral closure is in the closed position, and the expanded state in which the gusset 140 creates an extension between the first and second edges 130A and 130B of the lateral closure 130 when the lateral closure is in the open position. The gusset 140 may be, for example, triangular or rhomboid.

In some embodiments, an interior of the glove 100 may be lined with a material configured to improve the user's comfort and/or to prevent the formation of mold or mildew within the glove 100. In some embodiments, the interior of the glove 100 may be lined with an absorbent material such as cotton. In other embodiments, the interior of the glove 100 may be lined with an antimicrobial material. In some embodiments, the glove 100 may be lined with an absorbent and antimicrobial material such a heavy weighted cotton, antimicrobial vinyl. Such a lining may help reduce the presence of mold or mildew within the glove, and may be absorbent to minimize the user's feelings of a sweaty or damp interior. In other embodiments, only a portion of the interior of the glove 100 may be lined with one or more of the above materials. For example, the hand portion 110 may be lined while the sleeve portion 120 has no lining, or vice versa. In yet other embodiments, the interior of the glove 100 may have no lining.

According to the embodiments described above, an expandable glove is provided with a lateral closure configured to move repeatedly and reversibly between a closed position and an open position to allow a cuff of the glove to expand in size. By expanding the size of the cuff of the glove, the lateral closure allows the user to easily put on or take off the glove, even if the glove has already been used. The expandable glove is formed of a reusable, waterproof, and washable material. Thus, the user may remove a used glove and place it in a dishwashing machine or laundry machine to remove any smells, dirt, residue or other items from the interior and/or the exterior of the glove. For example, the expandable glove may be repeatedly and reversibly inverted to an inside-out position and washed with the lateral closure in an open position (i.e., in an expanded state) in order to remove any unpleasant smells from an interior of the glove, especially a glove that has become wet during use. Thus, the expandable glove is easy to use, ergonomic and easily cleaned for reuse.

According to other embodiments, the glove 100 may have a decorative appearance or design that is visible to the user in the use configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a design 150 can be provided on the glove 100 that provides it with an aesthetically pleasing and distinctive appearance. The design can be provided on the hand portion 110, on the sleeve portion 120, or on both. The design 150 can be provided on the glove 100 by a variety of known techniques, such as designs formed in the material of the glove 100 during the manufacture of that material, ink printing on the material, overlays on the material, etc. While a counterpart glove is not illustrated (e.g., the right-hand glove), the counterpart glove may have a mirror image of the design 150 provided on the glove 100 or a different design. By providing such design(s) 150 on the glove 100, the glove 100 becomes more aesthetically pleasing and may be displayed by the user as aesthetic aspects of their living environment.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “for example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “couple,” “connect,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGS. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the gloves as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An expandable glove comprising:

a hand portion including a first cavity and a second cavity adjacent to the first cavity;

a sleeve portion including a cuff having an opening therein for access to the hand portion; and

a lateral closure extending from the hand portion to the sleeve portion, the lateral closure configured to repeatedly and reversibly move from a closed position in which the opening of the cuff has a first perimeter, to an open position in which the opening of the cuff has a second perimeter larger than the first perimeter,

wherein the glove is formed of vinyl.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the lateral closure extends from an area located between the first cavity and the second cavity in the hand portion to an area in the sleeve portion.

3. The glove of claim 1, wherein the lateral closure extends along a top surface of the glove.

4. The glove of claim 1, wherein the lateral closure comprises a zipper.

5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the lateral closure is selected from the group consisting of a ziplock, a snap, and Velcro.

6. The glove of claim 1, further comprising an opening and closing device having a base portion configured to assist in moving the lateral closure between the closed position and the open position, the opening and closing device comprising a base portion configured to couple the opening and closing device to the lateral closure and a puller portion configured to be gripped and pulled to move the lateral closure between the closed position and the open position.

7. The glove of claim 6, wherein the opening and closing device is made from a high density polyethylene material.

8. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a gusset configured to be affixed substantially adjacent to a first edge of the lateral closure and a second edge of the lateral closure, wherein the gusset is configured to allow the opening of the cuff to expand to a size having the second perimeter when the lateral closure is in the open position.

9. The glove of claim 8, wherein the gusset is configured to be hidden from view when the lateral closure is in the closed position.

10. The glove of claim 8, wherein the gusset is made of vinyl.

11. The glove of claim 1, further comprising an interior lining made of an absorbent material.

12. The glove of claim 1, further comprising an interior lining including an antimicrobial material configured to prevent formation of mold and/or mildew within an interior of the glove.

13. The glove of claim 1, further comprising an interior lining made of a heavy weighted cotton, antimicrobial material.

14. The glove of claim 1, wherein the glove is configured to be reused.

15. The glove of claim 1, wherein the glove is configured to be repeatedly and reversibly inverted to an inside-out position to clean an interior of the glove.

16. The glove of claim 1, wherein the first perimeter is approximately ten inches and the second perimeter is approximately thirteen inches.

17. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a decorative design provided on at least one of the hand portion and the sleeve portion that is configured to be visible to a user.

18. A method of cleaning an expandable glove comprising a hand portion including a first cavity and a second cavity adjacent to the first cavity, a sleeve portion including a cuff having an opening therein for access to the hand portion, and a lateral closure extending from the hand portion to the sleeve portion, the lateral closure configured to repeatedly and reversibly move from a closed position in which the opening of the cuff has a first perimeter, to an open position in which the opening of the cuff has a second perimeter larger than the first perimeter, the method comprising:

inverting the glove to an inside-out position;

placing the glove into a dishwashing machine; and

running the dishwashing machine for a cleaning cycle.