Disposable Glove-Like Device

Abstract

Provided is a disposable glove sack or disposible glove-like device for handling and securing an article for disposable. The glove sack comprises a glove portion, a wrist portion, a sleeve portion or a flared sleeve portion and a securing means, such as flaps. Optionally, the glove sack may comprise an embossment. An opening at a distal end of the sleeve portion forms a cavity in combination with the glove, wrist and sleeve portions into which a hand is insertable. The glove, wrist and sleeve portions form an outer surface on which to receive an article. Upon eversion the outer surface bounds a receptacle containing the article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 62/310,528, filed Mar. 18, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the fields of disposable gloves and disposable bags or sacks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a disposable glove-like device or glove sack combining the features of a disposable glove and a receptacle for discardable materials.

Description of the Related Art

Disposable gloves are commonly used to protect the hands and prevent the transfer of germs and bacteria for many commercial, medical, and household tasks, such as diaper changing, picking up pet waste, and many other uses. Disposable bags or sacks are often used to contain materials that are to be discarded, are hazardous and/or have an unpleasant smell. Disposable bags contain the materials and when secured shut they can assist in reducing the unpleasant smell from escaping the bag and protecting one from contact with a hazardous or waste material. There are several mechanisms that enable one to secure the bag shut. This includes adhesive, tying of the top of the sack, using a twister tie or other article to clamp the bag shut, or a drawstring.

Combining the two features eliminates steps required for waste disposal utilizing the disposable gloves and disposable bags as separate items and reduces the cost of purchasing the items separately. For example, a user would not have to separately obtain a disposable glove and disposable bag and once the article for disposal has been placed and secured within the disposable bag, remove the gloves and discard both the gloves and the disposable bag. Moreover, combining a disposable glove and a disposable bag into a single, useful product reduces waste in landfills and other waste disposal sites.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,781 discloses a disposable hand covering for handling contaminated materials. The hand covering comprises a mitten-like hand portion and a stiffened cuff with a sealing means on the open end of the cuff. The hand covering is everted once the material is picked up. However, the mitten shaped portion significantly reduces dexterity in any action other than picking up an article for disposal.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,670 discloses a glove bag that has a fingered glove and an enlarged baggie-like cuff attached to the glove. A sealing strip or zipper lock is placed on the edge of the enlarged cuff. However, the enlarged cuff portion is baggie shaped with a width that is significantly larger than that of the user's arm when inserted into the glove bag. This would potentially interfere when wearing the glove bag to diaper a baby, for example, by sliding o draping from the arm when removing a diaper and cleaning the baby. The glove bag is designed to be used only to pick up articles which are immediately secured within, such as dog waste or crime scene evidence.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,111 discloses a pet waste collection and disposal glove. The glove-like device has a fingered glove portion with half-webbing between the fingers, a tapered extended length cuff and ties. The half-webbing is designed to prevent dribbling or leakage of wet waste, but provide an acceptable dexterity when picking up pet waste. While acceptable to simply pick up waste, the webbing would hinder the movement and dexterity required of the fingers and hand when changing and cleaning a baby.

Therefore, there is a recognized need in the art for a more efficient and cost effective glove-like device for performing disposal tasks. Particularly, the prior art is deficient in a cost effective, light-weight, flexible disposable glove sack or other disposable glove-like device with a more human-like hand and arm shape. The present invention fulfills this long-standing need and desire in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a glove sack. The glove sack comprises a glove portion, a wrist portion formed from a distal end of the glove portion, a sleeve portion formed from a distal end of the wrist portion and comprises an opening at a distal end thereof and means for closing the opening on the sleeve portion. The present invention is directed to a related glove sack further comprising an embossment on an outer surface thereof.

The present invention also is directed to a disposable glove-like device for disposing waste. The disposable glove-like device comprises a glove portion that includes a wrist portion and a plurality of separate fingers and a sleeve portion formed at the distal end of the wrist portion that comprises an opening at a distal end thereof with a pair of flaps disposed in opposite relationship on an edge of the opening. The present invention is directed to a related disposable glove-like device further comprising an embossment disposed on an outer surface thereof.

Other and further aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are given for the purpose of disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the matter in which the above-recited features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others that will become clear, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular descriptions of the invention briefly summarized above may be by reference to certain embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings form a part of the specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting in their scope.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict the glove sack in an anterior palmar view as would be worn on the right hand (FIG. 1A) and the left hand (FIG. 1B).

FIG. 2 illustrates an embossment on the outer surface of the glove sack.

FIG. 3 illustrates removal of the glove sack from the hand to secure an article.

FIG. 4 depicts a glove sack containing an article secured therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein in the specification, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein in the claim(s), when used in conjunction with the word “comprising”, the words “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one.

As used herein “another” or “other” may mean at least a second or more of the same or different claim element or components thereof. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Comprise” means “include.”

As used herein, the term “about” refers to a numeric value, including, for example, whole numbers, fractions, and percentages, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numerical values (e.g., +/−5-10% of the recited value) that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In some instances, the term “about” may include numerical values that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

As used herein, the term proximal refers to the finger end of the glove sack and the term distal refers to portions of the glove sack away from the finger end.

As used herein, the term anterior and the term palmar have their standard meaning in reference to the standard anatomical position where the body is in a standing position with arms at the side and palms facing forward with thumbs out.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a glove sack, comprising a glove portion; a wrist portion formed from a distal end of the glove portion; a sleeve portion formed from a distal end of the wrist portion and comprising an opening at a distal end thereof; and means for closing the opening on the sleeve portion.

Further to this embodiment the glove sack may comprise an embossment disposed on an outer surface thereof. In this further embodiment the pa embossment may be ridged or ribbed. In a representative example, the embossment may be decorative. In both embodiments the glove portion may comprise a plurality of separate fingers on a proximal end thereof. Also, in both embodiments the securing means may comprise a pair of flaps or ties disposed on an edge of the opening in opposite relationship. Particularly, the flaps or ties each have a length of about 3 inches.

In both embodiments the sleeve portion may flare distally from the wrist portion and has a width larger than a width of the wrist portion. Also, the glove portion and the wrist portion may have a combined length of about 9 inches. In addition the sleeve portion may have a length of about 6 inches. Furthermore, the glove portion, the wrist portion and the sleeve portion in combination with the opening form a cavity into which a hand is insertable and an outer surface on which to receive an article, wherein upon eversion the outer surface bounds a receptacle containing the article therein. In addition the described portions may be made of a lightweight and flexible material comprising polyethylene. In an aspect thereof the lightweight and flexible material may further comprise a colorant.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a disposable glove-like device for disposing waste, comprising a glove portion, including a wrist portion and a plurality of separate fingers; and a sleeve portion formed at the distal end of the wrist portion and comprising an opening at a distal end thereof with a pair of flaps disposed in opposite relationship on an edge of the opening. Further to this embodiment the disposable glove-like device may comprise an embossment disposed on an outer surface thereof.

In both embodiments the sleeve portion flares distally from the wrist portion and has a width larger than a width of the wrist portion. Also the glove portion and the wrist portion may have a combined length of about 9 inches. In addition the sleeve portion and the flaps may have a combined length of about 9 inches. Furthermore the portions may be made of a lightweight and flexible polyethylene. Further still the glove portion, the wrist portion and the sleeve portion in combination with the opening form a cavity into which a hand is insertable and an outer surface on which to receive an article, wherein upon eversion the outer surface bounds a receptacle containing the article therein.

Provided herein is a disposable glove having features enabling it to also perform the function of a sack. Generally, the glove sack comprises a wearable portion and a securable receptacle portion. More particularly, the glove sack comprises a glove or glove portion with finger portions, including 4 fingers and a thumb, a wrist portion and a sleeve portion or substantially sleeve shaped portion that extends beyond the wrist portion up the user's arm when worn.

The shape of the glove is tailored to fit a common hand and wrist and is configured for right and left hands. Beyond the wrist the sleeve flares out and maintains a width larger than the wrist throughout the length of the sleeve to the opening into which the hand is inserted. The open edge of the sleeve distal to the fingered glove portion comprises means for securing the opening, such as, but not limited to, ties, flaps, pull strings or other means for securing so that the opening is closed such as an adhesive strip, or other mechanism. Preferably, the glove sack is secured with flaps or ties.

The glove sack comprises a lightweight, flexible material, such as polyethylene or other similar synthetic resin. Preferably, the material is vinyl and latex free. The glove sack material may comprise a biocompatible colorant, dye or coloring compound. Optionally, the glove sack may comprise an embossment of the surface thereof to improve the grip of a user wearing the glove. The embossment may have a ridged or ribbed texture. The embossment may be decorative.

The glove sack is easily slipped onto the hand and enables a user to manipulate an article, such as, but not limited to, a baby's used diaper or a diaper wipe, without loss of dexterity or grip. The glove sack provides a user protection from leakage of or contact with waste products on the diaper or wipe. The wider sleeve design and lightweight, flexible material of the glove sack in combination with the flaps or ties enables a quick eversion of the sack to contain the article held by the user. Once the glove sack is off the user the flaps or ties are quickly tied or knotted to secure the article and to eliminate odor.

Generally, to protect the hands while bagging materials into a sack using the glove sack provided herein, the user inserts a hand into glove sack and picks up the materials with the gloved hand. The top of the sleeve is pulled down the arm and over the material that is held in the hand to evert the glove sack whereby the material is released from the hand. The flaps or ties are tied or knotted together, closing the glove sack and securing the article.

Particularly, embodiments of the present invention are better illustrated with reference to the Figure(s), however, such reference is not meant to limit the present invention in any fashion. The embodiments and variations described in detail herein are to be interpreted by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are anterior, palmar views of the glove sack. In FIG. 1A the glove sack 100a is for a right hand. The glove sack comprises a glove portion 105, with the palmar surface 106 shown, that comprises fingers 110a,b,c,d,e, which includes four fingers and a thumb, on the proximal end, to receive a human hand, as in a standard glove. A wrist portion 115 is formed from and extends from the distal end of the glove portion. A flared sleeve portion 120 is formed from the distal end of the wrist portion. The distal end of the sleeve portion comprises an opening 122 into a cavity 123 into which the hand of a user is inserted. A pair of flaps 125a,b are formed from the distal end of the sleeve portion and are disposed in an opposite relationship on the edge 122a of the opening for securing an article inside the glove sack. The cavity formed by the interior surfaces of the glove sack comprises a wearable portion of the glove sack into which a hand is insertable and the outer surface 130 of the glove sack bounds a receptacle to contain an article, originally held on the palmar surface, when the glove sack is everted (see FIG. 4).

The length of the glove sack may be, but not limited to, about 18 inches. The length of the glove portion, including the wrist portion, may be about 9 inches, the length of the sleeve portion may be about 6 inches and the length of the securing portion, shown herein as flaps, may be about 3 inches. The widths of the glove and wrist portions may be varied proportionately to accommodate smaller or larger hands as long as the width of the sleeve portion at the distal end of the wrist portion is larger than that of the wrist portion and flares out distally therefrom.

FIG. 1B illustrates a glove sack 100b for the left hand and is identical in composition to the glove sack 100a in FIG. 1A except for handedness.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 2 illustrates an embossment 200 on the outer surface 130 of the glove sack. The depiction of the embossment is representative and is not intended to limit the coverage of the embossment on the glove sack surface or type of embossing thereon or features on the embossment. For example, the embossment may be decorative. The features of the embossment improve a user's grip of an article that may be slippery or wet.

FIG. 3 illustrates placement of an article 310 on the palmar surface 106 of a glove sack. To secure the article flaps 125a,b are pulled at 305a,b in a proximal direction to evert the sleeve portion 120 and wrist portion 115 over the article and to evert the glove portion 105, including fingers 110a,b,c,d,e, so that the glove sack is removed from the user's hand and the article is contained inside the everted glove sack (see FIG. 4). The article 310 is representative and can be any article with dimensions accommodated by the everted glove sack. The article is depicted having a dimension that exceeds the widths of the glove portion and of the wrist portion. However, this is accommodated by the flared sleeve portion. Flaring the sleeve reduces the necessity of additional material to accommodate a larger article and maintains a conformity with a user's lower arm.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 depicts a glove sack 100a or 100b that contains the article 310 as indicated by the dashed outline 310a and is secured by the tied or knotted flaps 125a,b. The surfaces of the cavity 123 now comprise the outer surface 410 of receptacle formed by the everted glove sack.

The present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A glove sack, comprising:

a glove portion;

a wrist portion formed from a distal end of the glove portion;

a sleeve portion formed from a distal end of the wrist portion and comprising an opening at a distal end thereof; and

means for closing the opening on the sleeve portion.

2. The glove sack of claim 1, further comprising an embossment disposed on an outer surface thereof.

3. The glove sack of claim 2, wherein the embossment is ridged or ribbed.

4. The glove sack of claim 2, wherein the embossment is decorative.

5. The glove sack of claim 1, wherein the glove portion comprises a plurality of separate fingers on a proximal end thereof.

6. The glove sack of claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion flares distally from the wrist portion and has a width larger than a width of the wrist portion.

7. The glove sack of claim 1, wherein the glove portion and the wrist portion have a combined length of about 9 inches.

8. The glove sack of claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion has a length of about 6 inches.

9. The glove sack of claim 1, wherein securing means comprises a pair of flaps or ties disposed on an edge of the opening in opposite relationship.

10. The glove sack of claim 1, wherein the flaps or ties each have a length of about 3 inches.

11. The glove sack of claim 1, wherein the portions thereof are made of a lightweight and flexible material comprising polyethylene.

12. The glove sack of claim 11, wherein the lightweight and flexible material further comprises a colorant.

13. The glove sack of claim 1, wherein the glove portion, the wrist portion and the sleeve portion in combination with the opening form a cavity into which a hand is insertable and an outer surface on which to receive an article, wherein upon eversion said outer surface bounds a receptacle containing the article therein.

14. A disposable glove-like device for disposing waste, comprising:

a glove portion, including a wrist portion and a plurality of separate fingers; and

a sleeve portion formed at the distal end of the wrist portion and comprising an opening at a distal end thereof with a pair of flaps disposed in opposite relationship on an edge of the opening.

15. The disposable glove-like device of claim 14, further comprising an embossment disposed on an outer surface thereof.

16. The disposable glove-like device of claim 14, wherein the sleeve portion flares distally from the wrist portion and has a width larger than a width of the wrist portion.

17. The disposable glove-like device of claim 14, wherein the glove portion and the wrist portion have a combined length of about 9 inches.

18. The disposable glove-like device of claim 14, wherein the sleeve portion and the flaps have a combined length of about 9 inches.

19. The disposable glove-like device of claim 14, wherein the portions are made of a lightweight and flexible polyethylene.

20. The disposable glove-like device of claim 14, wherein the glove portion, the wrist portion and the sleeve portion in combination with the opening form a cavity into which a hand is insertable and an outer surface on which to receive an article, wherein upon eversion said outer surface bounds a receptacle containing the article therein.