Abstract: Multilayer elastomer films (multilayer material) comprising at least one continuous layer, carrying an active chemical substance (such as corrosion inhibitors, lubricants or alternatively biocides for medical use), inserted between inert elastomer barrier layers, processes for the preparation and various applications of these films. The multilayer polymeric material comprises at least one layer A composed of a gel which is reversible or non-reversible, as a function of the temperature, and which carries at least one active chemical substance x, and at least two barrier layers E comprising a synthetic elastomer e, the said layers being held together by a polymeric bonding agent y incorporated in at least one of the said layers A or E and/or by an independent bonding layer Z comprising a polymer z and/or by a chemical or physical treatment of at least one of the said layers A or E.

Abstract: A powder-free coagulant for use in latex dipping processes comprises a salt stable dispersion of a polychloroprene rubber and an inorganic metal salt. Optionally the coagulant will also contain a powder-free release agent, to aid release of the dipped article from the former, comprising a polypropylene wax emulsion and a cationic surfactant.

Abstract: Powder-free natural rubber and synthetic elastomer gloves having an inner coating of a cross-linked polyurethane impregnated with silicone and their method of manufacture are described. The gloves exhibit good grippability, good donnability as measured by their wet and dry coefficient of friction, tensile strength, elongation to break and stress at 500% modulus.

Abstract: A powder-free coagulant for use in latex dipping processes comprises a salt stable dispersion of a polychloroprene rubber and an inorganic metal salt. Optionally the coagulant will also contain a powder-free release agent, to aid release of the dipped article from the former, comprising a polypropylene wax emulsion and a cationic surfactant.

Abstract: A rubber glove comprising a main rubber layer and an inner covering layer, bonded to the main rubber layer, containing resin particles is disclosed. The resin particles are partially exposed on the skin-contacting surface of the inner covering layer to an extent such that, among resin particles visually observed in unit area of the skin-contacting surface, resin particles having a maximum particle diameter of 2-20 &mgr;m have a total projected area ratio A of 5-50%, as defined by the formula: A(%)=B/C×100, where B is total projected area of resin particles with a maximum particle diameter of 2-20 &mgr;m, and C is the unit area. The rubber glove can be easily donned and pulled off, and resin particles do not fall or do fall off only to a very slight extent upon donning or pulling off, and, when the inner covering layer is placed in contact with each other, the layer does not easily stick to each other.

Abstract: A rubber glove comprising a main rubber layer and an inner covering layer, bonded to the main rubber layer, containing resin particles is disclosed. The resin particles are partially exposed on the skin-contacting surface of the inner covering layer to an extent such that, among resin particles visually observed in unit area of the skin-contacting surface, resin particles having a maximum particle diameter of 2-20 &mgr;m have a total projected area ratio A of 5-50%, as defined by the formula: A(%)=B/C×100, where B is total projected area of resin particles with a maximum particle diameter of 2-20 &mgr;m, and C is the unit area. The rubber glove can be easily donned and pulled off, and resin particles do not fall or do fall off only to a very slight extent upon donning or pulling off, and, when the inner covering layer is placed in contact with each other, the layer does not easily stick to each other.

Abstract: A glove comprising a palm; a thumb; at least one finger; and a plurality of suction devices attached to the palm, at least one finger, or both the palm and at least one finger, where said suction devices have a Shore A durometer of from about 20 to about 90.

Abstract: A moisturizing and therapeutic glove is disclosed which includes a thin layer of Aloe Vera coated evenly and uniformly on an inside surface of the glove. Aloe Vera is attached to the surface through a dehydration process achieved with a controlled drying method. Aloe Vera soothes hand during the wearing of the glove.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article, in particular a glove, a condom, or the like, which is comprised of a flexible rubber and/or plastic, is embodied having at least one section of the surface intended contact or rest against human skin, which article is provided with a slip coating in a section of the surface. This slip coating is comprised of a polymeric material and at least in sections, has repeating shape deviations of the surface that are recessed in relation to a raised, net-like structure. The ratio of the average spacings between the shape deviations to their depth in relation to the raised, net-like structure is between 500:1 and 5:1 and the average roughness depth is between 0.5 and 100 &mgr;m, preferably between 1 and 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Glove of rubber or other resilient material comprising of an essentially tubular sleeve portion (1) and a cuff portion (2) which extends conically outwardly in extension of the sleeve portion and can be folded back such that the free end of the connically outwardly extending cuff portion (2) has a radial distance from the outer circumference of the sleeve portion (1), characterized in that a thinner wall portion (3) having a wall thickness smaller than the wall thickness of at least the sleeve portion (1) is provided between sleeve portion (1) and cuff portion (2), whereas the thinner wall portion (3) is either a thinner extension of the sleeve portion (1) or has the shape of an inwardly directed undulation, wherein the cuff portion (2) is foldable back about the said thinner wall portion (3).

Abstract: Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Abstract: A unique powder-free medical glove fabricated from a neoprene copolymer, and a method of making same is described. The gloves of the invention are easily donned without the use of powdered donning agents and retain their puncture resistance, tensile strength, stress at 500% and elongation to break after post-processing by chlorination and sterilization by irradiation. Additionally, the gloves of the invention exhibit minimal discoloration (as measured by the per cent change in yellowness index) and minimal stickiness to themselves and to glove packing materials after sterilization by irradiation.

Abstract: A sports glove including a body portion designed to fit in the palm, a thumb engaging portion, a plurality of different finger engaging portions, and a flexible wrist band are affixed to the body portion. A ball holding suction cup defining a semi-spherical depression positioned to open outwardly from the palm is affixed to a centrally located opening in the body portion. The body portion, thumb engaging portion, plurality of finger engaging portions, and the wrist band cooperate to position the ball holding suction cup firmly in the palm so as to operate as a ball holding suction cup with the hand slightly closed and to release suction in the suction cup with the hand extended.

Abstract: A highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The composite material can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The composite may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the PCM composite also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material.

Abstract: A puncture resistant surgical glove which is sterilizable, supple, and contains a leak detection mechanism for the purpose of protecting the wearer from the biohazard of microorganism inoculation via hand skin puncture is disclosed. A condom having a leak detection mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A visual indicator for a surgical glove by which to automatically and instantaneously alert a health care professional of the need to select a new glove should the structural integrity of the glove be compromised by a puncture or tear that could expose the wearer to a contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. The surgical glove includes outer and inner latex glove layers that have a space extending therebetween and a vacuum established within the space. The visual indicator includes a hollow, hemispherically shaped dome that is manufactured from an elastomeric material and is disposed entirely between the outer and inner glove layers so as to lie in continuous and uninterrupted fluid communication with the space. The visual indicator is adapted to be inflated from an as-packaged compressed condition to an expanded condition with air that is suctioned from the atmosphere via a puncture or tear through the outer glove layer and the space between the outer and inner glove layers.

Abstract: A slip-stop rubber sheet having a plurality of thin rubber pieces formed on a surface of a rubber laminated layer in an XY plane at an appointed interval in the Y direction, wherein the thin rubber pieces are erected in a plurality of rows such that the thin rubber pieces extend so as to roughly constitute waveforms in the X direction and such that the thin rubber pieces are bendable in the Y direction. A slip-stop rubber sheet lined work glove is formed by pressure-fitting the slip-stop rubber sheet onto a palmar surface of a glove in such a manner that the X direction of the slip-stop rubber sheet is made coincident with a cross direction parallel with a width direction of a palmar width of the glove.

Abstract: A polymeric film having increased cut resistance comprising a polymeric matrix having dispersed therein a plurality of cut resistance enhancing fibers. These films are preferably made into gloves, for example medical or industrial gloves.

Abstract: Multilayer elastomer films (multilayer material) comprising at least one continuous layer, carrying an active chemical substance (such as corrosion inhibitors, lubricants or alternatively biocides for medical use), inserted between inert elastomer barrier layers, processes for the preparation and various applications of these films.The said multilayer polymeric material comprises at least one layer A composed of a gel which is reversible or non-reversible, as a function of the temperature, and which carries at least one active chemical substance x, and at least two barrier layers E comprising a synthetic elastomer e, the said layers being held together by a polymeric bonding agent y incorporated in at least one of the said layers A or E and/or by an independent bonding layer Z comprising a polymer z and/or by a chemical or physical treatment of at least one of the said layers A or E.

Abstract: A powderfree medical film glove comprising an elastomer base layer having a sprayed, intermittent coating formed on the hand-contacting surface of the glove. The glove of the present invention improves donning by reducing intersurface tack, improves tactile sensory transmittance, and reduces unnecessary material consumption.

Abstract: A waterborne dispersion of a polyurethane polymer is disclosed, which is useful as a film having improved mechanical properties. More particularly, the film has properties comparable to rubber; including, a percentage elongation greater than 700%; a tensile strength greater than 3500 psi; a 100% modulus below 450 psi; a 300% modulus below 700 psi; and, a 500% modulus below 1500 psi. The film can be prepared in the absence of a solvent, thus making it attractive for a variety of protection products for medical and industrial applications such as gloves, condoms, catheters, and the like. The polymer is useful as a coating for textiles, such as backcoatings, fabric or fiber saturants, finishes, or transfer coatings, or other textile and non-textile applications where good elastomeric properties would be useful.

Abstract: A highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The composite material can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The composite may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the PCM composite also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics.

Abstract: A glove comprising an elastomeric blend of chloroprene rubber and a carboxylated synthetic butadiene rubber. A preferred glove of the invention is a medical glove comprising an elastomeric blend of chloroprene rubber and one of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber or carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber. The glove not only reduces the risk associated with natural rubber gloves of causing allergenic reaction and shock to the wearer, but also better approximates the feel and stretch of natural rubber gloves than do other elastomeric gloves.

Abstract: This invention provides means to replace vulcanized natural rubber with non-allergenic synthetic rubbers in the manufacture of health care devices such as protective gloves, condoms, tourniquets and dental dams. The synthetic rubbers are latexes and aqueous polyurethane dispersions having very low glass transition temperatures and crosslinked by means other than sulfur vulcanization of double bonds.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous polyurethane dispersions prepared from polyester polyols having 0.95 to 1.5 equivalents of carboxylic functionality thereon per equivalent of polyol, the dispersions also containing a nonionic surfactant component wherein the ratio by weight of said carboxylic functionality to said nonionic surfactant component is 1:2.5 to 1:0.5. The dispersions are particularly adapted to the formation of thin wall articles exhibiting greatly improved properties.

Abstract: The invention is a one piece glove used as a sports aid to decrease slippage during grip, that is comprised of an elastomeric fabric component which fits precisely incorporating all the fingers of the hand; the wrist; and the thumb. The elastomeric fabric component is completely flexible not containing any rigid positional elements for the wrist or fingers. The palmar side of all the finger sleeves of the glove, as well as the palm of the glove have attached a silicone of prosthetic quality which is fused to the elastomeric fabric in such a fashion that all the external aspects of the finger sleeves facing the sports apparatus such as, but not limited to, a bowling ball, as well as the internal aspects facing the fingers are fused with the silicone. The surface of the palm of the glove is comprised of silicone and elastomeric fabric fused on the external aspect that contacts the bowling ball, and the internal aspect that contacts the palm itself.

Abstract: Rubber articles are coated with a powder-free copolymer coating to provide improved mold release characteristics, improved donning characteristics, and improved tactile feel. The copolymer is formed by the polymerization of a at least one copolymerizable silicone oligomer, at least one alkyl acrylate, and at least one hard monomer. The hard monomer, when homopolymerized, has a glass transition temperature of at least 0.degree. C. The copolymers are preferably formed by a sequential polymerization process.

Abstract: Single and multiple layer membranes such as gloves and condoms include one or more deactivating barrier layers and/or indicating layers to indicate to a user membrane breach or the presence of a harmful substance in blood or body fluids. A membrane may include one or more permeable or semipermeable layers to disperse contained substances such as lubricants, biocides, spermicides, or indicators outwardly, and may also include permeable or semipermeable layers to allow transmission of body fluids or other environmental fluids inwardly into contact with an indicating or treating substance. An intermediate layer of a multi-layer membrane may include a substance to wipe, cleanse, sterilize, or otherwise treat a piercing needle. A membrane may include a sealing or coating to entrap indicators or other agents such as biocides therein. A method of making membranes such as gloves results in a double glove having discrete inner or outer layers joined only in a cuff region.

Abstract: Glove of rubber or the like provided with an essentially tubular sleeve portion (15) and a cuff portion (14) which extends conically outwardly in extension of the sleeve portion (15) and can be folded back such that the free end of the conically outwardly extending cuff portion (14) has a radial distance from the outer circumference of the sleeve portion (15), wherein at least one inwardly directed undulation (12) of the glove material is provided between the sleeve portion (15) and the cuff portion (14), when the cuff portion (14) extends in extension of the sleeve portion (15), and a thickened wall portion (9) is provided adjacent the undulation (12), wherein the cuff portion (14) is foldable back around the undulation (12).Further, a mold for producing such a glove is provided.

Abstract: A mitt enhances the sense of touch when worn on a hand of a user as an object is touched with the palm side of the fingertips. The apparatus is formed of an enclosure of first and second layer of a pliable and elastic material, a lubricant, and a third layer of sheet material. The first and second layers are sealed together along their perimeter to form the enclosure. The lubricant inside the enclosure is present in a quantity and with sufficient lubricity that the coefficient of kinetic friction between the walls of the enclosure is less than the coefficient of kinetic friction between the fingertips and the enclosure and less than the coefficient of kinetic friction between the object being touched and the enclosure.

Abstract: Swimming caps having enhanced non-stick properties, and compositions and methods useful in producing such caps are disclosed. The present methods comprise contacting at least a portion of the outer surface of a swimming cap with a mixture comprising water, a reactable silicon-containing component and a starch component to form a coated swimming cap including a coating of the mixture on at least a portion of the outer surface of the swimming cap; and subjecting said coated swimming cap to conditions effective to remove water from the coating and to form a finished swimming cap having enhanced non-stick properties relative to the swimming cap prior to the contacting.

Abstract: For the purpose of applying, over the surface of the skin, active substances which irritate the skin or smell bad. A glove is manufactured from foil with a coating that contains microcapsules that can be burst open by pressure, and the active substance applied to the skin.

Abstract: Polymeric protective articles, such as gloves, normally used in manufacturing, conversion or packaging lines, especially in the agri-foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals or food sector are disclosed. The articles contain uniformly distributed throughout, a material having conducting and/or magnetic properties, which is detectable by a metal-particle detector. A process for preparing the said articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical glove, manufactured from an elastomeric material, includes an enlarged thumb ball portion which extends across the entire width of the palm, from the base of the thumb to the base of the fifth finger. The enlarged thumb ball portion improves the comfort of the glove. The glove also features independently-curved fingers and a cuff portion.

Abstract: A new glove with fingernail protectors for protecting the fingernails of a wearer from accidental breaking or chipping. The inventive device includes a palm portion with a plurality of digit portions extending therefrom. The back of each of the digit portions has a fingernail region extending from the tip of the digit portion towards the root of the digit portion. The thickness of the fingernail region of each of the digit portions is greater than the thickness of the rest of the digit portion to provide protection against chipping and breaking to the fingernails of a wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to enable a physician to accurately measure masses encountered during rectal, pelvic, surgical or other internal examinations where the examiner cannot see the objects but must judge their size by only palpitation. The device comprises a one-piece tight fitting glove of thin elastic impervious material with four fingers and a thumb with palpable markings located on one or more fingers of the glove. The markings are spaced at intervals of known length between the interphalangeal joint and the tips of one or more fingers on the pad or palm side, and can be felt on the inside of the glove such that the physician can accurately measure masses which he or she is able to feel but cannot observe.

Abstract: A disposable vinyl glove having a fastening belt includes a hollow formed seamless body member, an open proximal end, and a cuff portion at the proximal end. The cuff portion has a fastening belt fixed on the outside surface of the cuff portion. The end of the fastening belt has an adhesive area, an adhesive layer is covering the adhesive area and a removable release sheet is covering the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can stick with the surface of the cuff or tying belt together. After the glove is worn, the cuff of the glove is tightened on the wearer's wrist by the fastening belt and the adhesive means sticks the fastened tying belt and the outer surface of the cuff together, thereby the disposable vinyl glove is tightly secured on the wearer's hand. Thus, the disadvantages of the glove being loose on the wearer's hand and the chance that liquid can move into the glove are avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved powder-free gloves having improved cleanliness as well as desired ergonomics over current natural rubber latex gloves. By controlling the formulation used to construct the gloves, a wide range of physical performance, aging resistance, as well as high cleanliness can be achieved. To this end, the present invention provides a powder-free glove constructed from a sequential copolymer. In an embodiment, the sequential copolymer is chosen from the group consisting of: poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene); poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene); poly (styrene-b-ethylene butylene-b-styrene); poly(styrene-b-ethylene propylene-b-styrene); radial and teleblock copolymers of the type (SI).sub.X, (SB).sub.X, and the like; and graft copolymers.

Abstract: A method for forming a glove in an elastomer deposition process employs a folded glove form. The form has a hand forming portion having palm and finger forming portions. The finger forming portions terminate in distal tips and the cuff forming portion terminates in a terminal end for forming the cuff opening. The form is folded so that finger forming portion distal tips and the cuff forming portion terminal end lie in separate planes and in facing relationship to one another. To form the glove, the form is vertically oriented and dipped into a bath of elastomer with both the cuff forming portion terminal end and the finger portion distal tips facing upwards.

Abstract: Rubber articles are produced by applying a first latex to a former and then applying either a second latex, or a separation material followed by a latex which may be the same as, or different to, the first latex, curing both latices, and removing both layers jointly, so as to make an article with an outer translucent layer and an inner darker layer, with capillary action permitted between the layers.

Abstract: An elastomeric article such as a glove includes a substrate body made of an styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, and a donning layer overlying at least one side of the substrate body. The donning layer is formed of a chlorinated styrene-isoprene, preferably having a polystyrene block content of from about 10 to about 20 percent by weight of the total copolymer weight and an end block polystyrene molecular weight of at least about 5,000. Optionally, a surfactant-containing layer may be present over the donning layer to further improve the donning characteristics. The article is preferably prepared by dip forming the article from an styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, coating the article with a solution of the styrene-isoprene block copolymer, removing the solvent, and chlorinating the styrene-isoprene block copolymer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flexible article, such as a surgeon's glove, displaying slip properties with respect to damp and dry mammalian tissue without use of powder lubricants. The article is comprised of a substrate layer having an elastomeric material, the layer having a wearer-contacting surface and a damp slip-conferring amount of a lubricant composition applied to the wearer-contacting surface. The lubricant composition is selected from the group consisting of a first composition and a second composition. The first composition comprises an acetylenic diol and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an organo-modified silicone, an amino-modified silicone, and a cationic surfactant. The second composition comprises a cationic surfactant and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an organo-modified silicone, an amino-modified silicone, and an acetylenic diol.

Abstract: Reduced allergenicity natural rubber latex articles having otherwise normal physical, mechanical, and chemical properties are produced by directly sequestering the antigenic components on one surface of the article followed by inducing the remaining antigenic components of the natural rubber latex to bloom onto and adjacent to the opposed surface of the article prior to treatment with a subsequent screening reagent to sequester the remaining antigenic compounds.

Abstract: An extended protective article capable of covering an upper extremity of a wearer from the hand and up to a region near the axilla, and providing protection from fluids from its distal to its proximal ends; the protective article can be formed of a single material or two components of dissimilar materials; a method for constructing the protective article is also provided.

Abstract: An article of clothing and the method of making the same which will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article but will prevent liquid water from external sources from reaching the wearer's extremity. One form of the article of the invention comprises a sock which is of three-ply construction with the inside and outside plies being knit and the intermediate ply being made from a stretch and return polyurethane film. The three plies are uniquely bonded together using a pliant, waterproof adhesive. Another form of the mandrel comprises a glove which is of a similar three-ply construction.

Abstract: Certain polyester-based polyurethaneureas in solutions of organic solvent at a 12 to 20% concentration are particularly suited for use in a mandrel-dipping process for producing thin-walled elastic articles, such as surgical gloves, which are more resistant to puncture and tear than conventional surgical gloves made from rubber latex.

Abstract: An improved hand covering is provided of the type having an index finger stall, a thumb stall, a dorsal portion and a palm portion. The hand covering is provided with at least one index finger covering having an upper portion, an arching transition section to a lower portion, and a ridge formed at the union of the upper and lower portion. The index finger covering is dimensioned to resemble a human index finger tip. A thumb covering may also be provided which has an upper section, an arching transition section to a lower portion, and a ridge formed at the union of the upper and lower portion. The thumb covering is dimensioned to resemble a human thumb tip. The hand covering provides a wearer with improved dexterity and tactility, thereby, allowing the wearer, for example, to pick up or manipulate small objects and perform fine motor skill movements.

Abstract: Waterproof, breathable gloves and a method of making the gloves are disclosed herein. The gloves are preferably used in cold weather applications such as fishing or hunting. The glove includes a laminate of a porous elastomeric material, a fabric layer, and a waterproof breathable film. A nonporous textured gripping surface provide feel and grip so that the gloves need not be removed when doing activities such as hunting.

Abstract: A modified glove makes it possible to treat selected plants with liquid without contaminating adjacent plants such as in use of herbicides for weed control. Adjacent thumb and finger(s) are absorbent pads which hold the treating liquid. When the plant is grasped between thumb and finger, the liquid is dispensed and coats the plant where touched. A special cuff forms a trough to protectively catch any drips. An abrasive element may be attached to one or more of the fingers of the glove to scarify the plant while stroking with the liquid loaded absorbent pad to enhance absorbtion of the liquid in plants with a liquid resistant surface.

Abstract: A health-care glove constituted of thin elastic rubber-like material and having a thumb member at one side edge and a pinkie member at the opposite side edge. The glove has visual indicia for indicating to the user, the location of the thumb member so as to enable him to initially pick up the glove and easily apply it onto his hand, with the thumb member and pinkie member in the proper relative positions.