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: 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: Rubber articles e.g. rubber latex gloves have an adherent anti-tack coating comprising a mixture of a) a carboxylated synthetic rubber latex having a minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) of 10.degree. C. or above, with b) a latex polymer having an MFFT below 10.degree. C. and/or c) a water-soluble organic polymeric hydroxy material. Component b) tends to confer non-slip properties while component c) tends to confer lubricating properties.

Abstract: The invention provides a puncture resistant polymeric sheet material (1) comprising a plurality of discrete platelets (2) disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the sheet material in an overlapping interrelation, wherein the disposition of the platelets in the sheet material has been effected by pressure-forming. As shown in FIG. 5 , pressure-forming techniques result in an decrease in penetration by a factor of up to four.

Abstract: Waterproof, breathable, flexible, seamless shaped articles, such as gloves or socks, are described which are made of a flexible layered composite comprising:(a) a microporous thermoplastic polyester polyurethane or polyether polyurethane that is water vapor permeable, and(b) a nonporous copolymer that is waterproof but water vapor permeable which provides improved waterproofness to the microporous polymer layer.

Abstract: A lubricous glove is disclosed wherein the lubricous glove is made of a base material having a coating thereon of a hydrophilic lubricant mixed with a substantial portion of the material of the base material. For example, a natural rubber latex glove may have coated thereon a mixture of natural rubber latex and polyvinyl alcohol in order to provide a lubricous surface. In an alternate embodiment disclosed, the glove may be itself made of a mixture of the flexible base material and the hydrophilic lubricant. For example, a natural rubber latex may be mixed with either polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyethylene oxide and a glove formed from the mixture in order to provide a lubricous glove.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A, B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A, B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A, B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A, B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A, B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity. A glove is made of polyurethane film layers having a weld around the periphery of the layers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing flexible elastomeric articles such as gloves, which comprises molding the glove body from a parison of the elastomeric material and stretching the stump portions into finger and thumb portions.

Abstract: A protective glove system having at least two components including a waterproof and water vapor permeable inner glove component that provides a barrier against allergens and an outer glove component that is liquidproof. A method of using the glove system is also provided. Protective shoe systems, body suits, and headgear systems are also provided.

Abstract: A glove especially useful in skiing, snowmobiling, and the like with a silicone elastomeric polymer coating that is soft and tacky on at least the palm area of the glove.

Abstract: Novel one and two-part silicone dispersions are described which are suitable for applying a durable textured silicone surface on both silicone and non-silicone gloves. The non-blocking surface is obtained by dip-coating a final layer of dispersion over an article wherein the dispersion used for the final layer comprises a unique hydrophilic silica filler having a specific surface area of about 75-200 M.sup.2 per gram, at least one crosslinkable polysiloxane and a crosslinking agent. The silica particles, securely imbedded within the final layer of silicone with portions thereof extending outwardly beyond the new outer silicone surface of the gloves, present a non-blocking, non-allergenic textured surface.

Abstract: A puncture evident surgical glove having an integral indicator by which to visually and instantaneously alert the wearer of the need to re-glove should the structural integrity of the glove be compromised by a tear or puncture that could expose the wearer to a contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. Outer and inner membranes are spaced from one another around the finger area of the glove to define a hermetically sealed air inlet path. The indicator is a flexible, hemispherically shaped fluid reservoir (e.g. bulb) that is sandwiched between the outer and inner membranes and adapted to have either a relaxed, inflated condition at which the indicator bulb is filled with air or a compressed, evacuated condition at which air is expulsed from the indicator bulb to the atmosphere. The indicator bulb in the aforementioned compressed, evacuated condition is representative of the fact that the structural integrity of the surgical glove is intact and devoid of a compromising puncture wound or tear.

Abstract: A disposable elastomeric glove having a distinct protuberance in proximal position with respect to an abductor pollicis longus muscle of a wearer and between a proximal edge of a cuff and a wrist region of the glove. The protuberance is grasped to safely remove the glove from the hand.

Abstract: A ball glove having a plurality of generally axially oriented ridges, protruding outwardly from the frontal surface of the glove. The ridges extend from the proximal edge to the distal, peripheral edge of the glove and have protrusions formed near the finger tips. The protrusions taper gradually at their distal end and have a shoulder formed at their proximal ends. The glove has a glove-like handpiece removably attached to a shell. The shell includes a plurality of generally axially oriented, flexible, elongated ribs corresponding to the thumb and fingers of the wearer, and an elastomeric polymer skin which is more flexible than the ribs and is conformingly attached to the ribs.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprises a natural rubber modified with a graft-polymerised methylmethacrylate polymer such as a graft-polymerised methlmethacrylate, an acrylic polymer, an acrylonitrile synthetic rubber and optionally, minor ingredients. The minor ingredients may be a quaternary ammonium surfactant and a polysiloxane. The composition is applied to an article such as of natural and/or synthetic rubber to effect coating. The process is especially suited to coating of medical gloves.

Abstract: There is disclosed a body contacting article, eg. a surgeon's glove which comprises a first layer of a natural or synthetic elastomer and thereupon a layer of polymer comprising repeating units of the formula:[--CH.sub.2 --CH(OR)--] and [--CH(CO.sub.2 H)--CH(CO.sub.2 R.sup.1)--](I)[--CH.sub.2 --CH(R.sup.4)--] and [--CH(CO.sub.2 H)--CH(CO.sub.2 R.sup.1)--](IA)wherein R is a lower alkyl group and R.sup.1 is a lower alkyl group or a (lower) alkoxy (low) alkyl group, and R.sup.4 is hydrogen or a phenyl group.

Abstract: A disposable elastomeric glove having a distinct protuberance in proximal position with respect to a thenar eminence of a wearer thereby allowing for a quick and safe glove removal procedure. The protuberance is grasped to safely remove the glove from the hand.

Abstract: A protective glove for improving tactile sensitivity between a wearer's hand and a selected object includes a plurality of finger stalls extending away from the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the glove. The protective glove has an outer glove layer and an inner glove layer attached to the outer glove layer within the outer glove layer, the outer and inner glove layers having inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of elongated adhesive members extend between the inner and outer glove layers and secure the inner surface of the outer glove layer and the outer surface of the inner glove layer. A hollow channel is formed between a pair of successive strips of the plurality of strips. At least one opening may be selectively formed on the inner glove layer so as to expose a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the outer glove layer through the at least one opening.

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: A multi-layer flexible article includes a first layer of natural rubber, a second layer of natural rubber, polyurethane, poly(acrylamide/acrylic acid) and polyethylene oxide and a third layer of acrylic copolymer and fluorocarbon telomer resin. The article is preferably a glove formed by the method of dipping a hand shaped mold into baths containing aqueous emulsions of the components used to form the layers. Gloves manufactured according to the method are substantially wet-hand and dry-hand donnable as compared to powdered latex gloves of similar size. The finished gloved is water washed and wet autoclaved to substantially reduce the protein content from the natural rubber and substantially remove other water extractable allergenic moieties. The washing and autoclaving renders the glove substantially hypoallergenic as compared to gloves not so treated.

Abstract: A powderfree glove having an intermediate layer of elastomer made from rubber, an inside water-proof skin contact layer of polyurethane polymer, which permits the glove to be conveniently put on t he hand, and an outside water-proof lubricating layer of polyurethane polymer, which permits the glove to be easily stripped from the ceramic former when the glove is finished.

Abstract: A surgical glove for endoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the surgical glove has an inflatable wrist section, which when inflated, provides a seal between the surgeon's gloved hand and the body wall for obstructing the passage of gas from the abdominal cavity during endoscopic surgery. The inflated glove wrist section will conform to the surgeon's hand and the abdominal cavity wall to provide the seal and yet allow the surgeon's hand to move in an inward or outward direction transversely to the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A apparatus for providing a tamper- or damage-indicating member, such as a tamper-evident glove. The apparatus comprises first and second layers, typically inner and outer glove-shaped bodies, of substantially liquid- and air-impermeable material, at least a portion of the second layer being of translucent material and having a contrasting color relative to the first layer. The apparatus further comprises means for sealing at least the portion of the second layer to the first layer, such that the portion surrounds a zone of the surface of the first layer, forming a space between the layers which is adjacent the zone and is substantially free of air. When the second layer is sealed to the first layer, breach in either layer adjacent the zone results in a change in perceived color in the area of breach.

Abstract: Protective covering such as a surgical glove, finger cot or condom having two layers with a middle layer of sealing solution disposed between the two layers. The solution operates to fill punctures or tears in the two layers. The middle layer may include an evaporation inhibitor to inhibit evaporation of antimicrobial or sealing solutions in the middle layer.

Abstract: A glove having a wrist portion that contains a removable protective cover over a gripping means. The cover is impermeable to contamination and protects the gripping means from exposure to any infectious substance that may come into contact with the glove during use. After use, the glove is taken off by first removing the protective cover and then using the clean gripping means to pull the glove off. If at least one glove in a pair is equipped with the protective cover of the invention and both gloves comprise gripping means, both gloves can be removed without contact by unprotected fingers with contaminated portions of either glove.

Abstract: A user of gloves is automatically reminded to wash his hands, after taking off the gloves, by using a glove having an interior surface with a hand-coloring material that transfers onto the wearer's hand during use and remains on the hand after the glove is removed, in an amount sufficient that it is visible on the hand. The colorant is removable, as by washing.

Abstract: The glove according to the present invention has, at least partially, a laminated part 2 in which a plurality of different types of rubbers are successively laminated. In the laminated part 2, the lowermost layer is a natural rubber layer, and the top surface layer is an oil-resistant rubber layer (for example, an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber layer). The glove manufacturing method according to the present invention comprises the steps of immersing a glove mold in natural rubber latex containing a heat-sensitive coagulant to form a coating of the lowermost layer on the mold surface, and immersing at least a part of the lowermost layer in another rubber latex different from the first-mentioned rubber latex. The glove of the present invention has high strength and is economical and excellent in oil resistance and solvent resistance.

Abstract: A protective covering, such as a surgical glove, having two layers sandwiching a layer of protective solution, such that if the covering becomes punctured or torn, the substance releases to protect the user. The liquid layer has an average thickness of less than about 0.12 mm, such that it exerts a capillary force on the two glove layers, thereby providing a mechanical-like coupling effect. The protective solution may include a dye for a visual indication of punctures or tears in the outer layer. The layers may be adhered together at desired points to restrict the layers from peeling apart during use. Various methods for making such protective coverings are disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid mixtures containing natural rubber latex and aqueous dispersions of hydrophillic fumed silica useful in the manufacture of dipped latex goods characterized by improved tensile strength, wet strength, break force, puncture and tear properties are disclosed.

Abstract: Mixtures of styrene-isoprene block copolymer and ultralow density polyethylene are provided as moldable rubber substitutes. These mixtures may be used in the production of electrical lineman's gloves and other flexible items such as other types of gloves, tubing, balloons, condoms, toys, inflatable liners, baby nipples, and rubber bands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical glove designs and materials utilized to resist penetration by sharp needles and instruments as well as being impervious to body fluid and infectious disease causative organisms. An additional feature of the materials utilized is that the tear strength of the glove is substantially increased. The glove is formed of segments which increase in thickness in a direction extending from the distal phalangeal segments to the forearm, and the glove is provided with flex points at the joints. This invention provides a highly protective surgical glove which has universal applications to other medical, industrial, and service occupations.

Abstract: A modified elastomeric glove is disclosed having a lubricous coating made up of polyvinyl alcohol and a thickening agent. The thickening agent is initially added in order to increase the processability of the polyvinyl alcohol coating in order to prevent runbacks and drips during the manufacturing process. A hydroscopic thickener may be used. The polyvinyl alcohol coating becomes lubricous when wetted in a water bath and therefore becomes particularly useful in applying a water-activated resin casting material for forming orthopaedic casting bandages.

Abstract: An improved surgical glove is provided having reinforcing pads formed over the distal finger and thumb pulps and over the metacarpal-phalangeal joints. The fingertips and thumb tips are the most likely region of a surgical glove to be accidentally penetrated by a needle during a surgical procedure. Furthermore, the fingertips, thumb tips, and metacarpal-phalangeal region of the surgical glove are the most likely portions of the glove to become abraded and possibly torn during a surgical procedure. Thus, the reinforcing pads are optimally located for minimizing the possibility of a tear or a needle penetration. The remaining portions of the surgical glove are of conventional thickness and flexibility, thereby assuring adequate mobility of the fingers and hand, such that precise surgical procedures may be performed while using the improved glove.

Abstract: A puncture resistant surgical glove. The glove includes a puncture resistant pad which is positioned on one of the fingers of the glove. A finger stall is pulled over the glove finger and the puncture resistant pad and is sealed on the glove by dipping the glove in a latex bath. The thickness of the material comprising the finger stall is less than thirty thousandths of an inch.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to elastomeric flexible articles (e.g., film articles) that exhibit enhanced lubricity ("slip") with respect to both dry and damp surfaces, particularly skin or other tissue of the wearer, as compared to similar articles or films that are not treated as described herein. This invention also relates to processes for making such articles or films.

Abstract: A thin walled article such as a surgical glove is formed from a blend of an elastomer as natural rubber and polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: This invention relates to elastomeric flexible articles (e.g., film articles) that exhibit enhanced lubricity ("slip") with respect to both dry and damp surfaces, particularly skin or other tissue of the wearer, as compared to similar articles or films that are not treated as described herein. This invention also relates to processes for making such articles or films.

Abstract: A process for making medical gloves whose fingers have thinner walls than the rest of the gloves involves first depositing onto a hand-shaped glove form a layer of coagulant that comprises an ionic metal salt, then depositing an elastomeric layer. Part of the coated form is then leeched of metal ions in the coating, and the form is overcoated with a second elastomeric layer. The overcoated layer is thinner in the part where it overlies the leeched coating. The gloves find particular usefulness in delicate operations such as those performed by ophthalmologists.

Abstract: A thin elastomeric sheet material with enhanced puncture resistance is prepared by embedding thin plate-like non-elastomeric particles in an elastomeric matrix so that the non-elastomeric particles form lamellae of overlapping plates. The interaction of the embedded particles and the matrix results in a composite sheet material have puncture resistance, at a load application rate in the relevant range for a surgical needle or the like, far superior to either the particles or an elastomeric sheet of equivalent thickness.

Abstract: A disposable elastomeric glove having a distinct protuberance in proximal position with respect to an abductor pollicis longus muscle of a wearer and between a proximal edge of a cuff and a wrist region of the glove.

Abstract: A flexible protective medical glove containing a non-liquid antiseptic composition and methods for its use are disclosed. The glove comprises a thin inner layer and a thin outer layer of material; preferably the outer layer is a more elastic and less plastic layer than the inner layer. A compartment between the layers of the glove is capable of providing a non-liquid antiseptic composition which comprises an antiseptic in a non-liquid composition. The non-liquid antiseptic composition may also contain a surface-active agent, an algesic agent, a colorant, a vasoconstrictive agent, an odorant, or a viscosity-modifying agent.

Abstract: Absorbable dusting powders suitable for medical, consumer and industrial applications such as lubricating gloves and medical apparatus are prepared by treating starch with a hypochlorite to remove protein and oxidize some of the hydroxyl groups. The modified starch dusting powders are free flowing and are characterized by a protein content of less than about 0.15% by weight and hydroxyl groups oxidized to a level of from about 0.03 to about 0.5% by weight. Protein content can be reduced further by washing with water.

Abstract: An improved surgical glove is provided having reinforcing pads formed over the distal finger and thumb pulps and over the metacarpal-phalangeal joints. The fingertips and thumb tips are the most likely region of a surgical glove to be accidentally penetrated by a needle during a surgical procedure. Furthermore, the fingertips, thumb tips, and metacarpal-phalangeal region of the surgical glove are the most likely portions of the glove to become abraded and possibly torn during a surgical procedure. Thus, the reinforcing pads are optimally located for minimizing the possibility of a tear or a needle penetration. The remaining portions of the surgical glove are of conventional thickness and flexibility, thereby assuring adequate mobility of the fingers and hand, such that precise surgical procedures may be performed while using the improved glove.

Abstract: Methods of forming a chemical barrier against the transmission of disease-causing microbes and other harmful agents through a membrane such as latex. In the principal method, a mold or former is coded with a coagulant, which is dried, and then the former is dipped into liquid latex, which is allowed to gel, and then the former is dipped into a solution containing the biocide, and then the former is dipped again into the liquid latex, after which the entire coating on the former is cured. Alternatively, the biocide may be sprayed or otherwise applied onto the gelled latex.

Abstract: A protective medical glove containing a liquid antiseptic composition and methods for its use are disclosed. The flexible glove comprises at least a thin inner layer and at least a thin outer layer of material; the outer layer is preferably the more elastic and less plastic layer. Between the layers of the glove, a liquid antiseptic composition is stored which comprises an antiseptic in a liquid. The liquid antiseptic composition may also contain a surface-active agent, an algesic agent, a colorant, a vasoconstrictive agent, a smell-causing chemical, and a viscosity-modifying agent.

Abstract: A glove having stress relief areas located adjacent to individual joints of the hand, fingers and thumb. The stress relief areas provide additional glove material, such as by ribs or bellows formed of peaks and valleys, which reduce the energy expended to overcome the resistance of the material thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: A barrier surgical glove for protecting surgeons and health care workers from bacterial or viral infections, such as hepatitis B and autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The glove includes an inner layer, an outer layer overlying the inner layer and a plurality of closely spaced pillars at the interface between the layers integral with one layer and extending toward the other layer. The pillars provide protection against needle sticks extending completely through the glove while permitting flexibility of the glove and tactile sense transmission through the thickness of the glove.

Abstract: A glove, especially for a glove box containing radioactive materials, and a method for producing the same, includes a polyurethane glove body having two sides, a first layer of thermoplastic monocomponent polyester urethane being based on an aromatic diisocyanate and being free of reinforcing fabric, a second layer of synthetic rubber on at least one of the sides, and a connecting layer between the first and second layers formed of a mixture of the polyester urethane and the synthetic rubber.

Abstract: An elastomeric material and gloves made therewith are substantially impermeable to water vapor and liquid water, have a relatively high tensile strength, and have a relatively low resilience. The gloves conform to the shape of a hand when stretched to fit about the hand and then relax so that the pressure exerted on the hand is substantially reduced. The gloves are particularly useful in medical applications and most particularly useful as surgical gloves.