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  Stretchable, multi-layered glovesUSPTO Application #: 20070226873Title: Stretchable, multi-layered gloves Abstract: Disclosed herein is a glove made of an elastomeric central fabric in the palm area of the hand such that different portions of the glove attached to the central fabric stretch with the fabric, so as to provide a snug fit on the hand. Additional features of the exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. (end of abstract) Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP - Florham Park, NJ, US Inventor: Henry Mattesky USPTO Applicaton #: 20070226873 - Class: 002159000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Body Garments, Gloves The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070226873. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/648,784 filed Feb. 1, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The present application is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,990 filed Jan. 31, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to gloves and, more particularly, to stretchable gloves and a number improvements in their structural features to bring increased safety and comfort. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Gloves are used by mechanics, contractors, gardeners, warehouse workers, and anyone needing protection to keep one's' hands free from cuts and scratches, as well as warm and dry. However, by wearing gloves, one often loses tactile sensing and flexibility, causing the wearer to remove the gloves to perform more delicate tasks, such as picking up small objects (a nail, a bolt and/or a washer), or reaching for coins in one's pocket, or even dialing a cell phone. The typical gloves one wears for work are normally too bulky and stiff to provide the necessary tactile sensing to permit many common tasks, in addition to the few mentioned above. Prior to performing some tasks, it is common for a wearer to remove at least one glove (or both gloves), thus exposing the hands to the elements and/or possible chemicals and hazards in which the wearing of the glove was intended to protect. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings discussed above by providing a glove made of an elastomeric central fabric in the palm area of the hand such that the different portions of the glove attached to the central fabric stretch with the fabric, so as to provide a snug fit on the hand. One advantage of this stretchable central fabric is that tactile sensing is improved due to the tension of the elastomeric central fabric. In addition, each of the embodiments contains additional features that overcome some long known problems associated with the wearing of gloves, particularly work gloves. [0005] Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on a reading of the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, which is given below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention; [0008] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a second exemplary embodiment according to the present invention; [0009] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a third exemplary embodiment according to the present invention; [0010] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a fourth exemplary embodiment according to the present invention; and [0011] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a fifth exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0012] In the following description, five exemplary embodiments of gloves according to the present invention shall be shown and described. It will be appreciated by the artisan that many of the features shown and described are not mutually exclusive to any one particular embodiment, and it is possible to provide a glove that has a structure including features from some or even all of the different embodiments. In addition, although the view only depict a glove for a left hand, it is clearly understood by an artisan that the structure of a glove for a right hand is a mirror image of the gloves shown and described herein below. [0013] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a front or palm side of the glove 100 and FIG. 1B shows a rear or back side of the glove. [0014] As shown in FIG. 1A, a glove 100 has a plurality of fingers 102a-102e having respective fingertips 104a-104e constructed of a thermoplastic rubber. The thermoplastic rubber (TPR) fingertips 104a-104e provide an increase in tactile sensitivity. More particularly, the fingertips may be constructed of a urethane coated fabric. Slightly below the fingertips 104a and 104b are triple-seamed portions 106 arranged horizontally across each of the fingers approximately next to an area of the uppermost bending portion of a human finger. The triple-seamed portion permits a wearer to cut-off the top of the fingers of the glove without causing the fabric to unravel. Workmen sometimes cut off the fingers of their gloves to permit an optimum tactile sensitivity, and it is a known problem that once the gloves are cut across the fingers, the stitching starts to unravel, particularly when the gloves are subjected to scraping and scuffing during their use. However, in this embodiment of the present invention, the triple seam portions 106 allow a wearer to cut off the fingers off between the seams and allow at least one horizontal seam of the triple seam portions 106 to remain in tact. [0015] Referring to FIG. 1A, stress reliefs 108 are arranged so as to correspond approximately to the finger joints on each of the fingers 102a-102e so as to permit ease in a wearer bending the finger portions of the glove. A plurality of stress reliefs 108 are preferably arranged in each of the fingers 102a-102e. FIG. 1A also shows that the thumb 102a, index finger 102b and the smallest finger (a.k.a. pinky) 102e each have several additional reliefs 108, with the additional stress reliefs being arranged, for example, at the base of the finger, approximately next to a knuckle. [0016] Still referring to FIG. 1A, the glove 100 has an elastomeric central base fabric 110 that is arranged as a series of channels 112 along the palm of a hand, wherein the channels generally follow the fold lines of the palm of the human hand. These channels 112 provide comfort by providing a tension on the fabric attached to the sides of the channels 112 of the elastomeric base fabric 110, thus providing a snugger overall fit. One particular channel 112a, which is substantially oriented in a position toward the wrist, connects to the TPR molded pull 114 so as to maintain tension (and thus stretchability) from the base of the fingers down to the wrist, where a urethane cuff trim 116 is arranged at a lowest portion of the glove 100 to assist in providing a snug fit on the wrist. The portions of fabric on the palm between the channels can be made, for example, from a synthetic coated leather 118 that provides a tough gripping surface. [0017] Still referring to FIG. 1A, another feature of the glove 100 is that at least one fingertip, such as index fingertip 104b, may have a magnet 120 arranged on or within a portion of the fingertip 104b to permit a mechanic/tradesman to be able to pick up and retain a nail, screw, bolt, washer, (not shown) etc., without having to grip the item. This magnetic feature provides an advantage because typically a wearer will remove one glove so as to be able to have the dexterity to grab and hold onto the metallic item, or attempt to hold the item by pinching it, for example, between the index finger and the thumb of the glove, which is often a cumbersome, and can be easily dropped. This feature also provides for reduced waste, as workman often reach for another nail or bolt out of their supply when one is dropped. In addition, there is a reduction in the possibility of injury to people passing by, for example, a construction site where there are workmen on raised scaffold that could drop nails/bolts. Also, this feature provides for a reduced possibility of injury to the wearer who does not expose his/her hands to the elements by removing the glove to hold a metallic item prior to hammering. In other words, the wearer is less likely to receive a hand injury if his hands remain covered at all times by the gloves. [0018] In addition, it is noted that the material by which the fingertip is made can also be formed of a magnetizeable fiber or coating in lieu of a physical magnet arranged in or on a pocket in the fabric. The magnetic forces in the stitching of the finger of the glove will hold the metallic item on the fingertip 104b, resulting in fewer items being dropped. FIG. 1A also shows that spandex forchettes 122 may be arranged along the side of the fingers in order to provide for a snug fit of the glove on the fingers 102 and for stress relief. Continue reading... Full patent description for Stretchable, multi-layered gloves Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Stretchable, multi-layered gloves patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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