US20240049813A1 - Finger Glove With Tail - Google Patents

Abstract

A finger glove includes a finger sleeve that conforms to a finger, and a tail extending from the finger sleeve on one side of the finger toward the palm or wrist. The finger sleeve may form a barrier operable to prevent material contacting an outer surface of the finger sleeve from reaching an inner surface of the finger sleeve. The tail may include a gripping portion configured to receive a force sufficient to draw the finger sleeve into conformity with a shape of a portion of the finger. The gripping portion may be configured to enable the finger sleeve to be separated from the finger while preventing the material contacting the outer surface of the finger sleeve from reaching the finger.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM
• This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 17/146,162 which was filed on Jan. 11, 2021, which claims priority to and the benefit of now-expired provisional patent application No. 63/007,360 filed in the United States Patent Office on Apr. 8, 2020, of now-expired provisional patent application No. 63/087,864 filed in the United States Patent Office on Oct. 5, 2020, and of now-expired provisional patent application No. 63/122,895 filed in the United States Patent Office on Dec. 8, 2020, and the entire content of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below in their entirety and for all applicable purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present application relates to protective equipment, and more particularly to a finger glove that is configured to cover one or more fingers.
BACKGROUND
• There are many situations where a barrier covering certain parts of a hand is necessary or desired, such as when applying diaper cream ointment to a baby's bottom, applying medication to a wound, personal hygiene, activities of daily living, veterinary care (wound care, cleaning an animal's ear), addressing household tasks (applying touch-up paint, spackling damaged walls, baking applications, etc.) and/or providing a barrier when contacting contaminated surfaces.
• Conventional barrier materials and devices intended to prevent contact between fingers and an area of contact are not easily donned or doffed, and generally do not restrict spread of the product to undesired areas. Conventional devices are often characterized by poor fit and may shift in use. For example, conventional gloves can be difficult to manipulate in a hygeinic manner during removal and often fail to contain products or contaminants during use and during removal.
SUMMARY
• Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to a device that has a disposable finger glove manufactured or configured with a sleeve portion and a tail. The finger glove may be configured to provide a sanitary barrier between one or more digits (fingers or thumb) and a point of application or contact site. The device may be configured to provide a secure fit when worn and to resist twisting when lateral and other pressure is applied. The device can contain and prevent undesirable spread of products and contaminants while the finger glove is being donned, used or removed. In one example, the tail may be used to cover or contain contaminated areas of the sleeve portion prior to or during removal from a finger. The finger glove can be easily donned in a manner that guards against contamination of the sleeve portion and finger. The tail may be used to secure the finger glove during use and can prevent or limit slippage, twisting or rotation of at least the sleeve portion. The finger glove can be constructed from a material that forms a barrier between skin and application site and that can prevent contamination by chemicals or biological materials. A disinfectant or other product may be infused in the material used to manufacture the finger glove, or may be coated or otherwise applied to a surface of the sleeve portion or tail. In some examples, the finger glove may include a tool or substance dispensing reservoir.
• In another aspect, the presently disclosed device is formed or manufactured as a disposable finger glove with tail that provides a sanitary barrier between finger and application/contact site.
• In one aspect, a finger glove includes a sleeve that is manufactured or configured to cover at least a portion of the finger or thumb near the fingertip end of a finger or thumb. In one aspect, a finger glove includes a sleeve that is manufactured or configured to conform to at least a portion of the tip of a finger or thumb. The sleeve may form a barrier operable to prevent a substance contacting an outer surface of the sleeve from reaching an inner surface of the sleeve. In various aspects, a finger glove includes a tail that extends from the sleeve toward a wearer's palm or wrist.
• In certain aspects, the tail has a gripping portion configured to receive a force sufficient to draw the sleeve into conformity with a shape of a portion of the finger or thumb. The tail may have a gripping portion configured to receive a force sufficient to retain position of the sleeve relative to the finger or thumb. The gripping portion may be configured to facilitate separation of the sleeve from the finger or thumb after use, while preventing substances contacting the outer surface of the sleeve from reaching the wearer's skin during removal. The gripping portion may be shaped to match a contour of the wearer's palm or wrist. The gripping portion may include a string.
• In one aspect, the sleeve is manufactured or configured to cover or conform to a plurality of fingers. In another aspect, the finger glove has an additional sleeve that is manufactured or configured to cover or conform to a tip of a second finger or the thumb.
• In certain aspects, an inner surface of the sleeve or the additional sleeve includes, or is coated with, a tacky or semi-adhesive material configured to limit slippage or rotation of the corresponding sleeve relative the finger or thumb. In some examples, at least one surface of the tail includes, or is coated with, the tacky or semi-adhesive material that may be operative to limit slippage or rotation of the finger glove. In one aspect, an outer surface of the sleeve is textured. In one aspect, an outer surface of the sleeve is bristled and configured to be used as a brush.
• In one aspect, the finger glove has a reservoir or pocket fluidically coupled to an outer surface of the sleeve. Pressure applied to the outer surface may cause a fluid to flow from the reservoir or pocket onto the outer surface. An outer surface of the sleeve may include an absorptive material. In one aspect, the finger glove includes an edge formed from a material coupled to a side of the sleeve. The edge may be configured as a spatula.
• In various aspects, the finger glove is constructed from vinyl, nitrile or latex. The finger glove may be constructed from a polymer. The finger glove may be constructed from a woven material. The finger glove may be constructed from a non-woven material. The sleeve may include two or more layers of material that are bonded together. The sleeve may have two or more layers of material that are stitched or sewn together to obtain the sleeve.
• This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The finger glove with tail may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG.1 illustrates examples of finger gloves that can be secured on a finger by grasping tails located between thumb and opposing fingers in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
• FIG.2 illustrates location of a finger glove in an open palm in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
• FIG.3 provides a lateral view of a hand that illustrates an example of a finger glove located on a finger during use in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
• FIG.4 illustrates an example of a stretchable finger glove manufactured in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
• FIGS.5 and6 illustrate examples of finger gloves with a variety of configurations of tails that may be manufactured in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
• FIG.7 illustrates a finger glove that may be folded before use or after use in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
• FIG.8 illustrates a finger glove that may be configured with an active dispensing component in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
• FIG.9 illustrates a finger glove that may be configured with a spatula, dam, guide or scraper in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
• FIG.10 illustrates a finger glove that includes a textured pattern in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.
• Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to a finger glove with a tail. In various embodiments, the finger glove may be constructed or may be configurable to fit at least a portion of at least one digit of a hand. In one example, a single digit finger glove may be configured or constructed to fit over at least the tip of one finger or a thumb, while remaining digits (fingers or thumb) are not covered by the single digit finger glove. The single digit finger glove may cover substantially all of the digit or a portion of the digit. The single digit finger glove may provide asymmetrical coverage of the digit such that the different proportions of the front, back or sides of the digit are covered. In some instances, the single digit glove is manufactured from a deformable elastic material with sufficient stretch capability to fit differently sized digits. In some instances, the single digit glove is manufactured to provide a loose fit with sufficient capacity to fit or accommodate differently sized digits. In some examples, a single digit glove may be usable for covering a thumb or an index finger, including where the thumb is substantially thicker than the index finger.
• Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to a multidigit finger glove. In some examples, a multidigit finger glove may be configured to provide coverage for two or more fingers using a single sleeve. In some examples, a multidigit finger glove includes two or more sleeves configured to provide coverage for multiple digits, including combinations of the thumb and one or more fingers. It is contemplated that a single sleeve finger glove may be configured to provide coverage for a single digit and may also be used to cover two or more fingers, given sufficient deformability, elasticity and expandability. For the purposes of this disclosure, the example of a single-digit finger glove configured or manufactured to fit at least an index finger is described by way of non-limiting example. The concepts disclosed herein relate also to finger gloves with multiple sleeves and finger gloves with a single sleeve that can cover multiple digits. In one example, a single-sleeve finger glove can, at least partially, cover multiple fingers. In another example, a multi-sleeve finger glove may be used to cover the thumb and one or more fingers.
• FIG.1 illustrates a first example of a single-digit finger glove100 configured in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. The finger glove may be configured to cover a portion or all of at least one finger of a wearer'shand110. Thefinger glove100 may include asleeve102 and atail104. In some examples, thefinger glove100 may include barrier materials or textiles such as non-woven and woven materials. In some examples, thefinger glove100 may include or be manufactured from vinyl, nitrile or latex or similar materials. In some examples, thefinger glove100 may be manufactured using a single layer of material. In some examples, thefinger glove100 may be manufactured with multiple layers and the layers are formed from the same material. In some examples, thefinger glove100 may be manufactured with multiple layers and two or more layers are formed using different materials. In some examples, thesleeve102 and thetail104 of thefinger glove100 may be manufactured using different materials or different combinations of materials. A closelyfitting finger glove100 is illustrated inFIG.1 in order to enable outlines of joints and portions of the forefinger to be identified when the forefinger is covered by thefinger glove100.
• Thefinger glove100 may be pulled securely over one or more digits of the hand. In the illustrated example, thesleeve102 is configured to cover at least a portion of the index finger of the wearer'shand110, where the index finger may also be referred to as the forefinger, the first finger or the pointer finger. Thesleeve102 is closed at afirst end106 and open at a second end108 (illustrated by the broken line inFIG.1). The second end may be drawn over the index finger of the wearer to cover at least a portion of the index finger. Typically, thesleeve102 covers at least the pad of the index finger when in place on the index finger.
• For the purposes of this description, thepad172 of afinger160 is located on the palm side of the hand at the distal end of the index finger and carries the friction ridges that make the fingerprint. Thepad172 may be substantially located on a palm side or inside of thefinger160 that is opposite the side of thefinger160 that includes the fingernail164. For the purposes of this description, thepad172 and fingernail164 may be considered to be included in thefingertip162. For the purposes of this description, theterm fingertip162 may refer to the portion of thefinger160 that extends from theoutermost point174 on thefinger160 to the first joint166 of thefinger160. For the purposes of this description, thefinger160 includes a second joint168 and a third joint170, where thefinger160 is joined to the palm of the hand at the third joint170.
• Thefinger glove100 may be constructed such that thesleeve102 extends past thesecond end108 along a portion of the circumference of thesecond end108 to form thetail104. In one example, thetail104 may connect to the sleeve along 50% or more of the circumference of thesecond end108. In other examples, thetail104 may connect to the sleeve along less than 50% of the circumference of thesecond end108. The percentage of circumference of thesecond end108 connected to thetail104 may be determinative of the width of thetail104, at least at the line of connection with thesleeve102.
• Thefinger glove100 may be worn on thehand110 such that thesleeve102 covers the index finger, and such that thetail104 lies substantially flush with the surface of thepalm112 of thehand110. In the illustrated example, the uncovered fingers andthumb114 are shown in the process of closing. At least one of the uncovered fingers andthumb114 may engage thetail104 in order to apply a pressure on the surface of thetail104 directed toward the surface of thepalm112. The pressure may be applied to hold thefinger glove100 securely in place during use or wearing. The application of pressure on thetail104 may stabilize, lock or hold thesleeve102 of thefinger glove100 in place without discomforting the wearer.
• Afinger glove100 may be constructed with asleeve102 that is configured to cover any type of digit, including the index finger and the thumb. In some applications, thesleeve102 may be mounted on any of the fingers or the thumb. In some applications, different variants of thefinger glove100 may be available with asleeve102 that can be mounted on a designated finger or the thumb. In some instances, thefinger glove100 may be pulled securely over more than one finger. For example, thesleeve102 may be mounted over two or more fingers, or over the thumb and one or more fingers. Thetail104 may be shaped or configured to accommodate or enable it to be located in the palm of the hand and to facilitate access to other digits that can be used to apply a securing pressure to thetail104.
• In some examples, afinger glove140 may be constructed with asleeve142 that is sized to accommodate one digit or multiple fingers. In one example, thesleeve142 of thefinger glove140 may be manufactured from a deformable, elastic material that can expand to enable it to be pulled over at least twofingers144 and that may take the general shape of a single-digit sleeve102 when pulled over a single digit. In some examples, the shape and width of thetail146 may be configured based on the structure or coverage of thesleeve142.
• In some examples, coverage of the thumb and one or more fingers can be accomplished using two singledigit finger gloves100 or using amultidigit finger glove120 that has two ormore sleeves122,124 and atail126. Thetail126 of themultidigit finger glove120 may include one or more portions sufficient in number, shaped and configured to maintain fit, orientation, stability or security of thesleeves122,124 regardless of the combination of fingers covered. In one example, thetail126 of a two-sleevedmultidigit finger glove120 may be bifurcated with each branch of thetail126 being angled to provide optimal security and stability for acorresponding sleeve122 or124.
• A multidigit finger glove may cover any number of digits up to a configuration that includes 4 sleeves, which may be referred to herein as a finger mitten with tail. It is contemplated that a single digit thumb glove with tail and afinger glove100,120 withtail104,126 that covers one or more fingers may joined, manufactured, configured or otherwise combined to enable grip and operation of tools by a wearer.
• For the purposes of this disclosure, various examples of a single digit finger glove, such as thefinger glove100, can be used to convey, illuminate and illustrate various aspects of the disclosure. The underlying concepts are applicable to multidigit finger gloves, such as themultidigit finger glove120 illustrated inFIG.1. Certain concepts disclosed herein are applicable to differently configured finger gloves and to combinations of finger gloves that may be worn concurrently.
• Thefinger gloves100,120,140 illustrated inFIG.1 can be used as a liquid-impermeable and/or contaminant resistant barrier between one or more digits and a contact site or foreign matter located at or near the contact site. In some examples, at least a portion of thefinger glove100,120,140 is constructed from non-woven or woven web materials or from vinyl, nitrile, latex, certain other polymers or similar materials. In some examples, afinger glove100,120,140 may be manufactured using a textile material that is bonded, stitched or sewn to create asleeve102,122,124,142 that may also be referred to as a finger pocket. Thetail104,126,146 may be manufactured from the same sheet or layers of material used to manufacture thesleeve102,122,124,142 and can be provided or configured by extending thesleeve102,122,124,142 on at least one side. Asleeve102,122,124,142 manufactured from vinyl, nitrile, latex or another polymer may be formed as a single molded unit with thetail104,126,146 extending on one side beyond thesleeve102,122,124,142. Afinger glove100,120,140 may be constructed with varying colors and sizes.
• Afinger glove100,120,140 can be used as a barrier to prevent skin of the wearer from coming into contact with another surface while an activity is performed. Barrier protection may be desirable or required when the wearer is applying diaper cream, engaged in personal hygiene activities or care of others. Barrier protection may be desirable or beneficial while the wearer is engaged in activities of daily living, food preparation, maintenance activities or otherwise wishes to avoid physical contact or prevent contamination. Thefinger glove100,120,140 can be configured such that it is easily donned and can be securely held in place by gripping thetail104,126,146. Thefinger glove100,120,140 can be doffed by grasping thetail104,126,146 and in a manner that provides for its disposal in an efficient, sanitary manner.
• In some examples, thefinger glove100,120,140 has asleeve102,122,124,142 that is manufactured from a material that has sufficient elasticity to provide a secure fit without constricting or compressing the finger. An overly tight fit may cause discomfort and a loose fit may lack security and efficacy as a barrier. An overly tight fit may impede sliding of thesleeve102,122,124,142 over the finger and may render the glove difficult to don or doff. Thetail104,126,146 can be used to assist the wearer with donning thefinger glove100,120,140. When thesleeve102,122,124,142 is in place on the finger, thetail104,126,146 may conform to the surface of thepalm112, where it may be held in place by the thumb or one or more other fingers that are not covered by glove. The wearer may apply pressure on thetail104,126,146 through the other fingers or the thumb to create a secure fit. In some instances, the wearer may grasp thetail104,126,146 using the other fingers or the thumb to secure the fit of thesleeve102,122,124,142 or to doff thefinger glove100,120,140.
• Thesleeves102,122,124,142 of thefinger gloves100,120,140 illustrated inFIG.1 are shown as conforming closely to the shape of the fingers on which they are worn. In other examples, a finger glove may have a sleeve that loosely covers a finger. In these latter examples, the tail of the finger glove may receive substantially all of the restraining force that retains the finger glove in place or that prevents or limits slippage, twisting or rotation of the sleeve during use.
• FIG.2 illustrates afinger glove200 worn in an open-palm configuration in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. The illustratedfinger glove200 may correspond in some respects to thefinger glove100,120,140 illustrated inFIG.1 and may differ in other respects. For instance, thefinger glove200 may provide a looser fit with respect to thefinger glove100,120,140 illustrated inFIG.1. In some aspects, thefinger glove200 may be illustrative of an optimal fit for a non-deformable finger glove used in some applications in which the index finger is fully extended. In the illustrated example, thesleeve202 hassufficient length212 to cover the entire finger from tip to base, while thetail204 has alength214 sufficient to reach the ball of thethumb206. For the purposes of this description, the ball of thethumb206 is located at the base of the thumb, adjacent to the second joint of the thumb, and may be referred to as the fleshy portion of the palm. In some instances, a shorter length may be preferred for thetail204 when the hand is in a more closed configuration. Thetail204 may be configured with sufficient length to be reachable by an uncovered finger that can apply pressure to thetail204 in order to hold thefinger glove200 securely in place. The length of thetail204 may be selected to prevent a loose portion of thetail204 from interfering with use of thefinger glove200. For example, atail204 that extends beyond the ball of thethumb206, or that reaches the wrist may flap or fold back over thesleeve202 and interfere with application of a material to an area being treated by the wearer of thefinger glove200.
• FIG.3 illustrates examples offinger gloves300,310,320 that may be used in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. The illustratedfinger gloves300,320 may correspond in some respects to thefinger glove200 illustrated inFIG.2. In each of these examples, thesleeve302,322 of thefinger glove300,320 is in place on an index finger that is slightly bent and thetail304,324 is being held in the palm of a hand that is somewhat curved. In this configuration thesleeve302,322 has been pulled away from the base of the finger and thetail304,324 may extend over at least a portion of the ball of the thumb. In some instances, thetail304,324 may extend slightly beyond the ball of the thumb when the index finger is slightly bent or when the palm is somewhat curved. Side views of thefinger gloves300,320 are shown inFIG.3, enabling certain aspects of the connection betweensleeve302,322 andtail304,324 to be observed.
• In a first example,sleeve302 covers substantially all of the index finger. Here, thetail304 connects to thesleeve302 along approximately half thecircumference306 of thesleeve302. The width of thetail304 may be selected to be less than or greater than half thecircumference306 of thesleeve302 in accordance with the intended or expected use of thefinger glove300; to meet mechanical, structural or material design specifications; or for other reasons including aesthetic or ergonomic reasons. The length of thesleeve302 and length of thetail304 may also be selected according to intended or expected use of thefinger glove300. Selection of the length of thesleeve302 andtail304 may be further based on the type of material used to construct thefinger glove300.
• In a second example,sleeve312 has an enclosed section that is configured to fully cover a portion of the fingertip and to partially cover the remainder of the finger. In the illustrated example, thesleeve312 is closed at one end and is configured to fully cover a first portion of thefingernail316. Thesleeve312 is configured to leave a second portion of thefingernail316 exposed as well as the majority of the back314 of the finger.
• In a third example,sleeve322 has an enclosed section configured to cover a portion of the index finger. In the illustrated example, thesleeve322 is closed at one end and fully covers the finger from the fingertip to thesecond joint328. The enclosed section terminates along a secondjoint line330 that roughly corresponds to the expected location of thesecond joint328. In some instances, thesleeve322 includes amiddle portion326 of thefinger glove320 that extends from the secondjoint line330 to aline332 that roughly corresponds to the expected location of the third joint where the finger meets the palm of the hand. In another example, thesleeve322 andtail324 meet at someintermediate line334 within themiddle portion326 of thefinger glove320.
• The nature or function of themiddle portion326 of thefinger glove320 may determine whether it belongs to thesleeve322 or thetail324. In one example, thesleeve322 and thetail324 are manufactured from different materials or with different numbers of layers. In another example, thesleeve322 and thetail324 have different tensile strengths or elasticities. In another example, thesleeve322 and thetail324 exhibit different permeabilities or different resistance to certain chemicals. In another example, themiddle portion326 may be used to anchor thefinger glove320 between two digits of the hand when in use and can be considered to function in some respects as part of the tail.
• The width of thetail304,324 may be selected to be less that or greater than half thecircumference306,336 of thesleeve302,322 based on the intended or expected use of thefinger glove300,320 to meet mechanical, structural or material design specifications, or for other reasons including aesthetic or ergonomic reasons. The length of thesleeve302,322 andtail304,324 may also be selected according to intended or expected use of thefinger glove300,320. Selection of the length of thesleeve302,322 andtail304,324 may be further based on the type of material used to construct thefinger glove300,320.
• In one example, an inelasticnon-deformable finger glove300,320 may be provided in multiple sizes to fit different hand sizes. In another example, an elasticdeformable finger glove300,320 made from a material that can be stretched sufficiently to enable manufacture of a single sized finger glove that can fit a variety of hand sizes. An elasticdeformable finger glove300,320 may enhance the security of fit. For example, elastic deformable materials may compress or tighten around the finger when the tail is gripped and/or when tension is applied. In some instances, thefinger glove300,320 may include a tightening mechanism that can be engaged by the wearer or that is automatically engaged to provide a secure fit without compromising the ease of donning and doffing the finger glove. In one example, the tightening mechanism may be provided as a band of increased elasticity at the base of thesleeve302. In another example, the tightening mechanism may include a drawstring.
• FIG.4 illustratesconfigurations400,420 of a finger glove provided in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure. The finger glove may correspond to thefinger gloves100,200 or300 illustrated inFIGS.1-3, for example. In afirst configuration400, the finger glove is not in use and in thesecond configuration420, the finger glove may be in use and stretched over a finger of a hand.
• In thefirst configuration400, the material forming thesleeve402 and the material in thetail404 may be relaxed and in an unstressed or rest state. In some instances, the material forming thesleeve402 and/or the material in thetail404 may be inelastic or may resist deformation. Thesleeve402 andtail404 may intersect along atransition line406. In some instances, thetransition line406 corresponds to a physical change in thickness, density or type of material or to a significant change in cross-sectional structure of the finger glove. In some instances, the sleeve is closed or substantially closed and thetail404 has a width that is a fraction of the circumference of thesleeve402 measured at thetransition line406.
• In thesecond configuration420 the finger glove is being worn on one digit and held place by a securingdigit430 of the same hand. In one example, the finger glove is being worn on the right hand and is held in place by the thumb. In another example, the finger glove is being worn on the left hand and is held in place by an uncovered finger. Of course, the orientation, location and placement of the securingdigit430 may be different for different wearers or for different combinations of covered finger and securingdigit430.
• In thesecond configuration420, the finger glove may be constructed from a deformable, elastic material and may be stretched or deformed during use. A securing or retaining force or pressure may be applied by the securingdigit430 at a point on the finger glove that is displaced from thecenter line440 of the finger glove and may result in an asymmetric deformation or stretching of the finger glove. In the illustrated example, asymmetric deformation or stretching is indicated by the angle of thetransition line426. The stretched finger glove may have amaximum length434 that exceeds thelength414 of the unstretched finger glove. In the illustrated example, the average stretched length of thesleeve402 exceeds the length of thesleeve402 when not being worn, and the average stretched length of thetail404 exceeds the length of thesleeve402 when not being worn. In some implementations, thesleeve402 and/ortail404 may be relatively rigid and may not stretch significantly. The finger glove may have an average or median width432 when worn that is less than the average ormedian width412 when the finger glove is not in place on a finger and stretched. Differences in width at different locations along the length of the finger glove may change when the finger glove is pulled over a finger and held in place under an applied pressure or force.
• Themaximum length434 of the finger glove in thesecond configuration420 may be dependent on thepoint428 at which securing pressure or force is applied by finger or thumb during use. In one example, application of securing pressure or force near the distal end (with respect to the sleeve402) of thetail404 may cause a different deformation than the deformation caused when the securing pressure or force is applied to a point close to thesleeve402 or to thesleeve402 itself.
• According to certain aspects of this disclosure, a finger glove may be manufactured with dimensions that obtain a desired coverage of a finger when the finger glove is in use. In many examples, coverage is desired for the entire finger, while in other examples coverage of at least a portion of the lower finger is optional or not required, and in at least some applications not desired. In some examples, the overall length of the finger glove may be determined as a multiple of digit length. In one example, a finger glove may have an “in-use” length that is 2.25 times the length of the covered finger portion. In another example the multiple of covered digit length may be selected to be at least 2.0 and may be selected to have a value up to 3.5. In another example the multiple of covered digit length may be selected to be less than 1.0, including a majority of at least one side of the finger is covered. In another example the multiple of digit length may be selected to be at least 0.5 and may be selected to have a value up to 4.5.
• In some examples, the dimensions of the finger glove may be determined using a ratio oftail length418,438 tosleeve length416,436. A base range of ratios for typical uses may provide that the ratio oftail length418,438 tosleeve length416,436 may range from 1:4 to 4:1. The ratio may be selected based on structure, stretchability and elasticity of thesleeve402 andtail404, the maximum length of any portion of the finger covered by thesleeve402 and/or anatomical aspects of a type of person expected to use the finger glove. In some examples, the ratio oftail length418,438 tosleeve length416,436 may range from 1:2 to 1:1. Some uses may support ratios oftail length418 tosleeve length416,436 that lie outside the base range. In some instances, the dimensions of the finger glove may be selected as needed or desired to accommodate the anatomy of the intended or expected wearer. For example, the ratio or size of tail may be different for adults and children, and the tail may have a length suitable of use by young children in art projects, etc. In some examples, the dimensions of the finger glove may be selected based on anatomy of the intended or expected wearer in order to obtain a desired fit of the tail within the palm of the hand.
• In some implementations, a finger glove may be sized to fit a range of finger sizes when the finger glove or a portion of the finger glove is manufactured using one or more materials that do not permit thesleeve402 ortail404 to be stretched. In these implementations, the finger glove may be sized such that thetail404 covers at least a portion of the ball of the thumb. In these implementations, the ratio of thetail length418 tosleeve length416 may be sized according to application and the width or circumference of thesleeve402 may be sized to provide a fit that ranges from loose to snug depending on the dimensions of the covered finger.
• In some implementations, the finger glove is constructed from stretchable elastic materials. These stretchable elastic materials may enable a single-sized finger glove (i.e., measured when not in use) to be used to cover a variety of finger sizes, palm sizes and hand sizes. The stretchable elastic materials may provide a snug fit that provides improved tactile feedback to the wearer and enables finer control during use and more precise placement of the finger glove and materials applied using the finger glove. The stretchable elastic materials may adapt to hands, palms and fingers of different proportions. For example, the stretchable elastic materials may enable asleeve402 to be stretched sufficiently to cover a desired portion, or all of a finger length, causing thetail404 to extend further into the palm area. The securing pressure or force may be applied by finger or thumb to a part of the palm and through a point in thetail404 that may vary with force applied to thesleeve402 or amount of deformation resulting from the applied force. In one example, the proportion of thetail404 that is stretched decreases as the securing pressure or force is applied closer to thetransition line406,426, causing a corresponding reduction in variation of themaximum length434 of the finger glove.
• According to certain aspects of this disclosure, finger gloves may be configured with different sizes and shapes ofsleeve402 andtail404 to enable use in different applications. In some instances, multiple sizes of finger gloves may be provided to support different sizes of hand, different proportions of fingers to palm size, or to enable multiple fingers to be covered while the finger glove is held in place by asingle tail404.
• In some instances, finger gloves may be sized to be worn over a glove. Various aspects of the disclosure are applicable to the use of finger gloves to provide an additional layer of protection from contamination or exposure to chemicals and other materials, or to provide additional layers of thermal or electrical insulation. In one example, a wearer of a finger glove may cover the entire hand with a glove that provides primary protection or insulation and may wear a finger glove to contact, apply or handle a chemical or other material without providing a contamination path between the underlying full glove and a location being manipulated by the wearer. The finger glove may prevent contamination from occurring in either direction.
• Finger gloves may be manufactured using a colored material. Colors can be decorative or practical in nature. The composition and combination of materials used for manufacturing the finger gloves may be selected based on applications and cost factors. Disinfecting elements or other products may be integrated into materials used for manufacturing the finger gloves. In some implementations, reinforcements may be embedded in the materials used for manufacturing the finger gloves to strengthen certain portions of the device. In some implementations, reinforcements may be bonded to the finger gloves to strengthen certain portions of the device.
• FIG.5 illustratesfinger gloves500,510,520,530 provided with different tail configurations in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. Each of thefinger gloves500,510,520,530 has asleeve502,512,522,532 that is formed as apocket506,516,526,536 that can be slid over a finger. In some examples, thepockets506,516,526,536 of thefinger gloves500,510,520,530 have a substantially cylindrical cross-section when fully opened. In some examples, the openings to thepockets506,516,526,536 of thefinger gloves500,510,520,530 have a substantially elliptical cross-section when thepockets506,516,526,536 are partially opened. Thefirst finger glove500, which is provided for comparison purposes, may correspond to any of thefinger gloves100,200 or300 illustrated inFIGS.1-3. Thefirst finger glove500 has atail504 that is effectively an extension of a portion of thesleeve502.
• In some examples, a finger glove may have multiple tails that can support a large number of gripping locations on the palm of the hand or on the back of the hand or between uncovered fingers. In some examples, a finger glove may be worn such that the tail extends from a portion of the sleeve that covers the back of one or more fingers or the back of the thumb. In the latter examples, the tail may be directed in a lateral direction along the base of the fingers and passed between two of the fingers onto the palm. A force or pressure may be applied to the tail as it passes between the two fingers. In some instances, another finger or the thumb is used to press the tail against the palm.
• In some examples, a tail of a finger glove may be at least partially formed with one or more string, cord or wire portions. Increased gripping options may be obtained when the finger glove is manufactured with one or more string, cord or wire tails. Thesecond finger glove510 has a tail that includes a string orcord518 and, optionally, agrip514. In one example, thegrip514 may be omitted and a securing force may be applied when an uncovered finger or thumb presses the string orcord518 against the palm. In another example, thegrip514 may be omitted and the string orcord518 may be wrapped around an uncovered finger or thumb or held between two uncovered digits. When provided, thegrip514 may be configured to receive a pressure or force from an uncovered finger or thumb that causes thegrip514 and thereby thesecond finger glove510 to be secured. In some instances, the string orcord518 nay be part of a drawstring that can be used to seal the opening to thepocket516.
• Thethird finger glove520 has a shapedtail524. The shape of thetail524 may be selected to facilitate manipulation of thetail524, for comfort of the wearer, or for other reasons. In other examples, the proximal end of a tail (with respect to the sleeve) may taper toward the distal end. The distal end may be rounded or squared. In some instances, the distal end of the tail may be sculpted according to intended application. In the illustrated example, thetail524 includes acontour section528 that initially tapers toward the distal end before expanding again. In some instances, thetail524 may be sculpted or contoured according to intended application.
• Thefourth finger glove530 has an angledtail534. Acentral axis540 of thetail534 and acentral axis538 of thesleeve532 intersect at the transition, join or boundary between thesleeve532 and thetail534. In the illustrated example, thefourth finger glove530 may be configured to be worn on the index finger of the right hand such that anangle542 provided between thecentral axis540 of thetail534 and acentral axis538 of thesleeve532 causes thetail534 to extend from the sleeve toward the center of the palm. Theangle542 may be provided to ensure thetail534 does not interfere with work performed by the wearer, to facilitate grip or manipulation of thetail534, for comfort of the wearer, or for other reasons.
• In some examples, thetail504,524,534,cord518 orgrip514 extends from thesleeve502,512,522 or532 toward the palm or wrist of the hand on which thefinger glove500,510,520,530 is worn. It is anticipated that in some applications, benefit may be derived from wearing thefinger glove500,510,520,530 such that thetail504,524,534,cord518 orgrip514 lies on the back of the hand when in use. In these applications, thetail504,524,534,cord518 orgrip514 may be gripped or held against the back of the hand by a force applied by a finger of the user's other hand. In certain applications, thetail504,524,534,cord518 orgrip514 may be coated with a tacky or adhesive material that allows thetail504,524,534,cord518 orgrip514 to held in place without additional pressure or with reduced applied force.
• For each of the illustratedfinger gloves500,510,520,530, thetail504,524,534 orgrip514 covers only a portion of the palm of the intended wearer. Thetail504,524 or534 may have a length or width selected based on an intended or possible use of thefinger glove500,510,520,530. The width of thetail504,524,534 orgrip514 may be less than the circumference of the corresponding sleeve or less than the width of corresponding sleeve when flattened. The distal end may be rounded or squared.
• FIG.6 illustrates additional examples of tail configurations forfinger gloves600,620 manufactured in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. A left-handed finger glove600 and a right-handed finger glove620 are illustrated. The left-handed finger glove600 may be configured to cover the index finger of the left hand or a finger to the left of the index finger on the right hand. The right-handed finger glove620 may be configured to cover the index finger of the right hand or a finger to the right of the index finger on the left hand. The profile of both the left-handed finger glove600 and a right-handed finger glove620 is represented generally at640.
• In these examples, thetail604 or624 extends from thesleeve602 or622 toward the palm or wrist of the hand on which thefinger glove600,620 is worn. It is anticipated that in some applications, benefit may be derived from wearing thefinger glove600,620 such that thetail604,624 lies on the back of the hand when in use. In these applications, thetail604,624 may be gripped or held inplace606,626 by afinger608,628 of the user's other hand. In certain applications, thetail604,624 may be coated with a tacky or adhesive material that allows thetail604,624 to held in place without additional pressure.
• In the illustrated examples, eachtail604,624 has awidth610,630 that exceeds thewidth612,632 of thecorresponding sleeve602,622. Eachtail604,624 in the illustrated examples extends to one side of thecorresponding sleeve602,622. In other examples, thetail604 or624 may extend symmetrically past two sides of thecorresponding sleeve602,622. The extended portion of the tails may be tapered in either direction, scalloped or otherwise shaped to provide a comfortable or secure fit.
• Thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 of thefinger gloves500,510,520,530,600,620 inFIG.5 or6 may be constructed from the same material used to construct thesleeve502,512,522,532,602,622 or from a different material. In one example, thesleeve502,512,522,532,602,622 may be elastic while thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 may be inelastic. In another example, asleeve502,512,522,532,602,622 may be constructed from a latex or nitrile material.
• In some implementations, thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 may include one or more surfaces that enhance or provide grip. For example, thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 may include one or more surfaces that are formed, treated, coated or otherwise manufactured with a non-slip material that can enhance grip and secure fit. Thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 may include multiple layers of material. In some instances, thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 has increased thickness with respect to the walls of thecorresponding sleeve502,512,522,532,602,622 to provide strength or increased substance for gripping. In some instances, thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 has a slit provided therein, where the slit may enable a finger or thumb to pass through. In some instances, thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 has one or more loops through which a finger or thumb can pass. In some instances, thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 has one or more pockets that can engage a fingertip to create tension or secure fit of the sleeve. In operation, thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 may serve as a handle.
• One or more surfaces of thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 may be coated or manufactured with a tacky or non-slip finish. Thetail504,524,534,604,624 orgrip514 may have any desired shaped shape or form extending from thesleeve502,512,522,532,602,622. In some implementations, an attachment mechanism or fastener may be coupled to thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 to secure the finger glove to a hand or wrist of the wearer. In some implementations, thetail504,524,534,604,624 orgrip514 may be folded over to cover or encompass thesleeve502,512,522,532,602,622. In some implementations, a fastener at the distal end of thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 may be provided to enable thetail504,524,534,604,624,cord518 orgrip514 to be secured while folded over, covering or encompassing thesleeve502.
• Thetail504,524,534,604,624 orgrip514 of thefinger gloves500,510,520,530,600,620 ofFIG.5 or6 may be configured to serve as a protective barrier after use. For example, thetail504,524,534,604,624 orgrip514 may be folded after use to cover the portion of the finger glove that contacts a surface being treated by the user in order to serve as a protective barrier and permit handling of the used finger glove in a sanitary, sterile and otherwise clean manner.
• FIG.7 illustrates afinger glove700 that may be folded before use or after use in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. As shown generally at710, thefinger glove700 may be folded before use to preserve the sterility or cleanliness of a surface of thesleeve702. Thefinger glove700 may be folded after use in order to contain materials adsorbed to thesleeve702. For example, during certain uses, diaper cream, antiseptics, waste materials, chemicals and other substances can adhere to a surface of thesleeve702. In some examples, thetail704 of thefinger glove700 may have a shape, length and width configured to provide a barrier for palm surfaces during use and to provide for safe handling when folded over thesleeve702 after use.
• Thetail704 may have a shape, length and width configured to enable thetail704 to be used for pulling thesleeve702 of thefinger glove700 on and off a finger or thumb. As shown generally at720, a reverse force (the removal force710) may be applied to thetail704 in order to pull thefinger glove700 off the covered finger or thumb. As shown generally at730, theremoval force710 applied to thetail704 may pull thefinger glove700 inside out as thesleeve702 is removed from the covered finger or thumb. The opening of thepocket706 may have a notchedshape708 such that the apex714 of the notched opening is connected to thetail704 and the resulting graduated resistance to the application of theremoval force710 facilitates the folding of thesleeve702 in a desired manner. For example, theapex714 of the notched opening may be pulled away from the surface of thesleeve702 in a manner that improved the ability of thefinger glove700 to capture or contain any contaminants on the surface of thesleeve702. Folding thesleeve702 causes aninner surface712 of thesleeve702 to become exposed and available for contaminant free contact when the wearer is removing thefinger glove700.
• Thetail704 may have a shape, length and width sufficient to cover an exterior surface on a portion of thefinger glove700 when folded. Covering the exterior surface of thefinger glove700 can provide enhanced sanitary benefits by containing material that thefinger glove700 has contacted during use. The shape, length and width of thetail704 may be configured based on intended use, and other product design considerations. For example, the shape, length and width of thetail704 may be configured to accommodate variations of hand size.
• Thetail704 of thefinger glove700 may be configured to provide certain additional beneficial functionalities. For example, thefinger glove700 is convenient to don as a finger can deftly slide into the opening of thepocket706. Thetail704 enables thesleeve702 to be pulled into its final configuration, which may provide a snug and secure fit for the finger. Thetail704 enables thefinger glove700 to be safely and hygienically removed after use, which use may include application of a product or chemical or the use of the covered finger to contact a potentially contaminated surface. Safe and hygienic removal of thefinger glove700 can be accomplished when thefinger glove700 is removed in a folded or unfolded configuration. Safe and hygienic removal of thefinger glove700 can be accomplished when thesleeve702 is slid off the finger for disposal without any spread of product, contaminant or other substances to other uncovered parts of the hand or the surrounding environment. Safe and hygienic removal of thefinger glove700 can be accomplished when thesleeve702 is removed with containment of products, chemicals, contaminant or other substances and with no additional contact between the skin of the user and the soiled area.
• In some implementations, multiple finger gloves may be packaged such that thetails704 of the finger gloves are coupled at the distal end. In one example, thetail704 of eachfinger glove700 may be initially longer than needed for the intended use and the extra length may be torn off as thefinger glove700 is removed from packaging or cut as thefinger glove700 is removed from a dispenser.
• Thesleeve702 of thefinger glove700 may include surface portions that have different mechanical properties, textures, treatments or finishes. In one example, soft or smooth finishes may be provided on the interior surface of thesleeve702. Soft or smooth finishes may also be provided on portions or all of the outer surface of thesleeve702, including when necessary to ensure non-irritating contact between skin and thesleeve702. In some examples, the exterior surface of thesleeve702 may include an absorptive material that enables thefinger glove700 to be used in applications that involve removal of fluids or other materials. In some examples, materials used to manufacture thesleeve702 or thetail704 may be infused with products that enable the resultant glove to be used in certain predefined applications. In one example, a surface of a sleeve may be treated with isopropyl alcohol, a biologic, moisturizer, an antiseptic or other topical medicine, natural remedy, analgesic or moisturizer when the tailed glove is expected to be used in the treatment of wounds, or conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and other conditions. In one example thefinger glove700 may be used as an alcohol wipe, antiseptic or other type of cleaning device. In another example, a surface of asleeve702 may be coated or treated with diaper cream.
• FIG.8 illustrates afinger glove800 configured with an active dispensing component in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. In the illustrated example, the sleeve includes areservoir806. As shown in the first palm-side view820, thereservoir806 may be located at or near the tip of thefinger glove800. In one example, thereservoir806 may include or be coupled to a channel, pipe, conduit or conductive material that allows a fluid, cream or other material in thereservoir806 to be conducted to the surface of thesleeve802. Thereservoir806 may be prefilled with a material. In some instance, thereservoir806 may be filled with the material immediately prior to usages of thefinger glove800 that are expected to involve the application of fluids, creams or other materials. In one example, thereservoir806 may be coupled or attached to thefinger glove500 during manufacture or prior to use. In another example, the reservoir may be formed as a pocket fluidically coupled to an outer surface of thesleeve802 such that pressure applied to the outer surface causes a fluid to flow from thereservoir806 onto the outer surface and then to an object or treatment location.
• In the illustrated example, fluid exits thereservoir806 through anozzle808 that is formed as a hole in the reservoir. In one example, the hole may be sufficiently small to resist outflows of the fluids maintained in thereservoir806. In another example, the nozzle may include one ormore flaps810 that resist outflows of fluids. As shown generally at812, thenozzle808 may be sealed using a piece of film ortape814 that may be removably attached when thefinger glove800 is manufactured, or after thereservoir806 is filled or when thefinger glove800 is being prepared for use. In some instances, thetail804 may be serve as a sealing film prior to use of thefinger glove800.
• The second palm-side view830 shows another example of an active dispensing component provided in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. Here apump818 is provided in or on thetail804. In some examples, thepump818 is located such that a wearer can exert a force on the pump that pressurizes aconduit816. The conduit may be coupled to a reservoir ordispenser812 and increased pressure in the conduit may force the contents of the reservoir through anozzle808. In some examples, thepump818 may also hold and supply fluids, creams or other materials to thedispenser812.
• FIG.9 illustrates afinger glove900 that may be configured with a spatula, dam, guide or scraper in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. The spatula, dam, guide or scraper may be formed from a relatively stiff material and may be positioned, shaped, sized and oriented in accordance with its intended use. In one example, one or more sides of thesleeve902 of thefinger glove900, or in some instances, thetail904, include astructure906 shaped as a spatula, dam, guide, scraper or other edge usable to spread ointment, cream, baker's frosting or other materials. Thestructure906 is aligned in a lengthwise orientation with thesleeve902 and is shown in a palm-side view920.
• In the example shown generally at930 astructure908 shaped as a spatula, dam, guide, scraper or other edge usable to spread ointment, cream, baker's frosting or other materials is aligned in a lateral or sideways orientation with thesleeve902. In the example shown generally at940 astructure910 shaped as a spatula, dam, guide, scraper or other edge usable to spread ointment, cream, baker's frosting or other materials is provided on the tip of thesleeve902.
• In the example shown generally at950, astructure912 may be configured for use as a gouge, excavation tool, a writing tip, a highlighter tip or a pointer used to identify a location, object or area of attention. In some implementations, a writing tip or highlighter tip may be coupled to a reservoir that is configured to provide a supply of ink, colored fluid, graphite or other writing substance to the writing tip or highlighter tip. In some implementations, the writing tip or highlighter tip may be impregnated with an ink, colored fluid, graphite or other writing substance.
• In some examples, astructure906,908,910 or912 may be configured with a sharp edge and/or a straight or serrated cutting edge. Thestructure906,908,910 or912 may be configured to pierce or penetrate a material. In one example, thestructure906,908,910 or912 may serve as a letter opener, box cutter or the like.
• In some examples, functionality may be enhanced by configuring the height, width or continuity (broken, unbroken, wavy, undulating, etc.) of thestructure906,908,910 or912.
• FIG.10 illustrates afinger glove1000 that includes atextured pattern1006,1008 on at least a portion of the surface of thesleeve1002, and/or in some instances on thetail1004. In one example, thetextured pattern1006 may include parallel lines as shown in the first palm-side view1010. In another example, thetextured pattern1008 may include dots as shown in the second palm-side view1020. Other shapes or patterns may be formed on thefinger glove1000. The pattern may be embossed on the tip of the sleeve or brushed on to thesleeve1002. In some instances, a texture may be provided on the sleeve to improve grip, for example. The texture may vary along the length or across the width of thesleeve1002. Texture form, spacing and dimensions (of ridges, dots, chevrons etc.) may be selected to enhance fingertip functionality is enhanced.
• In some examples, fingertip functionality may be enhanced by configuring the height, width or continuity (broken, unbroken, wavy, undulating, etc.) of the parallel lines or dots in thetextured pattern1006,1008. The functionality may be enhanced by including a mix of lines and/or dots in atextured pattern1006,1008, where the lines may be parallel, non-parallel, of the same or different lengths, of the same or different widths or of the same or different heights. The height and arrangement of the elements of thetextured pattern1006,1008 may be selected and configured to provide a universal or specialized gripping capability, or to serve some other purpose. In one example, thetextured pattern1006,1008 may provide a roughened surface that can be used as in applications that require or benefit from a rubbing, abrasive or abrading application of force applied by a digit of the wearer's hand. The roughened surface may be formed from a hard material when, for example, the area containing thetextured pattern1006,1008 is expected to be used as a rasp, a file or brush. In some instances, the roughened surface may be formed by attaching an emery board or brush material to a spatula, or spatula-like structure of the finger glove. In another example, thetextured pattern1006,1008 may provide an undulating surface that can be used in certain applications that involve massaging a surface or manipulating a material into a rough, uneven, creased, grooved or ridged surface by application of force applied by a digit of the wearer's hand.
• The presently disclosed finger glove provides certain structural advantages over conventional devices. For example, the device includes (1) a tail that extends beyond one portion of the finger glove bottom; (2) the finger glove can be provided with a semi-loose fitting allowing for easy donning and doffing; (3) the unique tail design allows for a secure fit; and (4) the tail can be incorporated into dispensing unit for convenient and sanitary dispensing and donning of glove. The device can provide a convenient and hygienic way to provide a barrier without requiring a full glove.
• Certain functions and processes performed using the disclosed finger gloves are enhanced, optimized and otherwise improved with respect to usage of conventional devices. In one example, a secure fit of the finger glove can be achieved by grasping the tail between the palm of hand and the thumb or one or more uncovered fingers, thereby securely holding the finger glove in place. In another example, the tail can be grasped with fingers and/or a thumb of an opposite hand to enable quick removal of the finger glove. In another example, finger and hand dexterity is maintained when the finger glove is worn and in use. In another example, the sleeve of the finger glove can be easily pulled over a finger or thumb without causing contact between skin and other surfaces.
• According to certain aspects of the disclosure, a finger glove with a tail can be configured to cover one finger and may be used as a liquid-impermeable, contaminant resistant barrier between the finger and foreign materials including liquids at a contact site. Construction materials may be selected to provide a barrier to harmful or infectious materials and, in some instances, material with disinfecting components, characteristics or attributes may be used. The finger glove may operate as a barrier in applications where contact with another surface involves application of diaper cream, personal hygiene, care of others, activities of daily living, food preparation, maintenance activities and physical contact where it is desirable to avoid or prevent contamination or infection.
• According to certain aspects of the disclosure, a finger glove, or the sleeve of a finger glove includes two or more layers of material that are bonded together. In some instances, the finger sleeve includes two or more layers of material that are stitched or sewn to obtain the finger sleeve. In some examples, a finger glove may be constructed from barrier materials, including textiles, or polymers including vinyl, nitriles, natural and synthetic latexes or similar materials. Textiles used for construction may be non-woven or woven. In some examples, a finger glove may be constructed from a material formed through a bonding or sewing process to create a finger pocket (the sleeve portion). Bonding or sewing enables the introduction of additional materials which may be needed or desired for certain applications. A finger glove may be manufactured as a single molded unit from latex, nitrile, vinyl or another polymer.
• Certain materials used to construct a finger glove may be stretchable and may be used to form a finger glove that fits over one or more fingers or over a thumb and one or more fingers. A finger glove may be manufactured from a stretchable, elastic material to provide a secure fit while maintaining comfort of the wearer by limiting tightness of fit. In one example, a secure fit can be achieved when a stretchable, elastic material is configured to compress and tighten around a finger or thumb when the tail is gripped or when tension is otherwise applied to the sleeve portion. In some examples, a tightening mechanism may be engaged to provide a secure fit without compromising the ease of donning and doffing the finger glove.
• In certain examples, a finger glove includes a finger sleeve that substantially covers or conforms to a finger, and a tail extending from the finger sleeve on one side of the finger toward the palm or wrist. The finger sleeve may form a barrier operable to prevent material contacting an outer surface of the finger sleeve from reaching an inner surface of the finger sleeve. The tail may include a gripping portion configured to receive a force sufficient to draw the finger sleeve into conformity with a shape of a portion of the finger. The gripping portion may be configured to enable the finger sleeve to be separated from the finger while preventing the material contacting the outer surface of the finger sleeve from reaching the finger.
• According to certain aspects of this disclosure, a finger glove may be constructed with a sleeve that can cover at least a portion of any type of digit, including an index finger or a thumb. The tail may be shaped or be sufficiently flexible to accommodate usage in which different fingers or the thumb are covered. The sleeve may be sized to accommodate one digit or multiple fingers. Typically, coverage of the thumb and one or more fingers is accomplished using two single digit finger gloves or a specially configured multidigit finger glove that has at least two sleeves. In some examples, a multidigit finger glove is configured with one or more tails sufficient to maintain the fit, orientation, stability or security of the digital sleeves of the multidigit finger glove. The multidigit finger glove may cover any number of digits up to a configuration with 4 sleeves, referred to herein as a finger mitten with tail. It is contemplated that a single digit thumb glove with a tail and a finger glove with a tail that covers one or more fingers may be used concurrently, joined or manufactured as a single unit to enable a wearer to grip or operate a tool.
• Each sleeve of a finger glove may be configured to cover at least a portion of the finger on the top side of hand. Coverage can vary between partial covering and complete coverage. In one example, partial coverage includes the tip of a finger. Sleeves may be tapered towards tip of finger to provide better fit and more control for certain applications. At least a portion of the sleeve may be constructed from an elastic or deformable material that permits the sleeve to conform to the shape of the covered digit. A sleeve of a finger glove may include an interior surface that has a tacky surface that prevents lateral motion or rotation of the sleeve with respect to the finger upon which the sleeve is mounted.
• The presently disclosed finger glove may be constructed from materials that are waterproof, water resistant, or that provide a moisture barrier. In some examples, the finger glove may be constructed from a material that is impervious to microbial, cellular or large molecules or that has been treated to provide a barrier to microbes, cells or large molecules.
• A finger glove may be manufactured or augmented with one or more additional features that support or enable the use of the finger glove for certain specific or intended applications. In one example, the sleeve of the finger glove may have breakaway sides that enable a custom fit or improve comfort of the wearer. In another example, the sleeve portion may be reversed such that the outer surface during use becomes the inner surface after use, facilitating safe and hygienic disposal. In some examples, the finger glove may be manufactured from a material that can be washed, sanitized and/or sterilized, enabling multiple uses of the finger glove. In some instances, a silicone material may be used to manufacture a reusable finger glove.
• A finger glove manufactured or configured in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure may be used in various applications and manners. In one example, a finger glove may be employed to enable sanitary touch of keypads or touch screens in public areas, including automated teller machines (ATMs), card readers, self-service baggage at airports or other transportation departure points, keyless entry pads and other such devices. A finger glove may be used to protect an individual from contact with unsanitary objects or toxic chemicals, including when the individual is counting money, using glue, wax or adhesives. The finger glove may serve as a barrier that prevents or limits exposure to toxic chemicals or from potentially infectious contact with an object or another person. Moreover, the finger glove used as a barrier may protect an object from damaging exposure to oils, particles, dirt or fluids through direct contact with the skin of a person handling the object. A finger glove may be constructed of a material suitable for cleaning small spaces or fine objects.
• In certain examples, a finger glove has a sleeve that is manufactured or configured to conform to a finger or thumb of a hand, the sleeve forming a barrier operable to prevent a substance contacting an outer surface of the sleeve from reaching an inner surface of the sleeve, and a tail extending from the sleeve and toward a wearer's palm or wrist and configured to receive a force from an uncovered digit of the hand, the tail being sufficient to retain the finger glove in place while the finger glove is worn on the hand. In some examples, the tail may extend to at least the ball of the thumb when the finger glove is worn on the hand. In some examples, the tail may extend from the sleeve to a location on the palm short of the wrist when the finger glove is worn on the hand. In some examples, the tail extends at an angle from the sleeve and across the palm. Theangle542 may be provided or measured between thecentral axis540 of thetail534 and acentral axis538 of the sleeve532 (seeFIG.5). Theangle542 may cause thetail534 to extend from the sleeve toward the center of the palm. Theangle542 may cause thetail534 to extend from the sleeve toward a far side or more distant side of the palm. In the latter examples, the tail may cover a portion of the ball of the thumb and/or a portion of the palm adjacent to the ball of the thumb. One or more portions of the finger glove may be manufactured from a stretchable, elastic material that enables the finger glove to be stretched to snugly or securely fit the finger or thumb of a hand.
• In some examples, the tail has a gripping portion configured to receive the force. The force may be sufficient to draw the sleeve into conformity with a shape of a portion of the finger or thumb. The force may be sufficient to retain the configuration of the sleeve with respect to the finger or thumb. The gripping portion may be configured to facilitate separation of the sleeve from the finger or thumb while preventing the substance contacting the outer surface of the sleeve from reaching the finger. The gripping portion may be shaped to match a contour of the wearer's palm or wrist. The gripping portion may include a string.
• In one example, the finger glove includes at least one additional sleeve that is manufactured or configured to conform to a second finger or the thumb. The inner surface of one or more of the sleeves may include or be covered with a tacky or semi-adhesive material configured to limit slippage or rotation of the sleeve relative the finger or thumb.
• In one example, an outer surface of the sleeve is textured. In one example, an outer surface of the sleeve is bristled and configured to be used as a brush. In one example, an outer surface of the sleeve includes an absorptive material or an absorptive material may be applied to the outer surface of the sleeve.
• In some examples, the finger glove has a reservoir or pocket fluidically coupled to an outer surface of the sleeve. Pressure applied to the outer surface may cause a fluid to flow from the reservoir or pocket onto the outer surface.
• In one example, the finger glove has an edge formed from a material coupled to a side of the sleeve, the edge being configured as a spatula.
• In one example, the finger glove is constructed from vinyl, nitrile or latex. In one example, the finger glove is constructed from a polymer. In one example, the finger glove is constructed from a woven material. In one example, the finger glove is constructed from a non-woven material. In one example, the finger glove includes two or more layers of material that are bonded together. In one example, the sleeve includes two or more layers of material that are stitched or sewn to obtain the sleeve.
• In some examples, the sleeve is manufactured or configured to conform closely to the fingertip or the thumb tip. In some examples, the sleeve is manufactured or configured to cover substantially all of the finger or the thumb. In some examples, the sleeve is manufactured or configured to cover substantially all of a first side of the finger or the thumb and to partially cover a second side of the finger or the thumb. One example of partial coverage is shown inFIG.3, where themiddle portion326 of thefinger glove320 is manufactured as part of thesleeve322 or functions as part of thesleeve322.
• It is contemplated that multiple modes of use may be enabled by a finger glove provided in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. In some examples, thefinger gloves300,320 illustrated inFIG.3 includesleeves302,322 that have multiple usable surfaces, including the surface covering the fingertip, the surface covering the pad of the finger, the surface covering the back of the finger and one or both sides of the finger. In these examples, afinger glove300,320 is worn as illustrated inFIG.3 in a first mode of use where work is performed using the pad of the finger, in a second mode of use where work is performed using the back of the finger (or fingernail), and in a third mode of use where work is performed using the side of the finger. Additional modes of use may be enabled when afinger glove300,320 is rotated through1800 with respect to the orientation of wear illustrated inFIG.3. The additional modes of use include modes when work is performed using the pad of the finger, using the back of the finger (or fingernail), or using the side of the finger. Further modes of use may be enabled when afinger glove300,320 is rotated through900 with respect to the orientation of wear illustrated inFIG.3. The further modes of use include modes when work is performed using the pad of the finger, using the back of the finger (or fingernail), or using the side of the finger. When afinger glove300,320 is rotated through 90° or 180° when worn, thetail304,324 may be gripped differently than illustrated inFIG.3. In one example, thetail304,324 may be gripped on the back of the hand. In another example, thetail304,324 may be or may be passed between two digits of the hand toward the palm and may be gripped or pinned by pressure applied by the two digits or may be gripped by pressuring a portion of thetail304,324 toward the palm of the hand.
• It is contemplated that different sized and different proportioned finger gloves may be used in different circumstances or applications. The length of the sleeve and the tail may be configured for different hand sizes or to facilitate gripping when certain fingers are expected to be engaged in work. Finger gloves constructed from deformable or elastic materials may fit hands that have a wide range of sizes. For example, a majority of wearers may obtain a good fit from a finger glove that is sized according to a suitable band of sizes (e.g., small, medium and large). In some instances, the ratio of sleeve length to tail length may vary between wearers to the extent that finger gloves may be configured for different sized fingers, for example. In some instances, differences in sleeve length to tail length ratio can be accommodated by manufacturing finger gloves with sleeves and tails that have different elasticities. In some instances, differences in sleeve length to tail length ratio can be accommodated by manufacturing finger gloves with sleeves and tails that have different elasticities. In some instances, differences in sleeve length to tail length ratio can be accommodated by manufacturing finger gloves with tails that can be reduced in size by tearing or cutting.
• Some implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:
• • 1. A finger glove comprises a sleeve that is manufactured or configured to cover a fingertip on a finger of a hand or a thumb tip of a thumb of the hand, the sleeve forming a barrier operable to prevent a substance contacting an outer surface of the sleeve from reaching an inner surface of the sleeve; and a tail configured to extend from the sleeve and toward a palm or wrist of a wearer and further configured to receive a force from an uncovered digit of the hand, the force being sufficient to retain the finger glove in place while the finger glove is worn on the hand.
  • 2. The finger glove as described in clause 1, wherein the tail is configured to extend to at least the ball of the thumb when the finger glove is worn on the hand.
  • 3. The finger glove as described in any of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the tail is configured to extend from the sleeve to a location on the palm short of the wrist when the finger glove is worn on the hand.
  • 4. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-3, wherein the tail is configured to extend at an angle from the sleeve and across the palm.
  • 5. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-4, wherein the tail comprises a gripping portion configured to receive the force, wherein the force is sufficient to draw the sleeve into conformity with a shape of a portion of the finger or thumb.
  • 6. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-4, wherein the tail comprises a gripping portion configured to receive the force, wherein the force is sufficient to cause the sleeve to retain its configuration with respect to the finger or thumb while the finger glove is worn on the hand.
  • 7. The finger glove as described in clause 6, wherein the gripping portion is configured to facilitate separation of the sleeve from the finger or thumb while preventing the substance contacting the outer surface of the sleeve from reaching skin of a wearer
  • 8. The finger glove as described in clause 6 or clause 7, wherein the gripping portion is shaped to match a contour of the palm or wrist of the wearer.
  • 9. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 8-8, wherein the gripping portion comprises a string.
  • 10. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-9, further comprising an additional sleeve that is manufactured or configured to conform to a tip of second finger or the thumb.
  • 11. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-10, wherein an inner surface of the sleeve comprises a tacky or semi-adhesive material configured to limit slippage or rotation of the sleeve relative the finger or thumb.
  • 12. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-11, wherein an outer surface of the sleeve is textured.
  • 13. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-12, wherein an outer surface of the sleeve is bristled and configured to be used as a brush.
  • 14. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-13, further comprising a reservoir or pocket fluidically coupled to an outer surface of the sleeve, wherein pressure applied to the outer surface causes a fluid to flow from the reservoir or pocket onto the outer surface.
  • 15. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-14, wherein an outer surface of the sleeve comprises an absorptive material.
  • 16. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-15, further comprising an edge formed from a material coupled to a side of the sleeve, the edge being configured as a spatula.
  • 17. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-16, wherein the finger glove is constructed using vinyl, nitrile or latex.
  • 18. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-17, wherein the finger glove is constructed using a polymer.
  • 19. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-18, wherein the finger glove is constructed using a woven material.
  • 20. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-19, wherein the finger glove is constructed using a non-woven material.
  • 21. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-20, wherein the sleeve is manufactured or configured to conform closely to the fingertip or the thumb tip.
  • 22. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-21, wherein the sleeve is manufactured or configured to cover substantially all of the finger or the thumb.
  • 23. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-21, wherein the sleeve that is manufactured or configured to cover substantially all of a first side of the finger or the thumb and to partially cover a second side of the finger or the thumb.
  • 24. The finger glove as described in clause 23, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides of the finger or the thumb.
  • 25. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-24, wherein the sleeve comprises two or more layers of material that are bonded together.
  • 26. The finger glove as described in any of clauses 1-25, wherein the sleeve comprises two or more layers of material that are stitched or sewn to obtain the sleeve.
• Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A finger glove comprising:

a sleeve that is dimensioned to cover a fingertip on a finger of a hand of the hand of a wearer, the sleeve forming a barrier operable to prevent a substance contacting an outer surface of the sleeve from reaching an inner surface of the sleeve;

a tail that is dimensioned to extend from the sleeve across a palm of the hand to at least the ball of the thumb when the finger glove is worn on the hand of the wearer, the tail being constructed such that the finger glove is retained in place while the finger glove is worn on the hand when the tail receives a force from an uncovered digit finger of the hand of the wearer; and

a reservoir coupled to an outer surface of the sleeve, wherein pressure applied to the finger glove causes a fluid to flow from the reservoir onto the outer surface of the sleeve.

2. The finger glove ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a conduit that is coupled to the reservoir and that is configured to conduct the fluid onto the outer surface of the sleeve.

3. The finger glove ofclaim 2, further comprising:

a nozzle that is formed as a hole in the reservoir; and

a pump attached to the tail and coupled to the reservoir through the conduit, wherein force exerted upon the pump forces the fluid through the nozzle.

4. The finger glove ofclaim 3, wherein the pump holds a supply of the fluid.

5. The finger glove ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a conductive material that is coupled to the reservoir and that is configured to conduct the fluid onto the outer surface of the sleeve.

6. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein the tail comprises:

a gripping portion configured to receive the force, wherein the force is sufficient to cause the sleeve to retain its configuration with respect to the finger or thumb while the finger glove is worn on the hand.

7. The finger glove ofclaim 6, wherein the gripping portion is configured to facilitate separation of the sleeve from the finger or thumb while preventing the substance contacting the outer surface of the sleeve from reaching skin of a wearer.

8. The finger glove ofclaim 1, further comprising:

an additional sleeve that is manufactured or configured to conform to a tip of second finger or the thumb.

9. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein an outer surface of the sleeve comprises an absorptive material.

10. The finger glove ofclaim 1, further comprising:

an edge formed from a material coupled to a side of the sleeve, the edge being configured as a spatula.

11. The finger glove ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a spatula or scraper formed from a stiff material and coupled to a tip of the sleeve.

12. The finger glove ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a writing tip formed from a stiff material and coupled to a tip of the sleeve.

13. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein the finger glove is constructed using vinyl, nitrile or latex.

14. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein the finger glove is constructed using a polymer or woven material.

15. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve is manufactured or configured to cover substantially all of the finger or the thumb.

16. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve that is manufactured or configured to cover substantially all of a first side of the finger or the thumb and to partially cover a second side of the finger or the thumb.

17. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises two or more layers of material.

18. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve is manufactured or configured to cover a portion of each of a plurality of fingers of the hand.

19. The finger glove ofclaim 1, wherein the barrier formed by the sleeve operates to prevent the substance contacting the outer surface of the sleeve from reaching uncovered portions of the hand.

20. A finger glove comprising:

a sleeve that is dimensioned to cover a fingertip on a finger of a hand of the hand of a wearer, the sleeve forming a barrier operable to prevent a substance contacting an outer surface of the sleeve from reaching an inner surface of the sleeve; and

a tail that is dimensioned to extend from the sleeve across a palm of the hand to at least the ball of the thumb when the finger glove is worn on the hand of the wearer, the tail being constructed such that the finger glove is retained in place while the finger glove is worn on the hand when the tail receives a force from an uncovered digit finger of the hand of the wearer;

wherein an intersection of the tail with the sleeve extends along a transition line for a distance that is less than a circumference of the sleeve and less than a width of the tail measured at the transition line, and

wherein the width of the tail at the transition line exceeds a width of the sleeve.

Images