US20240156190A1 - Adjustable mirrored glove - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a glove comprising an outer shell comprising a back portion; and a mirror secured to the back portion at one or more points, where the mirror can be adjusted to a plurality of positions on the back portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/676,124 filed 14 Aug. 2017; which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/715,138 filed 18 May 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,101 issued 22 Aug. 2017; which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/093,758 filed 25 Apr. 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,032,552 issued 19 May 2015; which claims a benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/327,233 filed 23 Apr. 2010; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
• The present application generally relates to hand held rear view devices. More specifically, a glove having a mirror is provided, where the placement of the mirror is adjustable.
• A mirrored glove is useful for several activities where viewing to the rear without turning is desirable. Such activities include bicycling, motorcycling, roller skating including inline skating, snowboarding, snowmobiling, skiing, and ice skating. Several mirrored gloves are available, including those described in German Patent Publication No. DE 199 49 392 A1, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,717,403; 4,863,239; and 5,003,637; and U.S. Patent Application Publications 2005/0034212 A1; 2008/0259477 A1; and 2009/0034102 A1. However, the mirrored gloves that are available have limited adjustability and/or can be cumbersome in use.
• There is thus a need for a simple mirrored glove that can be adjusted to multiple positions. The present invention addresses that need.
SUMMARY
• Provided is a glove comprising an outer shell comprising a back portion; and a mirror secured to the back portion at one or more points, where the mirror can be adjusted to a plurality of positions on the back portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIGS.1A-1B are a top view (FIG.1A) and side view (FIG.1B) of an embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS.2A-2B are a top view (FIG.2A) and side view (FIG.2B) of an embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS.3A-3C depict one embodiment of the invention including a base unit and a mirror.
• FIG.4 depicts one embodiment of a glove.
• FIG.5 depicts one embodiment of a user wearing the glove.
• FIG.6 andFIG.8 depict a base unit or a strap with a support.
• FIG.7 andFIG.9 depict a base unit or a strap with an inflatable bladder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, the use of “or” is intended to include “and/or”, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
• Provided is a mirrored glove where the mirror can be adjusted to numerous positions. The glove comprises an outer shell comprising a back portion and a mirror secured to the back portion at one or more points. The mirror of the glove can be adjusted to a plurality of positions on the back portion.
• In some embodiments, the mirror is permanently secured to the back of the glove. In other embodiments, the mirror can be removed from the glove. The latter embodiments are useful, e.g., when the gloves are used for purposes other than where the mirror is desired, or when the user would like to use different types of mirrors for different purposes, for example when a convex mirror is desired for bicycling but a flat mirror is desired for skiing. A removable mirror is also desirable where the user would like to use a mirror on more than one glove, for example another style of glove, or a paired glove (i.e., left vs. right glove).
• In various embodiments, the mirror is secured to the back portion at a first point and a second point.FIGS.1 and2 provide examples of gloves secured at two points.FIG.1 illustrates aglove10 with amirror12 attached at afirst point14. In these illustrated embodiments, thefirst point14 is at a position peripheral to the mirror on the glove. However, in alternative embodiments, the first point is medial to, or above or below, the mirror. The mirror can be attached to the glove at the first point by any means known in the art, for example using Velcro, any buckle (for example a cam buckle, a friction buckle or a side release buckle), a snap, a clip, a spring, a zipper, or a magnet.
• In various embodiments, the first point comprises a first adjustment means. The first adjustment means can adjust the mirror in any direction, for example in the forward-rear direction, or, as in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, in the medial-peripheral direction. These embodiments are not narrowly limited to any particular first adjustment means. Examples of such first adjustment means are (a) utilizing Velcro on the mirror portion and the glove portion of the first point and adjusting where thefirst point14 is placed on the Velcro; (b) utilizing a tab on the glove and a series of holes on a strap (similar to the second point [20,22] inFIG.1); and (c) having a series of snaps aligned in the medial - peripheral direction to adjust where the mirror attaches to the glove at the first point. In some embodiments, the first adjustment means comprises afirst strap13 coupled to the mirror and a first attachment means (e.g., a friction buckle) coupled to the glove. Thestrap13 comprises a first end portion and a second end portion. Thestrap13 extends from the back portion via the first end portion. In these embodiments, the first attachment means is continuously adjustable, such that thefirst strap13 can be secured to the first point at a continuous series of positions along the strap allowing adjustment of the mirror in the medial-peripheral direction.
• The second point of mirror attachment can utilize any means to attach the mirror known in the art, for example using Velcro, any buckle (e.g., a cam buckle, a friction buckle or a side release buckle), a snap, a clip, a spring, a zipper, or a magnet. In some embodiments, the second point comprises a second adjustment means. The second adjustment means can be designed to adjust the mirror in any direction, for example in the medial-peripheral direction, or, as in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, in the forward-rear direction. In that embodiment, the second adjustment means comprises asecond strap16 coupled to a peripheral edge of the mirror and directed peripherally, the second strap comprising a plurality of holes18a-edeposed axially along the strap; and a plurality of pegs (here, two—20,22) deposed in a forward-rear direction on the glove. In these embodiments, each of the plurality of holes18a-ealong thesecond strap16 fits into each of thepegs20,22 to form the second point.
• FIG.2 provides an alternative embodiment of the glove described herein. Theglove10′ illustrated inFIG.2 comprises amirror12 attached at afirst point14′ peripheral to the mirror. Thefirst point14 comprises a first adjustment means that can be used to adjust the mirror in the medial-peripheral direction. The first adjustment means comprises a first strap coupled to the mirror and a first attachment means (e.g., a friction buckle) coupled to the glove. The first attachment means is continuously adjustable, such that the first strap can be secured to the first point at a continuous series of positions along the strap allowing adjustment of the mirror in the medial-peripheral direction. Thefirst strap13 comprises a first end portion and a second end portion.
• The second point of mirror attachment for theglove10′ illustrated inFIG.2 comprises asecond strap24 with a plurality of holes26a-falong the second strap, and abuckle28 that couples with the strap. Optionally, the glove comprises more than one second strap deposed in a forward or rear direction relative to the second strap to provide a second adjustment means along that direction. Thesecond strap24 comprises a third end portion and a fourth end portion.
• Thus, theglove10′ illustrated inFIG.2 can be adjusted in the medial-peripheral direction by adjusting the first attachment means to move themirror12 to the desired location, then buckling thebuckle28 with thestrap24 at the appropriate hole26a-fthat allows a secure creation of the second point. The second end portion comprises thebuckle28.
• In other embodiments, the mirror is secured to the back portion of the glove at one point. In some of these embodiments, the one point comprises a rigid bendable material, for example a metal, e.g., a wire or a mesh screen. The rigid bendable material is optionally covered with, e.g., a soft, flexible material, for example plastic, rubber, foam or leather.
• In various embodiments, the glove having the mirror secured to the glove at one point further comprises a means for elevating one side of the mirror (i.e., the side of the mirror opposite the point where the mirror is secured). In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.6 andFIG.8, this means for elevating one side of the mirror comprises asupport102S or13S on a hinge that lies flat under the mirror when the one side of the mirror is not elevated. As used herein, a hinge includes both a hinge structure and an area of a mirror support (e.g., a strap) that bends without a hinge structure. In embodiments where one side of the mirror is elevated, the mirror is elevated by (1) raising the side of the mirror opposite the point where the mirror is secured, exposing thesupport102S or13S, then (2) raising thesupport102S or13S on the hinge. Thesupport102S and13S keeps the mirror elevated by blocking the mirror from moving downward.
• In other embodiments, as shown inFIG.7 andFIG.9, the means for elevating one side of the mirror comprises aninflatable air bladder102B or13B under the one side of the mirror. In these embodiments, inflating theinflatable air bladder102B or13B creates a protrusion under the mirror, elevating the side of the mirror that is not secured. Theair bladder102B or13B can be inflated by any means known in the art. In some embodiments, the air bladder is inflated with a pump, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,470.
• The mirrors on the gloves described herein are not narrowly limited to any particular shape, size or composition and includes any surface that is reflective enough to provide a reflected view. In some embodiments, the mirror is flat. In other embodiments, the mirror is convex. In additional embodiments, the mirror is flat in some areas and convex in other areas. The mirror can be made from any material, e.g., glass, metal, or chromed plastic (including plexiglass). In other embodiments, the mirror is encased in a supporting structure, for example a rubber or plastic casing.
• The glove to which the mirror is secured can be of any size or shape. For example, the mirror can be for the left hand, for the right hand, or it can be ambidextrous. The glove can also be a mitten. In some embodiments, the glove comprises fingers, e.g., full fingers, or short fingers terminating at an opening. In other embodiments, the glove is fingerless.
• FIG.3A depicts another embodiment of the glove including an illumination unit positioned on the glove. Consistent with this embodiment,glove100 includes abase unit102 adhered to theglove100 and amirror104 adhered to the top surface of thebase unit102. Thebase unit102 comprises atop portion103 and aside wall105. Theside wall105 extends between thetop portion103 and the back portion of theglove100. In one embodiment, thebase unit102 is positioned on the glove at a portion of the glove between the thumb and the index finger. In another embodiment, thebase unit102 is positioned on the top of the glove between the first and fifth finger of theglove unit100. In yet another embodiment, thebase unit102 is positioned on a side of theglove unit100 between the middle finger and small finger of theglove unit100. In one embodiment, thebase unit102 is made from rigid material such as, but not limited to plastic. In another embodiment, thebase unit102 is made from a flexible material such as, but not limited to rubber. In yet another embodiment, thebase unit102 is made from foam.
• In one embodiment, thebase unit102 is wedge shaped such that the portion of thebase unit102 closest to the fingers of the glove raises to a point higher than the portion of thebase unit102 located farthest from the fingers. In another embodiment, themirror104 is a concave mirror. In yet another embodiment, themirror104 is a convex mirror. In one embodiment, themirror104 is substantially oval in shape. In another embodiment, the mirror is substantially round in shape. In another embodiment, the lower portion of thebase unit102 is contoured the shape of a human hand on the portion of theglove100 where thebase unit102 resides.
• In another embodiment, thebase unit102 includes at least onelighting unit106. Thelighting unit106 generates a light beam allowing a user to see in dark environments. In one embodiment, thelighting unit106 is a light emitting diode. In another embodiment, thelighting unit106 is an incandescent light. In another embodiment, thelighting unit106 is positioned on a portion of thebase unit102 closest to the fingers of the glove. In another embodiment, thelighting unit106 is positioned on theside wall105 of thebase unit102. The side, comprisingwall105, is a lateral portion that is transparent, where the light beam is output through the lateral portion. Thelighting unit106 is thereby configured to source a light at least in a direction that is lateral to thewall105 of thebase unit102. In yet another embodiment, thebase unit102 may include a plurality oflighting units106 arranged around the perimeter of themirror104 such that the mirror is illuminated in dark environment.
• In another embodiment, thelighting unit106 emits a white light used to illuminate a dark environment. In another embodiment, thelighting unit106 emits a red light. In yet another embodiment, thelighting unit106 is adjustable to provide either white light or red light. In one embodiment, the lighting unit is a LED device which changes colors based on the voltage supplied to the LED. In another embodiment, thelighting unit106 includes multiple lights of different colors and a switching device located on thebase unit102 electrically coupled to thelighting unit106 and a power supply that allows a user to select the color of the light emitted from thelighting unit106.
• FIG.3B depicts one embodiment of themirror104 attaching to the top of thebase unit102. Consistent with this embodiment, one piece of latch and hook material is adhered to the top surface of thebase unit102 by an adhesive and a corresponding piece of the latch and hook material is adhered to the bottom, non reflecting, surface of themirror104 such that the two portions affixedly attached to one another to hold themirror unit104 on thebase unit102. In one embodiment, the latch and hook material covers the entire top surface of thebase unit102 and the lower portion of themirror104. In another embodiment, the latch and hook material covers only a portion of the top of thebase unit102 and the lower portion of themirror104. In one embodiment, themirror104 the latch and hook material is Velcro®. As shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the base until102, such as a housing, is coupled to the back portion of the glove, where the base until102 houses thelighting unit106, such as a light source.
• FIG.3C depicts one embodiment of the top of thebase unit102 including aridge108 which engages the sides of the mirror to hold the mirror in place. In one embodiment, themirror104 attaches to thebase unit102 using both a ridge and latch and hook material. In one embodiment, thebase unit102 includes abattery unit110 having an opening in the top of thebase unit102. Thebattery unit110 is sized to accommodate at least one battery, with the battery providing power to thelighting unit106. In one embodiment, thebattery unit110 accommodates three conventional AAA size batteries. In another embodiment, thebattery unit110 accommodates two AA batteries. In yet another embodiment, thebattery unit110 accommodates one nine volt battery.
• FIG.4 depicts another embodiment of theglove100. Consistent with this embodiment, theglove100 includes a latch andhook portion200 adhered to the surface of the glove. The latch andhook portion200 is sized to accommodate the bottom surface of thebase unit102 which has a corresponding latch and hook material adhered to the lower surface of the base unit. In another embodiment, the latch and hook portion includes a plurality of snaps which connectively engage with a plurality of snaps positioned on the lower surface of thebase unit102.FIG.5 depicts one embodiment of a user of theglove100 utilizing theglove100 to view objects located behind the user. As shown inFIGS.1-5, a user can operate a vehicle while wearing a glove including a mirror that presents a rear view and the user can adjust the mirror such that the rear view is changed. Likewise, as shown inFIGS.3A-5, a first user can operate a first vehicle while wearing a glove including a light source configured to source a light and the first user can raise the glove such that a second user of a second vehicle can observe the light, where the first vehicle is in front of the second vehicle.
• Other embodiments within the scope of the claims herein will be apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of the specification or practice of the invention as disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification be considered exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the claims.
REFERENCES
• • German Patent Publication No. DE 199 49 392 A1
  • PCT Patent Publication WO 86/01697.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,403.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,375.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,012.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,239.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,637.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,470.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,169.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,584.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,588.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,157.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 7,063,427.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0034212 A1.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0259477 A1.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0034102 A1.
• In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the invention are achieved and other advantages attained.
• As various changes could be made in the above methods and compositions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
• All references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. The discussion of the references herein is intended merely to summarize the assertions made by the authors and no admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. Applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited references.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A glove comprising:

an outer shell including a back portion, wherein the outer shell includes a first end comprising finger openings and a second end comprising a wrist opening; and

a wedge shaped base unit comprising a bottom surface, a top surface and a side wall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the portion of the base unit closest to the first end is wider from bottom surface to top surface than the portion of the base unit closest to the second end, and wherein the bottom surface of the wedge shaped base unit is coupled to the back portion; and

a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled to the top surface.

2. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the side wall further comprising a lateral transparent portion and wherein the base unit comprises at least one light source, wherein the at least one light source is oriented to output at least one light beam through the lateral transparent portion.

3. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the mirror is positionally adjustable with respect to the base unit.

4. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the mirror is selectively detachable from the housing.

5. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one light source is positioned at a portion of the base unit closest to the first end of the back portion.

6. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one light source is positioned at a side portion of the base unit.

7. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the base unit comprises a perimeter, and further comprising a plurality of light sources arranged around the perimeter of the base unit.

8. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the mirror comprises a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is more elevated from the base unit than the second section.

9. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the mirror is at least one of round, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, or polygonal.

10. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the mirror is at least one of a concave mirror or a convex mirror.

11. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the base unit is selectively detachable from the back portion.

12. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the base unit comprises at least one of a rigid material or a flexible material.

13. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the base unit comprises at least one of rubber, plastic or foam.

14. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one light source is at least one of a light emitting diode or an incandescent light.

15. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises a first finger opening, a second finger opening a third finger opening, a fourth finger opening and a fifth finger opening, wherein the base unit is positioned on the back portion aligned with least one of (i) the first finger opening and the second finger opening, (ii) the fifth finger opening and the fourth finger opening, or (iii) the first finger opening and the fifth finger opening.

16. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit at least one of a white light to illuminate a dark environment, a red light, or a white light and a red light.

17. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one light source includes a plurality of lights of different colors, a switch coupled to the at least one light source, and a power supply including a selector for selecting a color of the light to be emitted by the at least one light source.

18. The glove ofclaim 2, wherein the base unit further comprises:

a battery unit;

an opening in the top surface of the based unit, wherein the battery unit is configured to be accessible via the opening.

19. The glove ofclaim 18, wherein the battery unit is configured to accommodate at least one of a single 9 volt battery, two AA batteries, or three AAA batteries.

20. A method comprising:

causing a user to operate a first vehicle while wearing a glove including an outer shell including a back portion, wherein the outer shell includes a first end comprising finger openings and a second end comprising a wrist opening, a wedge shaped base unit comprising a bottom surface, a top surface and a side wall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the portion of the base unit closest to the first end is wider from bottom surface to top surface than the portion of the base unit closest to the second end, and wherein the bottom surface of the wedge shaped base unit is coupled to the back portion, and a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled to the top surface; and

causing the glove to be raised while the user is operating the vehicle such that the user can observe a second vehicle from behind the user.

Images