KR20210095672A - Gloves - Google Patents

Abstract

A glove 1 and a glove liner 4 are provided, the glove liner 4 comprising a palm portion 11a and a finger portion 11b; the finger portion 11b includes finger coverings; The liner (4) further comprises a plurality of heat insulating layers (6,8,10), and the plurality of heat insulating layers comprises a first heat insulating layer (6), a second heat insulating layer (8) and a third heat insulating layer (10), , the first thermal insulation layer 6 extends substantially across the palm portion 11a and the finger portion 11b, the second thermal insulation layer 8 extends across at least a portion of the finger portion 11b, and 3 The heat insulating layer 10 extends across at least a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion 11b.

Description

Gloves

The present disclosure relates to the field of thermal insulation, and more particularly to the field of thermal insulation in gloves.

Currently known gloves generally prioritize warmth or flexibility for the user's hand. For example, where a glove is required to provide great insulation to the user's hand, such a glove generally includes layers of insulating or heat-resistant material within the insulating layers to protect the hand and to keep it as warm as possible. . However, when a high level of thermal insulation or thermal insulation is required, the plurality of thermal insulation layers or the increased thickness of the thermal insulation layer or insulation layers increases the volume of the glove, and consequently, makes it difficult for the user to perform the work with gloved hands. To make it more difficult, it makes the resulting glove bulky and thus reduces the glove's flexibility.

Alternatively, if great flexibility for the glove is required, the volume of the glove must be minimized and the number of thermal insulation layers is thus generally reduced, whereby a complex operation is performed while the user is wearing the glove, for example. In order to ensure that this is feasible, the insulation of the gloves must be sacrificed.

Accordingly, there is a need for gloves that provide both high levels of thermal insulation while simultaneously providing improved flexibility of the gloves.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a glove comprising: a palm portion and a finger portion; the finger portion includes finger coverings; The glove further includes a plurality of thermal insulation layers, the plurality of thermal insulation layers including a first thermal insulation layer, a second thermal insulation layer and a third thermal insulation layer, the first thermal insulation layer extending substantially across the palm portion and the finger portion, A glove is provided, wherein the second thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the finger portion, and the third thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion.

For the avoidance of doubt, during use, the user's fingers are placed inside the finger portion of the glove, and the palm of the user's hand is placed inside the palm portion of the glove. In addition, the term “insulation layer” is intended to refer to a thermal insulation layer comprising an insulating or heat-resistant material. Accordingly, the insulating layer prevents or weakens the transfer of at least some of the heat through the material of the insulating layer.

The term “extends across at least a portion” is intended to refer to an insulating layer covering at least a portion of a finger portion or a palm portion. The thermal insulation layer referred to may cover a part of the side of the finger sleeve of the palm part or the finger part. The thermal insulation layer referred to may cover a part of the upper surface or the lower surface of the finger sleeve of the palm part or the finger part. Accordingly, the term “extending across” refers to both insulating layers covering at least a portion of the side and/or upper and/or lower surfaces of a palm portion or a finger portion.

The term “extending substantially across the palm portion and the finger portion” refers to an insulating layer that extends across at least a major portion, across a majority, or all of the palm portion and the finger portion. For example, the thermal insulation layer may extend across at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or all of the palm portion. The insulating layer may extend across at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or all of the finger portion. In general, the thermal insulation layer extends across at least 90% of the palm portion and/or the finger portion.

The provision of a glove comprising: a first thermal insulation layer extending across a palm portion and a finger portion; a second thermal insulation layer extending across a finger portion; and a third thermal insulation layer extending across at least a portion of the at least one finger sleeve; It has been found that it results in a glove that provides a more uniform thermal insulation to the user than gloves with a uniform distribution of thermal insulation.

The third thermal insulation layer may extend across at least a portion of the subset of finger coverings of the finger portion. Accordingly, the third thermal insulation layer does not extend across the at least one finger covering of the finger portion.

Additionally, the provision of a second and third thermal insulation layer selectively disposed on the glove provides greater warmth to the user's hand and specifically to the fingers, while maintaining maximum working freedom for the user. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the strategic placement of the additional insulation ensures that the user's hands are warm, while minimizing the volume of the glove to maintain the freedom of movement of the user's fingers as much as possible.

The first insulating layer may extend across substantially all of the palm portion and the finger portion. Accordingly, the first insulating layer may cover or enclose all or substantially all of the user's hand during use.

The second insulating layer may extend across at least half of the finger portion. Accordingly, the second insulating layer may extend across at least half of each finger covering of the finger portion. The second insulating layer may extend along a given finger covering from the fingertip of the finger covering to at least half of the finger covering along the finger covering.

The second insulating layer may extend from the fingertip to at least two thirds along the finger covering, from the fingertip.

Generally, the finger portion includes a finger covering for each finger of the hand. Accordingly, the finger portion may include a thumb covering, an index finger covering, a middle finger covering, a ring finger covering, and a little finger covering.

In some embodiments, the second insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the thumb covering. The second insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the thumb sheath and little finger covering. The second insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the thumb covering, little finger covering, and index finger covering.

Two joints for each of the four fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger) of the hand except the thumb: the major knuckle (proximal interphalangeal joint: PIP) and the minor knuckle (minor knuckle) (distal interphalangeal joint: DIP) is present. Each finger is connected to the palm portion of the hand by the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP).

Accordingly, the second heat insulating layer may extend from the fingertip to approximately the position of the major knuckle of the finger inside the finger covering during use.

The third insulating layer may extend across at least one third of the at least one finger covering. The third insulating layer may extend from the fingertip to approximately one third along the fingertip from the fingertip. The third insulating layer may extend from the fingertip to the location of the minor knuckle of the finger within the at least one finger covering during use.

The third thermal insulation layer may extend across at least a portion of the at least two finger coverings of the finger portion. The third insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the at least three finger coverings of the finger portion.

In some embodiments, the third insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the pinky covering.

In some embodiments, the third insulating layer may extend substantially across at least a portion of the index finger covering.

In some embodiments, the third insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the pinky and index finger coverings.

The provision of a third thermal insulation layer extending across at least a portion of the little finger covering and/or across at least a portion of the index finger covering, wherein the third thermal insulation layer extends across the entire portion of the finger or across the entire little finger covering and/or across the entire pinky covering and/or index finger covering. It has been found to provide better insulation to the hands without requiring them to be extended across the board. Accordingly, the gloves of at least some embodiments provide better insulation while maintaining greater flexibility of the gloves.

In some embodiments, the third insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the thumb covering. The third insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the thumb sheath and little finger covering. The third insulating layer may extend across at least a portion of the thumb covering, little finger covering, and index finger covering.

In at least some embodiments, the third insulating layer does not extend across the at least one finger covering. Accordingly, the at least one finger covering does not include the third heat insulating layer.

Generally, a some heat insulation layer contains a heat-resistant material. The heat resistant material of the plurality of heat insulating layers may be the same for each of the plurality of heat insulating layers. The heat resistant material of the plurality of heat insulating layers may be different for at least one layer inside the plurality of heat insulating layers. The heat resistant material of the plurality of heat insulating layers may be different for the two layers inside the plurality of heat insulating layers. The heat resistant material may be different for each layer within the plurality of layers.

The heat resistant material of the plurality of insulating layers may be different for a given insulating layer, between two different finger coverings. For example, the heat resistant material of the second heat insulating layer on the index finger covering may be different from the heat resistant material of the second heat insulating layer on the middle finger covering. Thus, the heat-resistant material of a given insulating layer can be used for finger coverings covering the fingers of a user's hand where more flexible materials are required to be more agile than other fingers, the degree of freedom of movement and/or for a particular application or user. or it may be adapted to ensure that dexterity requirements can be taken into account. For example, thumb coverings and index finger coverings may be required to be more flexible than other finger coverings, and thus the heat resistant material of a given insulating layer is the heat resistant material of middle finger coverings, ring finger coverings and little finger coverings. Rather, it may be chosen to be more flexible in the thumb and index finger coverings.

The heat resistant material may be lofted insulation or a composite of polymer and insulating particles.

As used herein, the term “lofted insulation” refers to fiber-based insulation such as natural fiber insulation and synthetic fiber insulation.

Examples of natural fiber insulation include wool, or down. Examples of suitable synthetic fiber insulation include polyester. Examples of biopolymer-derived insulation materials include PLA (Poly Lactic Acid).

The polymer of the composite material is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (PU), polyester (PES), polypropylene (PP), polyether, or high molecular weight polyethylenes, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF); perfluoroalkoxy (PFA); fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP); polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE); ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE); polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF); ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

At least one of the plurality of heat insulating layers may include a functional layer. The functional layer may include or be a breathable membrane. The functional layer may be or include a waterproof membrane. The functional layer may be a breathable and waterproof membrane, or may include a breathable and waterproof membrane. The membrane may be selected from polyurethane, polyester, polyether, polyamide, polyacrylate, copolyether ester and copolyether amide, as well as other suitable thermoplastic and elastomeric films. In certain embodiments, the waterproof, breathable membrane may be comprised of a fluoropolymer, in particular microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membranes are described by W.L. It may be a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as taught in US Pat. Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,187,390 to Gore & Associates, Inc. Such membranes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene are provided as commercially available laminates from W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. of Elkton, Maryland, under the trade designation GORE-TEX® fabric. The breathable and waterproof functional layer is prepared substantially in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,194,041 and 4,942,214 assigned to WL Gore & Associates, Inc. of Elkton, Md., polyurethane coated microporous expanded poly It may consist of a tetrafluoroethylene membrane.

The functional layer may increase the durability of the heat resistant material. The functional layer may be a durable membrane. The functional layer may include a durable fabric.

The functional layer may be a laminate.

In some embodiments, the polymer may be a fluoropolymer, selected from the group consisting of PTFE, PVF, PVDF, PFA, FEP, PCTFE, ETFE, PVDF, ECTFE or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the fluoropolymer may be an expanded fluoropolymer.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluoropolymer is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

The insulating particles may be expandable microspheres or airgel particles.

The expandable microspheres may be thermoplastic microspheres that, once heated, enclose a gas that expands. The expandable microspheres may be thermoplastic microspheres that encapsulate a volatile liquid that expands once heated.

The thermoplastic material may be acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile. The gas may be a short chain alkane, such as pentane, isopentane, butane, or hexane. The gas may be isopentane. For example, expandable microspheres may be Expancel® available from Nobel Industries, Sundweil, Sweden.

The expanded microspheres may have an average initial diameter of between 9 microns and 17 microns. The expanded microspheres may have an average expanded diameter of 40 to 60 microns. The expanded microspheres may have a net density before expansion of ^{1250-1300 kg/m 3} and an expanded density below ^{20 kg/m 3 .}

An example of a suitable composite material is expanded PTFE comprising Expancel® particles, as described in US 5,750,931 and US 5,468,314, incorporated herein by reference.

Generally, in embodiments where at least one insulating layer within the plurality of insulating layers comprises a composite material of a polymer and expandable microspheres, the expandable microspheres are in an expanded state.

Airgel particles are solid, rigid, and dry materials, and may be commercially obtainable in powder form. Suitable heat resistant materials including fluoropolymers incorporating airgel materials are described in US patent applications US 2015/0176749 and US 2017/0203552, which are incorporated herein by reference. Airgel particles include those formed from inorganic oxides of silicon such as silica or fumed silica, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, yttrium and vanadium; carbon, polyacrylates, polystyrene, polyacrylonitriles, polyurethanes, polyimides, polyfurfural alcohol, phenol furfuryl alcohol, melamine formaldehydes, lecorcinal formaldehydes, cresol, formaldehyde, polycyanurates, polyacrylamides, epoxides, and those prepared from agar and agarose.

In some embodiments, the airgel particles are formed from silica. Airgel particles may be formed from fumed silica.

The density of the airgel particles may be ^{less than 100 kg/m 3 ,} less than 75 kg/m ^{3 ,} less than 50 kg/m ^{3 ,} less than 25 kg/m ³ , or less than 10 kg/m ³ . In at least one embodiment, the airgel particles have a bulk density of from ^{about 30 kg/m 3} to about 50 kg/m ^{3 .}

The heat resistant material of at least one insulating layer of the plurality of layers may have a thermal conductivity of 50 mW/m K or less. The heat resistant material of at least one insulating layer of the plurality of layers may have a thermal conductivity of 30 mW/m K or less. The heat resistant material of at least one insulating layer of the plurality of layers may have a thermal conductivity of 25 mW/m K or less. The heat resistant material of at least one insulating layer of the plurality of layers may have a thermal conductivity of 20 mW/m K or less. The heat resistant material of at least one insulating layer of the plurality of layers may have a thermal conductivity of 15 mW/m K or less.

The heat resistant material of the first heat insulating layer may be different from the heat resistant material of the second heat insulating layer. The heat resistant material of the first heat insulating layer may be different from the heat resistant material of the third heat insulating layer.

The heat resistant material of the second heat insulating layer may be different from the heat resistant material of the third heat insulating layer.

The first thermal insulation layer and/or the second thermal insulation layer and/or the third thermal insulation layer may comprise an active heating element. The active heating element may have conductive threads or strands operable to generate heat when transferring electrical power. Accordingly, the first thermal insulation layer and/or the second thermal insulation layer and/or the third thermal insulation layer may be configured to actively heat the finger covering into which they are incorporated. The amount of heat generated by the active heating element may be configurable by regulating the power supplied to the active heating element.

The first insulating layer may include a heat resistant material and an active heating element. The second insulating layer may include a heat resistant material and an active heating element. The third insulating layer may include a heat resistant material and an active heating element.

At least the first insulating layer may be a lofted insulating material. In some embodiments, the second layer may include lofted insulation. In some embodiments, the third layer may include lofted insulation.

At least the second insulating layer may include ePTFE and expanded thermoplastic microspheres. At least the second insulating layer may comprise ePTFE and Expancel®.

At least the third insulating layer may comprise a composite of ePTFE and airgel particles. In some embodiments, the second layer may comprise a composite of ePTFE and airgel particles. In some embodiments, the first layer may comprise a composite of ePTFE and airgel particles.

For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of layers may include the same insulating material. In alternative embodiments, two or more of the plurality of layers may include the same insulating material. In other alternative embodiments, the three layers of the plurality of layers may comprise different insulating materials.

The plurality of layers may include a fourth thermal insulation layer, extending across a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion. The fourth thermal insulation layer may include the same or similar material as the third thermal insulation layer. The fourth thermal insulation layer may comprise a different material than the third thermal insulation layer. The fourth thermal insulation layer may include the same or similar material as the second thermal insulation layer. The fourth thermal insulation layer may include the same or similar material as the first thermal insulation layer.

Where the thermal insulation layer is described as extending substantially across the palm portion or finger portion, the insulation layer may extend over the front surface of the palm portion or finger portion during use. The insulating layer may extend over the back surface of the palm portion or the finger portion during use. The thermal insulation layer may extend over the back and front surfaces of the palm portion or the finger portion during use.

Where the thermal insulation layer is described as extending across at least a portion of the finger portion, the thermal insulation layer may extend across the front surface of at least a portion of the finger portion during use. The insulating layer may extend across the back surface of at least a portion of the finger portion during use. The thermal insulation layer may extend across both the rear and anterior surfaces of at least a portion of the finger portion during use.

Where the insulating layer is described as extending across at least a portion of the at least one finger covering, the insulating layer may extend across the front surface of at least a portion of the at least one finger covering during use. The insulating layer may extend across the back surface of at least a portion of the at least one finger covering during use. The insulating layer may extend across the front and back surfaces of at least a portion of the at least one finger covering during use.

In embodiments in which the heat insulating layer inside the plurality of heat insulating layers covers the front and back faces of the finger portion, the finger covering or the palm portion, such insulation layer may enclose or surround the finger portion, the finger covering or the palm portion. There will be.

Generally, the glove includes a support layer on which one or more of the plurality of thermal insulation layers is secured. The support layer may comprise, for example, insulation, fabric, leather, polymer or webbing.

The plurality of insulating layers may be present together and/or using a pattern that may be selected from the group consisting of using a gun cut, a modified gun cut, a fourchette, or a continuous pochette. If on the support layer, it may be sewn.

In some embodiments, the plurality of insulating layers may be sewn together and/or onto the support layer, if present, using pochettes or continuous pochettes.

A plurality of insulating layers may be attached together and/or on the support layer, if present. The plurality of insulating layers may be attached using a suitable bond or adhesive, or using sewing or sewing bonding. The plurality of layers, if present, may be attached onto the backing layer using a suitable bond or adhesive.

The plurality of insulating layers may be attached together using a heat seal. For example, in embodiments where the at least one insulating layer comprises a fluoropolymer such as ePTFE, the at least one insulating layer may be bonded to itself under heat and pressure. The at least one insulating layer may be bonded to itself, for example, by heating to a temperature within the range of about 60 to about 180 °C, about 70 to 160 °C, or about 80 to about 130 °C. The at least one insulating layer may be bonded to itself, for example, by compression at a pressure of about 10000 kPa to about 17300 kPa, about 11000 kPa to about 16000 kPa, about 11000 kPa to about 14000 kPa. The at least one insulating layer may be compressed, for example, for a period of 1 to 10 seconds, 1 to 8 seconds, or 2 to 6 seconds.

One or more insulating layers of the plurality of insulating layers may be formed by spraying the material of the insulating layer onto the preceding insulating layers or onto a support. One or more insulating layers of the plurality of insulating layers may be formed by immersion into the furnace. Suitable methods are described in US 2006/0125158 to Rouanet et al. and incorporated herein by reference. One or more insulating layers of the plurality of insulating layers comprising airgel may be applied by spraying the airgel or by immersion into the liquid airgel. This method of applying airgel to a glove or liner would be cheaper and easier as there would be no seams in the layer.

In at least some embodiments, the plurality of thermal insulation layers includes a first thermal insulation layer that is closest to a user's hand during use, a third thermal insulation layer that lies furthest from a user's hand during use, and a second thermal insulation layer that lies between the first thermal insulation layer and the third thermal insulation layer While provided with an insulating layer, it should be understood that, in general, a plurality of insulating layers may, in some embodiments, be provided within the glove in an alternative order. For example, the third thermal insulation layer may be provided between the first thermal insulation layer and the second thermal insulation layer, or the third thermal insulation layer may be provided closest to the user's hand during use.

In some embodiments, the glove includes a sleeve portion extending from the palm portion and covering at least a portion of the user's wrist during use.

The first insulating layer may extend across substantially the entirety of the sleeve portion.

In some embodiments, the one or more thermal insulation layers may be treated to modify the thermal insulation of the one or more thermal insulation layers to improve the flexibility of the one or more thermal insulation layers. For example, the one or more insulating layers may be embossed, perforated, expanded, notched, or notched. Accordingly, a glove comprising one or more treated thermal insulation layers may be more flexible than a corresponding glove having thermal insulation layers not accompanied by one or more treated thermal insulation layers. Additionally, a glove comprising one or more thermally insulating layers treated may be more flexible while substantially maintaining the thermal insulation of the glove. By the term “scored”, creating a flat line in a material by applying pressure parallel to the direction desired to improve or bending the flex in the material refers to

In some embodiments, the heat resistant material of one or more of the plurality of heat insulating layers may be formed by folding a sheet of heat resistant material around a particular finger covering portion of the finger covering. The sheet of heat resistant material may be cut into a specific shape prior to being folded around the finger covering or portion of the finger covering. The particular shape may include a top portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion. During assembly, a sheet of heat resistant material may be placed under the finger covering or a portion of the finger covering. The upper portion of the sheet of heat resistant material may be folded down over the finger covering or portion of the finger covering. The first side portion may be folded over the top portion, and the second side portion may be folded over the first side portion. Accordingly, the first side portion may overlap the upper portion. The second side portion may overlap the first side portion and/or the top portion.

The thermal insulation layer formed by folding the molded sheet of heat-resistant material as described above, for example, due to overlapping portions, heat transfer through the thermal insulation layer due to an increase in the path that heat must travel in order to exit the thermal insulation layer. can be more resistant to

The upper part may be attached to the finger covering or the preceding thermal insulation layer. The first side portion may be attached to the upper portion. The second side portion may be attached to the first side portion.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a glove liner comprising a palm portion and a finger portion; the finger portion includes finger coverings; The glove liner further includes a plurality of thermal insulation layers, the plurality of thermal insulation layers including a first thermal insulation layer, a second thermal insulation layer and a third thermal insulation layer, the first thermal insulation layer extending substantially across the palm portion and the finger portion; A glove liner is provided, wherein the second thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the finger portion, and the third thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion.

The glove liner may include a backing layer. One or more of the insulating layers may be secured to the support layer.

The present invention extends, in a third aspect, to a glove comprising the glove liner of the second aspect.

The glove liner may be sewn, attached, or otherwise glued or secured to the glove shell.

The glove liner may be taped or glued to the inside of the insert. The insert may comprise a waterproof material. Accordingly, the insert may be a waterproof insert.

The glove skin may comprise a natural material, such as, for example, a leather, wool-based material, or a cotton-based material. The glove skin may comprise a synthetic material, such as, for example, a polymer such as nylon, polyester, and polyurethane, or combinations thereof. The glove sheath may comprise a waterproof material, and the glove sheath may thus be a waterproof glove sheath.

The present invention provides, in a fourth aspect, a method of manufacturing a glove comprising a palm portion and a finger portion comprising finger coverings:

(a) providing a support layer, a first thermal insulation layer, a second thermal insulation layer, a third thermal insulation layer, and a glove sheath;

(b) fixing the first thermal insulation layer, the second thermal insulation layer and the third thermal insulation layer to the support layer to form an armor liner; and

(c) fixing the support layer and the first thermal insulation layer, the second thermal insulation layer and the third thermal insulation layer to the glove shell to form the glove;

including,

The first thermal insulation layer extends substantially across the palm portion and the finger portion, the second thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the finger portion, and the third thermal insulation layer comprises at least a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion. extending across.

The first heat insulating layer may be fixed to the support layer. The second heat insulating layer may be fixed to the first heat insulating layer. The third heat insulating layer may be fixed to the second heat insulating layer.

The third heat insulating layer may be fixed to the support layer. The second heat insulating layer may be fixed to the support layer.

The third thermal insulation layer may extend across at least a portion of the subset of finger coverings of the finger portion. Accordingly, the third thermal insulation layer does not extend across the at least one finger covering of the finger portion.

Preferred and optional features of the first aspect are preferred and optional features of the second to fourth aspects.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 : A cross-sectional view of a glove according to an embodiment;
2 is a cross-sectional view of a glove liner according to an embodiment;
3 is a perspective view of a glove according to an embodiment, showing a cut-away cross-section of the index finger to allow the insulating layers to be visible;
4 is a cross-sectional view of a glove liner according to an embodiment;
Figure 5: a) a thermal resistance map for a glove with a uniform distribution of insulation with respect to the little finger, b) a thermal resistance map for a glove according to an embodiment with layered insulation with respect to the little finger;
Figure 6: a) a skin temperature map for a glove with a uniform distribution of insulation with respect to the little finger, b) a skin temperature map for a glove according to an embodiment with a layered distribution of insulation with respect to the little finger. The 20°C isotherm is shown as a white dashed line;
Figure 7: a) for a glove with a uniform distribution of insulation, b) for a glove according to the embodiment with an additional insulating layer on a part of the little finger, and c) two additional layers on parts of the little finger Temperature map for gloves with an insulating layer. The 20°C isotherm is shown as a white dashed line;
Fig. 8: a sheet pattern for the heat insulating layer before the formation of the heat insulating layer according to the embodiment; and
Fig. 9: A) an exemplary glove overlaid with a first insulating layer prior to application of the second insulating layer, B) a thumb sleeve comprising a first insulating layer disposed over the sheet pattern of Fig. 8, C) a first of the thumb sleeves; A glove having an upper portion of the sheet pattern folded over the insulation layer, and D) a complete second insulation layer assembled over the thumb sleeve.

Although the manufacture and use of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be recognized that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that may be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways for making and using the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have the meanings as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present invention. Terms such as the indefinite article and the definite article are not intended to refer to only a single entity, but include a general class of entities, for which specific examples may be used for illustrative purposes. Although terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the present invention, their use does not limit the boundaries of the present invention, except as set forth in the claims.

Gloves and glove liners of various aspects of the invention are exemplified in the examples that follow, without limiting the scope of the invention, which should be defined in the claims that follow.

Example 1

1 to 3 , an insulated glove 1 includes a glove sheath 2 and a glove liner 4 , wherein the glove liner 4 includes a thermal insulation material (acting as a first thermal insulation layer). a first layer 6 of , a second layer 8 of thermal insulation (serving as a second thermal insulation layer) and a third layer 10 of thermal insulation material (serving as a third thermal insulation layer).

The glove liner 4 includes a palm portion 11a and a finger portion 11b. The finger portion 11b includes five finger coverings consisting of a little finger covering, a ring finger covering, a middle finger covering, an index finger covering, and a thumb covering. Each finger covering of the finger portion 11b is connected to the palm portion 11a.

The first layer 6 of insulation covers the front face 12 and the back face 14 of the palm portion 11a and the finger portion 11b of the glove liner 4 and comprises lofted insulation. .

A second layer 8 of insulation covers the finger coverings of the finger portion 11b. A second layer 8 of heat insulating material surrounds each finger covering. A second layer 8 of insulation is disclosed, for example, in US 5,750,931 and US 5,468,314 (with a solids content of 45 % PTFE, Expancel® expanded microspheres up to 50 %, 5 % ketchen black carbon). ePTFE comprising Expancel® expanded microspheres, prepared according to a method as taught by

A third layer of insulation 10 covers the little finger covering from the fingertip to the major knuckle (PIP) and the index finger covering from the fingertip to the major knuckle (PIP). The third layer 10 of insulation comprises, for example, 70% silica airgel by weight and up to 30% PTFE, obtained from Cabot, Enova Airgel MT 1200, Boston, Massachusetts, US 2015/0176749 and US 2015/0176749. ePTFE comprising airgel particles prepared according to a method as taught by 2017/0203552.

The glove skin 2 comprises leather on the front side of the palm portion 11a and a nylon, polyester and polyurethane blend fabric for the back side of the palm portion 11a and the finger portion 11b.

The location of the third layer 10 of insulation was verified using heat mapping to show the effect of additional layers of insulation on the thermal gradient of the hand on the glove (see, eg, FIG. 9B ). An Analysis System (ANSYS) physical hand model accompanied by physiological, environmental and activity level inputs was used to generate heat maps.

The glove liner 4 is inserted into the glove sheath 2 to form the glove 1 .

The glove 1 so produced is excellent for the user's hand during use, while minimizing the volume of the glove 1 by providing the second and third insulation layers only on certain distinct portions of the finger portion. provides insulation.

Example 2

Referring to FIG. 4 , an insulated glove includes a glove sheath and a glove liner 404 . The glove liner 404 includes a palm portion 406 and a finger portion 408 . The glove liner 404 also includes a first thermal insulation layer 410 , a second thermal insulation layer 412 , a third thermal insulation layer 414 , and a fourth thermal insulation layer 416 .

The first insulation layer 410 includes 200 grams of lofted insulation, evenly distributed throughout the palm portion 406 and the finger portion 408 of the glove liner 404 .

The second thermal insulation layer 412 comprises a 2 mm thick layer of Expancel® filled ePTFE. The second heat insulating layer 412 surrounds each finger covering.

The third insulating layer 414 and the fourth insulating layer 416 comprise a 1 mm layer of airgel filled ePTFE. The third heat insulating layer 414 extends from the fingertips of the index finger covering and the little finger covering to the first major finger joint (PIP). The fourth heat insulating layer 416 extends from the fingertip of the little finger covering to the minor finger joint (DIP).

The glove skin comprises leather on the front side of the palm portion and a nylon, polyester and polyurethane blend fabric for the back side of the palm portion and finger portion.

The glove liner is secured within the glove shell by spray adhesive using a 3M Model # 77-CC.

The thermal performance of the gloves was verified using thermal heat map modeling, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 . 5 shows a) a thermal resistance map for a glove with a uniform distribution of insulation with respect to the little finger, b) a thermal resistance map for a glove according to an embodiment with layered insulation with respect to the little finger, each The total thermal resistance of the insulating layers to the image is the same.

6 shows a) a skin temperature map for a glove with a uniform distribution of insulation with respect to the little finger, and b) a skin temperature map for a glove according to an embodiment having a layered distribution of insulation with respect to the little finger. As for FIG. 5 , the total thermal resistivity is the same for each image, the only difference being the distribution of the thermal resistivity. The 20°C isotherm is shown as a white dashed line.

Thus, it can be seen that the redistribution of the insulating material from a uniform covering to a specific laminated covering results in an increase in the average finger temperature.

7 shows a) for a glove with a uniform distribution of insulation, b) for a glove according to an embodiment with an additional insulating layer on a portion of the little finger, and c) two additional pieces on portions of the little finger A temperature map is shown for a glove with an insulating layer. The 20°C isotherm is shown as a white dashed line.

According to an alternative embodiment, a second thermal insulation layer 808 is formed over the thumb sleeve 810 , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . An exemplary glove lining 800 with a first thermal insulation layer on the thumb sleeve 810 prior to application of the second thermal insulation layer is shown in FIG. 9A . The thumb sleeve 810 including the first heat insulating layer 812 is disposed over the sheet pattern 800 of FIG. 8 ( FIG. 9B ). The sheet pattern 800 includes a top portion 802 , a first side portion 804 , and a second side portion 806 . The upper portion 802 of the sheet pattern 800 is then folded over the first insulating layer of the thumb sleeve 810 , as shown in FIG. 9C . The first side portion 804 and the second side portion 806 are then sequentially folded thereon, and an insulating adhesive tape is used to secure the second side portion 806 thereto to form a second insulating layer. applied for The resulting second heat insulating layer is shown in FIG. 9D . It has been found that the formation of the heat-insulating layer in this way reduces the number of seams in the heat-insulating layer and thereby improves heat retention inside the heat-insulating layer.

As can be seen, the provision of additional layers of insulation at specific points on the little finger provides improved thermal performance of the glove.

While approved embodiments of the present invention have been previously described, it is readily apparent that many and various changes and modifications in the form, design, structure and arrangement of members may be made to other embodiments without departing from the present invention. It will be understood that all such changes and modifications are considered as embodiments, as part of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (21)

As a glove,
includes a palm portion and a finger portion; the finger portion comprises finger coverings; The glove further comprises a plurality of heat insulating layers, the plurality of heat insulating layers comprising a first insulating layer, a second insulating layer and a third insulating layer, the first insulating layer substantially across the palm portion and the finger portion and wherein the second insulating layer extends across at least a portion of the finger portion, and the third thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion. According to claim 1,
and the first insulating layer extends across substantially all of the palm portion and the finger portion. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
wherein the second insulating layer extends across at least half of the finger portion. 4. The method of claim 3,
wherein the second insulating layer extends from the fingertip to at least two thirds along the finger covering from the fingertip. 5. The method of claim 4,
and the second heat insulating layer extends from the fingertip to about the position of the major knuckle of the finger inside the finger covering during use. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
and the third insulating layer extends across at least one third of the at least one finger covering. 7. The method of claim 6,
and the third heat insulating layer extends from the fingertip to approximately one third along the fingertip from the fingertip. 8. The method of claim 7,
wherein the third insulating layer extends from the fingertip to the location of the minor knuckle of the finger within the at least one finger covering during use. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
and the third insulating layer extends across at least a portion of the pinky covering. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
and the third insulating layer extends across at least a portion of the at least two finger coverings of the finger portion. 11. The method of claim 10,
and the third insulating layer extends across at least a portion of the pinky and index finger coverings. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
wherein the plurality of insulating layers comprises a heat resistant material selected from lofted insulating material or a composite material, the composite material comprising a polymer and insulating particles. 13. The method of claim 12,
wherein the polymer is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). 14. The method of claim 12 or 13,
The insulative particles are expandable microspheres or airgel particles. 15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14,
At least the first insulating layer, the glove will be a lofted insulating material. 16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15,
wherein at least the second insulating layer comprises a composite of ePTFE and expanded thermoplastic microspheres. 17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16,
At least the third insulating layer comprises a composite of ePTFE and airgel particles. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
wherein the plurality of thermal insulation layers include a fourth thermal insulation layer extending across a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion. As a glove liner,
includes a palm portion and a finger portion; the finger portion comprises finger coverings; The glove liner further includes a plurality of thermal insulation layers, wherein the plurality of thermal insulation layers includes a first thermal insulation layer, a second thermal insulation layer and a third thermal insulation layer, the first thermal insulation layer substantially transverse to the palm portion and the finger portion. wherein the second thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the finger portion, and the third thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion. . As a glove,
A glove comprising the glove liner of claim 19 . A method of making a glove comprising: a palm portion and a finger portion comprising finger coverings:
(a) providing a support layer, a first thermal insulation layer, a second thermal insulation layer, a third thermal insulation layer, and a glove sheath;
(b) fixing the first thermal insulation layer, the second thermal insulation layer and the third thermal insulation layer to the support layer to form an armor liner; and
(c) fixing the support layer and the first thermal insulation layer, the second thermal insulation layer and the third thermal insulation layer to the glove shell to form the glove;
including,
The first thermal insulation layer extends substantially across the palm portion and the finger portion, the second thermal insulation layer extends across at least a portion of the finger portion, and the third thermal insulation layer comprises at least a portion of the at least one finger covering of the finger portion. extending across.

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