Three-dimensional finger glove

Abstract

A 3-D finger glove that may fit onto a human finger is provided. The finger glove that has a 3-D cavity so that it may easily be put on to a finger by a user and is formed by bonding together two nonwoven webs, at least one of which is elastic, while the elastic web stretched. Additionally, the 3-D finger glove successfully prevents the formation of stiff seams along the edge so that seams will not cause abrasion or damage to the areas where the glove is intended to be used. Additionally, the 3-D glove disclosed can have flush seams, which further reduces the stiffness along the seams so that the user feels more comfortable while wearing the glove. Furthermore, the 3-D shaped finger glove may provide a bigger surface area for cleaning or other uses. A number of therapeutic additives may also be applied to the glove.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The cut edge or seam line of a nonwoven laminate, especially near bonds, may have some stiffness. In some product applications, such as a finger toothbrush which is used against sensitive body parts, the stiffness may be undesirable because of potential abrasions and cuts. In order to make the seam line soft, the bonded area thus either needs further treatment such as creating microcuts along the seam or performing an “inside-out” process to invert the seam line inside. [0002] Adding a cutting procedure or an inside-out conversion process inevitably increases the production cost and may make the product(s) economically uncompetitive to manufacture. Additionally, microcuts along the seam may still not be desirable because sharp cuts along the seam may still be able to hurt body parts such as the gums. Microcuts along the seam may create undesirable residues or particles along the seam that they may be transferred into a user's mouth or other body pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] In response to the discussed problems encountered in the prior art, a new, simple and versatile three-dimensional finger glove has been developed. The finger glove is generally formed from a base web material that is shaped into a glove and may contain a pocket for the insertion of a finger. The benefits of a three dimensional finger glove are many: it helps the user insert the finger easier; it pulls two seams away from the edges to one side of the glove so that stiff seams associated with flat finger gloves are not a problem; it allows a user to handle the glove easier; and it allows packaging for continuous use by stacking finger gloves.

[0005] The finger glove may be formed from multiple sections. These multiple sections may be made from different base web materials. In one aspect, for example, a first section, desirably not stretched, may be made from a texturized nonwoven material having an abrasive surface useful for cleaning. A second section, or backing, may be made from an elastic nonwoven material having form-fitting properties to help the glove effectively fit onto a finger. A bonding process involving stretching one of the sections, typically the second, during bonding effectively delivers the desired shape. The 3 D shaped finger glove is formed when a stretched fabric retracts to its normal state. The retraction of the stretched fabric not only helps form the 3-D shape, but also pulls the two seams away from the edges so that the stiffness associated with the bonding edge is partially or fully relieved.

[0008] It should be noted here that the stretchable fabric may be easily replaced by any elastic material that may be bonded to the unstretched fabric. For example, an elastic material may be a latex film, or a transparent or nontransparent polymer film, or the like. Such a finger glove may be desired when the application only requires one side of the glove to be a fabric.

[0009] The finger glove may also include a moisture barrier that is incorporated into or applied as a layer to the base web. In general, a moisture barrier refers to any barrier, layer, or film that is relatively liquid impervious. In particular, the moisture barrier may prevent the flow of liquid through the finger glove so that a finger inserted therein remains dry when the glove is being used. The moisture barrier may remain breathable, i.e., permeable to vapors, such that a finger within the glove is more comfortable. Examples of suitable moisture barriers may include films, fibrous materials, laminates, and the like.

Problems solved by technology

In some product applications, such as a finger toothbrush which is used against sensitive body parts, the stiffness may be undesirable because of potential abrasions and cuts.

Adding a cutting procedure or an inside-out conversion process inevitably increases the production cost and may make the product(s) economically uncompetitive to manufacture.

Additionally, microcuts along the seam may still not be desirable because sharp cuts along the seam may still be able to hurt body parts such as the gums.

Microcuts along the seam may create undesirable residues or particles along the seam that they may be transferred into a user's mouth or other body parts.

Mechnical cutting may produce solid residues, and a water-knife may contaminate the nonwoven surface, wash out potential therapeutic agents, and also requires a drying step.

If a laser cutting tool is used, the stiff seam may form a hard cutting edge because of local burning or melting.

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