Finger glove with single seam

Abstract

A single seam finger glove that may fit onto a human finger is provided. The finger glove has a cavity so that it may easily be put on to a finger by a user and is formed by bonding together at least one nonwoven web to itself to form a tubular structure. The single seam finger glove is less irritating to the mouth of a user since it has half the seam area. Additionally, the single seam 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 single seam 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 single seam 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 single seam finger glove has been developed. The finger glove is generally formed from a base web material that is shaped into a tube, and may contain a pocket for the insertion of a finger. The benefits of a single seam finger glove are that it is simple to manufacture and has only one seam, thus avoiding irritation to the mouth.

[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.

[0007] 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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