Glove with fit-enhancing, absorbent gauntlet

Abstract

The present invention is an improved glove having a fit enhancing, moisture absorbent component attached to the interior of the gauntlet of the glove on at least a portion thereof. The fit-enhancing, moisture absorbent component, or gauntlet insert, provides a closer fit of the glove around the wearer's wrist than the fit provided by the glove shell itself in the absence of the gauntlet insert. In addition, the gauntlet insert provides moisture absorption to collect perspiration which runs from the hand to the wrist area, as well as perspiration which runs from the arm toward the hand during use by the wearer. Both the fit and absorption features of the gauntlet insert provide for improved tactility, dexterity and comfort to the wearer during use.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A glove comprising: 
 a hand-shaped article having at least one finger stall, a thumb stall, a proximal portion, a distal portion and a gauntlet, said gauntlet defining an opening to the inner surface of the glove; and    a fit-enhancing absorbent component attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of said gauntlet.    
     
     
         2 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said hand-shaped component comprises a permeable material.  
     
     
         3 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said hand-shaped component comprises an impermeable material.  
     
     
         4 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component is attached to said gauntlet by stitching.  
     
     
         5 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component is attached to said gauntlet by an adhesive.  
     
     
         6 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component is attached to said gauntlet by welding.  
     
     
         7 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component comprises a pad.  
     
     
         8 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component encircles the wrist of the wearer during use.  
     
     
         9 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component comprises a material having a water absorbency of at least 20% by weight of the material.  
     
     
         10 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component comprises a blend of 80% cotton and 20% of a spandex synthetic fiber.  
     
     
         11 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component comprises a blend of 89% cotton and 11% spandex synthetic fiber.  
     
     
         12 . A chemical protective glove comprising: 
 a glove shell comprising a material which is impermeable to chemical agents, said glove shell having at least one finger stall, a thumb stall, a proximal portion, a distal portion and a gauntlet which defines an opening to the inner surface of the glove; and    a fit-enhancing absorbent component attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of said gauntlet.    
     
     
         13 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said glove shell comprises butyl rubber.  
     
     
         14 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said glove shell comprises aluminized polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol.  
     
     
         15 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said glove shell comprises an elastomer.  
     
     
         16 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component is attached to said gauntlet by stitching.  
     
     
         17 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component is attached to said gauntlet by an adhesive.  
     
     
         18 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component is attached to said gauntlet by welding.  
     
     
         19 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component comprises a pad.  
     
     
         20 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component encircles the wrist of the wearer during use.  
     
     
         21 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component comprises a material having a water absorbency of at least 20% by weight of the material.  
     
     
         22 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component comprises a blend of 80% cotton and 20% of a spandex synthetic fiber.  
     
     
         23 . The chemical protective glove of  claim 12 , wherein said fit-enhancing absorbent component comprises a blend of 89% cotton and 11% spandex synthetic fiber.