Sanitary glove dispensing apparatus

Abstract

A sanitary glove dispensing apparatus. The sanitary glove dispensing apparatus, dispenses connected protective gloves overlapped in a pre-determined pattern, by both cuff ends, so that finger ends of the protective gloves are not contaminated during dispensing and protecting remaining protective gloves in the apparatus from surrounding environment and from other users of the apparatus.

Claims

1. A dispenser for sanitary polymeric gloves, each of which includes two opposite surfaces with a cuff-end portion, a palm portion and a finger-end portion, comprising: a protective case including a dispensing slit; and a plurality of unfolded gloves disposed in succession into a linear unfolded chain rolled into a roll disposed within the case such that an axis of rotation of the roll is along the dispensing slit, the finger-end portion of each glove overlapping the cuff-end portion of the succeeding glove with a friction-only connection between the overlapping polymeric surfaces of adjacent gloves being such that pulling the cuff-end portion of a slit-adjacent glove rotates the roll within the protective case to unroll the chain, causing cuff-first dispensing through the slit of the slit-adjacent glove and breaking its finger-end-portion friction-only connection to the cuff-end portion of the succeeding glove in the chain, thereby leaving at least the finger-end portion of the succeeding glove within the protective case and exposing its cuff-end portion for later dispensing purposes.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the gloves include medical gloves, food service gloves and other types of protective gloves.

3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the polymeric gloves are of a material selected from the group consisting of latex, nitrile rubber, vinyl, neoprene and polyethylene.

4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispensing slit further includes a dispensing membrane coated with an antimicrobial compound to provide additional protection of gloves dispensed from the apparatus.

5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein an overlap distance between adjacent protective gloves is about four inches (about ten centimeters).

6. A dispenser for sanitary polymeric gloves, each of which includes two opposite surfaces with a cuff-end portion, a palm portion and a finger-end portion, comprising: a protective case including a dispensing slit; and a plurality of unfolded gloves disposed in succession into a linear unfolded chain rolled into a roll disposed within the case such that an axis of rotation of the roll is along the dispensing slit, the finger-end portion of each glove overlapping the cuff-end portion of the succeeding glove and having a connector forming a connection therebetween, the connection being such that pulling the cuff-end portion of a slit-adjacent glove rotates the roll within the protective case to unroll the chain, causing cuff-first dispensing through the slit of a slit-adjacent glove and breaking its finger-end-portion connection to the cuff-end portion of the succeeding glove in the chain, thereby leaving at least the finger-end portion of the succeeding glove within the protective case and exposing its cuff-end portion for later dispensing purposes.

7. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the connector is one of a chemical, heat or mechanical compression bond.

8. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the connector is a chemical bond which includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary protective glove;

(3) FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary dispensing overlap for protective gloves;

(4) FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a non-exploded view of an exemplary dispensing overlap for protective gloves;

(5) FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary dispensing overlap for protective gloves;

(6) FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary dispensing overlap for protective gloves;

(7) FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary chain of protective gloves;

(8) FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus with a roll of protective gloves;

(9) FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of an exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus;

(10) FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a top view of an exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus;

(11) FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user of an exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus;

(12) FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the exemplary user of the exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus of FIG. 10;

(13) FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of dispensing protective gloves by cuff ends by an exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(14) An important element of hand hygiene practice is the correct application of single use, non-sterile, or sterile protective gloves. The correct application can reduce the spread of pathogenic organisms. Unfortunately many studies have demonstrated the presence of bacteria and viruses on unused gloves in open boxes, non-automated and automated glove dispensers which are commonly used in all settings where non-sterile and sterile protective gloves are worn. The methods of boxing, dispensing and retrieving the protective gloves are responsible for the contamination of the glove surfaces including the finger ends and other surfaces of the gloves and lead to disease and infection outbreaks.

(15) The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines reflect current best practices for donning non-sterile gloves. The “Glove Use Information Leaflet,” World Health Organization, August 2009, is incorporated herein by reference. For example, here is the WHO procedure for donning non-sterile examination gloves from a box of gloves: “(1) take a first single glove of out a box touching only a restricted surface of the first glove including a top edge of a first cuff of the glove; (2) don the first glove pulling the glove on the hand via the top edge of the cuff with the other hand; (3) take a second single glove by a top edge of a second cuff with the ungloved hand; (4) to avoid touching skin of hand or forearm of the ungloved hand, turn the external surface of the second glove to be donned on folded fingers of the gloved hand, thus permitting the second hand to be gloved; and (6) once gloved, the finger ends of the gloved hands should not touch any surface or thing not defined for use of the protective gloves.”

(16) Thus, it is desirable to provide and method and apparatus to dispense protective glove by cuff ends without contaminating surfaces of the protective gloves and without contaminating any other remaining gloves and/or without exposing any remaining protective gloves to a surrounding environment.

(17) Protective Gloves-12

(18) “Medical gloves” are disposable gloves used during medical examinations and procedures that help prevent contamination between caregivers and patients. Medical gloves are made of different polymers including latex, nitrile rubber, vinyl, neoprene and/or other materials. Medical gloves are typically 540 mils in thickness. A mil is a unit of length equal to one thousandth (10.sup.−3) of an inch (0.0254 millimeters), used, for example, to specify the thickness of materials.

(19) Medical gloves come unpowdered, or powdered with cornstarch or other powders to lubricate the gloves, making them easier to put on the hands. Unpowdered gloves are being used more often during surgery and other sensitive procedures. Special manufacturing processes are used to compensate for the lack of powder.

(20) There are two main types of gloves: “exam” and “surgical.” Surgical gloves have more precise sizing with a better precision and sensitivity and are made to a higher standard. Exam gloves are available as either sterile or non-sterile, while surgical gloves are generally sterile. Sterile gloves are free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

(21) Food service protective gloves and/or other types of protective gloves provide a cost-effective solution general food service applications to ensure food safety protection.

(22) “Latex” is a stable dispersion emulsion of polymer microparticles in an aqueous medium. Latex itself is natural, but synthetic latexes have been made. Synthetic latexes can be made by polymerizing a monomer such asstyrene that has been emulsified with surfactants. Many people are allergic to latex and latex gloves cannot be used in such circumstances.

(23) “Nitrile rubber,” also known as Buna-N, Perbunan, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, and NBR, is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. Trade names include Nipol, Krynac and Europrene. Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is a family of unsaturated copolymers of 2-propenenitrile and various butadiene monomers (1,2-butadiene and 1,3-butadiene). Although its physical and chemical properties vary depending on the polymer's composition of nitrile, this form of synthetic rubber is unusual in being generally resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals (the more nitrile within the polymer, the higher the resistance to oils but the lower the flexibility of the material).

(24) “Neoprene” or polychloroprene is a family of synthetic rubbers that are produced by polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene exhibits good chemical stability and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range. Neoprene is sold either as solid rubber or in latex form.

(25) “Vinyl” or ethenyl is the ethylene molecule minus one hydrogen atom. When used as medical gloves, due to vinyl gloves having less flexibility and elasticity, several guidelines recommend either latex or nitrile gloves for clinical care and procedures that require manual dexterity and/or that involve patient contact for more than a brief period.

(26) “Polyethylene” (abbreviated PE) or polyethene is a common plastic. Food handler gloves made typically from PE are non-sterile and about one to five mils thickness.

(27) However, the present invention is not limited to the specific types of protective gloves 20, 20′ described and more, fewer and other types of protective gloves made from other types of materials can be used to practice the invention.

(28) FIG. 1 is a block diagram 10 illustrating an exemplary protective glove 12. The protective glove 12 includes a finger end 14 and a cuff end 16.

(29) FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary pre-determined dispensing overlap distance 20 for protective gloves 12, 12′ that are stored in a stack of gloves 36. Protective gloves 12, 12′ are connected with a pre-determined mechanical connector 22.

(30) In one embodiment, the pre-determined connector 22 is used to physically connect protective gloves 12, 12′ for dispensing by the cuff ends 16, 16′. Protective gloves 12, 12′ are properly dispensed by the cuff ends 16, 16′ avoiding contamination of the finger ends 14, 14′.

(31) In an exemplary embodiment, where the pre-determined connector 22 is used, the pre-determined connector 22 includes a connection created by a mechanical connector, by a chemical bond, a heat bond and/or a mechanical compression bond. However, the present invention is not limited to these connectors 22 and more, fewer or other connectors can also be used to practice the invention.

(32) The mechanical connector 22 includes a small piece of tape or paper, plastic or other material and/or a grasping tab 28 with an applied pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) as described herein. The tape includes medical tape, painters tape, cellophane tape or other type of tape depending on the type of protective gloves being used.

(33) When protective gloves 12, 12′ are dispensed, the tape can be used as a manual method to track how many gloves are dispensed by users 58. For example, each time protective gloves 12, 12′ are dispensed by user 58, the user can place the piece of tape on a wall chart under his name next to a timeline indicating a time when the gloves where changed.

(34) However, the tape connector 22 is not as desirable in a food service environment without care so the tape connector 22 does not end up in any food being served. It is also not as desirable in some medical environments such as surgical environments so the tape does not end up in any patients being operating on, etc.

(35) The chemical connector 22 includes plural types of adhesives, rubber cement and/or other type of glues and/or adhesives that create a temporary chemical bond but does not affect use of the protective gloves 12, 12′ in any environment that the protective gloves 12, 12′ are used in. In one embodiment, the chemical connector 32 includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

(36) In one exemplary embodiment, the chemical connector 22 includes a “pressure-sensitive adhesive” (also called a self-adhesive, self-stick adhesive). A PSA is an adhesive which forms a bond when pressure is applied to marry an adhesive with au adhered surface. No solvent, water, or heat is needed to activate the adhesive. PSA are used in pressure-sensitive tapes, labels, note pads, and a wide variety of other products. A common example of a PSA is that used on the sticky-notes such as POST-IT notes.

(37) PSAs are known and commonly used on medical applications such as contact wound care dressings, EKG electrode pads, medical tapes, analgesic and transdermal drug patches, and other medical applications.

(38) Pressure-sensitive adhesives are designed with a balance between flow and resistance to flow. The bond forms because the adhesive is soft enough to flow, or wet, the “adherend.” The bond has strength because the adhesive is hard enough to resist flow when stress is applied to the bond. Once the adhesive and the adherend are in proximity, there are also molecular interactions such as van der Waals forces involved in the bond, which contribute significantly to the ultimate bond strength. PSAs exhibit viscoelastic (viscous and elastic) properties, both of which are used for proper bonding.

(39) Pressure-sensitive adhesives are characterized by their shear and peel resistance as well as their initial tack. These properties are dependent, among other things, on the formulation, coating thickness and temperature.

(40) PSAs are usually based on an elastomer compounded with a suitable tackifier such as a rosin ester. An “elastomer” is a polymer with viscoelasticity (having both viscosity and elasticity) and very weak inter-molecular forces, generally having low Young's modulus and high failure strain compared with other materials. “Esters” are derived from an acid (e.g., Carbolic acid, etc.) and an alcohol. The elastomers include, but are not limited to, Butyl rubber Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), Natural rubber, nitriles, Silicone rubbers. Styrene block copolymers (SBC) and/or Vinyl ethers. However, the present invention is not limited to these elastomers and other compounds for PSAs can be used to practice the invention.

(41) None of the PSA's or other adhesives and/or glues used with the invention are harmful or detrimental to the user 58 of the protective gloves 12, 12′ or anything the user 58 is using the gloves 12, 12′ on or for surgical patient, etc.).

(42) All of the bonds produced by the various types of PSA based bonding for the chemical connectors 22 are easily broken by a small mechanical force 62 applied to gloves 12, 12′, such as downward force 62 by pulling the cuff end 16 of the first protective glove 12 in a downward motion and detaching it from the second protective glove 12′ in the pair of bonded protective gloves as well as moving the second protective glove 12′ out of the apparatus 40, 40′ far enough for dispensing as well.

(43) In one exemplary embodiment, a heat connector 22 includes heat bonding of protective gloves 12, 12′. The heat bonding includes, but is not limited to such methods as radiant heat bonding, point-bonding, ultrasonic boning, and/or other heat-based bonding techniques.

(44) “Radiant heat bonding” takes place by exposing the protective gloves to a source of radiant energy in the infrared range. The electromagnetic energy radiated from the source is absorbed by the protective gloves 12, 12′, increasing their temperature. The application of radiant heat is controlled so that it melts a small portion of the protective gloves 12, 12′ material without affecting the rest of the glove surface. Bonding occurs when the glove material re-solidifies upon removal of the source of radiant heat.

(45) “Point-bonding” is a method for thermally bonding in disposables as diaper, sanitary products, and medical products. This method involves the use of a two-roll nip consisting of a heated male patterned metal roll and a smooth or patterned metal roll. This second roll may or may not be heated, depending on the application. In a typical production line, each of gloves 12, 12′ is fed by an apron leading to a calender nip and the glove material temperature is raised to the point at which tackiness and melting cause glove material segments caught between the tips of engraved points and the smooth roll to adhere together. A “calender” is a series of hard pressure rollers used to form or smooth a sheet of material such as paper or plastic film or protective gloves 12. The heating time is typically of the order of milliseconds. The bond breaking strength is dependent on the process temperature and pressure and other parameters like the contact time, quench rate and calender pattern.

(46) “Ultrasonic bonding” is a process that involves the application of rapidly alternating compressive forces of ultrasonic vibrations to localized areas of the protective glove materials. The stress created by these compressive forces is converted to thermal energy, which softens the protective glove materials as they are pressed against each other. Upon removal from the source of ultrasonic vibration, the softened glove materials cool, solidifying the bond points. This method is frequently used for spot or patterned bonding of mechanically bonded materials. No binder is necessary when synthetic materials are used since these materials are self-bonding.

(47) All of the bonds produced by the various types of heat based bonding are easily broken by a small mechanical force 62 applied to the pair of gloves, such as downward force by pulling the cuff end 16 of the first protective glove 12 in a downward motion and detaching it from the second protective glove 12′ in the pair or bonded protective gloves.

(48) In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanical connector 22 includes mechanical compression bonds created by running each pair of protective gloves through a die that presses or rolls a small portion of protective gloves 12, 12′ together under high pressure.

(49) All of the bonds produced by the various types of mechanical based bonding are easily broken by a small mechanical force applied to the gloves, such as downward force by pulling the cuff end 16 of the first protective glove 12 in a downward motion and detaching it from the second protective glove 12′ in the pair of bonded protective gloves.

(50) FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a non-exploded view of exemplary pre-determined dispensing overlap distance 20 for protective gloves 12, 12′ that are stored in a chain 34 and/or stack of gloves 36.

(51) The pre-determined dispensing overlap distance 20 includes overlapping a finger end 14″ of a second glove 12′ a pre-determined distance 20 over a palm, finger 14 and cuff end 16 of a first glove 12 in each pair of protective gloves 12, 12′. It has been determined experimentally that the optimal pre-determined overlap distance is about four inches (about ten centimeters) for the overlap distance to effectively dispense protective gloves 12, 12′ by the cuff ends 16, 16′.

(52) FIG. 4 is a block diagram 26 illustrating an exemplary dispensing overlap for protective gloves 12, 12′ with additional grasping tab 28.

(53) In one embodiment of the invention, each protective glove 12 further includes an additional grasping tab 28 (FIG. 4) on the cuff end 16, 16′ of each pair protective gloves 12, 12′. In one embodiment, the grasping tab 28 is added to a protective glove 12, 12′ during a manufacturing process and is an integral part of the gloves 12, 12′. In such an embodiment, the grasping tabs 28 are used to grasp protective gloves 12, 12′ so not even the cuff ends 16, 16′ of the protective gloves 12, 12′ are touched by a user when the gloves 12, 12′ are dispensed from the apparatus 40, 40′.

(54) In another embodiment, the grasping tab 28 is an additional type of mechanical connector 22 that is added after the gloves 12, 12′ are manufactured (e.g., with a PSA, etc.)

(55) In another embodiment, the grasping tab 28 includes an antimicrobial compound. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and the invention can be practiced without using the additional grasping tab 28 on the protective gloves 12, 12′.

(56) In one embodiment, the pre-determined connector 22 is not used at all. Instead the additional grasping tab on the cuff end 16, 16′ of each pair protective gloves 12, 12′ is used instead to connect protective gloves 12, 12′. The additional grasping tab may also include a chemical (e.g., PSA, etc.) or mechanical bond to keep protective gloves 12, 12′ protected.

(57) Protective gloves 12, 12′ are illustrated as being connected with additional grasping tab. Various combinations of protective gloves 12, 12′ can be used to practice the invention and gloves 12, 12′ with and/or without connector 22 and/or with and without additional grasping tab can be mixed in a chain 34 or stack 36 of protective gloves.

(58) FIG. 5 is a block diagram 30 illustrating an exemplary dispensing overlap for protective gloves 12″, 12″.

(59) In one embodiment, the pre-determined connector 22 is not used at all to physically connect protective gloves 12″, 12′″. In such an embodiment, protective gloves 12, 12′ are kept together with friction forces caused by the pre-determined overlap distance 20 of protective gloves 12, 12′.

(60) A friction force is a force exerted by a surface when an object moves across it (e.g., kinetic friction) or makes an effort to move across it (e.g., static friction). A “coefficient or friction” is a ratio between a force necessary to move one surface horizontally over another and the pressure between the two surfaces.

(61) Protective gloves made of the various materials described herein have coefficient of frictions large enough to prevent protection gloves 12, 12′ from becoming separated when stacked into a chain 34 or stack 36 of protective gloves 12, 12′. For example, the static coefficient of friction for surfaces of latex gloves known in the art range from about 0.38 for the donning surface (e.g., cuff end 16, 16′) to about 1.17 for the gripping surfaces (i.e., fingers 14, 14″, palm, etc.). In comparison, the coefficient of static friction for sandpaper on cardboard is about 0.81. So there is more than enough friction from the overlap of the protective gloves to keep the gloves together for dispensing by the cuff ends.

(62) FIG. 6 is a block diagram 32 illustrating a top view of an exemplary chain 34 of protective gloves 12, 12′, 12″, 12′” overlapped 24 and connected with pre-determined connector 22. The gloves 12 in the chain 34 are illustrated with optimal overlap distance 20 adjusted to allow easier viewing of the features of the invention in the drawings.

(63) The chain 34 of protective gloves 12, 12′, 12′, 12′” allows protective gloves 12, 12′ to be dispensed by the cuff ends 16, 16′ and also allows a cuff end 16″ of a next glove 12″ in a next protective glove 12,“, 12” to be partially exposed to allow dispensing of the next protective glove 12″, 12′″.

(64) In this embodiment, the chain 34 of protective gloves 12, 12′, 12″, 12′″ allows protective gloves 12, 12′ to be dispensed by cuff ends 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″ from glove dispensing apparatus 40,40′ to prevent contamination of the finger ends 14, 14′, 14″, 14′″ of the protective gloves.

(65) The stack 36 of protective gloves 12 includes pre-determined connectors 22 connecting protective gloves 12, 12′ and 12′, 12″. In this embodiment, the pre-determined connectors 22 (e.g., PSA, bonding, tape, grasping tab 28, etc.) used between each of protective gloves 12, 12′, 12′, 12′” allow protective gloves 12, 12′ to be dispensed by the cuff ends 16, 16′ and also allow a cuff end 16″ of a next glove 12″ be partially exposed to allow dispensing of the next protective glove 12″, 12″.

(66) In this embodiment, the stack 36 of protective gloves 12, 12′, 12″, 12′” allows protective gloves 12, 12′ to be dispensed by cuff ends 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″ from glove dispensing apparatus 40,40′ to prevent contamination of the finger ends 14, 14′, 14″, 14′″ of the protective gloves.

(67) In another embodiment, the stack 36 of protective gloves 12 does not include any mechanical connectors 22. In such an embodiment, frictional forces allow proper dispensing of the protective gloves 12 by the cuff ends 16.

(68) In one embodiment, the chains 34 or stacks 36 of protective gloves are attached to a paper and/or plastic and/or other material. However, this embodiment is less preferred because the attachment paper, etc. material generates significant amounts of additional waste that must be discarded and also adds additional cost to each chain 34 or stack 36 of protective gloves.

(69) In one embodiment, the chains 34 and/or stacks 36 of protective gloves 12 include a protective cover (e.g., cellophane, vinyl, PVC, etc.) that protects the gloves 12 and is removed before installing into glove dispensing apparatus 40, 40′. The chains 34 and/or stacks 36 may also include a paper leader and/or plastic leader and/or leader made of another materials that is fed through a dispensing slot 44 for dispensing the protective gloves 12, 12′ by cuff ends 16, 16″. The paper leader is discarded after it is fed through dispensing slot 44 leaving the protective gloves 12, 12′ connected together on the roll for dispensing from the glove dispensing apparatus 40, 40′.

(70) In drawings, the dispensing slot 44 is illustrated as a rectangular shaped dispensing slot. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other shapes can be used for the dispensing slot 44 to practice the invention.

(71) However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

(72) Exemplary Protective Glove Dispensing Apparatus-40

(73) FIG. 8 is a block diagram 38 illustrating an exemplary side view of a protective glove dispensing apparatus 40 (not drawn to scale).

(74) FIG. 9 is a block diagram 50 illustrating an exemplary side view of a protective glove dispensing apparatus 40′ (not drawn to scale).

(75) In FIG. 8, the glove apparatus 40 includes a protective case 42; a dispensing slot 44 in a surface 46 of the protective case 42 for dispensing protective gloves 12, 12′ by cuff ends 16, 16′; a dispensing membrane 48 integral to the dispensing slot 44 with a membrane material with a pre-determined coefficient of friction value to separate a first protective glove 12 and expose a cuff end of a second protective glove 12′ in protective gloves 12, 12′, and to expose a cuff end 16″ of a next of protective gloves 12″, 12′” for dispensing when one or more small mechanical forces are applied to a cuff end 16 of a protective glove 12; protective gloves 12 connected and stored in a predetermined storage configuration protective gloves connected in the chain 34 with a pre-determined connector, wherein each of the individual gloves 12, 12′ is stored in the pre-determined storage configuration of protective gloves in a pre-determined overlap pattern 20, wherein protective gloves 12, 12′ from the plural protective gloves 12 in the pre-determined storage configuration of protective gloves is dispensed from the chain 34 of protective gloves by the cuff ends 16, 16′ through the dispensing membrane 48 avoiding contaminating the finger surfaces 14, 14′ by a user of the protective gloves 12 during dispensing.

(76) However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and more, fewer or other components in the glove dispensing apparatus can also be used to practice the invention.

(77) In one embodiment, the protective case 42 includes a paper, cardboard, plastic and/or other material. In such an embodiment, the protective case 42 is made from a disposable material. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

(78) In another embodiment, the protective case 42 is made from a non-disposable material that is re-usable and re-fillable with new chains 34 and/or stacks 36 and/or other configurations of protective gloves 12. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

(79) In a preferred embodiment, the protective case 42 is specifically sized and shaped to conform to existing size boxes of protective gloves.

(80) For example, the protective case 42 is a rectangular box about three inches in depth, about five inches in width and about ten inches in length (e.g., about seven centimeters by about 12 centimeters by about twenty-five centimeters, etc.). The about three inch depth allows one hundred total protective gloves 12 to be stored in such a standardized box. Standard size boxes of protective gloves known in the art typically include one hundred protective gloves stored in a random clump within the confines of the box and are dispensed through an oval or circular shaped perforated hole in the box and do not include a dispensing membrane.

(81) In the present invention, the standardized size of the protective case allows the protective case 42 including the protective gloves to be easily inserted into virtually all existing glove racks already known in the prior art for holding prior art boxes of protective gloves.

(82) However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and other standard, non-standard sized and shaped embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

(83) In one embodiment, the dispensing slot 44 is included in a side surface 46 of the protective case 42 (FIG. 8). In this embodiment, it has been determined experimentally that including the dispensing slot 44 at about a mid-point in a side surface of the protective case 42 allows all of the gloves 12, 12′ in the chain 34 of protective gloves 12 to be efficiently dispensed without use of a spring and/or other internal pressure mechanism that would push remaining gloves 12 in the chain 34 up and towards the dispensing slot 44. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention with the dispensing slot 44 in another surface of the protective case and without and/or with a spring and/or other internal pressure mechanism.

(84) In another embodiment, the dispensing slot 44 of the glove dispensing apparatus 40′ is included in a top surface 46′ (FIG. 9). However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

(85) In another embodiment, the dispensing slot 44 is included in a bottom surface 46″ (FIG. 9) In such an embodiment, the apparatus 40, 40′ can be used in existing glove dispensing apparatus that allow protective gloves to be dispensed downward. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

(86) In one embodiment, the dispensing membrane 48 is integral to the dispensing slot 44 for protecting protective gloves 12, 12′ during dispensing and for protecting the plural protective gloves 12 in the chain 34 of protective gloves 12 from contamination includes an antimicrobial surface with an antimicrobial agent that inhibits or reduces the ability of microorganisms to grow on the surface of the dispensing membrane 46. The antimicrobial agents, include, but are not limited to, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and/or other antimicrobial agents.

(87) In another embodiment, the dispensing membrane 48 coats each of protective gloves 12, 12′ as they are dispensed from the gloved dispensing apparatus 40 with an antimicrobial agent. In such an embodiment, the dispensing membrane 48 includes an antimicrobial gel and/or other antimicrobial coating that is transferred from the dispensing membrane 48 onto each of protective gloves 12, 12′ as they are dispensed for additional anti-contamination protection. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and the invention can be practiced with and/or without any antimicrobial surfaces.

(88) In one embodiment, the apparatus 40, if it includes a protective case 42 made out of a durable material such as plastic, rubber, composite materials, etc. further includes a dispensing membrane 48 that is replaceable, selectively removable and attachable and is replaced every time a new chain 34 of protective gloves is added to glove dispensing apparatus 40 to ensure the protective gloves 12 are not contaminated by an environment and/or user 58 the glove dispensing apparatus 40 is being operated in as the protective gloves 12, 12′ are dispensed.

(89) However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

(90) In one embodiment, the pre-determined storage configuration of protective gloves includes a plurality of protective gloves 12, 12′ stored in a chain 34 (FIG. 6) stack 36 (FIG. 8) or on a roll 68 (FIG. 7) of protective gloves 12, 12′ for dispensing protective gloves 12, 12′ by cuff ends 16, 16′.

(91) However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and other embodiments and other storage configurations can be used to practice the invention.

(92) In one embodiment, the chain 34 of protective gloves 12 is folded in a pre-determined manner to fit within the protective case 42 to allow easy dispensing by the cuff ends 16.

(93) In one embodiment, the chain 34 of protective gloves is folded in a zig-zag pattern. A cuff end 16 of a first protective glove 12 extends from the dispensing slot 44. The first protective glove 12 overlaps (FIGS. 3-5) the second protective glove 12′ with the pre-determined distance 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other folding patterns and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

(94) In one embodiment, the connectors 22, 22′ are a same connector. In another embodiment, the connectors 22, 22′ are different connectors.

(95) FIG. 10 is a block diagram 56 illustrating an exemplary user 58 of an exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus 40 (not drawn to scale) with the dispensing slot 44 on a side surface 46 (e.g., FIG. 8).

(96) To dispense protective gloves, a user 58 tugs with the first hand 60 (or both hands 60, 60′, etc.) on the exposed first cuff end 16 of the first glove 12 with a small mechanical force 62 such as a small mechanical force 62 of about five pounds of force or about 22.2 Newtons (N), etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such forces and other mechanical forces can be used to practice the invention.

(97) In the United States, the small mechanical force 62 includes about five pounds or 22.2N force that is a maximum force an apparatus 40 can require for user actions and still be compliant for use under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (e.g., 42 U.S.C. ch. 126, § 12101 et seq.). However, the present invention is not limited to ADA compliant apparatus and other apparatus can be used to practice the invention.

(98) The small mechanical force 62 in combination with the coefficient of friction of the dispensing membrane 48 is enough to break the connection between pre-determined connector 22 (FIG. 3) and/or the grasping tabs 28 (FIG. 4) and/or overcome the coefficient of friction between the first glove 12 and the second glove 12′ (FIG. 5) to fully dispense the first glove 12 and advance the cuff end 16′ of the second glove 12′ into an exposed position in the glove dispensing apparatus 40 for dispensing.

(99) FIG. 11 is a block diagram 62 illustrating the exemplary user 58 of the exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus 40 of FIG. 10 (not drawn to scale). The user 58 in FIG. 11 has dispensed with a first mechanical force 62 and donned the first protective glove 12 by the cuff end 16 and is ready to dispense the second protective glove 12′ by the cuff end 16′ with another small mechanical force 62′.

(100) The small mechanical force 62 in combination with the coefficient of friction of the dispensing membrane 48 is enough to break the connection between the second protective glove 12′ and the third protective 12″, fully dispense the second protective glove 12′ and also advance the cuff end 16″ of the third protective glove into an expose position in the glove dispensing apparatus 40 for dispensing.

(101) The small mechanical forces 62, 62′ are used for dispensing protective gloves 12, 12′ by the cuff ends 16, 16′ when the gloves 12 are stored in a chain 34, stack 36 [ [38]] and/or any other configuration within the glove dispensing apparatus 40.

(102) In addition, the small mechanical forces 62, 62′ are used in a similar manner for dispensing protective gloves 12, 12′ by the cuff ends 16, 16′ when the dispensing slot 44 is on a side surface (FIG. 8) or top surface (FIG. 9) of the glove dispensing apparatus 12.

(103) However, the present inventions is not limited to these embodiments and other embodiments with other combinations of elements can be used to practice the invention.

(104) The drawings included herein illustrate a protective glove 12 extending out of glove dispensing apparatus 40, 40′ with a thumb of a finger portion 14 exposed to further illustrate features of the invention. However, in an actual embodiment, only a small portion of the cuff portion 16 of a protective glove 12 is exposed to the surrounding environment.

(105) In another embodiment, the dispensing slot 44 further includes a protective flap 49 (FIG. 8) that protects most of the cuff end 16 of a protective glove 12 from the surrounding environment. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and the invention can be practiced without the protective flap.

(106) In another embodiment, protective gloves 12 are folded one or more times over and around a vertical axis. After the fold, protective gloves are smaller in size when compared with a full size of an unfolded protective glove. The folding allows protective gloves 12, 12′ to be stored in smaller protective cases 14 and dispensed from apparatus 40, 40′. The folded protective gloves 12, 12′ are still dispensed by the cuff ends 16, 16′ and still easily grabbed, unfolded and applied to a user's 58 hands 60, 60′.

(107) In another embodiment, only thumb portions of protective gloves 12, 12′ are folded inward around a vertical axis onto the finger portions 14, 14′ of the protective gloves. This also allows a chain 34 or stack 36 to be shorter in width. The folded thumbs have minimal effects on the dispensing and donning of protective gloves 12, 12′ as they are dispensed by the cuff ends from the apparatus 40, 40′.

(108) FIG. 7 is a block diagram 66 illustrating an exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus with a roll of protective gloves 68.

(109) The roll of protective gloves 68 includes protective gloves 12, 12′ rolled onto the roll 68 with the pre-determined overlap 20 and with and/or without pre-determined connector 22 and/or additional grasping tab 28 so protective gloves 12, 12′ are dispensed by cuff end 16, 16′ from the glove dispensing apparatus 40, 40. The one or more small mechanical forces 62, 62′ are applied by the user 58 to rotate the roll 68 within the protective case 14.

(110) Method for Dispensing Protective Gloves

(111) FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 70 of dispensing protective gloves by cuff ends from the exemplary protective glove dispensing apparatus. At Step 72, a first small mechanical force is applied to a first cuff end of a first protective glove exposed from a sanitary glove dispensing apparatus to fully dispense the first protective glove and expose a second cuff end of a second protective glove, the sanitary glove dispensing apparatus including a plurality of protective gloves connected and stored in a pre-determined storage configuration of protective gloves connected in the pre-determined storage configuration with a pre-determined connector, wherein each of the individual gloves is stored in the pre-determined storage configuration of protective gloves in a pre-determined overlap pattern, wherein protective gloves from the plural protective gloves in the pre-determined storage configuration of protective gloves is dispensed by the cuff ends through a dispensing membrane avoiding contaminating the finger surfaces by a user of the protective gloves during dispensing. At Step 74, a second small mechanical force is applied to the second cuff end of the second protective glove exposed from the sanitary glove dispensing apparatus to fully dispense the second protective glove and expose a third cuff end of a third protective glove.

(112) Method 70 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

(113) In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 72, a first small mechanical force 62 is applied to a first cuff end 16 of a first protective glove 12 exposed from a sanitary glove dispensing apparatus 40, 40′ to fully dispense the first protective glove 12 and expose a second cuff end 16′ of a second protective glove 12′ protective gloves 12, 12′, the sanitary glove dispensing apparatus 40, 40′ including plurality of protective gloves 12 connected and stored in a pre-determined storage configuration, including, but not limited to, a chain 34, stack 36 and/or roll 68 of protective gloves 12 including a plurality of protective gloves 12 connected in the pre-determined storage configuration 34, 36, 68 with a pre-determined connector 22, wherein each of the individual gloves 12 in the pair of protective gloves is stored in the pre-determined storage configuration of protective gloves in a pre-determined overlap pattern 20, wherein protective gloves from the plural protective gloves in the pre-determined storage configuration of protective gloves is dispensed by the cuff ends 16, 16′. through a dispensing membrane avoiding contaminating the finger surfaces 14, 14′ by a user 58 of the protective gloves during dispensing.

(114) At Step 72, a second small mechanical force 62′ is applied to the second cuff end 14′ of the second protective glove 12′ exposed from the sanitary glove dispensing apparatus 40, 40′ to fully dispense the second protective glove 12′ and expose a third cuff end 16″ of a third protective glove 12″.

(115) The embodiments described herein dispense protective gloves 12, 12′ by the cuff ends 16, 16′ and prevent contamination of the finger surface 14, 14′ of the protective gloves. The present invention helps to dramatically decrease transfer of pathogenic organisms by health care and food service workers.

(116) The embodiments of the claimed invention described herein dispenses protective gloves 12, 12′ in a way that is in stark contrast to boxes of protective gloves or other mechanical glove dispensers known in the prior art. Protective gloves stored in such prior art boxes are stored in random clumps of gloves in random orientations in which the protective gloves 12, 12′ can be extracted from the glove box by the finger ends 14 instead of the cuff 16 end and in which multiple gloves can and are normally and typically removed from the box, touched and contaminated by one or more users and even put back into the box after being contaminated by plural users to further contaminate the remaining gloves in the glove box. In the glove dispensers known in the art, once a first protective glove is dispensed, a portion of other finger ends of protective gloves in the box are constantly exposed to the environment allowing that protective glove or gloves to be continually touched and contaminated by the external environment to which the protective gloves are exposed.

(117) Presented herein is a sanitary glove dispensing apparatus. The sanitary glove dispensing apparatus, dispenses connected protective gloves overlapped in a pre-determined pattern, by both cuff ends, so finger ends of the protective gloves are not contaminated during dispensing and protecting remaining protective gloves in the apparatus from surrounding environment and from other users of the apparatus.

(118) It should be understood that the architecture, programs, processes, methods and systems described herein are not related or limited to any particular type of computer or network system (hardware or software), unless indicated otherwise. Various types of general purpose or specialized computer systems may be used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings described herein.

(119) In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles of the present invention can be applied, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the steps of the flow diagrams may be taken in sequences other than those described, and more or fewer elements may be used in the block diagrams.

(120) While various elements of the preferred embodiments have been described as being implemented in software, in other embodiments hardware or firmware implementations may alternatively be used, and vice-versa.

(121) The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. In addition, use of the term “means” in any claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, and any claim without the word “means” is not so intended. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.