TWO-PART EASY-ON AND STAY-ON MITTENS, GLOVES, AND HAND-COVERING DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

Abstract

A two-part easy-on and stay-on mitten includes a cuff part donned before, and a mitten part donned after, a jacket. The cuff part extends from mid-palm to mid-forearm and protects the wrist against cold. It has a thumb hole which secures it in place while pushing an arm through the jacket's sleeve. The cuff and mitten parts have mating fastener patches, which securely and removably engage one another. The cuff part can be worn interchangeably on a left or right hand, and leaves the fingers free to close the jacket's zippers and buttons. The mitten part has a closeable slit that provides a clear line of sight to guide the wearer's thumb into a mitten thumb hole. A mitten strap closes the slit and removably secures the fastener patches in engagement with one another. The strap has a tab member which can be grasped while wearing a mitten.

Claims

1. A two-part easy-on and stay-on device, for use by a wearer as a mitten, glove, and/or hand-covering and for use with a jacket, comprising a cuff (or arm warmer) part and a mitten (or glove or hand-covering) part; wherein the cuff part is adapted to be donned before the jacket and/or has a size and/or configuration which readily slides and/or fits underneath the jacket when donned and being donned; wherein the cuff part is adapted to readily receive and permit sliding of the wearer's hand therethrough; wherein one extent of the cuff part is shaped to define a cuff thumb hole portion, which is adapted to receive and engage the hand's thumb; wherein, when the cuff thumb hole portion receives and engages the hand's thumb, the cuff part is thus secured in place while the wearer pushes their arm through the jacket's sleeve, and/or thus anchored substantially in place, relative to the wearer's arm, across a wide range of motion permitted by the wearer's arm and/or shoulders; wherein the cuff part is sized, shaped, and/or adapted to extend from about the wearer's mid-palm to about mid-forearm, whereby the cuff part protects the wearer's wrist against cold and/or snow; wherein the cuff part is constructed of a thin, insulating, waterproof, and/or stretchy cuff material, whereby the cuff part provides thermal insulation, warmth, a waterproof barrier, and/or conformal contact with a wide range of potential wrist diameters for the wearer, and/or whereby the cuff part readily fits over a sleeve of a sweater and/or of other clothing worn underneath the cuff part; wherein the cuff material has a thinness, and/or the cuff part is otherwise adapted, to readily pass through the jacket's sleeve; wherein the cuff part has one or more (hook-and-loop and/or other) first fastener patches, which mate with and/or securely engage one or more (hook-and-loop and/or other) second fastener patches that are provided on an inside portion of the mitten part; wherein the second fastener patches of the mitten part are oriented to mate with the first fastener patches of the cuff part; wherein the cuff part has two first fastener patches, and two second fastener patches are provided on the mitten part, top and bottom, whereby the cuff part is readily adapted to be worn interchangeably on the wearer's left hand and right hand; wherein, after the wearer pushes their arm through the jacket's sleeve with the cuff thumb hole portion receiving and engaging the hand's thumb, the cuff part protects the wearer's wrist while the wearer's fingers remain free and are afforded sufficient dexterity to close and/or fasten any zippers, snaps, and/or buttons on the jacket; wherein the mitten part is shaped to define a mitten thumb hole portion and a slit; wherein the slit extends from adjacent a base portion of the mitten part, and is adapted to extend, when worn, to about the wearer's third knuckle on the index finger; wherein the slit is adapted to provide the wearer and/or another user with a clear line of sight into the mitten thumb hole portion and/or ready access to guide the wearer's thumb into the mitten thumb portion; wherein the mitten part has a panel and/or strap member; wherein, when the wearer's fingers and thumb are engaged in the mitten, the panel and/or strap member is closed thus (a) closing the slit on the mitten part, whereby the wearer's hand and/or wrist is protected from the weather, and/or (b) urging the second fastener patches on the inside portion of the mitten part towards, and/or into more secure engagement with, the first fastener patches of the cuff part, whereby the mitten part is fixed in place relative to the cuff part and/or prevented from accidentally falling off and/or from being casually or unintentionally removed; and/or wherein the panel and/or strap member has a tab (and/or similar) member which is shaped, sized, configured, and/or otherwise adapted to permit ready manipulation by the wearer while wearing the mitten part, and/or to permit selective and/or ready removal of the mitten part by the wearer.

2. A two-part easy-on and stay-on device, for use by a wearer as a mitten, glove, and hand-covering and for use with a jacket, comprising a cuff part and a mitten part, wherein the cuff part is adapted to be donned before the jacket and has a size and configuration which readily slides and fits underneath the jacket when donned and being donned, and wherein the cuff part is adapted to readily receive and permit sliding of the wearer's hand therethrough.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein one extent of the cuff part is shaped to define a cuff thumb hole portion, which is adapted to receive and engage the hand's thumb.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein, when the cuff thumb hole portion receives and engages the hand's thumb, the cuff part is thus secured in place while the wearer pushes their arm through the jacket's sleeve, and thus anchored substantially in place, relative to the wearer's arm, across a wide range of motion permitted by the wearer's arm and shoulders.

5. A device according to claim 2, wherein the cuff part is sized, shaped, and adapted to extend from about the wearer's mid-palm to about mid-forearm, whereby the cuff part protects the wearer's wrist against cold and snow.

6. A device according to claim 2, wherein the cuff part is constructed of a thin, insulating, waterproof, and stretchy cuff material, whereby the cuff part provides thermal insulation, warmth, a waterproof barrier, and conformal contact with a wide range of potential wrist diameters for the wearer, and whereby the cuff part readily fits over a sleeve of a sweater worn underneath the cuff part.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the cuff material has a thinness, and the cuff part is adapted, to readily pass through the jacket's sleeve.

8. A device according to claim 2, wherein the cuff part has one or more first fastener patches, wherein an inside portion of the mitten part has one or more second fastener patches that are oriented to mate with the first fastener patches of the cuff part, and wherein the first fastener patches mate with and securely engage the second fastener patches.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the first fastener patches and the second fastener patches are hook-and-loop fastener patches.

10. A device according to claim 8, wherein the cuff part has two of the first fastener patches, and the mitten part has two of the second fastener patches, whereby the cuff part is readily adapted to be worn interchangeably on the wearer's left hand and right hand.

11. A device according to claim 3 wherein, after the wearer pushes their arm through the jacket's sleeve with the cuff thumb hole portion receiving and engaging the hand's thumb, the cuff part protects the wearer's wrist while the wearer's fingers remain free and are afforded sufficient dexterity to close and fasten zippers, snaps, and buttons on the jacket.

12. A device according to claim 8, wherein the mitten part is shaped to define a mitten thumb hole portion and a slit; wherein the slit extends from adjacent a base portion of the mitten part, and is adapted to extend, when worn, to about the wearer's third knuckle on the index finger; and wherein the slit is adapted to provide the wearer and other users with a clear line of sight into the mitten thumb hole portion and ready access to guide the wearer's thumb into the mitten thumb portion.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the mitten part has a panel and strap member and wherein, when the wearer's fingers and thumb are engaged in the mitten, the panel and strap member is closed thus (a) closing the slit on the mitten part, whereby the wearer's hand and wrist is protected from the weather, and (b) urging the second fastener patches on the inside portion of the mitten part towards, and into more secure engagement with, the first fastener patches of the cuff part, whereby the mitten part is fixed in place relative to the cuff part and prevented from accidentally falling off and from being casually and unintentionally removed.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the panel and strap member has a tab member which is shaped, sized, configured, and adapted to permit ready manipulation by the wearer while wearing the mitten part, and to permit selective and ready removal of the mitten part by the wearer.

15. Systems and methods for using of the device of claim 2 as a mitten, glove, and hand-covering, and for making the device of claim 2 for use as a mitten, glove, and hand-covering.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the two-part easy-on and stay-on mittens, gloves, and hand-covering devices, systems, and methods according to the present invention, as to their structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following figures in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the figures are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying figures:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a cuff according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a bottom fastener thereof, and shown in use extending from the user's forearm to fingers and with the user's thumb extending through a cuff thumb hole;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cuff of FIG. 1, showing a top fastener thereof;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a top view of the cuff of FIG. 2, shown in use extending beyond the user's jacket sleeve;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a top view of a mitten according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a panel and strap of the mitten in an open position;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the mitten of FIG. 4 with the panel and strap in the open position;

[0039] FIG. 6 is an inside insertion view of the mitten of FIG. 4 with the panel and strap in the open position, showing a fastener and a thumb hole of the mitten;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a top view of the mitten of FIG. 4 being donned, with the panel and strap in the open position, showing the mitten and cuff fasteners beginning to engage one another, and showing the mitten thumb hole through a slit of the mitten;

[0041] FIG. 8 is a top view of the mitten of FIG. 4 with the panel and strap in a secured configuration; and

[0042] FIGS. 9A to 9G are open, outer, palm, and sliced inside views of mittens and cuffs (or arm warmers) according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] There are shown in accompanying FIGS. 1 to 9G preferred embodiments of two-part easy-on and stay-on mittens, gloves, and hand-covering devices, systems, and methods according to the invention.

[0044] FIGS. 1 and 2 show bottom and top views of a cuff, according to the invention, extending from a user's forearm to fingers and with the wearer's thumb inserted into the thumb hole and Velcro patch (the fastener) on both sides. As shown, the fastener is preferably on the top and bottom, which preferably allows the cuff to be left- and right-hand interchangeable. The cuff is preferably donned before the jacket.

[0045] The wearer preferably then dons the jacket. The cuff preferably passes readily and/or easily through the sleeve, as it is preferably not bulky compared to the inner diameter of the sleeve. The wrist is preferably then well protected and insulated from the elements. FIG. 3 shows the cuff and Velcro patch on the cuff extending beyond the jacket sleeve.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a mitten according to the invention, with a panel and strap of the mitten shown in an open position

[0047] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the mitten, with the panel and strap in the open position.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows an insertion view of the mitten with the panel and strap open. FIG. 6 shows how the slit preferably allows for line of sight to thumb hole and plenty of access, preferably to visually and/or manually guide the wearer's thumb into the thumb hole. FIG. 6 also shows the fastener (e.g., a Velcro patch) which preferably mates to the fastener (e.g., the conjugate Velcro patch) on the cuff (not shown).

[0049] The mitten is preferably then donned. Preferably, when the panel and strap are open (as shown in FIG. 7), the slit allows the wearer and/or a helper to have line of sight to the thumb hole and plenty of access, preferably to visually and/or manually guide the wearer's thumb into the thumb hole.

[0050] The cuff does not fall off nor is it the wearer able to inadvertently remove it with a flick of the wrist. This is because of the cuff's length, the snug fit between it and the wearer's forearm, and because the thumb once inserted into the thumb hole acts to anchor the cuff relative to the wearer's arm.

[0051] Also, shown is the fastener (Velcro patch) on the mitten beginning to engage the fastener (Velcro patch) on the cuff.

[0052] The strap is preferably then wrapped around the mitten and secured to another Velcro patch on the outside of the mitten, as shown in FIG. 8. In this manner, the panel is also preferably closed at the same time. Closing the panel and strap preferably, simultaneously and/or substantially contemporaneously, ensures a snug fit with the wearer's hands, ensures the mitten and cuff fasteners (Velcro patches) become engaged, and blocks the slit to seal the hand from the elements.

[0053] Preferably since the cuff is anchored to the wearer's arm for the reasons stated above, once and/or after the Velcro patch on the mitten preferably engages the Velcro patch on the cuff, the mitten preferably thereby becomes anchored to the wearer, preferably preventing it from falling off and/or being removed with a flick of the wearer's wrist.

[0054] FIGS. 9A to 9G show open, outer, palm, and sliced inside views of mittens and cuffs (or arm warmers) according to a similar preferred embodiment of the invention that has dimensions sized, by way of example, for a 3-year old's hands. Among other things, FIGS. 9A to 9G show a thumb portion of the fleece having a different (e.g., opposing) color than the rest of the fleece.

[0055] In FIG. 9A, reference letter A refers to a full length of the mitten (e.g., of about 6 inches), B refers to a length to an opening on the mitten (e.g., of about 2 inches), C refers to a width to the opening on the mitten (e.g., of about 3 inches), D refers to a width to the opening on an inside of the mitten (e.g., of about 2 inches), E refers to a Velcro strip (e.g., of about 1 inch), F refers to a side length to the opening (e.g., of about 3 inches), G refers to a relaxed elastic circumference (e.g., of about 7 inches), H refers to a cord length (e.g., of about 2 inches), I refers to a wrist ribbing circumference (e.g., of about 6 inches), J refers to a ribbing height (e.g., of about 1 inches), K refers to a self fabric height to a pleather material (e.g., of about 2 inches), L refers to a pleather material width to a thumb portion (e.g., of about 1 inches), M refers to an inside self fabric to a thumb seam (e.g., of about 1 inches), N refers to a thumb length to an edge of the ribbing (e.g., of about 5 inches), O refers to a pleather material width (e.g., of about 3 inches), P refers to a pleather material height (e.g., of about 4 inches), Q refers to a side length from the ribbing to a centre portion (e.g., of about 6 inches), and R refers to a pleather material inset width at the centre portion (e.g., of about inch).

[0056] In FIG. 9B, reference letter S refers to an opening circumference of the arm warmer (e.g., of about 6 inches), T refers to a length to a thumb hole of the arm warmer (e.g., of about inches), U refers to a thumb opening (e.g., of about 1 inch), V refers to an arm length from the opening (e.g., of about 3 inches), W refers to a total side length (e.g., of about 5 inches), X refers to a bottom circumference (e.g., of about 7 inches), Y refers to a Velcro patch width (e.g., of about inches), and Z refers to a Velcro patch height (e.g., of about 1 inches).

[0057] The two-part easy-on and stay-on mittens, gloves, and hand-covering devices, systems, and methods, according to the invention and/or through its two-part approach, preferably offers certain advantages, e.g., preferably insulating and/or protecting the wearer's wrists from the elements, and providing access and lines of sight to allow a helper to guide the wearer's thumbs into the thumb holes, preferably to allow for the process of donning the mittens to be comfortable, easy, fast, and stress-free, and preferably to prevent the mittens from accidently falling off or being casually removed by the wearer with a flick of the wrist.

[0058] Preferably, the two-part easy-on and stay-on mittens, gloves, and hand-covering devices, systems, and methods, according to the invention, provides a two-piece design, as described herein, and provides a serial application method (e.g., cuff, then jacket, then mitten).

[0059] Unlike prior art mitten designs, the two-part easy-on and stay-on mittens, gloves, and hand-covering devices, systems, and methods, according to the invention, preferably insulate the wearer's wrist, provide a comfortable and easy process for the wearer, and ensure the mitten, glove or hand-covering device will neither fall off nor be easily taken off with a flick of the wrist. Preferably, the invention and its use does not require passage of a bulky mitten through a relatively small jacket sleeve, and ensures the wearer's wrist will be well insulated.

[0060] Further, in general, a wearer may be more satisfied when their thumbs are in the thumb holes of mittens, so they preferably can grip and manipulate objects. The invention preferably allows an adult to guide the wearer's thumb into the mitten thumb hole, and provides ample access and line of sight to thumb hole. The wearer is preferably thus less frustrated, and/or preferably thereby less likely to want to remove the mitten.

[0061] For further clarity, and by way of example, the invention may preferably make it easier for a helper (e.g., adult, teacher, instructor, or another individual) to place mittens (or gloves) on a child (the wearer) in such a way that: [0062] The process can preferably be performed quickly, preferably without causing either the caretaker or the child any discomfort. [0063] The caretaker can preferably be certain that the child's wrist will be insulated, preferably to prevent incursion of snow and/or cold in the gap between the mitten (or glove) and a jacket. [0064] The mittens (or gloves) are preferably unlikely to accidentally fall off or otherwise expose the child's hands to the elements. [0065] The child preferably cannot casually (e.g., with a flick of the wrist) remove the mittens (or gloves) or otherwise casually or inadvertently exposing the child's hands to the elements. And/or, [0066] The helper can preferably easily guide a child's fingers into the finger cavity (or cavities), and the thumb into the thumb cavity, of the mitten (or glove)preferably, thus ensuring the child's use of opposable thumbs is not impaired.

[0067] The invention preferably also, or instead, allow for a wearer of any age to easily and independently don mittens (or gloves) in such a way that: [0068] The process can preferably be performed quickly without causing any discomfort. [0069] The wearer can preferably be certain that their wrist will be insulated, preferably to prevent incursion of snow and/or cold between the mitten (or glove) and a jacket/ [0070] The mittens (or gloves) are preferably unlikely to accidentally fall off. [0071] The wearer can preferably easily place their fingers into the finger cavity (or cavities), and the thumb into the thumb cavity, of the mitten (or glove)preferably, thus ensuring the use of their opposable thumbs is not impaired. And/or, [0072] Preferably, while delivering the above utility and the process of donning, the wearer is not prevented from performing tasks requiring fine motor control, such as, for example, closing and/or fastening one or more snaps, buttons, and/or zippers of a jacket.

[0073] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, and related systems and methods according to the present invention, as to their structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be better understood from the figures and/or images which accompany this application, and any application claiming priority herefrom, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention may be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that any such figures and/or images may be for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0074] The invention is contemplated to preferably incorporate, use, and/or involve a fastener, such as a Velcro fastener, preferably to engage and/or secure the mitten (or glove) to the cuff, and preferably to prevent the mitten from casually/inadvertently falling off and/or being removed by the wearer with a flick of the wrist. The invention, however, is not so limited. For example, the invention may incorporate, use, and/or involve a high-pile directional material, such as lint brush fabric, (or another fabric or material which may afford a high coefficient of static friction)preferably integral with and/or securely presented by the mitten (or glove), the cuff, or both the mitten (or glove) and the cuffin one or more orientations which preferably allow the mitten (or glove) to move in an upward direction relative to the cuff (i.e., higher up the wearer's arm), and which preferably prevent the mitten (or glove) from moving in the downward direction relative to the cuff, and/or prevent the mitten (or glove) from moving to a point where it otherwise might be at greater risk of falling off. Persons skilled in the art may readily appreciate, in view of the teachings and disclosures herein, that the invention may likewise, additionally, or instead incorporate, use, and/or involve other fasteners known in the prior art, in analogous fields of art, and otherwise.

[0075] The invention is contemplated for use in association with two-piece mittens, gloves and hand-coverings to afford increased advantageous utilities in association with same. The invention, however, is not so limited. For example, the cuff which is provided according to the invention as described herein (e.g., including thumb hole and Velcro fastener) could be integral with the jacket, so that it would mate in the same way with the mitten component of the invention.

[0076] Other embodiments, which fall within the scope of the invention, may be provided. For example, substantially the same design may be provided with a cuff part that has a thumb hole, and with a mitten part that does not have any thumb portion at all (e.g., for younger babies).

[0077] It may be worthwhile to note that either one of the mitten part and the cuff part could be used alone, without the respective other one, to some advantageous utility.

[0078] Additionally, the words mitten, glove, and hand-covering as used herein are interchangeable with one another when, as, and to the extent appropriate, as will be readily understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art.

[0079] The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.

[0080] Naturally, in view of the teachings and disclosures herein, persons having ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that alternate designs and/or embodiments of the invention may be possible (e.g., with substitution of one or more components for others, with alternate configurations of components, etc). Although some of the components, relations, configurations and/or steps according to the invention are not specifically referenced in association with one another, they may be used, and/or adapted for use, in association therewith. All of the aforementioned and various other structures, configurations, relationships, utilities, any which may be depicted and/or based hereon, and the like may be, but are not necessarily, incorporated into and/or achieved by the invention. Any one or more of the aforementioned structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like may be implemented in and/or by the invention, on their own, and/or without reference, regard or likewise implementation of any of the other aforementioned structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like, in various permutations and combinations, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the pith, marrow, and spirit of the disclosed invention.

[0081] Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design, manufacture, and/or implementation of other embodiments according to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims of any complete version of this patent application or any patent applications claiming priority herefrom.