Abstract
A waterproof glove that glows in the dark and incorporates an integrated system of illumination devices is disclosed. The glove, to be worn on a user's hand is covered with covered with glow-in-the-dark painted polyurethane and incorporates integrated light-emitting-diodes (LEDs). A first housing is mounted on the exterior of the glove on the second knuckle of each finger and thumb containing an LED light, with a silver-painted reflector located in front of each LED. The glove includes a battery in a waterproofed housing that is connected by wires to an on/off switch that is also connected by wires to each of the LEDs. The pair of gloves may contain magnets on each wrist area to keep them from being separated when not in use. A second embodiment of the apparatus also includes decorative designs of various types made from polyurethane models on the back and/or on fingers of the glove. Another embodiment includes all the features of the second embodiment and additionally includes LEDs and reflectors as part of these designs.
Claims
1. An apparatus for illuminating a work area or other dark or dimly lit area, comprising: a. a glove to be worn on a user's hand, with an interior surface adjacent to the hand and an external surface having knuckle portions; b. the glove being covered in polyurethane; c. the glove having slotted cutouts at the first knuckle of each finger to provide flexibility; d. the glove having light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at the second knuckle of each finger and thumb; e. the glove having a small silver painted reflector positioned such that when light from the LED hits the reflector, it shines toward where the finger is pointed in order to maximize illumination; f. the reflector described in 1e is formed by a little ridge in the polyurethane, creating an angle so as to direct the light toward the target. g. an O-ring rubber gasket with threads that screws in over the LED to seal it and ensure it is waterproofed; h. wires to the LED that run from an off/on switch along a channel which forms a cavity to provide for flexibility for hand flexing motions; i. a battery that fits in a housing with a cover that is connected by screws with O-rings to provide waterproofing; j. plastic pieces on the battery housing cover and latches on the battery housing to close it; k. an O-ring gasket that goes around the housing to seal and waterproof it; l. an on/off switch; m. wire connectors and wires leading from the on/off switch to the battery; n. wire connectors and wires leading from the on/off switch to the LEDs.
2. an embodiment of the apparatus described in 1 that includes magnets on each glove to facilitate attachment to prevent the gloves from getting separated and lost during storage;
3. an embodiment of the apparatus described in 1 and in 2 that includes decorative designs of various types made from polyurethane models on the back of the glove and/or on fingers of the glove;
4. an embodiment of the apparatus described in 3 that includes LEDs, O-ring rubber gaskets and reflectors as needed as part of these designs;
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is an overall view from the top of the glove of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows the components of the battery box.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows the O-rings and LEDs on the first knuckles.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows the on/off switch.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows the battery box and battery connectors.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows the top of the glove with all components, including wires.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows the wiring leading to the O-rings and silver reflector.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows the silver reflectors.
[0030] FIG. 9 shows the positive magnet at the wrist that connects with a negative magnet (FIG. 10) to keep the two gloves together when not in use.
[0031] FIG. 10 shows the negative magnet at the wrist that connects with a positive magnet to keep the two gloves together when not in use.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a second embodiment of the apparatus showing examples of designs on the first knuckles and back of glove made from polyurethane models including LEDs.
[0033] FIG. 12 shows a lizard sitting on a leaf as another example of a design including LEDs on the finger(s) and, in this case, on the back of the glove.
[0034] FIG. 13 shows more examples of designs incorporating LEDs, a frog on a leaf on the back of the glove with flower designs on the fingers.
[0035] FIG. 14 shows a butterfly with leaves on the back of the glove and fingers as another design incorporating LEDs.
[0036] FIG. 15 shows a dragonfly on the back of the glove and fingers as another design incorporating LEDs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Note: the numbers of the features are the same/consistent in each of the figures (e.g. the glove is always 1, the LEDs 5, etc.), whether repeated in the descriptions or not.
[0038] FIG. 1 is an overall view from the top of the glove of one embodiment of the present invention. The glove 1 has three slotted cutouts 2 at the first knuckle of each finger to provide flexibility. The glove is covered in polyurethane 3. Light from the LED 5 at the second knuckle is reflected by a small silver painted reflector 4. When light hits the reflector, it shines toward where the finger is pointed in order to maximize illumination. The reflector is as formed by a little ridge in the polyurethane, creating approximately a 30 degree angle or less to direct the light toward the target. An O-ring rubber gasket with threads 6 screws in over the LED to seal it and ensure it is waterproofed. Wires to the LED run from the off/on switch 16 along a channel 8, which forms a long x - wide cavity 7 to provide for flexibility adjusting to hand flexing motions. The battery 13 can be one or two CR 2032 button cell lithium batter(ies); two AA or AAA batteries could also be used. The battery fits in a housing 14 with a cover 15; the O-ring gasket 9 goes around the housing to seal and waterproof it. 2 screws 10 fit into holes 12 to connect the cover with the housing; little O-rings 11 provide waterproofing. Magnets 17 on each glove, one positive and one negative, are optional, to facilitate attachment to prevent the gloves from getting separated and lost during storage.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows the details of the components of the battery box. As in FIG. 1 the battery 13 can be a CR 2032 button cell lithium battery. The battery fits in a housing 14 with a cover 15; the O-ring gasket 9 goes around the housing to seal and waterproof it. 2 screws 10 fit into holes 12 to connect the cover with the housing; little O-rings 11 provide waterproofing. Plastic pieces 18 on the cover fit into plastic latches on the housing 19 to close it.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows detail of LEDs 5 and O-rings 6 on the second knuckles and the positive magnet 17 at the wristband.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows the glove 1, including the polyurethane 3, the detail of the on/off switch 16, and the wire connectors 20 for the wires leading to the LEDs and to the battery, as well as the (in this case, negative) magnet on the wristband 17.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows another view of the battery housing 14, cover 15, O-ring gasket 9, screws 10, O-rings 11, and the battery 13, showing the wire connectors 20 for the wires leading to the on/off switch. The polyurethane 3 and magnet 17 are shown as well.
[0043] FIG. 6 includes all details shown in FIGS. 1-5, with the addition of the wiring 21 between the battery, on/off switch and LED lights.
[0044] FIG. 7 is detail for one finger of the glove, showing the wiring 21 leading to the LED 5, O-ring rubber gasket 6, as well as the sliver painted reflector 4.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows the detail of the LEDs 5 and the silver painted reflectors 4.
[0046] FIG. 9 shows the positive magnet 17 on the wristband of a glove.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows the negative magnet 17 on the wristband of a glove.
[0048] FIG. 11 is a second embodiment of the apparatus shows examples of decorative designs on the first knuckles and back of glove made from polyurethane models; the LEDs 5 are incorporated into the models, and are shown with the O-ring rubber gaskets 6 that fit over the LEDs to keep them waterproofed. This apparatus is structurally the same as the first embodiment; these decorative designs are not meant to be an exhaustive list and we are not seeking to patent these designs. These gloves, while suited for work, may also be attractive in appropriate sizes for children, as well as for adults.
[0049] FIG. 12 shows a lizard sitting on a leaf as another example of a design; this design includes LEDs 5 on the finger(s) and also on the back of the glove. This design also is not meant to be exclusive of other designs not shown in these figures. We are not intending to patent these designs.
[0050] FIG. 13 shows another example of a design incorporating LEDs 5 on fingers and on the back of the glove; this design, a frog on a leaf on the back of the glove with flower designs on the fingers is also not meant to be exclusive of other designs not shown in these figures and we are not seeking to patent these designs.
[0051] FIG. 14 shows a butterfly with leaves on the back of the glove and fingers as another design incorporating LEDs 5. It is illustrative of the decorative possibilities, but is not meant to be exclusive of others. We are not seeking to patent it.
[0052] FIG. 15 shows a dragonfly on the back of the glove and fingers as another design incorporating LEDs 5. It is illustrative, but is not meant to be exclusive of others and we are not seeking to patent the design.
[0053] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims:
