Glove with Flexible Coating Layer

Abstract

A glove, such as a work glove, is provided. The glove includes a body and a coating layer. The coating layer is coupled to an outer surface of the palm side of the body along a palm portion, a plurality of finger portions, and a thumb portion. The coating layer includes a first coating thickness and a second coating thickness. The second coating thickness is defined by a plurality of grooves formed in the coating layer. A first set of grooves is positioned at the base of each of the finger portions and a second set of grooves is positioned at a first bend region of each of the finger portions. The first bend region corresponds to a knuckle of a user. The first coating thickness is greater than the second coating thickness.

Claims

1. A glove, comprising: a body comprising: a palm side; a back side opposite the palm side; a palm portion located on the palm side; a plurality of finger portions, each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions having a tip and a base opposite the tip, wherein the base is positioned along the respective finger portion closer to the palm portion than the tip is positioned to the palm portion; and a thumb portion; and a coating layer coupled to an outer surface of the palm side of the body along the palm portion, the palm side of the plurality of finger portions, and the palm side of the thumb portion, the coating layer comprising: a first coating thickness; and a second coating thickness defined by a plurality of grooves formed in the coating layer, a first set of grooves of the plurality of grooves positioned at the respective base of each of the plurality of finger portions and a second set of grooves of the plurality of grooves positioned at a first bend region of each of the plurality of the finger portions, the first bend region of each of the plurality of finger portions corresponding to a knuckle of a user and extending from a first side of the respective finger portion to a second side of the respective finger portion opposite the first side; and wherein the first coating thickness is greater than the second coating thickness.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein a thumb groove of the plurality of grooves is positioned at a base of the thumb portion.

3. The glove of claim 1, wherein a first palm groove of the plurality of grooves is position on the palm portion and extends laterally across the coating layer below the respective base of each of the plurality of finger portions.

4. The glove of claim 3, wherein a second palm groove of the plurality of grooves is position of the palm portion and extends from an edge of the palm portion away from the thumb portion and towards a central area of the palm portion.

5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the first coating thickness is less than or equal to 1 mm, and wherein the second coating thickness is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

6. The glove of claim 1, wherein the coating layer further comprises a third coating thickness defined by a plurality of pads, wherein the plurality of pads are each positioned between the respective tip and the respective first bend region of each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions.

7. The glove of claim 6, wherein the third coating thickness is greater than the second coating thickness.

8. The glove of claim 7, wherein the third coating thickness is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and is less than or equal to 5 mm.

9. A work glove, comprising: a liner comprising a palm side and a back side opposite the palm side, the liner defining a palm portion, a plurality of finger portions, and a thumb portion, each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions comprising: a tip positioned along the finger portion furthest from the palm portion; a base opposite the tip; a first bend region located between the tip and the base; and a second bend region located between the first bend region and the base; and a coating layer coupled to an outer surface of the liner and defining a grip surface, the grip surface extending along the palm side of the liner on the palm portion, each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions, and the thumb portion, the grip surface comprising: a first thickness; and a second thickness defined by a plurality of ridges, wherein each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions further comprises a first set of ridges of the plurality of ridges located between the first bend region and the second bend region, and a second set of ridges of the plurality of ridges located between the second bend region and the base of the respective finger portion, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

10. The work glove of claim 9, wherein each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions has a length measured from the tip and the base, wherein the first bend region of each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions is located a distance from the respective tip of the finger portion between 30% and 45% of the respective length of the finger portion.

11. The work glove of claim 10, wherein the second bend region of each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions is located a distance from the respective tip of the finger portion between 60% and 75% of the respective length of the finger portion.

12. The work glove of claim 9, wherein the second thickness is further defined by a plurality of pads, wherein each finger portion of the plurality of finger portions further comprises a pad of the plurality of pads located between the tip and the first bend region of the respective finger portion.

13. The work glove of claim 12, wherein a thumb pad of the plurality of pads is located on the thumb portion between a tip of the thumb portion and a base of the thumb portion.

14. The work glove of claim 9, wherein the second thickness is measured from the liner to an external surface of the grip surface defined by the plurality of ridges, and wherein the second coating thickness is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and is less than or equal to 0.9 mm.

15. The work glove of claim 14, wherein the second coating thickness is greater than or equal to 0.66 mm and is less than or equal to 0.88 mm.

16. A glove, comprising: a body, comprising: a palm side; a back side opposite the palm side; a palm portion located on the palm side; a thumb portion; and an index finger portion; and a coating layer coupled to an outer surface of the palm side of the body, the coating layer extending along the palm portion, the palm side of the index finger portion, and the palm side of the thumb portion, the coating layer defining a first thickness; a first plurality of ridges extending away from the coating layer, the first plurality of ridges located on the index finger portion between a first bend region of the index finger portion corresponding to a knuckle of a user and a base of the index finger portion; and a second plurality of ridges extending away from the coating layer, the second plurality of ridges located on the thumb portion between a tip of the thumb portion and a base of the thumb portion; and wherein the first plurality of ridges and second plurality of ridges define a second thickness greater than the first coating thickness.

17. The glove of claim 16, further comprising a finger pad located on the index finger portion between a tip of the index finger portion and the first bend region of the index finger portion.

18. The glove of claim 17, wherein the finger pad comprises a rounded edge facing the tip of the index finger portion and an angled edge opposite the rounded edge and facing the first bend region of the index finger portion.

19. The glove of claim 16, wherein the body further comprises a middle finger portion, wherein a finger pad is located on the middle finger portion between a tip of the middle finger portion and a first bend region of the middle finger portion, and wherein a third plurality of ridges extend away from the coating layer, the third plurality of ridges positioned between the finger pad and the first bend region.

20. The glove of claim 19, wherein a first ridge of the third plurality of ridges is spaced a first distance from the tip of the middle finger portion, a second ridge of the third plurality of ridges is spaced a second distance from the tip of the middle finger portion greater than the first distance, and a third ridge of the third plurality of ridges is spaced a third distance from the tip of the middle finger portion greater than each of the first distance and the second distance, and wherein the first ridge of the third plurality of ridges has a first width, the second ridge of the third plurality of ridges has a second width greater than the first width, and the third ridge of the third plurality of ridges has a third width greater than each of the first width and the second width.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a palm-side view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a back side view of the glove of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a section of a palm portion of the glove of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a section of a finger portion of the glove of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a section of a wrist portion of the glove of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a palm portion of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a palm portion of a glove including multiple grip layers, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a palm side view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 9 is back side view of the glove of FIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 10A is a palm side view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 10B is a detailed view of the middle finger portion and index finger portion of the glove of FIG. 10A, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 11 is a palm side view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 12 is a palm side view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 13 is a palm plan view of a pattern of reinforced ridges for a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 14 is a palm side view of the pattern of FIG. 13 on a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 15 is a palm plan view of a pattern of reinforced ridges and reinforced pads for a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 16 is a palm side view of the pattern of FIG. 15 on a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 17 is a palm plan view of a pattern of reinforced ridges for a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 18 is a palm side view of the pattern of FIG. 17 on a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 19 is a palm plan view of a pattern of reinforced pads for a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 20 is a palm side view of the pattern of FIG. 19 on a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0030] FIG. 21 is a palm side view of a glove, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a glove, such as a work glove, with a coating layer are provided. Coating layers applied to work gloves may be used to provide improved gripping, chemical resistance, cut resistance and other benefits to a user of a glove. According to various embodiments, the glove includes a coating (e.g., a polymer coating layer, a dipped polymer coating layer, a nitrile coating layer, etc.) formed on a glove body (e.g., such as fabric glove body or glove liner). In various embodiments, the coating includes areas with a lower coating thickness (e.g., debossed areas, etc.) aligned with bend/crease locations of the wearer's hand such that the glove bends more easily at those points and/or areas with a higher coating thickness (e.g., embossed areas, secondary coating areas, etc.) aligned with high abrasion zones of the glove such that the glove provides improved grip and wear resistance at those points.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lower coating thickness areas and/or higher coating thickness areas are formed by debossing (e.g., imprinting) one or more layers of the coating such that the lower coating thicknesses and/or higher coating thicknesses define a pattern. In other embodiments, the higher coating thickness areas are formed by applying a secondary coating to the embossed coating layer. The coating layer thickness pattern may be formed in a dipped coating layer, following application to the glove body via dipping but prior to curing of the dipped coating layer material. In a specific embodiment, the coating layer is formed from a nitrile material, and the coating layer thickness pattern discussed herein is formed after drying but before curing of the nitrile material. Applicant believes that the lower coating thickness areas and higher coating thickness areas provided by the embodiments described herein provide enhanced durability, reduced hand fatigue during use, improved dexterity, and reduced manufacturing costs compared to some conventional gloves.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a glove 10 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Glove 10 includes a glove body, shown as liner 12, a coating layer coupled to an outer surface of liner 12, shown as grip surface 14, a plurality of finger portions 16, a thumb portion 18, a palm portion 20, and a wrist portion 22. As shown, there are four finger portions 16. Finger portions 16 are configured to receive a user's index, middle, ring, and little fingers. Each finger portion 16 includes a tip 60 and a base 61. Each tip 60 is located at an end its respective finger portion 16 furthest from palm portion 20 of liner 12. Each base 61 is located at an end of its respective finger portion 16 opposite tip 60 and adjacent to palm portion 20 of liner 12. Each base 61 is positioned along the respective finger portion 16 closer to palm portion 20 than each tip 60 is positions to palm position 20. Thumb portion 18 includes a tip 62 located at an end of thumb portion 18 furthest from palm portion 20 and a base 63 located at an end of thumb portion 18 opposite tip 62 and adjacent to palm portion 20.

[0034] Liner 12 includes a palm side 64 and a back side 65. Grip surface 14 is a coating layer formed on an exterior surface of palm side 64 of liner 12. As shown, grip surface 14 is located on palm side 64 along finger portions 16, thumb portion 18, and palm portion 20. In a specific embodiment, grip surface 14 is a single, contiguous, and continuous layer located on palm side 64 of liner along finger portions 16, thumb portion 18, and palm portion 20. Grip surface 14 is not located on wrist portion 22 or along back side 65 of liner 12 opposite palm portion 20. In various embodiments, at least a portion of back side 65 of finger portions 16 and thumb portion 18 do not include grip surface 14.

[0035] Liner 12 includes an opening 24 at a bottom end of glove 10 formed between palm side 64 and back side 65. Opening 24 is configured to receive the hand of a user. As shown, glove 10 includes a pull-grip portion 25 on the palm surface of glove 10 above opening 24. Liner 12 is configured such that when a user inserts their hand into opening 24, an interior surface of liner 12 surrounds the user's hand within glove 10. Pull-grip portion 25 is configured to be gripped by the user's other hand to assist in donning and doffing glove 10.

[0036] In some embodiments, liner 12 is formed from a flexible material, and in specific embodiments, liner 12 is formed from a cloth material, such as a knitted material. In other various embodiments, the liner material may be formed from spandex, nylon, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, glass, tungsten, steel, basalt, Kevlar, cotton, or combinations thereof where compatible. In a specific embodiment, liner 12 is formed from a material made of spandex, nylon, and HDPE infused with graphite.

[0037] In various embodiments, grip surface 14 is formed from a coating applied to liner 12, such as a polymer coating, dipped polymer coating, etc. In a specific embodiment, grip surface 14 is formed through a dipping and curing process, where glove 10 is dipped into a coating material and then cured to solidify the coating material into a coating layer along select portions of glove 10, such as grip surface 14. In a specific embodiment, the coating material used to form grip surface 14 is nitrile, such that grip surface 14 is a nitrile coating layer. In other various embodiments, grip surface 14 is formed a coating material such as nitrile, polyurethane, silicone, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), natural rubber (polyisoprene), other rubbers, or mixes thereof where compatible.

[0038] As shown, grip surface 14 includes a plurality of flex grooves, shown as first palm flex groove or upper palm flex groove 26, second palm flex groove or lower palm flex groove 28, thumb flex groove 30, and finger flex grooves 32. Each groove of the plurality of flex grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 is a recess formed in the grip surface 14. The portions of grip surface 14 between the plurality of flex grooves includes a plurality of grip grooves 15, which may be used to increase the friction between glove 10 and a workpiece along grip surface 14. Grip grooves 15 may be formed as recesses in grip surface 14. As shown, each of the plurality of flex grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 has a greater width and/or depth than the grip grooves 15. In various embodiments, flex grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 are formed by debossing such that a thickness along grip surface 14 is decreased along flex grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 and defines recesses along the surface.

[0039] The plurality of flex grooves extends across grip surface 14 in a manner that generally corresponds to common bending areas in gloves (e.g., bend regions opposite the knuckles along the finger portions, bend regions along the palm portion, etc.). Upper palm flex groove 26 extends laterally across grip surface 14 at a position that is closer to finger portions 16 than lower palm flex groove 28 and thumb flex groove 30. Upper palm flex groove 26 extends substantially horizontally from an edge of grip surface 14 that is opposite thumb portion 18, includes an angled portion that extends toward finger portions 16 and away from wrist portion 22, and then extends substantially horizontally toward an edge of grip surface 14 that is between thumb portion 18 and finger portions 16.

[0040] Lower palm flex groove 28 is positioned between upper palm flex groove 26 and wrist portion 22. Lower palm flex groove 28 extends from an edge of grip surface 14 located between thumb portion 18 and index finger portion 16 away from thumb portion 18 and slightly downward toward a central area of palm portion 20. Lower palm flex groove 28 includes an angled portion at or near the central area of palm portion 20 that extends substantially downward away from finger portions 16 and toward wrist portion 22.

[0041] Thumb flex groove 30 is located at and extends across the base of thumb portion 18. Each finger portion 16 includes a corresponding finger flex groove 32 that is located at and extends across base 61 of the respective finger portion 16.

[0042] The plurality of flex grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32 are configured to provide grip surface 14 with areas at which the thickness of the coating forming grip surface 14 is thinner than other portions of grip surface 14, facilitating bending at those points with reduced bunching of grip surface 14. The plurality of flex grooves are located at positions that correspond to areas of a human hand that commonly bend, such as knuckle joints, areas of the palm that bend when closing the hand, etc. Applicant believes that the plurality of flex grooves provides a user of glove 10 with improved dexterity and allow the user to easily bend glove 10 with reduced fatigue to the user's hand.

[0043] As shown, glove 10 further includes a plurality of reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36. In a specific embodiment, an end of each finger portion 16 of glove 10 (i.e., at locations corresponding to a user's finger tips) adjacent to each tip 60 includes a reinforced finger pad 34 along palm side 64. Each finger portion 16 also includes one or more reinforced ridge 36 proximate to reinforced pads 34. Reinforced ridges 36 extend downward from the ends of the respective finger portions 16, around a portion of reinforced finger pads 34, and toward wrist portion 22.

[0044] Thumb portion 18 includes a reinforced thumb pad 34 at an end of thumb portion 18 adjacent to tip 62. Thumb portion 18 includes one or more reinforced ridges 36 that extend around a portion of reinforced pad 34. As shown, each of finger portions 16 includes at least two reinforced ridges 36, and thumb portion 18 includes one reinforced ridge. In various embodiments each finger portion 16 includes more than two reinforced ridges 36. In a specific embodiment, at least one of finger portion 16 includes three reinforced ridges.

[0045] Palm portion 20 includes a plurality of reinforced ridges 36. As shown, reinforces ridges 36 are shaped like lines or angled lines. In various embodiments, reinforced ridges 36 may be circles, triangles, or other geometric shapes. In a specific embodiment, palm portion 20 includes one or more reinforced ridges 36, or specifically two reinforced ridges 36, extending from an edge of grip surface 14 opposite thumb portion 18 at a location between upper palm flex groove 26 and the flex groove 32 located at base 61 of the finger portion 16 furthest from thumb portion 18 (i.e., little finger portion 16) from thumb portion 18. Palm portion 20 includes one or more reinforced ridges 36, or specifically two reinforced ridges 36, extending from an edge of grip surface 14 located between thumb portion 18 and the finger portion 16 located closest to thumb portion 18 (i.e., index finger portion 16) at a location between upper palm flex groove 26 and the finger flex groove 32 closest to thumb portion 18. In a specific embodiment, palm portion 20 includes one or more reinforced ridges 36, or specifically two reinforced ridges 36, extending from an edge of grip surface 14 opposite thumb portion 18 at a location between upper palm flex groove 26 and wrist portion 22.

[0046] Reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36 are located at locations on glove 10 that Applicant believes commonly experience abrasion during typical use of work gloves (e.g., fingertips, base of palm, etc.). Reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36 are configured to provide a thicker coating layer on grip surface 14 than at other portions of grip surface 14. Applicant believes that the configuration of reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36 provides glove 10 with improved abrasion durability and/or improved grip relative to some conventional gloves.

[0047] In various embodiments, reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36 are formed by embossing grip surface 14 such that a thickness along grip surface 14 is increased along reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36. In other embodiments, reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36 are formed by applying a secondary coating to grip surface 14, which may be used to increase the thickness in areas that are not debosses or do not have recesses.

[0048] In various embodiments, reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36 define a total area that is greater than or equal to 50% of the total surface area of the grip surface.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, wrist portion 22 is shown. Wrist portion 22 does not include grip surface 14. As shown, wrist portion includes a pattern formed in liner 12, shown as knit details 38. Wrist portion 22 includes an elastic material such that the material allows glove 10 to form to a user's wrist to maintain glove 10 on a user when worn. Grip surface 14 includes a pocket 40 at a bottom edge adjacent to wrist portion 22. In a specific embodiment, pocket 40 does not include grip grooves.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the palm side of glove 10 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grip surface 14 covers liner 12 such that grip surface 14 forms an external surface of glove 10 configured to interface with a workpiece when the workpiece is held by a user. Liner 12 has a thickness 50. In a specific embodiment, thickness 50 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm and is less than or equal to 1.4 mm. More specifically, thickness 50 is between 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm. Grip surface 14 has a thickness 52. In a specific embodiment, thickness 52 is less than or equal to 1 mm. More specifically, thickness 52 is at greater than or equal to 0.25 mm and is less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In another specific embodiment, thickness 52 is greater than or equal to 0.36 mm and less than or equal to 0.48 mm.

[0051] Grip surface 14 includes low coating thickness areas 42 defined by the plurality of flex grooves formed in grip surface 14 (i.e., upper palm flex groove 26, lower palm flex groove 28, thumb flex groove 30, and finger flex grooves 32). In some embodiments, grip surface 14 is applied to liner 12 as a dipped coating. Low coating thickness areas 42 are formed in grip surface 14 via debossing or imprinting. In a specific embodiment, grip surface 14 is debossed after the coating on liner 12 is applied and dried but prior to curing the coating. Low coating thickness areas 42, such as flex grooves 26, 28, 30, and 32, have a thickness of 54. In a specific embodiment, thickness 54 is less than or equal to 1 mm and, more specifically, is less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In a specific embodiment, thickness 54 is less than or equal to 0.48 mm. In another specific embodiment, thickness 54 is 0 mm such that there is no grip surface 14 in areas where there are low coating thickness areas 42.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of the palm side of glove 10 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, glove 10 includes high coating thickness areas 44 formed along grip surface 14. High coating thickness areas are defined by plurality of pads 34 and plurality of ridges 36. High coating thickness areas 44 have a thickness 56. In a specific embodiment, thickness 56 is less than or equal to 1 mm. More specifically, thickness 56 is greater than or equal to 0.25 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In a more specific embodiment, thickness 56 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.4 mm. In a specific embodiment, high coating thickness areas 44 are formed by embossing or applying a secondary coating to grip surface 14 such that a thickness along grip surface 14 is increased in the high coating thickness areas. In another specific embodiment, the secondary coating applied to glove 10 is used to define high coating thickness areas 44. In various embodiments, secondary coating is formed from a coating material such as nitrile, polyurethane, silicone, natural rubber (polyisoprene), chloroprene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixes thereof where compatible. In a specific embodiment, the coating material is nitrile.

[0053] In embodiments with a secondary coating, high coating thickness areas 44 are applied on top of grip surface 14 and define reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36. In a specific embodiment, high coating thickness areas 44 are formed from a secondary coating of dots which are applied to grip surface 14 and form reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36 (shown in FIG. 3). The height, spacing, and material forming secondary coating dots are configured to provide enhanced durability to reinforced pads 34 and reinforced ridges 36 relative to other sections of grip surface 14, while preserving dexterity in using glove 10.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, glove 110 is shown. Glove 110 is substantially the same as glove 10 except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, glove 110 includes a plurality of flex grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132, and a plurality of reinforced ridges 136. Flex grooves 126, 130, and 132 are located at bend regions along a palm side 164 of glove 110 that correspond generally to areas opposite knuckle regions 166 on a back side 165 of glove 110. Knuckle regions 166 correspond to the location of a user's knuckles when glove 110 is worn. Applicant believes that by locating flex grooves along bend regions corresponding to a user's knuckles, glove 110 provides additional dexterity and mobility at the joints of a user when glove 110 is used.

[0055] Glove 110 includes a glove body, shown as liner 112, a coating layer, shown as grip surface 114, a plurality of finger portions 116, a thumb portion 118, a palm portion 120, and a wrist portion 122. Each finger portion 116 includes a tip 160 and a base 161. Thumb portion 118 includes a tip 162 and a base 163. Grip surface 114 is a coating layer formed on an exterior surface of palm side 164 of liner 12. Grip surface 114 includes plurality of flex grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132 and plurality of reinforced ridges 136. Grip surface 114 includes an upper palm flex groove 126, lower palm flex groove 128, thumb flex groove 130, and finger flex grooves 132. Each groove of the plurality of flex grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132 is a recess or depressed surface formed in the grip surface 114 along palm side 164. Flex grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132 have a thickness that is less than the thickness of grip surface 114 and less than a thickness of reinforced ridges 136. Reinforced ridges 136 extend away from grip surface 114. Reinforced ridges 136 define areas along grip surface 114 with a thickness greater than the thickness of grip surface 114 and greater than the thickness of flex grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132.

[0056] Flex grooves 126, 130, and 132 correspond to one or more knuckle regions 166 located on back side 165. In this way, lower thickness regions formed on grip surface 114 are located in bend regions on palm side 164 opposite knuckle regions 166. Each finger portion 116 may include one or more knuckle regions 166. In particular, knuckle regions 166 are located on back side 165 of glove 110 and correspond to the knuckles of a finger of a user. As shown, each finger portion 116 defines three knuckle regions 166, which correspond to the three knuckles of a user's finger. Thumb portion 118 may also include one or more knuckle regions 166. As shown, thumb portion 118 includes one knuckle region 166. In a specific embodiment each knuckle region 166 has a width between 1 mm and 6 mm, and more specifically has a width of 3 mm.

[0057] Each finger portion 116 has a length 167 measured between tip 160 and base 161. Knuckle regions 166 of finger portions 116 are each positioned along liner 112 and define a distance from tip 160 with respect to length 167. A first knuckle region 166 defining a first bend region is a distance 170 from tip 160. In a specific embodiment, distance 170 is between 30% and 45% of length 167. More specifically, distance 170 of index finger portion 116 is 37.7%, distance 170 of middle finger portion 116 is 33.9%, distance 170 of ring finger portion 116 is 37.4%, and distance 170 of little finger portion 116 is 42.2%.

[0058] A second knuckle region 166 defining a second bend region is a distance 172 from tip 160. In a specific embodiment, distance 172 is between 60% and 75% of length 167. More specifically, distance 172 of index finger portion 116 is 67.7%, distance 172 of middle finger portion 116 is 65.4%, distance 172 of ring finger portion 116 is 68.1%, and distance 172 of little finger portion 116 is 69.2%.

[0059] A third knuckle region 166 is located along back side 165 closer to wrist portion 122. Third knuckle region 166 corresponds a bend region formed along palm portion 120. In a specific embodiment, the bend region defined by third knuckle region 166 corresponds to flex groove 126. Base 161 of each finger portion 116 is located between second knuckle region 166 and third knuckle region 166. Third knuckle region 166 is a distance 174 from tip 160. In a specific embodiment, distance 174 is between 130% and 150% of length 167. More specifically, distance 174 of index finger portion 116 is 148%, distance 174 of middle finger portion 116 is 131%, distance 174 of ring finger portion 116 is 135%, and distance 174 of little finger portion 116 is 133%.

[0060] Thumb portion 118 has a length 168 measured between tip 162 and base 163. Knuckle region 166 of thumb portion 118 is located a distance 176 from tip 162 between 40% and 50% of length 168. In a specific embodiment, distance 176 is 49%.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 8, flex grooves are located at positions along palm side 164 that correspond to areas of a human hand that commonly bend (e.g., bend regions opposite knuckle regions 166). As shown, upper palm flex groove 126 extends laterally across grip surface 114. Upper palm flex groove 126 extends substantially horizontal from an edge furthest from thumb portion 118 adjacent to little finger portion 116 towards thumb portion 118. Upper palm flex groove 126 is located at a bend region that corresponds to third knuckle region 166 of the little finger portion 116, ring finger portion 116, and middle finger portion 116. Upper palm flex groove 126 extends substantially horizontally from an edge of grip surface 14 that is opposite thumb portion 118, includes an angled portion that extends toward finger portions 116 and away from wrist portion 122, and then extends substantially vertically until terminating at a location adjacent to base 161 between index finger portion 116 and middle finger portion 116.

[0062] Lower palm flex groove 128 is positioned between upper palm flex groove 126 and wrist portion 122. Lower palm flex groove 28 extends from an edge of grip surface 114 located between thumb portion 118 and index finger portion 116 away from thumb portion 118, along a center area of palm portion 120, and towards wrist portion 122. Lower palm flex groove 128 terminates on palm portion 120 adjacent to wrist portion 122.

[0063] Thumb portion 118 includes two thumb flex grooves 130. A first thumb flex groove 130 is located closer to tip 162 and corresponds to the knuckle region 166 of thumb portion 118. A second thumb flex groove 130 is located at and extends across base 163 of thumb portion 118. Finger portions 116 each include three finger flex grooves 132. Two of the finger flex grooves 132 correspond to the first knuckle region 166 and second knuckle region 166 respectively, while a third finger flex groove 132 is located at and extend across base 161 of finger portions 116. Flex grooves 130 and 132 extend along palm side 164 from a first side of finger portion 116 to a second side of finger portion 116. Flex grooves 130 and 132 define a height measured along the respective finger portion 116 and/or thumb portion 118 in a direction towards tips 160 and 162. In a specific embodiment, the height of flex grooves 130 and 132 is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0064] In various embodiments, low coating thickness areas of grip surface 114 are defined by the plurality of flex grooves 126, 128, 130, and 132. In a specific embodiment, the low coating thickness areas provide coverage of less than 50% of the maximum thickness of grip surface 114 in bend regions corresponding to knuckle regions 166. More specifically, the thickness of grip surface 114 in bend regions corresponding to knuckle regions 166 is less than 15% the maximum thickness of grip surface 114, and more specifically, less than 5%.

[0065] Reinforced ridges 136 are configured to provide a thicker coating layer on grip surface 114 than at other portions of grip surface 114. Applicant believes that this may assist with abrasion resistance during use of glove 110 as well as providing increased friction for gripping a workpiece during use. In various embodiments, the thicker coating layer may be formed by applying a secondary coating layer to grip surface 114. In other various embodiments, the thicker coating layer may be formed by embossing grip surface 114 to create areas of increased thickness with respect to the rest of grip surface 114.

[0066] As shown, reinforced ridges 136 are located along palm side 164. In particular, reinforced ridges 136 are located palm side 164 of palm portion 120, finger portions 116, and thumb portion 118. Reinforced ridges 136 are located on grip surface 114 between the plurality of flex grooves. As shown, reinforces ridges 136 are rectangular shaped, such as lines or boxes. In various embodiments, reinforced ridges 136 may be other geometric shapes. In a specific embodiment, reinforced ridges 136 define a width less than or equal to 3 mm and, more specifically, less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0067] As shown, reinforced ridges 136 on thumb portion 118 extend laterally along palm surface 164 of thumb portion 118 between a first side 180 of thumb portion 118 to a second side 181 of thumb portion 118 in a substantially horizontal direction with respect thumb portion 118. Similarly, reinforced ridges 136 on finger portions 116 corresponding to a user's little finger, ring finger, and middle finger extend laterally along palm surface 164 of finger portion 116 between a first side 178 of the finger portion 116 and a second side 179 of the respective finger portion 116 in a substantially horizontal direction with respect the respective finger portion 116. Reinforced ridges 136 located on index finger portion 116 include a first portion and a second potion are positioned such that they define a vertex or corner. The first portion extends from first side 178 towards a middle section of index finger portion 116 and second portion extend from the middle section towards second side 179. As shown, the corners of reinforced ridges 136 on index finger portion 116 are located closer to tip 160 such that the first portion and the second portion extend from the corner towards first side 178 and second side 179, respectively, first portion and second portion extend downwards away from tip 160 towards base 161 at an angle.

[0068] Reinforced ridges 136 located on palm portion 120 are a rectangular shape and extend linearly along palm portion 120. Reinforced ridges 136 located on palm portion 120 are in three different ridge groups. A first ridge group 137 is located on palm portion 120 between lower palm flex groove 128 and an edge of palm side 164 extending between thumb portion 118 and wrist portion 122. First ridge group 137 has reinforced ridges 136 oriented in a first direction along palm portion 120. A second ridge group 139 is located on palm portion 120 between lower palm flex groove 128 and upper palm flex groove 126. Second ridge group 139 has reinforced ridges oriented in a second direction different from the first direction along palm portion 120. A third ridge group 141 is located on palm portion 120 between upper palm flex groove 126 and finger flex grooves 132 located at the bases 161 of finger portions 116. Third ridge group 141 has reinforced ridges 136 oriented in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction along palm portion 120.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, glove 210 is shown. Glove 210 is substantially the same as gloves 10 and 110, except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, glove 210 includes a grip surface 114 with a plurality of reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236, which defined areas of increased thickness along grip surface 114. Glove 210 does not include any flex grooves formed by debossing or decreasing the thickness of grip surface 214; instead, reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236 are positioned along a palm side 264 of glove 210 such that they do not overlap with common bending areas in gloves (e.g., bend regions opposite the knuckles along the finger portions, bend regions along the palm portion, etc.). In this way, the thickness of grip surface 214 at these common bending regions is less than the thickness of reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236. In a specific embodiment, grip surface 214 is not located on the common bending regions. Applicant believes that the configuration of reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236 provides glove 210 with improved abrasion durability and/or improved grip relative to some conventional gloves and also provides additional dexterity and/or mobility at the joints of a user when glove 210 is used.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 10A, glove 210 includes a glove body, shown as liner 212, and a coating layer, shown as grip surface 214, located along palm side 264 of liner 112. Grip surface 214 does not extend to the back side of glove 210. Glove 210 further includes a plurality of finger portions 216, a thumb portion 218, a palm portion 220, and a wrist portion 222. Plurality of reinforced pads 234 and plurality of reinforced ridges 236 are formed along grip surface 214 and positioned on palm side 264 of finger portions 216, thumb portion 218, and palm portion 220.

[0071] Each finger portion 216 includes a plurality of reinforced ridges 236 and one or more reinforced pads 234. Reinforced pads 234 are located adjacent to tip 260 of each finger portion 216. Reinforced ridges 236 are located along each finger portion 216 between tip 260 and a first bend region 290, between first bend region 290 and a second bend region 291, and between second bend region 291 and base 261. Reinforced ridges 234 extend laterally along palm surface 264 of finger portion 216 between first side 278 of the finger portion 216 and a second side 279 of the respective finger portion 216 in a substantially horizontal direction with respect the respective finger portion 216.

[0072] In a specific embodiment, reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 234 have a width greater than or equal to 2 mm measured in a direction parallel to the length of each finger portion 216. In another specific embodiment, bend regions 290 and 291 have a width measured in a direction parallel to the length of each finger portion 216 greater than or equal to 2 mm and at less than or equal to 4 mm.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, index finger portion 216 includes two reinforced pads 234. A first reinforced pad 234A is located along the length of finger portion 216 closer to tip 260 than base 261. A second reinforced pad 234B is positioned between first reinforced pad 234A and base 261 along the length of finger portion 216. More specifically, second reinforced pad 234B is located between first reinforce pad 234A and first bend region 290 of index finger portion 216. As shown, first reinforced pad 234A has a first edge 271 facing towards tip 260 and a second edge 273 facing towards first bend region 290. First edge 271 is rounded and is convex with respect to tip 260. Second edge 273 includes two lateral portions 273A and an angled portion 273B extending between the two lateral portions 273A. Angled portion 273B extends away from first 271. Specifically, a first lateral portion 273A extends substantially horizontally away from second side 279 of index finger portion 216. Angled portion 273B extends downwards from this lateral portion towards base 261 and towards first side 278 of index finger portion 216. A second lateral portion 273A extends substantially horizontally from angled portion 273B towards first side 278.

[0074] Second reinforced pad 234B has a first edge 275 facing second edge 273 of first reinforced pad 234A and a second edge 277 facing towards bend region 290. First edge 275 is shaped to match second edge 273. Specifically, first edge 275 includes two lateral portions and an angled portion extending between the lateral portions. Second edge 277 extends substantially horizontally across finger portion 216 from first side 278 to second side 279.

[0075] Index finger portion 216 includes plurality of reinforced ridges 234 positioned between first bend region 290 and second bend region 291 and positioned between second bend region 291 and base 261. As shown, index finger portion includes six reinforced ridges 234 between first bend region 290 and second bend region 291 and four reinforced ridges 234 between second bend region 291 and base 261.

[0076] Middle finger portion 216, ring finger portion 216, and little finger portion 216 each include one reinforced pad 234 positioned adjacent to tips 260 and a plurality of reinforced ridges 234 positioned between the reinforced pad 234 and first bend region 290. Reinforced pad 234 is shaped substantially the same as reinforced pad 234A on index finger portion 216. Middle finger portion 216, ring finger portion 216, and little finger portion 216 each include a plurality of reinforced ridges 236 positioned between reinforced pad 234 and first bend region 290. As shown, these reinforced pads 236 each have different widths measured between first side 278 and second side 279 of each finger portion 216. The width of the reinforced pads 236 increases as the distance between the reinforced pad 234 and the tip 260 increases. As shown, each finger portion 216 includes between three and five reinforced ridges 234 positioned between reinforced pad 234 and first bend region 290 along the length of the respective finger portion 216. In a specific embodiment, a first ridge 236 is spaced a first distance from tip 260 of the middle finger portion 216, a second ridge 236 is spaced a second distance from tip 260 of middle finger portion 216 greater than the first distance, and a third ridge 236 is spaced a third distance from tip 260 of middle finger portion 216 greater than each of the first distance and the second distance. In this embodiment, first ridge 236 has a first width, second ridge 236 has a second width greater than the first width, and third ridge 236 has a third width greater than each of the first width and the second width.

[0077] Middle finger portion 216, ring finger portion 216, and little finger portion 216 each include plurality of reinforced ridges 236 between first bend region 290 and second bend region 291, and plurality of reinforced ridges 236 between second bend region 291 and base 261. As shown, each finger portion 216 include between five and six reinforced ridges 234 positioned between first bend region 290 and second bend region 291, and between three and six reinforced ridges 234 positioned between second bend region 291 and base 261.

[0078] Thumb portion 218 includes plurality of reinforced ridges 236 and one or more reinforced pads 234. A first reinforced pad 234A is located adjacent to tip 262 and a second reinforced pad 234B is positioned between first reinforced pad 234A and thumb bend region 292. As shown, first reinforced pad 234A has a rounded edge located adjacent to tip 262 and an angled edge extending away from rounded edge towards base 263 and towards first side 280 of thumb portion 218. Second reinforced pad 234B has a first edge shaped to match the angled edge of first reinforced pad 234A and a second edge that extends substantially horizontally across finger portion 216 from first side 278 to second side 279.

[0079] Plurality of reinforced ridges 236 are positioned between thumb bend region 292 and base 263 of thumb portion 218. Reinforced ridges 236 extend laterally along palm surface 264 of thumb portion 218 between first side 280 of thumb portion 218 to second side 281 of thumb portion 218 in a substantially horizontal direction with respect thumb portion 218. As shown, thumb portion 218 includes four reinforced ridges 236.

[0080] Palm portion 220 includes plurality of reinforced pads 234 and plurality of reinforced ridges 236. Reinforced ridges 236 located on palm portion 220 are in three different ridge groups: a first ridge group 237, a second ridge group 239, and a third ridge group 241. First ridge group 237 is located on palm portion 220 below thumb portion 218 and extends towards wrist portion 222. First ridge group 237 has reinforced ridges 236 oriented in a first direction along palm portion 220. Second ridge group 239 is located centrally on palm portion 220 between first ridge group 237 and third ridge group 241. Second ridge group 239 has reinforced ridges 236 oriented in a second direction different from the first direction along palm portion 220. Third ridge group 241 is located on palm portion 220 adjacent to the bases 261 of finger portions 216. Third ridge group 241 has reinforced ridges 236 oriented in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction along palm portion 220.

[0081] As shown, palm portion 220 includes four reinforced pads 234. One reinforced pad 234 is located between thumb portion 218 and index finger portion 216. This reinforced pad 234 abuts the plurality of reinforced ridges 236 located on thumb portion 218 and abuts first ridge group 237 and second ridge group 239. One reinforced pad 234 are located along an edge of palm portion 220 furthest from thumb portion 218 and extends along a side of second ridge group 239. Two reinforced pads 234 are located on opposite sides of third ridge group 241. One of the reinforced pads 234 is located adjacent to base 261 of index finger portion 216. The other reinforced pad 234 is located along the edge of palm portion 220 furthest from thumb portion 218 and is positioned between little finger portion 216 and the reinforced pad 234 adjacent to second ridge group 239.

[0082] Reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236 are configured to provide a thicker coating layer on grip surface 214. In various embodiments, reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236 are formed by embossing grip surface 214 such that a thickness along grip surface 214 is increased along reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236. In other embodiments, reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236 are formed by applying a secondary coating to grip surface 214. In a specific embodiment, reinforced pads 234 and reinforced ridges 236 have a thickness measured from an outer surface of grip surface 214 to an outer surface of reinforced pads 234/reinforced ridges 236 greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm and, more specifically, greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.48 mm. In another specific embodiment, the maximum thickness of grip surface (i.e., a thickness of grip surface 214 measured from liner 212 to an outer surface of reinforced pads 234/reinforced ridges 236) is less than or equal to 1 mm and is greater than or equal to 0.40 mm. In a more specific embodiment, the maximum thickness is between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm and, more specifically, between 0.56 mm and 0.88 mm.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 11, glove 310 is shown. Glove 310 is substantially the same as glove 210, except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, glove 310 has reinforced pads 334 and reinforced ridges 336 in additional or alternative locations.

[0084] Glove 310 includes three reinforced pads 334 positioned along a palm portion 320 of glove 310. Two reinforced pads 334 are located on opposite sides of a third ridge group 341. One of these reinforced pads 334 is located adjacent to base 361 of index finger portion 316 and extends laterally along palm portion 320 along below base 361 of index finger portion 316. The other reinforced pad 334 is located along the edge of palm portion 320 furthest from thumb portion 318 and is positioned adjacent to base 361 of little finger portion 316. The third reinforced pad 334 is located along the edge of palm portion 320 furthest from thumb portion 318 between wrist portion 322 and the reinforced pad 234 located adjacent to base 361 of little finger portion 316. This reinforced pad 334 is adjacent to second ridge group 339.

[0085] Index finger portion 316 includes one reinforced pad 334 located adjacent to tip 360. The reinforced pad 234 has a rounded edge located adjacent to tip 360 and a second edge opposite the rounded edge that extends substantially horizontally across finger portion 316 from first side 378 to second side 379. One reinforced ridge 336 is positioned between reinforced pad 334 and first bend region 390. Thumb portion 318 includes plurality of reinforced ridges 336 positioned below base 363. As shown, there are four reinforced ridges 336s.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 12, glove 410 is shown. Glove 410 is substantially the same as glove 110, except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, glove 410 does not include any flex grooves formed by debossing or decreasing the thickness of grip surface 414; instead, reinforced ridges 436 are positioned along palm side 464 of glove 410 such that they do not overlap with common bending areas in gloves (e.g., bend regions opposite the knuckles along the finger portions, bend regions along the palm portion, etc.). In this way, the thickness of grip surface 414 at these common bending regions is less than the thickness at reinforced ridges 436. In a specific embodiment, grip surface 414 is not located on the common bending regions.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, glove 510 is shown. Glove 510 is substantially the same as gloves 10, 110, 210, 310, and 410, except for the differences discussed herein. Glove 510 includes a liner 512 and a grip surface 514 formed on liner 512. Grip surface 514 is located on palm side 564 along finger portions 516, thumb portion 518, and palm portion 520. Plurality of reinforced ridges 536 are located along grip surface 514 and define areas of increased coating thickness with respect to the rest of grip surface 514.

[0088] Plurality of reinforced ridges 536 extend continuously from tip 560 of index finger portion 516 along palm portion 520. In this way, some of reinforced ridges 536 extend from first side 578 of index finger portion 516 to an edge of palm portion 520 furthest from thumb portion 518. Reinforced ridges 536 on middle finger portion 516, ring finger portion 516, and little finger portion 516 are positioned along each respective finger portion 516 adjacent to each tip 560. Reinforced ridges 536 extend along the length of each respective finger portion 516 and terminate before base 561 of finger portions 516. Each reinforced ridge 536 extends from first side 578 to second side 579 of each finger portion 516. Similarly, reinforced ridges 536 on thumb portion 518 extend along the length of thumb portion 518 from tip 562 and terminate before base 563. Each reinforced ridge 536 extends from first side 580 to second side 581 of thumb portion 518.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, glove 610 is shown. Glove 610 is substantially the same as gloves 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510, except for the differences discussed herein. Glove 610 includes a liner 612 and a grip surface 614 formed on liner 612. Grip surface 614 is located on palm side 664 along finger portions 616, thumb portion 618, and palm portion 620. A plurality of reinforced ridges 636 and plurality of reinforced pads 634 are located along grip surface 614 and define areas of increased coating thickness with respect to the rest of grip surface 614.

[0090] Plurality of reinforced ridges 636 extend continuously from tip 660 of index finger portion 616 along palm portion 620. In this way, some of reinforced ridges 636 extend from first side 678 of index finger portion 616 to an edge of palm portion 620 furthest from thumb portion 618. Reinforced ridges 636 on middle finger portion 616, ring finger portion 616, and little finger portion 616 are positioned along each respective finger portion 616 adjacent to each tip 660. Reinforced ridges 636 extend along the length of each respective finger portion 616 and terminate before base 661 of finger portions 616. Thumb portion 518 includes a reinforced pad 634 located adjacent to tip 662. This reinforced pad 634 extends from tip 662 towards base 663 of thumb portion 618 and terminates before base 663. Another reinforced pad 634 is positioned on palm portion 620 and is surrounded by plurality of reinforced ridges 636. A third reinforced pad 634 is located adjacent to thumb portion 518 and extends between thumb portion 18 and index finger portion 516 along palm portion 620.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, glove 710 is shown. Glove 710 is substantially the same as gloves 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and 610, except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, the plurality of reinforced ridges 736 are a Y-shape. The reinforced ridges 736 may vary in size along grip surface 714. As shown, reinforced ridges 736 located on grip surface 714 increase in size the closer the reinforced ridges 736 are to wrist portion 722.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, glove 810 is shown. Glove 810 is substantially the same as gloves 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, and 710, except for the differences discussed herein. Glove 810 includes a liner 812 and a grip surface 814 formed on liner 812. Grip surface 814 is located on palm side 864 along finger portions 816, thumb portion 818, and palm portion 820. Plurality of reinforced pads 836 are located along grip surface 814 and define areas of increased coating thickness with respect to the rest of grip surface 814.

[0093] As shown, each finger portion 816 includes one reinforced pad 834. Each reinforced pad 834 extends from a tip 860 of the respective finger portion 816 towards a base 861 of the respective finger portion 816. Reinforced pads 834 include a cut-out located at a first bend region of the finger portion positioned opposite of where a user's knuckle would be located when wearing glove 810. Similarly, thumb portion 818 includes one reinforced pad 834. Reinforced pad 834 extends from a tip 862 towards a base 863 of thumb portion 818. Reinforced pad 834 includes a cut-out located at a first bend region of the finger portion positioned opposite of where a user's knuckle would be located when wearing glove 810. Palm portion 820 incudes two reinforced pads 834. A first reinforced pad 834 extends below bases 861 of finger portions 816. The first reinforced pad 834 extends laterally from an edge of grip surface 814 between thumb portion 818 and index finger portion 816 towards an edge furthest from thumb portion 818. A second reinforced pad 834 is located on palm portion 820 below the first reinforced pad 834 and adjacent to the edge of grip surface furthest from thumb portion 818.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 21, glove 910 is shown. Glove 910 is substantially the same as glove 110, except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, glove 910 does not include any reinforced pads or reinforced ridges. Instead, flex grooves 926, 928, 930, and 932 are located along grip surface 914 such that they overlap with common bending areas in gloves (e.g., bend regions opposite the knuckles along the finger portions, bend regions along the palm portion, etc.). In this way, the thickness of grip surface 914 at these common bending regions is less than the thickness of the rest of grip surface 914.

[0095] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0096] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0097] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more component or element and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0098] For purposes of this disclosure, the term coupled means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, rigidly couple refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

[0099] While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0100] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles, and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.