Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a glove, and in particular to a glove with a coating
which makes it easy to grasp an object and is grippy and which is intended to prevent
water penetration, while being capable of preventing a hand from feeling humid due
to the coating.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Conventionally, a variety of gloves are used in different situations, such as manufacturing
operation in a factory, agricultural work, gardening, light work, and construction
operation. A glove achieves a high efficiency of work, as well as protecting a worker's
hand. Here, gloves can be classified into a type of glove obtained by knitting fibers,
such as a cotton work glove, and a type of glove made of rubber or resin mainly for
the purpose of a waterproof property.
[0003] A glove obtained by knitting fibers, such as a cotton work glove, is excellent in
breathability and workability, but has the problems that the glove is slippery when
an object is grasped with the glove and that water easily infiltrates into the glove.
On the other hand, a glove having a high waterproof property has the problem that
breathability and workability are poor.
[0004] Under these circumstances, in order to achieve workability, breathability, prevention
of feeling humid, and slip resistance, respectively, a glove is suggested whose part,
which is part of the surface of a base layer obtained by knitting fibers and which
is a palm part, is provided with a coating of resin or the like. The part covered
with the coating is expected waterproof property to some extent, and a part which
is not covered with the coating exerts breathability. In addition, since the material
of the coating part is resin, rubber, or the like, the coating part can be expected
to have a non-slip effect, thereby improving a gripping property. This is because
it is made easy to grasp an object securely, since the material of the coating or
the coating increases frictional force.
[0005] In a case where a worker works with such a glove on, however, in practice, the worker
tends to sweat more and more easily feel humid on the palm part provided with the
coating than on a palm back part which is not provided with the coating. In this case,
since the palm part is covered with the coating, it is difficult to diffuse sweat
or water generated on the palm. As a result, a condition under which it becomes easily
humid occurs inside the glove, and the worker feels uncomfortable.
[0006] In addition, while the coating makes the glove grippy in relation to an object to
be grasped, the problem occurs that inside the glove, water on the palm makes the
glove slippery in relation to the hand or, on the other hand, the glove becomes difficult
to take off. As a result, the glove provided with the coating on the palm side has
the problem that usability or workability becomes worse.
[0007] On the other hand, such a glove provided with the coating on part of the palm or
the surface is used in a variety of situations. In using the glove in such situations,
(1) slip resistance in grasping an object, (2) a certain waterproof property which
can be expected externally in grasping an object, (3) a certain waterproof property
expected in not using the glove, are expected to be achieved. If these requirements
can be achieved, then a structure by which usability or workability is improved is
required.
[0008] For this purpose, a technique for securing breathability while providing the coating
has been suggested (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2002-129418 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2007-84975). Alternatively, a technique for forming breathing pores in a glove when the coating
is formed has been suggested (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No.
H10-53908 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2001-131813). Furthermore, a technique for breathing pores due to rupture of air bubbles has
been suggested (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No.
S63-58922 and National Publication of International Patent Application No.
2009-527658).
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129418
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-84975
Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-53908
Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-131813
Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Publication No. S63-58922
Patent Document 6: National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2009-527658
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2002-129418 discloses a glove whose breathability is secured by, after forming a sol-like resin
layer, attaching discrete particles to the resin layer, and perforating the resin
layer when removing the discrete particles. That is, the glove disclosed in Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2002-129418 satisfies both of an anti-slip or certain waterproof effect due to the resin layer
and securing of breathability.
[0010] However, the glove disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2002-129418 is provided to a worker with the resin layer perforated. When being provided in such
a state, the glove has the problem that when the glove is not in use, water might
penetrate the glove through the pores in the resin layer and damps the inside of the
glove. In addition, the glove disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2002-129418 has the problem that since optimization of securing of breathability and how the
inside of the glove get humid are not performed, workability, breathability, and usability
for a worker to work with the glove on cannot be secured.
[0011] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2007-84975 discloses a glove whose breathability is secured by coating with resin an unprocessed
sewn or knitted supporting liner provided with fine protrusions.
[0012] Regarding the glove disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2007-84975, however, a specific configuration of the breathing pores is not disclosed. Further,
as in the case of the glove in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2002-129418, a certain waterproof property when the glove is not in use is not considered. In
addition, there is the problem that optimization of securing of breathability and
how the inside of the glove get humid is not performed, workability, breathability,
and usability for a worker to work with the glove on cannot be secured.
[0013] In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
H10-53908 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2001-131813 disclose techniques of rupturing air bubbles in a foamed resin coating to form breathing
pores in the surface of a glove. These conventional techniques, however, do not disclose
that a user wears the glove, thereby opening the breathing pores. Therefore, the gloves
disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
H10-53908 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2001-131813 cannot achieve both a certain waterproof property expected when the glove is not
in use, and breathability when the glove is in use.
[0014] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2001-131813 and Japanese Patent Publication No.
S63-58922 disclose techniques of allowing ventilation through ruptured air bubbles. The techniques
in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2001-131813 and Japanese Patent Publication No.
S63-58922, however, do not disclose that breathing pores are opened by wearing the glove, and
the openings of the breathing pores are small when the glove is not worn.
[0015] As described above, regarding the gloves in the conventional techniques, it is disclosed
that breathability is secured by forming breathing pores, but there is the problem
that (1) a certain waterproof property expected when the glove is not in use and breathability
when the glove is in use, (2) optimization of securing of breathability and how the
inside of the glove get humid, (3) securing of usability of the glove, and the like,
cannot be achieved.
[0016] In particular, in the case of work with use of a glove, the glove which is not worn
might be left on a work table, so that in this situation there is the problem that
water might penetrate the glove in the above situation. Once water penetrates the
glove, the penetrating water causes an uncomfortable feeling when a user puts on the
glove. During wearing of the glove, sweat mainly on the palm causes an uncomfortable
feeling. In consideration of conditions of use of a glove, it is important to secure
breathability and usability obtained from the breathability in order not to impair
the workability of the glove.
[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide a glove that can reduce a humid
feeling when the glove is in use, while achieving grip force, usability, workability,
and breathability.
Means for solving the Problem
[0018] Under these circumstances, a glove according to the present invention includes a
hand-shaped base layer made of fibers having a stretching property, a coating formed
on the surface of the base layer, at least the surface of a palm of the base layer,
and a plurality of breathing pores formed in the coating, wherein the opening areas
of the breathing pores when the glove is worn are larger than the opening areas of
the breathing pores when the glove is not worn, and the base layer has a plurality
of stitches so that the stitches and the breathing pores communicate with each other
when the breathing pores are opened by wearing the glove.
Effect of the Invention
[0019] Since the glove according to the present invention has the coating layer formed on
a part, including the palm side, of the glove, breathability can be secured by the
breathing pores formed in the coating layer, with improved object grip force. Furthermore,
since the breathing pores are expanded when the glove is worn, the glove is not easily
penetrated by water when the glove is not worn, and breathability can be secured when
the glove is worn. As a result, an uncomfortable feeling due to the externally penetrating
water when the glove is worn is eliminated, and an uncomfortable feeling due to water,
such as sweat on the palm, during wearing of the glove is reduced. That is, the glove
can deal with both of the causes of uncomfortable feelings that might arise before
and during wearing of the glove.
[0020] In addition, a wearer sweats on the palm or the bases of fingers more than on the
other parts in the glove, and in the glove according to the present invention, the
density or areas of the breathing pores in parts corresponding to such parts of a
hand of the wearer is made high or large. As a result, a humid feeling during wearing
of the glove and during working is reduced, and a difference in grip force between
the inside and outside of the glove is reduced, so that the glove becomes difficult
to take off.
[0021] In addition, if the breathing pores are differently formed according to respective
parts of the glove, it becomes possible to maintain the durability of the glove while
responding to breathability different from part to part. Furthermore, by applying
an idea to coating formation parts variously, a humid feeling or an uncomfortable
feeling can be reduced.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glove according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the glove according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIGS. 3A and 3B are partially enlarged views of a coating according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a relationship between a base and breathing pores of
the glove according to the first embodiment;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are descriptive views showing how the breathing pores expand according
to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a front view of a glove according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a front view of the glove according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of a glove according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 9 is a descriptive view showing a process of manufacturing breathing pores 4
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a front view of a glove according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 12 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 13 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention; and
FIG. 14 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0023] A glove according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a hand-shaped
base made of fibers having a stretching property, a coating formed on the surface
of the base layer, at least the surface of a palm of the base layer, and a plurality
of breathing pores formed in the coating, wherein the opening area of the breathing
pores when the glove is worn is larger than the opening area of the breathing pores
when the glove is not worn.
[0024] This configuration makes it possible to achieve breathability due to the breathing
pores while securing high durability, gripping property, and a certain waterproof
property due to the coating.
In a glove according to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the
first aspect, the base layer has a plurality of stitches, and when the breathing pores
are opened by wearing the glove, the stitches and the breathing pores communicate
with each other.
[0025] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to breathe air or exhaust air
between the surface of a hand of a wearer and the outside of the glove.
[0026] In a glove according to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the
second aspect, the total opening area of the plurality of stitches is larger than
the total opening area of the plurality of breathing pores when the plurality of breathing
pores are opened.
[0027] According to this configuration, the openings near a humid or damp surface of the
hand becomes so large that the sweat or humidity on the surface of the hand is sufficiently
exhausted.
[0028] In a glove according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to
the second or third aspect, the opening area of one of the plurality of stitches is
larger than the opening area of one of the plurality of breathing pores when the one
of the plurality of breathing pores is opened.
[0029] According to this configuration, enlarges the openings near a humid or damp surface
of the hand becomes so large that the sweat or humidity on the surface of the hand
is sufficiently exhausted.
[0030] In a glove according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any
one of the second to fourth aspects, the total opening area of the stitches on a palm
side of the glove is larger than the total opening area of the stitches on a palm
back side of the glove.
[0031] According to this configuration, the humidity on the surface of the hand is sufficiently
exhausted.
[0032] In a glove according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any
one of the first to fifth aspects, the coating is formed over substantially the whole
surface of the base layer, or at least on a palm, a finger, and the base of a finger
of the base layer in the surface of the base layer.
[0033] According to this configuration, the coating can increase the gripping property or
ease in handling of the glove.
[0034] In a glove according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to
any one of the first to sixth aspects, at least either one of the number of the breathing
pores per unit area (hereinafter, called "unit number") of a plurality of breathing
pores and the total opening area of the breathing pores per unit area (hereinafter,
called "unit opening area) of a plurality of breathing pores differs according to
respective parts of the glove.
[0035] According to this configuration, the breathing pores can enhance breathing air or
exhausting air preferentially in a part where sweat or humidity easily collects. In
addition, the durability of the glove is not reduced.
[0036] In a glove according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to
the seventh aspect, at least either one of the unit number and the unit opening area
in the base of the finger of the glove is more than or larger than at least either
one of the unit number and unit opening area in the palm of the glove.
[0037] According to this configuration, the breathing pores can preferentially breathe air
or exhaust air at the base of the finger where sweat or humidity easily collects.
In addition, the durability of the glove is not reduced.
[0038] In a glove according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the
seventh aspect, at least either one of the unit number and unit opening area in the
finger of the glove is more than or larger than at least either one of the unit number
or unit opening area in the palm of the glove.
[0039] According to this configuration, the breathing pores can preferentially breathe air
or exhaust air in the finger whose shape is complicated. In addition, the durability
of the glove is not reduced.
[0040] In a glove according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the
ninth aspect, the size of a finger of a former for manufacturing a glove is smaller
than a standard size thereof, and the size of a palm of the former is equal to or
larger than a standard size thereof.
[0041] According to this configuration, the unit number or unit opening area in the finger
can be made more than or larger than the unit number or unit opening area in the palm.
[0042] In a glove according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition
to the seventh aspect, at least either one of the unit number and the unit opening
area in the finger of the glove is less than or smaller than at least either one of
the unit number and the unit opening area in the palm of the glove.
[0043] According to this configuration, breathability or an air exhausting property can
be performed preferentially in the palm whose surface area is large. Of course, the
durability of the glove is not reduced.
[0044] In a glove according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to
the eleventh aspect, the size of the finger of a former for manufacturing a glove
is equal to or larger than a standard size thereof, and the size of a palm of the
former is smaller than a standard size thereof.
[0045] According to this configuration, the unit number or unit opening area in the palm
can be made more than or larger than the unit number or unit opening area in the finger.
[0046] In a glove according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the breathing pores are formed by at least
either one of rupturing air bubbles contained in the coating and attaching particles
to the coating.
[0047] According to this configuration, the breathing pores are easily formed.
[0048] In a glove according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the finger of the glove is in a bent
state to the side of the palm when the glove is not worn.
[0049] According to this configuration, the breathing pores in the finger are easily opened
wider than the breathing pores in the palm.
[0050] In a glove according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the second to fourteenth aspects, at least one of the plurality of breathing
pores communicates with more than one of the stitches when the glove is worn.
[0051] According to this configuration, the glove can increase the degree of breathability
due to the breathing pores.
[0052] In a glove according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the second to fourteenth aspects, at least one of the plurality of stitches
communicates with more than one of the breathing pores when the glove is worn.
[0053] According to this configuration, the glove can increase durability against deterioration
of the coating due to expansion of the breathing pores while securing breathability.
[0054] In a glove according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the second to sixteenth aspects, the stitches are formed by knitting
a reference yarn having a low stretching property and a yarn having a stretching property.
[0055] According to this configuration, it becomes easy for the stitches to keep their opening.
As a result, breathability produced in communication with the breathing pores increases.
[0056] In a glove according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition
to the seventeenth aspect, the reference yarn includes bamboo fiber.
[0057] According to this configuration, the reference yarn can reduce the stretching property.
[0058] In a glove according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, the coating is formed on the surfaces
of the finger and the palm, excluding at least part of the base of the finger and
a finger joint of the glove.
[0059] According to this configuration, breathability at a part in which sweat or water
collects easily and which has less effect on gripping property.
[0060] In a glove according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the thickness of the coating on the
base of the fingers and the finger joint of the glove is thinner than the thickness
of the coating on the finger and the palm of the glove.
[0061] According to this configuration, breathability at a part in which sweat or water
collects easily and which has less effect on gripping property can be increased.
[0062] In a glove according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the thickness of the coating on the
finger of the glove is thinner than the thickness of the coating on the palm.
[0063] According to this configuration, breathability of the finger where sweat or water
is problematic can be increased by a simpler method.
[0064] In a glove according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the thickness of the coating on a fingertip
of the glove is thicker than the thickness of the coating on at least either one of
the finger and the palm.
[0065] According to this configuration, the glove can increase the grip force of the fingertip.
[0066] In a glove according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in addition
to any one of the first to twenty-second aspects, the chromaticity of the base layer
contains darker part than the chromaticity of the coating.
[0067] According to this configuration, the glove can make a user indirectly grasp the presence
of the breathing pores or the openings thereof.
[0068] (First Embodiment)
[0069] A first embodiment will be described.
[0071] First, the summary of a glove according to the first embodiment will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The glove according to the first embodiment has a
shape conforming with the shape of a human hand, and is used in a state where a user
who is an ordinary human is wearing the glove on his/her hand.
[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the glove according to the first embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 1 shows a palm side view of a glove 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective
view of the glove according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
2 shows a palm back side view of the glove 1, which is the opposite side from in FIG.
1.
[0073] The glove 1 includes a base layer 2, a coating 3 formed on a surface of the base
layer 2, and a plurality of breathing pores 4 formed in the coating 3. The base layer
2 has the shape of a hand, and is made of fibers having a stretching property. The
coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2, at least on the surface of
a palm 5. It is preferred that the coating 3 has a waterproof property similar to
that of resin, artificial leather or the like. The plurality of breathing pores 4
is located in the coating 3, though not visible in FIG. 1 or 2. The opening area of
the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is worn is larger than the opening area of
the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is not worn.
[0074] FIGS. 3A and 3B are partially enlarged views of the coating in the first embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows the state of the coating 3 when the glove
1 is not worn (that is, shows a state that the coating 3 is not stretched), and FIG.
3B shows the state of the coating 3 when the glove 1 is worn (that is, shows a state
that the coating 3 is stretched by wearing of the glove 1). The coating 3 includes
the plurality of breathing pores 4. These breathing pores 4 are irregularly shaped,
and have various shapes.
[0075] In FIG. 3A, since the glove 1 is not worn, the base layer 2 and the coating 3 which
form the glove 1 are each not stretched. Therefore, each of the plurality of breathing
pores 4 included in the coating 3 is closed or slightly opened. On the other hand,
in FIG. 3B, since the glove 1 is worn, the base layer 2 and the coating 3 which form
the glove 1 stretch along a hand on which the glove is worn, respectively. With this
stretch, the opening area of each of the plurality of breathing pores 4 included in
the coating 3 increases. The opening area of the breathing pore 4 shown in FIG. 3B
is obviously larger than the opening area of the breathing pore 4 shown in FIG. 3A.
[0076] Thus, by inserting a user's hand into the glove 1, the base layer 2 having a stretching
property expands. Since the coating 3 is attached to the surface of the base layer
2, the coating 3 also expands inevitably according to the expansion of the base layer
2. Due to this expansion, namely, stretch, of the coating 3, each of the plurality
of breathing pores 4 included in the coating 3 increases its opening area.
[0077] Since the coating 3 is formed from a material having a waterproof property, such
as resin or artificial leather, penetration of water through the palm 5 can be reduced.
In addition, since the coating 3 is formed from resin, artificial leather, or the
like, slip resistance when a user handles an object with the glove 1 worn on his/her
hand can be achieved, or improvement of grip force can be achieved.
[0078] In addition, the coating 3 includes the plurality of breathing pores 4, and the plurality
of breathing pores 4 increase their opening areas when the glove 1 is worn more than
when the glove 1 is not worn. Therefore, when a user wears the glove 1, the opening
areas of the plurality of breathing pores 4 increase with the stretch of the coating
3, and breathability is obtained through these expanded breathing pores 4. When the
glove 1 is not worn, these opening areas of the plurality of breathing pores 4 are
smaller than those when the glove 1 is worn, or, in some cases, are not sufficiently
opened, so that water is prevented from unnecessarily penetrating through the palm
into the glove 1 when the glove 1 is not in use.
[0079] Thus, the glove 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve both a certain waterproof
property expected when the glove is not in use, and grip force and breathability when
the glove is in use.
[0080] Since the base layer 2 is made from fiber, the base layer 2 has a plurality of stitches
created by knitting fibers. The stitch is defined as an opening space created between
fibers. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the relationship between the base layer and
the breathing pores of the glove according to the first embodiment. The base layer
2 is formed by knitting fibers 21. Therefore, a stitch 22, which is an opening space,
is formed by combining lengthwise and crosswise fibers 21. The base layer 2 is made
by knitting a plurality of fibers 21 lengthwise and crosswise, which results in that
the base layer 2 has a plurality of stitches 22. That is, it can be said that the
plurality of stitches 22 constitute the base layer 2.
[0081] The coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2, which results in that
the coating 3 is formed on the surface of the stitches 22. The breathing pores 4 are
provided in this coating 3, and the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 increase
by wearing of the glove 1. Therefore, by wearing of the glove 1, the opening areas
of the breathing pores 4 increase, and then the breathing pores 4 communicate with
the stitches 22 of the base layer 2. The stitches 22, of course, ventilates the surface
of the hand, which results in that the surface of the hand, the stitches 22, the breathing
pores 4, and the outside communicate with each other. As a result, humidity or water
on the surface of the hand is released to the outside through the breathing pores
4, so that the breathability of the glove 1 increases. Of course, temperature lowering
inside the glove 1 is promoted, so that a humid feeling is also reduced.
[0083] The base layer 2 is a fundamental part of the glove 1 having an outer shape of a
knitted glove made of fibers. The base layer 2 is manufactured by knitting natural
materials, such as cotton or hemp, or synthetic fiber, such as nylon or polyester.
Especially, it is preferred that woolly finished yarn is used. At this time, the base
layer 2 is manufactured as a knitted fabric or woven fabric. In addition, if cellulose
fiber, such as cotton or hemp, is used, the base layer 2 has a high humidity absorbing
property. On the other hand, in terms of an antibacterial property, good texture,
a humidity desorbing property, and a quick-drying property, it is also preferred that
bamboo fiber is used. Regarding the bamboo fiber, a method of manufacturing the same
is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2008-101291. In addition, the details of fiber identification and consumption characteristics
of bamboo fiber are disclosed in
Bulletin of Study No. 1 of Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute,
2006.
[0084] In either case, the base layer 2 is made from a fibrous material, and therefore the
base layer 2 has a stretching property. This stretching property of the base layer
2 allows the glove 1 to stretch when a user wears the glove 1. When the user takes
off the glove 1, of course, the glove 1 is relieved from the stretch and returns to
its original size.
[0085] The glove 1 is manufactured with use of a former having the shape of a human hand.
The shape and size of this former determine the shape and size of the glove 1. Therefore,
the shape or size of the glove 1 can be changed by changing the former. For example,
a change in shape or size, such as child size, adult size, male size, female size,
or senior citizen size, or S size, M size, or L size, is realized by changing formers
for manufacturing the glove 1.
[0086] Since the base layer 2 is made from material made of fibers, the base layer 2 has
a plurality of stitches. The plurality of stitches allows the glove 1 worn on a hand
of a user to breathe. The plurality of breathing pores 4 communicate with the stitches,
thereby realizing breathability between the hand in the glove 1 and the outside. Therefore,
the breathability of the glove 1 increases or decreases according to the shape, size,
or position of the plurality of stitches included in the base layer 2.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base layer 2 includes the palm 5, fingers 6, a wrist
7, and a palm back 8. A former used for manufacturing the glove 1 includes elements
of these palm 5, fingers 6, wrist 7, and palm back 8, and fibers are knitted along
this former, so that the base layer 2 obtains a shape including these elements. The
elements of these palm 5, fingers 6, wrist 7, and palm back 8 not only correspond
to the shape of a user's hand, but also relate to the differences in level of necessity
for breathing air. Therefore, these elements cause various kinds of variations of
breathability secured by the breathing pores 4.
(Coating)
[0088] The coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2. By dipping the manufactured
base layer 2 in a liquid material, such as liquid resin which is a material for the
coating 3, the coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2.
[0089] The coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2, but the coating 3 may
be formed on the entire surface of the base body 2, or may be formed at least on the
surface of the palm 5 of the base layer 2, or may be formed at least on the surfaces
of the palm 5 and the finger 6 of the base layer 2, or may be formed on the surfaces
of the palm 5, the fmgers 6, and the palm back 8 of the base layer 2 (in the last
case it means that the coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2 except
for the wrist 7). The coating 3 aims at securing at least one of slip resistance,
grip force enhancement, a simple waterproof property and safety when a user works
with the glove 1 on his/her hand. Therefore, according to these aims, the coating
3 is formed partially or entirely on the surface of the base layer 2.
[0090] Generally, the coating 3 is formed on the surfaces of the palm 5 and the fingers
6. FIGS. 1 and 2 show this state. As shown in FIG. 1, the coating 3 is formed on the
palm 5 and palm sides of the fingers 6. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the
coating 3 is not formed on the palm back 8. Thus, since the coating 3 is not formed
on the palm back 8, a hand in the glove 1 is not entirely covered with the coating
3. As a result, in a part where the coating 3 is not formed (in FIG. 2, for example,
the wrist 7, the palm back 8, and the like), the stitches of the base layer 2 can
secure breathability.
[0091] The coating 3 is formed from material, such as rubber latex or resin emulsion. As
rubber latex, natural rubber latex or synthetic resin latex, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene
rubber (hereinafter, called "NBR") or styrene-butadiene rubber (hereinafter, called
"SBR"), is used. In addition, as resin emulsion, polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic
resin, urethane resin, or the like is used.
[0092] All of these materials have a waterproof property, a high gripping property, and
a protecting property, and the coating 3 formed on the surface of the base layer 2
can provide various effects when a user wears the glove 1. Ignoring the presence of
the breathing pores 4, a waterproof property occurs in parts formed with the coating
3 due to the properties of these materials used for the coating 3.
[0093] The coating 3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2 by dipping the base layer
2 in a liquid material, which is a material such as rubber latex or resin emulsion,
which forms the coating 3. For example, a material, such as liquid rubber latex or
resin emulsion, is stored in a container, and the base layer 2 is put into the container.
For example, only the palm 5 of the base layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material.
The dipping for a predetermined period of time allows the liquid material to infiltrate
into the fibers constituting the base layer 2. When dried, the infiltrating liquid
material becomes solid. By this solidification, the coating 3 is formed on the surface
of the base layer 2.
[0094] It should be noted that the coating 3 may be formed in such a manner that the base
layer 2 kept worn on a former is dipped in the liquid material in order to prevent
the base layer 2 from deforming. At this time, first, the base layer 2 is dipped in
a coagulant, and then dipped in a liquid material obtained by mixing rubber latex
or resin emulsion with a necessary compounding agent. This is because preliminary
dipping in a coagulant allows the infiltrating liquid material to become solid easily
on the surface of the base layer 2. When the liquid material becomes solid, the coating
3 is formed on the surface of the base layer 2.
[0095] In addition, if necessary, a stabilizer, a cross-linking agent, a cross-link dispersing
element, an anti-aging agent, a thickener, a plasticizer, a defoamer, or the like
is added to the liquid material which forms the coating 3. The liquid material with
these additives infiltrates into the base layer 2, thereby forming the coating 3 on
the surface of the base layer 2.
[0096] The cross-link dispersing element can be obtained by dispersing solid matter, such
as an accelerator, such as BZ, TT, CZ, or PZ, or an accelerator activator, such as
zinc oxide, or an anti-aging agent, in water, in addition to a cross-linking agent,
such as sulfur or peroxide. The cross-link dispersing element is mainly used when
the liquid material is rubber latex. Addition of a cross-link dispersing element to
a rubber latex liquid material causes binding of rubber molecules in the form of a
net, thereby improving physical properties of a resin coating, such as strength.
[0097] A described above, by dipping the surface of the base layer 2 in the liquid material,
such as rubber latex or resin emulsion, the coating 3 is formed on the surface of
the base layer 2. In particular, by dipping the surface of the base layer 2 in the
liquid material, the coating 3 is formed on various desired parts of the base layer
2. The coating 3 not only improves the gripping property or handling ease of the glove
1, but also provides a balance with breathability, as described later, and therefore
it is preferred that a part to be formed with the coating 3 on is determined as desired.
(Breathing pores)
[0098] Next, the breathing pores 4 will be described.
[0099] The breathing pores 4 is formed in the coating 3, and the opening areas of the breathing
pores 4 when the glove 1 are worn is larger than the opening areas thereof when the
glove 1 is not worn. By wearing the glove 1 on a user's hand, the opening areas of
the breathing pore 4 are made larger than those when the glove 1 is not worn. As a
result, a user of the glove 1 can secure breathability.
[0100] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a state that the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 have
been expanded by wearing of the glove 4. In FIG. 3A showing that the glove 1 is not
worn, the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 are small, but, in FIG. 3B showing
that the glove 1 is worn, the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 are large. Since
the base layer 2 has a stretching property, the coating 3 formed on the surface of
the base layer 2 also has a stretching property. The breathing pores 4 are formed
in the coating 3, in other words, the breathing pores 4 are like tears, cracks, holes,
and cuts generated in a plurality of locations in the coating 3.
[0101] Since the coating 3 is stretched by wearing of the glove 1, these tears, cracks,
holes, and cuts are expanded. Such expansion causes the opening areas of the breathing
pores 4 to expand as shown in FIG. 3B. Due to expansion of the opening areas of the
breathing pores 4, the breathing pores 4 communicate with openings of the stitches
of the base layer 2, the surface of the human hand communicates with the outside,
and thus airflow paths are formed. This airflow paths release humidity or steam (caused
by sweat or the like) generated on the surface of the human hand to the outside, so
that a user using the glove 1 can be kept comfortable.
[0102] FIGS. 5A and 5B are descriptive views showing how the breathing pores expand according
to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5A and 5B show a partial side
view of the glove, showing that the plurality of breathing pores 4 formed in the coating
3 expands according to wearing of the glove 1 on a hand of a user.
[0103] FIG. 5A shows a partial side view of the glove 1 in an unworn state of the glove
1. A coating 3a is formed on the surface of a base layer 2a. The base layer 2a has
stitches, and the base layer 2a and the coating 3a are not stretched when the glove
1 is not worn. Therefore, breathing pores 4a formed in the coating 3a still have small
opening areas (not sufficiently opened). An encircled part in FIG. 5A shows an enlarged
view of the side view of the glove 1. As shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 5A, when
the glove 1 is not worn, the breathing pores 4a are closed or not sufficiently opened.
[0104] FIG. 5B shows a partial side view of the glove 1 in a worn state of the glove 1.
An encircled part shows a partially enlarged view of the side view. A base layer 2b
has stitches, and a coating 3b is formed on the surface of this base layer 2b. This
coating 3b includes a plurality of breathing pores 4b, and by wearing of the glove
1, the base layer 2b and the coating 3b are stretched. With this stretch, the breathing
pores 4b expand. This is also obvious from the encircled enlarged view. The breathing
pores 4b expand, and openings of the breathing pores 4b communicate with the stitches
of the base layer 2. This communication allows humidity or the like on the surface
of the hand to be released to the outside.
(Openings of the breathing pores 4)
[0105] The statement that the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is
worn are larger than the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is
not worn includes various conditions.
[0106] An example is a condition that when the glove 1 is not worn, the breathing pores
4 are opened but insufficiently opened and have small opening areas, and when the
glove 1 is worn, the breathing pores 4 are sufficiently opened and have large opening
areas. That is, the example is a condition that regardless of whether the glove 1
is worn or not worn, the breathing pores 4 are opened, but, when the glove 1 is worn,
the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 expand.
[0107] In addition, another example is a condition that when the glove 1 is not worn, the
breathing pores 4 are closed (shut up), and, when the glove 1 is worn, the breathing
pores 4 are opened. That is, a condition that the breathing pores 4 become opened
from their closed state is included.
[0108] In addition, the coating 3 includes the plurality of breathing pores 4, and the breathing
pores 4 may be tears, cracks, holes, or cuts. Therefore, the plurality of breathing
pores 4 may be a mixture of breathing pores 4 which opens from their closed state
and breathing pores 4 which opens wider from their opened state. For example, when
the glove 1 is not worn, some of the plurality of breathing pores 4 are closed, and
the rest of the breathing pores 4 are opened. When the glove 1 is worn, the closed
breathing pores 4 open, and the opened breathing pores 4 open wider.
[0109] Alternatively, there may be some of the plurality of breathing pores 4 which remain
closed or remain small in opening area even if the glove 1 is worn. On the contrary,
there may be some of the breathing pores 4 whose opening areas become small according
to the degree of stretch of the base layer 2 or the coating 3 when the glove 1 is
worn. For example, the palm 5 is easily stretched by wearing of the glove 1, but the
base of the finger 6 or the sides of the palm 5 may be rather compressed. This is
because, in this case, the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5 expand their opening, but
the compression can prevent the breathing pores 4 at the base of the finger 6 or the
sides of the palm 5 from expanding their opening, or can narrow the breathing pores
4 thereat.
[0110] Since the coating 3 includes the plurality of (numerous) breathing pores 4, when
the glove 1 is not worn, there are various breathing pores 4, (1) some of which are
closed, (2) some of which are slightly opened, and (3) some of which are opened, and,
when the glove 1 is worn, there are various breathing pores 4, (1) some of which become
opened from their closed state, (2) some of which become larger in opening area than
when the glove 1 is not worn, (3) some of which remain unchanged in opening area from
when the glove 1 is not worn, and (4) some of which become smaller in opening area
than when the glove 1 is not worn. Even in such a mixed state, most of the breathing
pores 4 expand their opening area according to the stretch of the glove 1. As a result,
breathability in the coating 3 is secured.
[0111] In addition, some of the breathing pores 4 are opened in a longitudinal direction
of the glove 1, some of them are opened in a lateral direction thereof, some of them
are opened in an oblique direction thereof, and some of them are opened in other directions.
Which direction the breathing pores 4 are opened in depends on the locations or shapes
of the breathing pores 4.
[0112] The opening area of each of the plurality of breathing pores 4 may become larger
when the glove 1 is worn than when the glove 1 is not worn, or the total opening area
of the plurality of breathing pores 4 may become larger when the glove 1 is worn than
when the glove 1 is not worn. That is, in terms of one of the plurality of breathing
pores 4, the opening area of this breathing pore 4 increases when the glove 1 is worn,
so that the breathability is improved in the location where the breathing pore 4 is
present. On the other hand, when the plurality of breathing pores 4 are considered
as a whole, the total opening area of the breathing pores 4 increases, so that the
glove 1 breathes well in total.
[0113] Regarding the glove 1 according to the first embodiment, the statement that the opening
areas of the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is worn are larger than the opening
areas of the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is not worn includes various patterns,
and does not preclude the presence of different patterns in some of the plurality
of breathing pores 4. In addition, the breathability may be improved by increasing
the opening area of the breathing pore 4, or the breathability may be improved by
increasing the total opening area of the breathing pores 4.
(Relation between the Breathing pores and the Base layer)
[0114] Next, the communication between the breathing pores 4 and the base layer 2 will be
described. The way that the breathing pores 4 and the stitches 22 communicate with
each other is as described above with reference to FIG. 4.
[0115] Since the base layer 2 has a fibrous structure, the base layer 2 has a plurality
of stitches. The breathing pores 4 communicate with these stitches, thereby allowing
air to pass between the surface of the hand and the outside. The stitches spread throughout
the base layer 2, and the stitches are covered with the coating 3. Therefore, when
the breathing pores 4 located in the coating 3 are opened, the stitches, which are
opened in their initial state (the stitches in this case further increase their opening
area according to wearing of the glove 1), communicate with the openings of the breathing
pores 4, so that air is allowed to pass between the surface of the hand and the outside.
Therefore, the way of breathing varies according to the relationship between the openings
of the stitches and the openings of the breathing pores 4.
[0116] For example, the total opening area of the plurality of stitches during wearing of
the glove 1 is larger than the total opening area of the plurality of breathing pores
4. Since the stitches are included in the base layer 2, the stitches come into direct
contact with the surface of the hand. On the other hand, the breathing pores 4 come
into indirect contact with the surface of the hand. Ventilation of the glove 1 is
performed in two directions: a taking-in direction in which air is taken into the
glove 1 from the outside; and a discharging direction in which humidity or the like
is released from the surface of the hand to the outside. Regarding these two directions,
in order to maintain the comfort of a user of the glove 1, discharging performance
in the discharging direction is important.
[0117] Since the opening areas of the stitches, which are closer to the surface of the hand,
are larger than the opening areas of the breathing pores 4, which are farther from
the surface of the hand, the openings of the stitches first suck a lot of humidity
or steam from the surface of the hand, and then the openings of the breathing pores
4 release the humidity or steam passing through the stitches to the outside. Making
the openings of the breathing pores 4 excessively large might cause the coating 3
to be torn or broken, so it is not preferred that the breathing pores 4 are made excessively
large. This results in deterioration in glove durability. On the other hand, if the
openings of the stitches are made small in the same manner as the breathing pores
4, the breathability in the discharging direction from the surface of the hand to
the outside deteriorates. Thus, making the total opening area of the stitches larger
than the total opening area of the breathing pores 4 improves breathing performance
in the discharging direction from the surface of the hand to the outside, without
lowering the durability of the glove 1.
[0118] In addition, the relationship between the openings of the stitches and the openings
of the breathing pores 4 may be determined in terms of the total opening area, as
described above, or may be determined in terms of the relationship between one of
the plurality of stitches and one of the plurality of breathing pore 4.
[0119] For example, the opening area of one of the plurality of stitches is larger than
the opening area of one of the plurality of breathing pores 4. It should be understood
that in the relationship between the opening areas of the plurality of stitches and
the opening areas of the plurality of breathing pores 4, the opening area of some
stitch may be larger than the opening area of some breathing pore 4, or the opening
area of some stitch may be smaller than the opening area of some breathing pore 4.
That is, when the relationship between some stitch and some breathing pore 4 is considered,
the opening area of the stitch is large.
[0120] Thus, making the opening area of one of the plurality of stitches larger than the
opening are of one of the plurality of breathing pores 4 improves breathability in
the discharging direction from the surface of the hand to the outside, as in the case
of the total opening area. As a result, the comfort of a user of the glove 1 increases.
[0121] Since the glove 1 is composed of the base layer 2 including the stitches and the
coating 3 including the breathing pores 4, an aspect based on the interrelation between
the stitches and the breathing pores 4 leads to enhancement or improvement in breathability.
As described above, making the total opening area of the stitches or the opening area
of some stitch larger than the total opening area of the breathing pores 4 or the
opening area of some breathing pore 4 improves the breathability in the discharging
direction which is important in breathability. It should be noted that making large
the opening area of the stitches which come into contact with the surface of the hand
can provide the advantage that the stitches absorb hot air from the surface of the
hand higher in temperature than the outside, and then easily release the hot air to
the outside.
[0122] In addition, it is also preferred that the total opening area of the stitches in
the palm 5 of the base layer 2 is larger than the total opening area of the stitches
in the palm back 8 of the base layer 2.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 2, in many cases, the coating 3 is provided on the palm 5, but not
provided on the palm back 8. Therefore, the base layer 2 is exposed in the palm back
8, so that breathability can be secured even if the opening areas of the stitches
of the base layer 2 are small. In addition, there is also the problem that excessively
large opening areas of the stitches in the palm back 8 weaken a structural retentive
ability of the glove 1.
[0124] On the other hand, since the palm 5 is covered with the coating 3 in many cases,
it is important for the palm 5 to secure breathability. The coating 3 includes the
breathing pores 4 whose opening areas expand according to wearing of the glove 1,
and the breathing pores 4 can communicate with the stitches, thereby securing the
breathability of the glove 1. Therefore, it is important to make the opening areas
of the stitches larger in order to improve the breathability (in particular, to improve
the breathability in the discharging direction from the surface of the hand to the
outside). In terms of breathability, large opening areas of the stitches are effective
in the palm 5. It is necessary, of course, to keep a limit at which the glove 1 can
exert its structural retentive ability. However, since the palm 5 are covered with
the coating 3, even if the opening areas of the stitches of the base layer 2 are large,
the glove 1 can exert its structural retentive ability.
[0125] Thus, making the total opening area of the stitches of the base layer 2 larger in
the palm 5 than in the palm back 8 can realize well-balanced breathability of the
whole glove 1, while keeping the structural retentive ability of the glove 1.
[0126] It should be noted that the difference in the total opening area of the stitches
between the palm 5 and the palm back 8 may be determined by the number of the stitches,
or may be determined by the opening areas of individual stitches, or may be determined
by multiplying the number of the stitches by the opening of the stitch.
[0127] As described above, since the breathing pores 4 provided in the coating 3 expand
their opening areas according to wearing of the glove 1, the glove 1 according to
the first embodiment can realize breathability, without impairing the grip force or
ease in handling of the glove 1.
(Second Embodiment)
[0128] Next a second embodiment will be described. Regarding the second embodiment, the
relationship between the parts of the glove 1 and the breathing pores 4 will be described.
[0129] The glove 1, of course, is worn on a human hand. The glove 1 of the present invention
expands the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 according to wearing of the glove
1, thereby securing breathability. Here, when a person with his/her hand worn with
a glove works, sweat or humidity is collected at different locations on his/her hand.
Further, in addition to the difference in location where sweat or humidity is collected,
the level of discomfort due to sweat or humidity varies for respective locations.
For example, the base of the finger 6 is easily depressed because of its structure,
and sweat or water easily collects in this depression.
[0130] Thus, it may be necessary to provide differences in level of breathability among
parts of a hand (parts of the glove 1). It is preferred that the differences in level
of breathablity are set by various parameters, such as the number, opening area, or
total opening area of breathing pores 4, or the number, opening area, or total opening
area of stitches.
[0131] Therefore, it is also preferred that at least either one of the number of the breathing
pores 4 per unit area (hereinafter, called "unit number") of a plurality of breathing
pores 4 and the total opening area of the breathing pores 4 per unit area (hereinafter,
called "unit opening area") of a plurality of breathing pores 4 differs according
to respective parts of the glove 1. Based on this difference, differences in level
of breathability occur according to the part of the glove 1 (that is, according to
parts of a human hand). Differences in level of breathability can be optimally adapted
to user's discomfort.
[0132] In the glove 1 according to the second embodiment, the fact that at least either
one of the unit number and unit opening area of the breathing pores 4 differs according
to parts of the glove causes unevenness in level of breathability, but the difference
of breathability varies according to the feeling of a user or the aspect of use of
the glove. Therefore, some examples will be shown below.
(Example 1 Giving priority to the base of a finger over a palm)
[0133] The unit number in a base 61 of the finger 6 of the glove 1 is larger than the unit
number in the palm 5 of the glove 1. Alternatively, the unit opening area in the base
61 of the finger 6 of the glove 1 is larger than the unit opening area in the palm
5 of the glove 1. Only one of the unit number and unit opening area may be more or
larger, or both the unit number and the unit opening area may be more or larger.
[0134] FIG. 6 is a front view of the glove according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6 shows the breathing pores 4 larger than what they should be originally,
so that the distribution of the breathing pores 4 can be easily understood. All circles
drawn in the surface of the coating 3 in FIG. 6 schematically represent the breathing
pores 4.
[0135] As shown in FIG. 6, the unit number in the base 61 of the finger 6 is more than the
unit number in the palm 5. In a user's hand, a depression is easily formed in the
base of a finger, in which sweat or humidity inevitably easily collects. In addition,
since the base of a finger is in contact with an adjacent finger, sweat or humidity
collecting in the base of a finger causes a user to feel discomfort. On the other
hand, since the palm has a large area, it can be thought that even if the unit number
is small in the palm, sweat or humidity does not easily collect in the palm.
[0136] Therefore, it is preferred that the unit number in the base 61 of the finger 6 of
the glove 1 corresponding to the base of a finger of a user's hand is larger than
the unit number in the palm 5 of the glove 1 corresponding to the palm of a user's
hand. This is because as the unit number increases, it becomes easier to release steam
or humidity from the base 61 of the finger 6 in which sweat or humidity easily collects.
[0137] In addition, FIG. 6 shows the difference in unit number, but the difference in unit
opening area makes no difference. That is, making the unit opening area in the base
61 of the finger 6 larger than the unit opening area in the palm 5 increases the breathability
in the base of a finger where sweat or humidity more easily collects. As a result,
a high degree of comfort of a user of the glove 1 is kept.
[0138] It should be understood that even if either one of the unit number and unit opening
area in the base 61 of the finger 6 is smaller than either one of the unit number
and unit opening area in the palm 5, the breathability in the base 61 of the finger
6 can be made higher than the breathability in the palm 5 by making the other in the
base 61 of the finger 6 larger than the other in the palm 5. Of course, when any one
of the plurality of breathing pores 4 is considered, even if the opening area of any
one of the plurality of breathing pores 4 in the base 61 of the finger 6 is smaller
than the opening area of any one of the plurality of breathing pores 4 in the palm
5, it is only required that there is a difference in least either one of the unit
number and unit opening area as a whole. It is preferred that such a difference makes
the breathability of the base 61 of the finger 6 larger than the breathability of
the palm 5 for the purpose of user's comfort.
[0139] It should be noted that this comparison between the base 61 of the finger 6 and the
palm 5 of the glove 1 means a comparison between the design of the breathing pores
4 formed in the coating 3 in a location corresponding to the base 61 of the finger
6 of the glove 1 and the design of the breathing pores 4 formed in the coating 3 in
a location corresponding to the palm 5 of the glove 1.
(Example 2 A case where breathing of a finger is given priority over breathing of
a palm)
[0140] At least either one of the unit number and unit opening area of the breathing pores
4 in the finger 6 of the glove 1 is more or larger than at least either one of the
unit number and unit opening area of the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5 of the glove
1. That is, the unit number in the finger 6 of the glove 1 is more than the unit number
in the palm 5 of the glove 1. Alternatively, the unit opening area in the finger 6
of the glove 1 is larger than the unit opening area in the palm 5 of the glove 1.
Alternatively, both the unit number and unit opening area in the finger 6 of the glove
1 are more or larger than the unit number and unit opening area in the palm 5 of the
glove 1.
[0141] That is, the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6 of the glove 1 have higher breathing
performance than the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5 of the glove 1 on the basis of
the number or opening area thereof. The breathing pores 4 increase their opening areas
when the glove 1 is worn. By this increase in opening area, the breathing pores 4
allow breathing between the surface of the hand and the outside. Therefore, since
the unit number or unit opening area in the finger 6 is larger than the unit number
or unit opening area in the palm 5, the breathing performance of the breathing pores
4 in the finger 6 is higher than the breathing performance of the breathing pores
4 in the palm 5.
[0142] Since the unit number in the finger 6 is more than the unit number in the palm 5,
the finger 6 has a larger number of airflow paths between the surface of the hand
and the outside than the palm 5. Since the number of airflow paths is more, the breathability
in the finger 6 becomes relatively higher than the breathability in the palm 5. This
is also achieved by making the unit opening area in the finger 6 larger than the unit
opening area in the palm 5.
[0143] In a human hand, a finger has a complicated shape and has a plurality of joints.
Therefore, sweat or humidity easily collects in the finger due to the joints or complicated
shape. In this regard, as described above, since at least either one of the unit number
and unit opening area in the finger 6 is more or larger than at least either one of
the unit number and unit opening area in the palm 5, sweat or humidity that collects
easily in the finger can be released more efficiently. As a result, user's comfort
can be kept. In addition, since the unit number or unit opening area in the palm 5
is relatively few or small, the coating 3 can be prevented from being damaged.
[0144] It should be noted that the unit number or unit opening area represents the number
or total opening area of the breathing pores 4 in a predetermined unit area (for example,
1 cm
2 or the like), and the predetermined unit area can be determined optionally and flexibly.
In addition, regarding the difference in number or unit opening area, it is only required
to show a tendency to have the difference, and it is not required to prove an exact
difference in unit number or unit opening area. For example, even if a region where
the unit number in the finger 6 is less than the unit number in the palm 5 and a region
where the unit number in the finger 6 is more than the unit number in the palm 5 exist
in a mixed manner due to change of a region representing a unit area, as long as the
unit number in the finger 6 has a tendency to be larger than the unit number in the
palm 5, the unit number in the finger 6 is regarded to be more than the unit number
in the palm 5. This is also applied to the case of the unit opening area.
[0145] In addition, while the unit number in the finger 6 is more than the unit number in
the palm 5, the unit opening area in the finger 6 may be smaller than the unit opening
area in the palm 5. On the contrary, while the unit opening area in the finger 6 is
larger than the unit opening area in the palm 5, the unit number in the finger 6 may
be less than the unit number in the palm 5. In either case, it is only required that
the aspect of the glove 1 where the breathing performance in the finger 6 is higher
than the breathing performance in the palm 5 appears based upon the shape, number,
opening area, or total opening area of the breathing pores 4.
(Manufacturing method)
[0146] The breathing pores 4 are formed by various means, such as air bubbles in the coating
3 or attaching particles to the coating 3. Therefore, the glove 1 described in Example
2 where the unit number in the finger 6 is more than unit number in the palm 5 is
manufactured by making the number of air bubbles in the coating 3 or the number of
particles to be attached to the coating 3 more in the finger 6 than in the palm 5.
[0147] On the other hand, the glove 1 described in Example 2 where the unit opening area
in the finger 6 is larger than the unit opening are in the palm 5 is manufactured
by making the sizes of individual air bubbles or the sizes of a particles to be attached
larger in the finger 6 than in the palm 5.
[0148] In addition, not on the basis of an element that is difficult to control in manufacture,
such as air bubbles or particles by which the breathing pores 4 are formed, but on
the basis of the design of a former for manufacturing the glove 1, an aspect that
the unit opening area in the finger 6 is made larger than the unit opening area in
the palm 5 can be realized.
[0149] In the former for manufacturing the glove 1, the size of a finger is smaller than
a standard size thereof, and the size of a palm is larger than a standard size thereof.
For example, a small size is used for the size of the finger of the former is, and
a middle size for the size of the palm. Of course, combination of other sizes may
be used. Since the size of a finger of the former is smaller than a standard size
thereof, and the size of a palm is larger than a standard size thereof, the glove
1 to be manufactured has a size of a finger 6 relatively smaller than the size of
palm 5.
[0150] When the glove 1 is worn, since the size of the finger 6 is relatively smaller than
the size of the palm 5, the finger 6 is stretched more than the palm 5 according to
wearing of the glove 1. The breathing pores 4 increase their opening areas according
to the stretch of the glove 1 (base layer 2). Therefore, when the degree of stretch
of the finger 6 is larger than the degree of stretch of the palm 5, the breathing
pores 4 in the finger 6 open wider than the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5. As a
result, the unit opening area of the finger 6 becomes easier to expand than the unit
opening area of the palm 5. In consideration of the fact that a hand is inserted into
the glove 1 when the glove 1 is worn, the glove 1 is so manufactured as to be unbalanced
in order to adjust the opening areas of the breathing pores 4.
[0151] Thus, since the former for manufacturing the glove 1 has a finger and a palm in an
unbalanced relationship, the unit opening area in the finger 6 becomes larger than
the unit opening area in the palm 5.
(Example 3 A case where breathing of a palm is given priority over breathing of a
finger)
[0152] At least either one of the unit number and unit opening area in the finger 6 of the
glove 1 is less or smaller than at least either one of the unit number and unit opening
area in the palm 5 of the glove 1. That is, the unit number in the finger 6 of the
glove 1 is less than the unit number in the palm 5 of the glove 1. Alternatively,
the unit opening area in the finger 6 of the glove 1 is smaller than the unit opening
area in the palm of the glove 1. Alternatively, both the unit number and unit opening
area in the finger 6 of the glove 1 are less or smaller than both the unit number
and unit opening area in the palm 5 of the glove 1.
[0153] FIG. 7 is a front view of the glove according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 7 shows an aspect of the glove 1 where the unit number in the finger
6 is less than the unit number in the palm 5.
[0154] That is, the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5 of the glove 1 have higher breathing
performance than the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6 of the glove 1 on the basis
of the number or opening areas of the breathing pores 4. The breathing pores 4 increase
opening areas when the glove 1 is worn. This increase in opening area allows the breathing
pores 4 to breathe air between the surface of the hand and the outside. Therefore,
since the unit number or unit opening areas in the palm 5 is larger than the unit
number or unit opening areas in the finger 6, the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5
have higher breathing performance than the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6.
[0155] Since the unit number in the palm 5 is more than the unit number in the finger 6,
the palm 5 has a larger number of airflow paths between the surface of the hand and
the outside of the glove 1 than the finger 6 has. Since the palm 5 has a larger number
of the airflow paths, the breathability in the palm 5 becomes higher relative to the
breathability in the finger 6. This can also be achieved by making the unit opening
area in the palm 5 larger than the unit opening area in the finger 6.
[0156] In a human hand, a palm is thought to sweat the most. This is because a palm has
a large surface area, and performs bending or grasping, or comes into thermal contact
with a grasped object. In addition, since a palm is bent when an object is grasped
with a hand, produced sweat easily collects on the surface of the palm. Furthermore,
the grasped object acts as an obstacle that makes it difficult to release sweat or
humidity collecting on the surface of the palm. In order to solve such a problem,
by making at least either one of the unit number or unit opening area in the finger
6 less or smaller than at least either one of the unit number or unit opening area
in the palm 5, like Example 3, it is made possible for the sweat or humidity that
collects easily on the surface of the palm to be released efficiently to the outside.
[0157] Here, since the unit number or unit opening area in the finger 6 is relatively less
or smaller than the unit number or unit opening area in the palm 5, openings due to
the breathing pores 4 in the whole coating 3 is not increased excessively. As a result,
the durability or strength of the coating 3 is not affected adversely.
[0158] It should be noted that the unit number or unit opening area in an arbitrary region
in the finger 6 and the unit number or unit opening area in an arbitrary region in
the palm 5 can be compared with each other, and that it is only required that at least
either one of the unit number or unit opening area in the finger 6 shows a tendency
to be less or smaller than at least either one of the unit number or unit opening
area in the palm 5. That is, the possibility is not excluded that the unit number
or unit opening area in a certain region in the finger 6 may be more or larger than
the unit number or unit opening area in a certain region in the palm 5. Even if such
a reverse aspect is detected, as long as it is found that as a whole, the unit number
or unit opening area in the finger 6 has a tendency to be less or smaller than the
unit number or unit opening area in the palm 5, it can be determined that at least
either one of the unit number and unit opening area in the finger 6 is less or smaller
than at least either one of the unit number and unit opening area in the palm 5. That
is, regarding the difference in number or unit opening area, it is only required to
show a tendency to have the difference, and it is not required to prove an exact difference
in unit number or unit opening area.
[0159] In addition, such an aspect can be adopted that the unit number in the finger 6 is
less than the unit number in the palm 5, while the unit opening area in the finger
6 is larger than the unit opening area in the palm 5. On the contrary, such an aspect
can be adopted that the unit opening area in the finger 6 is smaller than the unit
opening area in the palm 5, while the unit number in the finger 6 is more than the
unit opening area in the palm 5.
[0160] In any case, it is only required that the aspect of the glove 1 where the breathing
performance in the palm 5 is higher than the breathing performance in the finger 6
appears based upon the shape, number, opening areas, or total opening area of the
breathing pores 4.
[0161] In addition, the unit opening area used in describing Examples 1, 2, and 3 is based
on the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 when the glove 1 is worn, and this accepts
the possibility that the worn state of the glove 1 can vary according to respective
wearers. In addition, the unit opening area based on the opening areas of the breathing
pores 4 when the glove 1 is not worn is not excluded.
(Manufacturing Method)
[0162] A method for manufacturing the glove 1 corresponding to the aspect of the Example
3 will be described.
[0163] The breathing pores 4 are formed by various means, such as forming air bubbles in
the coating 3 or attaching particles to the coating 3. Therefore, the glove 1 described
in Example 3 where the unit number in the finger 6 is less than the unit number in
the palm 5 is manufactured by making the number of air bubbles in the coating 3 or
the number of particles attached to the coating 3 less in the finger 6 than in the
palm 5.
[0164] On the other hand, the glove 1 described in Example 3 where the unit opening area
in the finger 6 is smaller than the unit opening area in the palm 5 is manufactured
by making the size of an individual air bubble or the size of an attached particle
smaller in the finger 6 than in the palm 5.
[0165] In addition, not on the basis of an element that is difficult to control in manufacture,
such as air bubbles or particles that form the breathing pores 4, but by the design
of the former for manufacturing the glove 1, the glove 1 can obtain an aspect where
the unit opening area in the finger 6 is smaller than the unit opening area in the
palm 5.
[0166] The size of a finger of the former for manufacturing the glove 1 is equal to or larger
than the standard size of the corresponding finger of a human hand, and the size of
a palm of the former is smaller than the standard size of the palm of a human hand.
For example, while the size of the finger of the former is a middle size, a small
size is used as the size of the palm. Of course, combination of other sizes may be
used. Since the size of the finger of the former is equal to or larger than the standard
size and the size of the palm of the former is smaller than the standard size, the
manufactured glove 1 has the finger 6 that is large relative to the size of the palm
5.
[0167] For example, when the original patter is of a large size, the following values are
applied:
Standard: a middle finger circumference of 68 mm; and a palm circumference of 220
mm
Example: a middle finger circumference of 68 mm; and a palm circumference of 180 mm.
[0168] As can be seen from this example, in a comparison of middle finger circumference
between the standard and the example, 68 mm/68 mm = 1.0, but, in a comparison of palm
circumference between the standard and the example, 180 mm/220 mm = 0.8. Thus, the
size of the finger of the example is equal to or larger than the size of the finger
of the standard, and the size of the palm of the example is smaller than the size
of the palm of the standard. Here, the standard represents a size obtained on the
basis of an average value calculated from numerous measured examples by the inventors.
[0169] When the glove 1 is worn, since the size of the palm 5 is small relative to the size
of the finger 6, the palm 5 stretches more than the finger 6 according to wearing
of the glove 1. The opening areas of the breathing pores 4 increase according to the
stretch of the glove 1 (base layer 2). Therefore, when the degree of stretch of the
palm 5 is higher than the degree of stretch of the finger 6, the breathing pores 4
in the palm 5 open wider than the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6. As a result,
the unit opening area of the palm 5 becomes easier to expand than the unit opening
area of the finger 6. In consideration of the fact that a hand is inserted into the
glove 1 when the glove 1 is worn, the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 is adjusted
by manufacturing the glove 1 to be unbalanced in advance.
[0170] Thus, since the former for manufacturing the glove 1 has a finger and a palm in an
unbalanced relationship, the unit opening area in the palm 5 becomes larger than the
unit opening area in the finger 6.
[0171] The breathing pores 4, of course, becomes more breathable as the number of the breathing
pores 4 or the opening area of the breathing pore 4 increases. However, the breathing
pore 4 is formed in the coating 3, and the breathing pores 4 are tears or cracks penetrating
the coating 3. Therefore, if the number of the breathing pores 4 or the opening area
of the breathing pore 4 increases excessively, the coating 3 may be torn or damaged,
resulting in the glove 1 being no longer usable.
[0172] As described in the second embodiment, both preventing the coating 3 from being damaged
and securing breathability required depending on the parts of the coating 3 can be
satisfied by making the unit number or unit opening area of the breathing pores 4
different according to the parts of the glove 1. Since differences in level of breathability
are required according to respective parts of a human hand, as described in the second
embodiment, it is preferred that the differences in level of breathability are provided
in consideration of ensuring the compatibility with damage prevention of the coating
3.
[0173] (Third Embodiment)
[0174] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a design for
opening the breathing pores 4 more easily will be described.
[0175] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of the glove 1 in the third embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 8A shows a side view of the glove 1 in an unworn state, and FIG. 8B
shows a side view of the glove 1 in a worn state.
[0176] As shown in FIG. 8A, the finger 6 of the glove 1 is bent to the side of the palm
5 when the glove 1 is not worn. Since the glove 1 is manufactured in such a manner
that the finger 6 is bent to the side of the palm 5 when the glove 1 is not worn,
the coating 3 is also bent toward the side of the palm 5. That is, the coating 3 is
put in a shrunk state toward the side of the palm 5. When the coating 3 is shrunk
toward the side of the palm 5, the breathing pores 4 formed in the coating 3 have
small opening areas.
[0177] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the glove 1 is worn, the finger 6 is
stretched straight in such a manner that the finger 6 bent toward the side of the
palm 5 becomes nearly parallel to the palm back 8. As a result, the coating 3 formed
on the palm 5 is so stretched as to bend backward. This stretch allows the breathing
pores 4 formed in the coating 3 on the palm 5 to open sufficiently. When the breathing
pores 4, in particular the breathing pores 4 on the palm 5, are opened sufficiently,
air exhaust or breathing on the surface of a palm on which sweat or humidity easily
collects is improved. This is because it is generally thought that the palm of a hand
sweats more easily than the palm back, and sweat more easily collects on the palm
than on the palm back.
[0178] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, since the finger 6 has been bent toward the side of
the palm 5 in a manufactured stage of the glove 1, when the glove 1 is worn, the palm
5 or the finger 6 on the side of the palm 5 are easily stretched, of course. In view
of a waterproof property or durability, it is not preferred that the breathing pores
4 are opened wide when the glove 1 is not worn, but it is difficult to design the
shape of the breathing pores 4 so that the opening areas of the breathing pores 4
expand when the glove 1 is worn. On the other hand, if the coating 3 on the palm 5
is easily stretched by wearing of the glove 1, it becomes possible to open the breathing
pores 4 sufficiently without applying extra stress to the coating 3 or the breathing
pores 4 (and, of course, without giving a user consideration or stress in wearing
the glove 1).
[0179] On the other hand, when the glove 1 is manufactured with the finger 6 has not been
bent toward the side of the palm 5 in the manufactured stage of the glove 1(for example,
imagine the state shown in FIG. 8B), the coating 3 on the palm 5 is not easily stretched
even when a user wears the glove 1. As a result, the breathing pores 4 on the palm
5 are not opened wide. As a result, breathing of the palm where sweat or humidity
easily collects becomes insufficient.
[0180] In addition to the state that the finger 6 has been bent toward the side of the palm
5, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the palm 5 may be curled inward, or respective fingers
6 may be put in different bent states. This is because by wearing of the glove 1,
the coating 3 on the palm 5 or the finger 6 naturally stretches, resulting in expansion
of the breathing pores 4. Of course, when it is desired that breathing of the palm
back 8 be enhanced, in the opposite manner from what is shown in FIG. 8A, the glove
1 can be so manufactured as to have the finger 6 bent toward the side of the palm
back 8.
[0181] As described above, since the glove 1 according to the third embodiment is so manufactured
as to have a bent shape in advance, the breathing pores 4 expand by wearing of the
glove 1. As a result, the glove 1 can be realized with high breathability or a high
air exhausting property.
[0182] (Fourth Embodiment)
[0183] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
[0184] In the fourth embodiment, a method for forming the breathing pores 4 will be described.
[0185] The breathing pores 4 are formed in the coating 3. An element is identified as a
pore like the breathing pore 4, but includes not only a circular or oval pore but
also a wide variety of through-holes having unspecified shapes, such as a tear or
a crack. Therefore, the pore shape of the breathing pore 4 includes various shapes,
such as a circle, oval, square, rectangle, rhombus, bar-like shape, straight-line
shape, or broken line shape.
[0186] Since the breathing pores 4 are formed in the coating 3, the breathing pores 4 are
formed by various methods in the stage of formation of the coating 3.
[0187] Since the coating 3 is formed by dipping the base layer 2 in a liquid material, the
breathing pores 4 are formed when the base layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material
or in the process before or after dipping.
[0188] (Formation by foaming)
[0189] The coating 3 is made from a foaming liquid material, and the breathing pores 4 are
formed by drying the liquid material infiltrating the dipped base layer 2, and then
rupturing air bubbles. FIG. 9 is a descriptive view showing a process for forming
the breathing pores 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows side faces of the base layer 2 and the coating 3.
[0190] The coating 3 is infiltrated into the base layer 2 as a liquid material. The liquid
material has foaming property, and has a plurality of air bubbles 4A. The air bubbles
4A are kept while the coating 3 is in the form of a liquid, but rupture according
to drying of the coating 3 after the infiltration. The bottom half of FIG. 9 shows
that the air bubbles 4A have been ruptured. Traces of the air bubbles 4A define the
breathing pores 4 that connect the base layer 2 and the outside of the glove 1. Of
course, there is the possibility that some of the air bubbles 4A are not so ruptured
as to reach the base layer 2, but, in that case, the breathing pores 4 can be torn
to the base layer 2 through the use of the glove 1.
[0191] Since the base layer 2 is dipped in a preliminarily foamed liquid material, the coating
3 containing the air bubbles 4A is formed, and the rupture of the air bubbles 4A forms
the breathing pores 4. By taking advantage of such air bubbles 4A, the breathing pores
4 are easily formed.
[0192] An existing mechanical method or chemical method is used to cause the liquid material
to contain air bubbles. In a mechanical method, air is supplied into the liquid material
while the liquid material is being stirred, and when a predetermined volume is reached,
the air supply is stopped, and the liquid material is stirred until the bubbles are
stabilized.
[0193] It is preferred that the amount of air bubbles contained in the coating 3 is less
than 15 vol % per unit volume of the coating 3. More preferably, the amount thereof
is 5 to 10 vol %. More than 10 vol % of air bubbles improves breathability but reduces
wear resistance. On the contrary, less than 5 vol % of air bubbles deteriorates breathability,
but improves wear resistance. Therefore, it is preferred that the amount of air bubbles
is 5 to 10 vol %.
[0194] The amount of air bubbles is measured according to the following procedure. First,
500 ml of the liquid material is poured into a graduated cylinder whose weight is
known so that the weight of this liquid material is measured. Since the specific gravity
of liquid material is generally "I", the amount of air bubbles is determined by the
calculation formula "the amount of air bubbles = (500 - the weight of the liquid material)
/ 500".
[0195] (Formation by particles)
[0196] In addition, the liquid material that forms the coating 3 contains particles, and
the base layer 2 is dipped in this liquid material containing particles serving as
the coating 3 so that the liquid material containing particles infiltrates into the
base layer 2. In the process of drying the infiltrating liquid material to form the
coating 3, the particles fall off or damage the coating 3, thereby forming the breathing
pores 4. This is because due to the fall of the particles or the damages by the particles,
the coating 3 is perforated so that the base layer 2 and the outside of the glove
1 are connected to each other.
[0197] Alternatively, the particles may be attached to the surface of the coating 3 after
the base layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material. Similarly, the attached particles
fall off or damage the coating 3, thereby forming the breathing pores 4. In addition,
it is also preferred that in the process of drying the liquid material, the breathing
pores 4 are forcibly formed in the coating 3 by removing the particles or moving the
particles on the coating 3 forcibly.
[0198] As described above, the breathing pores 4 are formed in the process of dipping the
base layer 2 in the liquid material that forms the coating 3 or in the process after
the dipping.
[0199] It should be understood that the above processes are only examples of forming the
breathing pores 4, and a needle-like tool may be used to form the breathing pores
4.
[0200] (Fifth Embodiment)
[0201] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, an actual process
of manufacturing the glove will be described.
[0202] (Manufacture of the base layer)
[0203] First, the base layer 2 is manufactured.
[0204] The base layer 2 is manufactured by knitting or weaving a fabric from natural fiber,
such as cotton, or synthetic fiber, such as nylon or polyester. In this regard, it
is preferred that such a material as natural fiber or synthetic fiber is woolly finished.
In addition, as described in the third embodiment, the size of the finger of the former
may be smaller than the standard size, and the size of the palm of the former may
be equal to or larger than the standard size. Alternatively, the size of the finger
of the former may be equal to or larger than the standard size, and the size of the
palm of the former may be smaller than the standard size. In either case, the opening
areas of the breathing pores 4 of the finger 6 and the opening areas of the breathing
pore 4 of the palm 5 may be made different from each other.
[0205] In addition, as described in the first embodiment, using bamboo fiber is also preferred.
(Manufacture of a liquid material that forms the coating)
[0206] The coating 3 is formed by dipping the base layer 2 in such a liquid material as
resin.
[0207] It is preferred that rubber latex or resin emulsion is used as the liquid material.
The rubber latex includes natural rubber latex, and synthetic resin latex, such as
NBR and SBR. The resin emulsion includes polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic resin,
urethane resin, and the like.
[0208] The liquid material is prepared by adding a stabilizer, a cross-linking agent, a
cross-link dispersing element, an anti-aging agent, a thickener, a plasticizer, an
defoamer, or the like, if necessary, to these kinds of rubber latex or resin emulsion.
By dipping the base layer 2 in the liquid material thus prepared, the coating 3 is
formed on the surface of the base layer 2. The coating 3 is provided for the purpose
of improving not only waterproof property but also the gripping property of the glove
1.
[0209] This coating 3 includes the breathing pores 4, and the breathing pores 4 are formed
by tears, cracks, cuts or the like in the coating 3. Specifically, the breathing pores
4 may be formed such that a force applied by wearing of the base layer 2 (the base
layer 2 may be worn on a human hand or may be worn on the former used in manufacture)
generates tears, cracks, or cuts in the coating 3 formed on the surface of the base
layer 2. Therefore, it is preferred that the coating 3 is easily torn or broken.
[0210] Since the coating 3 is made easily tearable or breakable, the following ideas are
applied to the manufacturing process of the liquid material itself or to the manufacturing
process of the coating 3.
(Example 1)
[0211] The liquid material is prepared by mixing a main material, such as rubber latex,
with an additive, such as a stabilizer. This liquid material is matured for a predetermine
period of time. By making this maturing period longer than usual, the liquid material
is excessively matured. The excessively-matured liquid material can form the coating
3 that is easily tearable or breakable.
(Example 2)
[0212] It is also preferred that the rubber purity is reduced by mixing the liquid material
with a lot of filler. If the rubber purity is reduced, the liquid material can form
the coating 3 that is easily tearable or breakable.
(Example 3)
[0213] As described in the fourth embodiment, it is also preferred that the liquid material
is preliminarily foamed. Foaming may be performed by stirring the liquid material
(in particular, stirring while supplying air). The breathing pores 4 are easily formed
by communication or rupture of air bubbles obtained by foaming. In addition, of course,
the liquid material containing air bubbles due to foaming can form the coating 3 that
is easily tearable or breakable. In addition, it is also preferred that air bubbles
are ruptured at the step of dipping the coating 3 in a solvent (swelling the coating
3).
(Example 4)
[0214] It is also preferred that the liquid material is mixed with particles or powder.
Since the liquid material is mixed with particles or powder, the particles or powder
is also attached to the coating 3. Stresses are concentrated around the particles
or powder, so that the coating 3 is easily torn. That is, such a liquid material can
form the coating 3 that is easily tearable or breakable. It should be noted that particles
may be attached at the step of dipping the coating 3 in a solvent (swelling the coating
3).
(Example 5)
[0215] It is also preferred that the coating 3 is thinned. This is because if the coating
3 is thin, of course, the coating 3 is easily tearable or breakable. The thickness
of the coating 3 is adjusted, for example, according to the time for which the base
layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material, the viscosity of the liquid material, or
the like.
(Example 6)
[0216] After dipping the base layer 2 in the liquid material, the coating 3 is dipped in
a solvent having a similar solubility parameter to the coating 3. As a result, the
coating 3 is swollen. Thereafter, when the coating 3 is dried, the coating 3 is shrunk
and becomes rough. That is, the surface of the coating 3 is very finely corrugated.
Such roughness makes the coating 3 easily tearable or breakable.
[0217] As described above, the coating 3 formed according to any one method of Examples
1 to 6 is easily tearable or breakable, so that the breathing pores 4 are easily formed.
[0218] In addition, respective parts of the glove 1, such as the finger 6, the base 61,
and the palm 5, may be dipped in different liquid materials prepared by any one of
Examples 1 to 6. For example, if it is desired that the number or the total opening
area of the breathing pores 4 of the finger 6 increases, the liquid material in which
the finger 6 is dipped is prepared by any one of Example 1 to 6, while the liquid
material in which the palm 5 is dipped is not treated by any one of Examples 1 to
6. On the other hand, if it is desired that the number or the total opening area of
the breathing pores 4 of the palm 5 is larger than that of the finger 6, the liquid
material in which the palm 5 is dipped is prepared by any one of Examples 1 to 6,
while the liquid material in which the finger 6 is dipped is not treated by any one
of Examples 1 to 6.
[0219] In addition, it is also preferred that the liquid material is subjected to maturing
process. The liquid material obtained by mixing resin with various substances is matured
for an arbitrary period of time at a temperature of 30 °C. The liquid material after
such maturing process affects the coating 3 to be formed.
[0220] (Formation of the coating 3)
[0221] The base layer 2 is dipped in the liquid material.
[0222] First, the base layer 2 is put on the former, and subjected to temperature adjustment.
Thereafter, the base layer 2 is dipped in a coagulant. Furthermore, the base layer
2 is dipped in the liquid material. After the dipping, the base layer 2 is taken out
of the liquid material, and the coating 2 is formed by performing such a treatment
as drying.
[0223] For coagulation of the liquid material, a salt coagulation method, a heat-sensitive
coagulaton method, a straight dipping method, or the like is used. The salt coagulation
is a method for gelation of the liquid material with salt. The thermal corrugation
method is a method for thermal gelation of the liquid material preliminarily added
with a heat sensitizing agent. The straight dipping method is a method for gelation
of the liquid material by drying without using a coagulation agent or a heat sensitizing
agent. For the coagulation agent used in the salt coagulation method, calcium nitrate,
calcium chloride, or the like is used.
[0224] The liquid material may be dried by hot wind, or dried by being left at room temperature.
[0225] (Formation of the breathing pores 4)
After the coating 3 is formed according to drying of the liquid material, the breathing
pores 4 are formed in the coating 3 by such an event as wearing of the glove 1. Since
the breathing pores 4 are formed from cracks, tears, cuts, or the like in the coating
3, there are two patterns of formation of the breathing pores 4: the breathing pores
4 formed at the time of shipping the glove 1; and the breathing pores 4 formed by
using the glove 1. Therefore, the number or the opening areas of the breathing pores
4 can vary. As described in Examples 1 to 6, since the liquid resin so prepared as
to make the coating 3 easily tearable or breakable forms the coating 3 (part or all
of the coating 3), the breathing pores 4 are easily formed by wearing of the glove
1.
[0226] As described above, the number or the total opening area of the breathing pores 4
(unit number or unit opening area) in each part of the glove 1 depends on level of
the strength of the coating 3.
[0227] Next, various examples or comparative examples for affecting the unit number or unit
opening area of the breathing pores 4 will be described.
[0228] In the example, the glove 1 in which the breathing pores 4 are easily formed and
in which the number or opening areas of the breathing pores 4 differs between respective
parts of the glove 1 will be described. In the comparative examples, unlike the examples,
a case where it is difficult to form the breathing pores 4, or a case where a difference
in breathing pores 4 between parts of the glove 1 cannot be realized will be described.
(Example 1)
[0229] In the glove 1 of the example 1, the coating 3 was formed from a liquid material
subjected to maturing process for a predetermined period of time. In the former for
manufacturing the glove 1, the ratio of finger circumference (the ratio of the former
to the standard size) was 1.0, and the ratio of palm circumference (the ratio of the
former to the standard size) was 0.8. The base layer 2 was made of woolly polyester.
The base layer 2 was heated to 60 °C by former temperature adjustment, dipped in a
coagulant (methanol solution containing 1% calcium chloride), and dipped in a liquid
material that was matured for 24 hours at 30 °C. Thereafter, the base layer 2 was
dipped in a solvent (toluene), and then dried and vulcanized for 30 minutes at 110
°C, and thus the glove was formed.
[0230] In this example 1, the unit number or unit opening area of the breathing pores 4
in the palm 5 was more or larger than the unit number or unit opening area of the
breathing pores 4 in the finger 6. Due to unevenness of the former for manufacturing
the glove 1 and maturing of the liquid material, the difference in unit number or
unit opening area could be realized.
(Example 2)
[0231] The glove 1 in the example 2 was manufactured in the following process. First, the
base layer 2 (100% woolly polyester) worn on the former was dipped in a coagulant
(methanol solution containing 1% calcium chloride), and then dipped in the matured
liquid material. Thereafter, the based 2 was dried and dipped in a solvent (toluene
solution), and the infiltrating liquid material, which was the coating 3, was swollen,
and then the base layer 2 was dried for 30 minutes at 110 °C.
[0232] In the glove 1 of the example 2 thus manufactured, irregularity occurs on the coating
3, and the breathing pores 4 were easily formed by wearing the glove 1.
[0233] In addition, it is also preferred that plural kinds of liquid materials different
in maturing time are preliminarily formed, and that the maturing time of the liquid
material is changed according to respective parts of the glove 1. This is because,
as a result, respective parts of the glove 1 have different irregularities, so that
the unit number or unit opening area of the breathing pores 4 becomes different according
to the parts of the glove 1.
(Example 3)
[0234] The glove 1 of the example 3 was manufactured by dipping the base layer 2 in the
liquid material containing 10 vol % air bubbles. It should be understood that the
liquid material may be dried after the dipping.
[0235] In the glove 1 thus manufactured of the example 3, the breathing pores 4 were easily
formed by rupturing the air bubbles. In addition, it is also preferred that two types
of liquid material are preliminarily prepared: a liquid material containing a large
amount of air bubbles; and a liquid material containing a small amount of air bubbles,
so that the amount of air bubbles in the liquid material is changed according to the
part of the glove 1. This is because, in this case, the unit number or unit opening
area of the breathing pores 4 can be made different according to the part of the glove.
(Example 4)
[0236] The glove 1 of the example 4 was manufactured through the process of dipping the
base layer 2 in the liquid material containing 5% powder natural rubber. It should
be understood that the liquid material may be dried after the dipping.
[0237] In the glove 1 manufactured according to the example 4, the breathing pores 4 could
be easily formed by stress of the powder natural rubber. In addition, it is also preferred
that plurality kinds of liquid material are preliminarily prepared: a liquid material
having a high mixing ratio of powder natural rubber; and a liquid material having
a low mixing ratio of powder natural rubber, so that the mixing ratio of powder natural
rubber in the liquid material is changed according to respective parts of the glove
1. This is because, in this case, the unit number or the unit opening area of the
breathing pores 4 can be made different according to the parts of the glove.
[0238] As described above, the gloves 1 of the examples 1 to 4 makes it possible to form
the breathing pores 4 easily, or to make the unit number or unit opening area different
according to the parts of the glove 1.
[0239] In addition, the comparative examples for comparison to the examples 1 to 4 will
be described. The comparative examples 1 to 4 resulted in a failure to form the breathing
pores 4, insufficient formation of the breathing pores 4, or a difficulty in uneven
formation of the breathing pores 4.
(Comparative Example 1)
[0240] The comparative example 1 was manufactured without conducting the maturing process
of the liquid material.
[0241] In the glove 1 manufactured in the comparative example 1 without the maturing process
of the liquid material, the breathing pores 4 could not be formed.
(Comparative Example 2)
[0242] In the comparative example 2, the glove 1 was manufactured using the former for manufacturing
the glove 1 with a ratio of finger circumference (the ratio of the employed former
to the standard size) of 0.8, and a ratio of palm circumference (the ratio of the
employed former to the standard size) of 0.8.
[0243] In the glove 1 manufactured in the comparative example 2, the unit number or unit
opening area of the breathing pores 4 in the finger 6 was similar to the unit number
or unit opening area of the breathing pores 4 in the palm 5. This was because since
the differences did not differ according to parts of the base layer 2, a difference
in unit number or unit opening area was not generated according to the parts.
(Comparative Example 3)
[0244] In the glove 1 of the comparative example 3, the base layer 2 was made of fibers
having no stretching property (for example, cotton). The rest of the glove 1 was manufactured
in the same manufacturing process as the example 1.
[0245] Since the base layer 2 did not have a stretching property, the coating 3 was not
stretched even when the glove 1 of the comparative example 3 was worn, and therefore
the breathing pores 4 were not formed.
(Comparative Example 4)
[0246] The glove 1 of the comparative example 4 was manufactured using the former for manufacturing
the glove 1 with a ratio of finger circumference (the ratio of the employed former
to the standard size) of 1.0, and a ratio of palm circumference (the ratio of the
employed former to the standard size) of 1.0.
[0247] In the glove 1 of the comparative example 4, since the finger 6 and the palm 5 were
not stretched by wearing of the glove 1, the breathing pores 4 were not formed.
[0248] As described above, the comparative examples 1 to 4 have the problem that the breathing
pores 4 were not formed, that the breathing pores 4 were insufficiently formed, or
that the breathing pores were differently formed.
(Sixth Embodiment)
(Communication between the breathing pores and the stitches)
[0249] When the breathing pores 4 are opened by wearing the glove 1, the breathing pores
4 opened communicate with the stitches 22 of the base layer 2, so that breathing air
between the surface of the hand and the outside is achieved.
[0250] Here, the breathing pores 4 and the stitches 22 communicate with each other via relationships.
FIG. 10 is a front view of a glove according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 10 shows a palm side where the coating 3 is formed. The glove 1 in
FIG. 10 has the coating 3 on the surface of the palm, and the coating 3 has the breathing
pores 4. An encircled part shows an enlarged view of the breathing pore 4 and its
surroundings.
[0251] The coating 3 has a plurality of breathing pores 4. At this time, at least one of
the breathing pores 4 may communicate with more than one of the stitches 22. FIG.
10 shows that one of the breathing pores 4 thus communicates with more than one of
the stitches 22. Since one of the breathing pores 4 communicates with more than one
of the stitches 22, the breathability increases. This is because though the breathing
pores 4 provide breathability between the surface of the hand and the outside of the
glove 1, communication of one of the breathing pore 4 with more than one of the stitches
22 enhances the breathing performance.
[0252] Since one of the breathing pores 4 allows air to pass through more than one of the
stitches 22, the volume of breathing of an individual breathing pore 4 increases.
Thus, the communication between one of the breathing pores 4 and more than one of
the stitches 22 provides the advantage that the breathing performance is enhanced.
[0253] FIG. 11 is a front view of the glove according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention. In the glove 1 shown in FIG. 11, unlike the glove 1 in FIG.10, at least
one of the stitches 22 communicates with more than one of the breathing pores 4. An
encircled part in FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the breathing pores 4 and their surroundings.
[0254] As shown in the enlarged view, one of the stitches 22 communicates with more than
one of the breathing pores 4. This is realized when the breathing pores 4 are small.
Alternatively, this is also realized when the stitches 22 are large. The breathability
of the glove 1 is provided by communication between the breathing pores 4 and the
stitches 22, but ultimately the openings of the breathing pores 4 control the breathing
performance. Therefore, in communication of more than one of the breathing pores 4
with one of the stitches 22, each of the breathing pores 4 has low breathing performance.
However, there is the advantage that the presence of many small breathing parts secures
uniform breathability over the glove 1. Alternatively, since the sizes of the openings
of the breathing pores 4 are relatively small, there is the advantage that the durability
of the coating 3 is improved.
[0255] Since the breathing pores 4 and the stitches 22 communicate with each other in such
various patterns, the breathability can be balanced with the durability or the like.
It should be noted that both FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show that the breathing pores 4 open
when the glove 1 is worn, thereby communicating with the stitches 22.
[0256] In addition, the breathing pore 4 that communicates with more than one of the stitches
22, as shown in FIG. 10, and more than one of the breathing pores 4 that communicate
with one of the stitches may be present in a mixed manner in one glove 1. Since various
types of communications are present in a single glove 1, the glove 1 can keep breathability
and durability in balance.
(Formation of the stitches)
[0257] The stitches 22 are formed by knitting the base layer 2 with fibers. A region surrounded
by knitting of fibers is the stitch 22. Since the base layer 2 needs to have a stretching
property, it is preferred that the fibers that form the base layer 2 also have stretch
properties.
[0258] Here, it is also preferred that the base layer 2 is formed by knitting a reference
yarn having a low stretching property and a yarn having a stretching property. Since
the reference yarn has a low stretching property while the yarn combined with the
reference yarn has a stretching property, lines having a low stretching property and
high lines having a high stretching property intersect with each other. For example,
when the reference yarns are used for the weft and the yarns are used for the warp,
stretching directions tend to be concentrated in a vertical direction. As a result,
when the base layer 2 is stretched, the stitches 22 expand easily on a basis of the
reference yarns. In addition, due to the presence of the reference yarns having a
low stretching property, only the yarns having a stretching property expand, so that
the stitches 22 do not easily collapse. Since the stitches 22 do not easily collapse,
breathing regions to communicate with the breathing pores 4 are secured.
[0259] The reference yarns may be used for the weft of the base layer 2, or may be used
for the warp. In either case, as long as the reference yarns having a low stretching
property is combined with the stretch yarns, the stitches 22 that do not easily collapse
are formed by the reference yarns.
[0260] The reference yarn is only required to be made of a material having a low stretching
property, for example, bamboo fiber. Alternatively, the reference yarn may be made
of wood fiber or chemical fiber having a low stretching property.
(Forming location of the coating)
[0261] The coating 3 is formed at least on the surface of the palm of the glove 1. The coating
3 provides the glove 1 with a certain waterproof property, and improves the gripping
property of the glove 1. This is because the coating 3 exerts a high friction force,
thereby providing the glove 1 with an anti-slip function. However, the coating 3 described
in this text prevents the glove 1 from breathing air, and therefore providing the
coating 3 can obtain the gripping property but deteriorates the breathability or comfort
of the glove 1. The breathing pores 4 included in the coating 3 keep the breathability
and comfort of the glove 1.
[0262] Here, a hand covered with the glove 1 produces sweat or water, thereby causing an
uncomfortable feeling, but sweat or water is produced at various spots on the surface
of a hand. Generally, when fingers of a hand are covered with a glove, a spatial volume
per one finger is small, so that humidity or water easily stays in a small space (On
the other hand, the spatial volume of a palm or a palm back part covered with a glove
is larger, and therefore air is allowed to circulate, so that humidity or water less
easily stays).
[0263] Therefore, it is also preferred that the coating 3 is not formed in such a part that
sweat or water easily collects. On the other hand, in order to keep the gripping property,
it is important to provide the coating 3 to where the coating 3 is needed.
[0264] FIG. 12 is a front view of a glove according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention. In the glove 1 shown in FIG. 12, the coating 3 is formed on the surfaces
of fingers and a palm, except for the bases of the fingers. Since respective ones
of the fingers are covered with the glove 1, as described above, inevitably sweat
or water easily stays in the fingers. In particular, the base of each finger is a
part where sweat or water easily collects, since sweat produced on the finger falls
down and collects in the base of the finger.
[0265] On the other hand, the bases of the fingers do not need much slip resistance when
a user of the glove 1 grasps an object. Therefore, the bases of the fingers without
the coating 3 are less problematic in terms of the gripping property. Therefore, it
is also preferred that the coating 3 is formed on the fingers (and the palm), except
for the bases of the fingers. That is, the base layer 2 at the bases of the fingers
is exposed. Since the coating 3 is not formed on the bases of the fingers, the exposed
base layer 2 allows efficient air circulation through the stitches 22 of the base
layer 2, thereby discharging sweat or water collecting in the bases of fingers. Therefore,
the user can reduce his/her uncomfortable feeling due to sweat or water that easily
collects at the bases of the fingers.
[0266] It should be understood that the breathability in parts covered with the coating
3, such as a palm or fingers, can be secured by communication of the breathing pores
4 with the stitches 22.
[0267] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, it is also preferred that the coating 3 is formed
on the fingers (and the palm), except for not only the bases of the fingers but also
the finger joints. FIG. 13 is a front view of a glove according to the sixth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0268] Sweat or water collects at the finger joints as easily as in the bases of the fingers.
Easy collection of sweat or water increases an uncomfortable feeling. On the other
hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when the coating 3 is not formed (the base layer 2 is exposed)
at the finger joints, high breathability is secured. With this high breathability,
sweat or water produced at the finger joints is easily discharged to the outside of
the glove 1, so that a comfortable feeling increases.
[0269] The finger joints have a roll in grasping, but are less important in grasping than
the fingers or the palm. Therefore, the finger joints without the coating 3 do not
affect the grip force of the entire glove 1 very much. On the other hand, as described
above, high breathability at the bases of the fingers increases the comfort of the
glove 1. That is, the glove 1 shown in FIG. 13 has a balance between the gripping
property and the comfort.
[0270] Of course, the glove 1 may be such that the coating 3 is formed on the fingers, except
for the bases of the fingers and the finger joints, or the glove 1 may be such that
the coating 3 is formed except for the bases of the fingers or the coating 3 is formed
except for the finger joints. The forming location of the coating 3 can be determined
based on the specifications of the glove 1.
[0271] It should be noted that in order not to form the coating 3 on such parts of the glove
1 as the bases of the fingers or the finger joints, it is possible to eliminate dipping
such parts in the liquid material that forms the coating 3, or to remove the coating
3 from such parts later.
[0272] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, by the fact that the coating 3 (exposing the base layer
2) is not provided in a part in which sweat or water particularly easily collects
and which does not negatively affect the gripping property, in combination with the
function of the breathing pores 4, the glove 1 which satisfies both a gripping property
and breathability is realized.
[0273] In addition, in FIGS. 12 and 13, the glove 1 is described where the coating 3 is
not formed in the bases of the fingers and the finger joints where sweat or water
easily collects, but the glove 1 with the coating 3 thinned on these parts is also
preferred. That is, the thickness of the coating 3 on the bases of the finger and
the finger joints is thinner than the thickness of the coating 3 on the fingers or
the palms.
[0274] This is because when the coating 3 is thinned, the breathing pores 4 are opened wider
by wearing of the glove 1, so that the breathing increases. Of course, the thin coating
3 also provides the advantage that a humid feeling is reduced.
[0275] Thus, even if the coating 3 is formed on the bases of the fingers or the finger joints,
as long as the thickness of the coating 3 is thinner on the bases of the fingers or
the finger joints than on the other parts, it is possible to increase the usability
or comfort of the glove 1.
[0276] In addition, in the fingers, sweat or water easily collects at the base of the fingers
or the finger joints (this is because, as described above, sweat or water produced
on the fingers falls down and collects in a depression at the bases of the fingers
or the finger joints). It is also preferred that the coating 3 is not formed in the
bases of the fingers or the finger joints, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, or that the
thickness of the coating 3 is thinned, but these designs make the manufacturing process
of the glove 1 complicated.
[0277] Therefore, it is also preferred that the thickness of the coating 3 on the fingers
is thinner than the thickness of the coating on the palm. The fingers require the
coating 3 in order to increase the gripping property. Here, the coating 3 secures
breathability through the breathing pores 4. At this time, if the thickness of the
coating 3 on the fingers 3 is thin, the breathing pores 4 in the fingers expand more
easily, so that the breathability of the fingers increases. Of course, the thin coating
3 leads to a reduction in the humid feeling.
[0278] In addition, in the manufacturing process, it is easy to make the thickness of the
coating 3 on the entire fingers thinner than the thickness of the coating 3 of the
other parts. This is because it is unnecessary to change the thickness of the coating
3 according to respective parts of the glove 1.
[0279] Thus, in view of the face that sweat or water collects easily in the finger, it is
possible to design the coating 3 so that a balance between the gripping property and
the breathability of the glove 1 can be optimized.
(Improvement of the gripping property)
[0280] The glove 1 utilizes the coating 3 to increase the gripping property. Therefore,
the coating 3 is an element that can adjust the gripping property. The glove 1 can
hold an object in the palm, or frequently pinches an object with the fingertips. Therefore,
it is also preferred that the thickness of the coating 3 on the fingertips is thicker
than the thickness of the coating 3 on the fingers or the palm.
[0281] If the thickness of the coating 3 on the fingertips is thick, the pressure of the
fingertips against a pinched object increases. Of course, the thick coating 3 also
improves durability. If the fingertips have high durability, a user can pinch an object
firmly with his/her fingertips. As a result, the grip force of the fingertips further
increases. Thus, the coating 3 on the fingertips thicker than the coating 3 on the
other parts contributes to an improvement in the grip force.
[0282] Of course, the breathing pores 4 are also formed in the coating 3 on the fingertips
to secure breathability. Since the coating 3 on the fingertips stretches in a convex
fashion, the breathing pores 4 easily expand. Therefore, the breathability of the
fingertips is sufficiently obtained. In addition, it is also preferred that the coating
3 on the fingertips is not only thick but also irregularity or the like is formed
by the coating 3. The irregularity provides the fingertip with an anti-slip function.
(Confirmation of the opening of the breathing pore)
[0283] The breathing pores 4 expand theirs opening areas when the glove 1 is worn. The openings
of the breathing pore 4 can secure the breathability of the glove 1. However, the
breathing pores 4 are so small that the breathing pores 4 is not easily visible. Therefore,
sometimes a user of the glove 1 cannot easily confirm visually whether or not the
breathing pores 4 are really provided, or whether or not the breathing pores 4 are
sufficiently opened when he/she wears the glove 1. Of course, even if the breathing
pores 4 are not visible, there is no problem in the performance of the glove 1 as
an actual product, but if the user can confirm the breathing pores 4 visually, there
is the advantage that the reliability of the product increases.
[0284] It is often difficult to visually confirm the openings of the breathing pores 4 easily,
but it is possible to make the user understand that the breathing pores 4 are opened.
[0285] It is preferred that the chromaticity of the base layer 2 contains a darker part
than the chromaticity of the coating 3 in order to recognize the openings of the breathing
pores 4. The breathing pores 4 are formed in the coating 3. The coating 3 is formed
on the surface of the base layer 2, but it includes the breathing pores 4 and, when
the opening areas of the breathing pores 4 increase, it becomes possible to visually
confirm the color of the base 2 behind the coating 3 through the breathing pores 4.
This is because when the chromaticity of the base layer 2 is darker than the chromaticity
of the coating 3, the presence of many breathing pores 4 included in the coating 3
allows the color of the base layer 2 to be seen through the coating 3. That is, the
color of the base layer 2 can be seen through the coating 3.
[0286] Except for a case where the coating 3 is very thin, as long as the breathing pores
4 are not formed in the coating 3, the color of the base layer 2 cannot be seen through
the coating 3. On the other hand, when many breathing pores 4 are included in the
coating 3, the color of the base layer 2 can be seen through the coating 3. In particular,
when the chromaticity of the base layer 2 is darker than the chromaticity of the coating
3, the color of the base layer 2 can be more reliably seen through the coating 3.
The statement that the chromaticity is dark means, for example, when the coating 3
is beige or white in color, the base layer 3 is black or brown in color. In particular,
when the breathing pores 4 are opened by wearing of the glove 1, the color of the
base layer 2 can be further seen through the coating 3.
[0287] Thus, since the color of the base layer 2 can be seen through the coating 3, the
user can notice that the breathing pores 4 are formed. Of course, when it is confirmed
that the color of the base layer 2 is more clearly seen through the coating 3 after
wearing of the glove 1, the user can feel the expansion of the opening areas of the
breathing pores 4 by wearing of the glove 1.
[0288] As described above, since the chromaticity of the base layer 2 is darker than the
chromaticity of the coating 3, the breathing pores 4 allow the color of the base layer
2 to be seen through the coating 3. Since the base layer 2 is thus seen through, the
user can recognize that the breathing pores 4 are formed and that the breathing pores
4 are opened by wearing of the glove 1. Since the breathing pores 4 can be recognized,
the user feels safe with the glove 1, and the provider of the glove 1 can establish
the reliability of the glove 1.
[0289] In addition, not only the chromaticity of the base layer 2 is darker than the chromaticity
of the coating 3, but it is also preferred that the base layer 2 has a pattern which
is darker in chromaticity than the coating 3. FIG. 14 is a front view of a glove according
to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the glove 1 in FIG. 14, the pattern
of the base layer 2 is visible through the coating 3. In a case where the breathing
pores 4 are included in the coating 3, the presence of the breathing pores 4 and the
openings of the breathing pores 4 allow the pattern of the base layer 2 to be seen
through the coating 3. This is due to the same reason as described above. That is,
the pattern with dark chromaticity can be partially seen through the breathing pores
4, and is entirely visible to the user through the coating 3. In FIG. 14, polka dots
28 patterned in the base layer 2 can be seen through the coating 3. Due to the presence
of the plurality of breathing pores 4 in the coating 3, the polka dots 28 are seen
through the coating 3 in such a manner.
[0290] Unlike the case where only the color of the base layer 2 can be seen through the
coating 3, the pattern can be easily confirmed visually even in a see-through manner.
In addition, there is also the advantage that the user is amused at the appearance
of the pattern of the base layer 2 through the coating 3. In addition, the fact that
the pattern is more clearly seen through the coating 3 than before shows that the
breathing pores 4 are getting larger than before through the use of the glove 1, or
that the coating 3 is getting worn out. Therefore, the user can recognize when to
replace the glove 1 based on how clearly the pattern can be seen through the coating
3.
[0291] Thus, since the chromaticity or pattern of the base layer 2 is contrasted with the
chromaticity of the coating 3, the user can indirectly recognize the presence or openings
of the breathing pores 4. There is also the advantage that the recognition increases
the reliability of the glove 1.
[0292] As described above, the glove 1 according to the sixth embodiment can improve its
usability or improve its ease of use according to the design of the glove 1.
[0293] Hereinabove, the gloves described according to the first to sixth embodiments are
examples for describing the gist of the present invention, and the present invention
can be modified or altered without departing from the gist of the present invention.
Explanation of Reference Numerals