Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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GLOVE HAVING BARRIER PROPERTIES
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure, in general, relates to gloves and glove liners having
chemical
barrier properties and methods of forming such gloves and liners.
BACKGROUND ART
Emergency services and first responders are increasingly becoming concerned
about exposure to hazardous materials. In addition, with the fear of a
terrorist attack
using chemical or biological agents, government agencies are under increased
pressure to
plan for such attacks. As a result, there is an increasing interest in
protective clothing and
garments. For example, early emergency responders, such as fire and EMS
personnel,
desire protective covering to protect them from industrial chemicals,
biological agents,
chemical weapons, and extreme temperatures. Other emergency responders and
military
users, such as hazardous material removal personnel, are also interested in
protective
clothing.
However, traditional glove systems used as part of protective garment systems
are cumbersome and bulky. Such gloves significantly reduce the dexterity of a
user and
make even simple tasks increasingly complex. As such, improved glove systems
would
be desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features
and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the
accompanying
drawings.
FIG. 1 includes an illustration of an exemplary glove.
FIG. 2 includes an illustration of an exemplary cross section of a prior art
glove.
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FIG. 3 includes an illustration of a cross section of an exemplary glove
according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 includes an illustration of a cross section of an exemplary glove
system.
FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 include illustrations of exemplary intermediate
products formed during a method for making a glove.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar
or identical items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In an exemplary embodiment, a glove includes an absorbent inner layer to
contact a user's hand and a thermoformed barrier layer including a
fluoropolymer and
disposed on the absorbent inner layer. Optionally, the glove can include one
or more
outer layers, such as thermal barriers, radiative barriers, puncture or tear
resistant layers,
layers to enhance gripping, or any combination thereof.
In a further exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a glove includes
applying an absorbent layer over a hand-shaped form, softening a fluoropolymer
film,
applying the softened fluoropolymer film over the absorbent layer, and
thermoforming
the fluoropolymer film to the absorbent layer and to bond to itself between
digits of the
hand-shaped form. The method can further include trimming excess fluoropolymer
film
after thermoforming and removing the absorbent layer and fluoropolymer barrier
layer
from the hand-shaped form.
In an example, a glove 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The glove 100 takes the
form of a hand including thumbs and fingers 102. A user can slide their hand
into the
glove 100, the glove 100 providing protection from chemical agents. In a
particular
example, the glove 100 includes a thermoformed barrier layer providing a 3-
dimensional
structure to the glove 100.
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In contrast, prior art gloves exhibit a flat profile. For example, FIG. 2
includes an illustration of a cross section of a finger formed of a top layer
202 and a
bottom layer 204 and a space 206 between the top layer 202 and the bottom
layer 204. A
user can insert a finger into the space 206 causing the relatively flat layers
202 and 204 to
flex. In traditional glove systems, such flexing causes strain at seams 208
and 210 that
are formed where layers 202 and 204 meet.
In the present example, a cross section of a finger 300 illustrated in FIG. 3
taken at the cross section A-A of FIG. 1 shows thermoformed layers 302 and 304
which
define a 3-dimensional space 306 that substantially maintains its shape even
when a
user's finger is not within the space 306. As a result of thermoforming, less
flexing is
exhibited when a finger is inserted into the space 306, and as a result, less
strain is placed
on seams 308 and 310 formed when the layers 302 and 304 are bonded together.
Turning to FIG. 4, a portion of a glove 400 includes an inner layer 404 to
surround at least a portion a user's hand 402. A barrier layer 406 is disposed
over the
inner layer 404 relative to the intended location of the hand 402. In an
example, the inner
layer 404 and the barrier layer 406 form a stand-alone glove. In another
example, one or
more outer layers 410 can be disposed over the barrier layer 406. The outer
layer 410 can
directly contact the barrier layer 406, such as without intervening layers.
Alternatively, a
space 408 can be formed between the outer layer 410 and the barrier layer 406.
In an example, the outer layer 410 forms a separate glove into which a glove
formed of
the inner layer 404 and the barrier layer 406 is inserted. In another example,
the outer
layer 410 can be formed as part of an integral glove that includes the barrier
layer 406
and the inner layer 404.
In an example, the inner layer 404 is formed of fabric, foam or random fibrous
material. The fabric can be a woven or knitted material or cloth. For example,
the inner
layer 404 can be a woven fabric. In another example, the inner layer 404
includes a
quilted random fibrous material. In a further example, the inner layer 404
includes
polymeric foam. The inner layer 404 can be formed using synthetic fibers, such
as
aramids, such as meta- and para-aramids, such as Nomex and Kevlar ,
respectively,
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polyester, polybenzimidazole (PBI), monacrylic, modacrylic, polyamide,
polyolefin,
polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, acrylic, a liquid crystal polymer, acetal
polymer,
derivatives, modifications, ionomers thereof, copolymers thereof, or any
combination
thereof. The inner layer 404 can alternatively be formed of natural fibers
including
cotton and wool. Further exemplary substrate materials include Panox ,
Lenzing,
Technora , Opan, Basofil, fiberglass, basalt, ceramic fibers, carbon fibers,
or any
combination thereof. The inner layer 404 can also include phase change
materials that
absorb energy when changing phase so as to cool a wearer of the glove. In
another
example, the inner layer 404 includes catalytic/oxidating materials that
provide additional
protection against chemical and biological agents. In an example, the inner
layer 404
includes a woven aramid material, such as a Nomex or Kevlar material. In
another
example, the inner layer 404 includes a woven material formed of natural
fibers, such as
cotton or wool. In a further example, the woven material can be impregnated
with
absorbent or hygroscopic material.
The inner layer 404 is to contact the skin of a user. As such, the inner layer
404 can be selected to provide comfort to a wearer, such as through moisture
wicking,
moisture absorptivity and heat protection. In an example, the material of the
inner layer
404 has a moisture absorptivity of at least about 3% by weight, such as about
4% to about
6%, or at least about 6% by weight. In particular, the inner layer 404 can be
formed of a
knitted yarn or thread having absorbent properties, such as yarns or threads
of cotton,
wool, polyamide, polyester, polyaramid, or any combination thereof. For
example, the
inner layer 404 can be formed of a woven or knitted cotton glove.
In an example, the barrier layer 406 can be formed of a fluoropolymer
material that is thermoformed over the absorbent layer 404. An exemplary
fluoropolymer includes a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, or polymer blend
formed from a monomer, such as tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene,
chlorotrifluoroethylene, trifluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, vinyl
fluoride,
perfluoropropyl vinyl ether, perfluoromethyl vinyl ether, or any combination
thereof. For
example, the fluoropolymer can include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),
polyvinyl
fluoride (PVF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene
copolymer
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(ETFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene
copolymer (ECTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP),a copolymer
of
ethylene and fluorinated ethylene propylene (EFEP), a terpolymer of
tetrafluoroethylene,
hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride (THV), a terpolymer of
tetrafluoroethylene,
hexafluoropropylene, and ethylene (HTE), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene
and
perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PFA or MFA), or any combination thereof. In an
example,
the fluoropolymer includes ETFE, FEP, PFA, THV, PTFE, or any combination
thereof.
Exemplary fluoropolymers films can be cast, skived, or extruded. For example,
the
fluoropolymer film can be a cast film. In particular, the fluoropolymer can
have the
ability to be thermoformed and bonded to itself. An exemplary fluoropolymer
includes
FEP. In another example, the fluoropolymer includes PFA, and in a further
example, the
fluoropolymer includes a modified PTFE. In an additional example, the
fluoropolymer
includes ETFE.
In an example, fillers or additives such as pigments, plasticizers,
stabilizers,
softeners, extenders, and the like, can be present in the fluoropolymer film.
For example,
the fluoropolymer film can include graphite, carbon black, titanium dioxide,
alumina,
alumina trihydrate, glass fibers, beads or microballoons, carbon fibers,
magnesia, silica,
wallastonite, mica, or any combination thereof.
The fluoropolymer film is generally less than about 5 mils thick, resulting in
composites of sufficiently flexibility for use in garments. Such films can be
about 0.25
mils to 4 mils thick, such as about 1 mil to 2 mils thick.
In an example, an outer layer 410 can optionally be disposed over the barrier
layer 406. The outer layer 410 can provide additional properties such as flame
resistance,
heat resistance, radiation resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance,
or additional
support for gripping, or any combination thereof. In an example, the outer
layer includes
flame resistant materials such as woven or knitted flame resistant fabrics.
Such fabrics
can be formed of yarns or threads of polyaramids, such as Nomex or Kevlar ,
fiberglass, or any combination thereof.
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In another example, the outer layer 410 can include reflective materials
acting
as a shield against radiative heat. For example, such reflective materials can
include
metal foils or metal coatings on other substrates.
In a further example, the outer layer 410 can be formed of flexible
elastomeric
materials that provide additional grip to the glove. For example, the outer
layer can be a
latex glove. In another example, the outer layer 410 can include a coated
fabric material.
For example, the fabric can be formed of knitted or woven fibers coated with
an
elastomeric material. In particular, the knitted or woven fibers can impart
tear resistance
or puncture resistance to the glove system. For example, the fabric can be
formed of
polyaramid fibers, such as Nomex or Kevlar , fiberglass, liquid crystal
polymers,
polybenzimidazole, or any combination thereof. In another example, the fabric
can be
formed of a cotton, wool, other natural fiber, polyester, polyamide,
polyolefin, or any
combination thereof. The elastomeric material can include butyl rubber,
acrylonitrile
rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene propylene diene elastomer
(EPDM),
fluorelastomer, polyvinylchloride, acrylic polymer, or any combination
thereof.
In each of the examples, the inner layer 404 and the thermoformed barrier
layer 406 provide a glove having desirable chemical resistance. In an example,
the glove
provides vapor protection from and chemical permeation resistance to
industrial
chemicals, such as acetone, acetonitrile, anhydrous ammonia (gas), 1,3-
butadiene (gas),
carbon disulfide, chlorine (gas), dichloromethane, diethyl amine, dimethyl
formamide,
ethyl acetate, ethylene oxide (gas), hexane, hydrogen chloride (gas),
methanol, methyl
chloride (gas), nitrobenzene, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid,
tetrachloroethylene,
tetrahydrofuran, or toluene. In a further exemplary embodiment, the glove
exhibits
chemical permeation resistance to cyanogen chloride (CK). Following a
permeation
resistance test in accordance with ASTM F 739 at 27 C +/- 2 C for a test
duration of at
least 3 hours, the glove exhibits a breakthrough detection time of at least 1
hour. For
example, the glove can exhibit a breakthrough detection time of at least about
1.1 hours,
such as at least about 1.5 hours or at least about 2 hours. In particular, the
glove exhibits
a breakthrough detection time of at least 1 hour when tested with NFPA 1991
industrial
chemicals. The minimal detectable permeation rate is not more than 0.10
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micrograms/cm2/min. In another example, the glove can be permeation resistant
to
chemical warfare agents such as lewisite (L), distilled mustard (HD), sarin
(GB), and V-
Agent (VX). For example, when tested with lewisite (L) and distilled mustard
(HD), the
glove exhibits an average cumulative permeation in 1 hour that is less than
about 4.0
micrograms/cm2. In another example, the glove exhibits an average cumulative
permeation over 1 hour that is less than 1.25 micrograms/cm2 when exposed to
chemical
warfare agents, such as sarin (GB) and V-Agent (VX). In a further example, the
glove
exhibits chemical penetration resistance and exhibits no penetration for at
least 1 hour for
chemicals, such as acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, hexane, 50 weight
percent sodium
hydroxide solutions, 93.1 weight percent sulfuric acid solutions, or
tetrahydrofuran. For
example, penetration resistance can be measured in accordance with ASTM F 903
at
29 C +/- 3 C and 65% plus or minus 5% relative humidity.
In another example, the glove and the seams of the glove are resistant to
liquid
or blood borne pathogens. For example, when tested in accordance with ASTM F
1671,
the glove demonstrates no penetration of the phi-x-174 bacterial phage for at
least one
hour. In another example, the seams are liquid tight. In a further example,
the glove can
be decontaminated with decontamination methods, such as autoclave.
The exemplary glove can also exhibit dexterity as measured in accordance
with the pegboard procedure listed in standard NFPA 1991. For example, the
glove can
exhibit a dexterity performance, such as an average percent increase of bare
hand control
of less than 200%. For example, the dexterity performance can be not greater
than about
180%, not greater than about 165%, not greater than about 150%, or not greater
than
about 120%. In particular, when tested relative to the Saint-Gobain
Performance Plastics
ONEGlove system (product code 22411M), a glove including a similar outer
layer
provides a performance improvement (herein referred to as a dexterity index,
defined as
the ratio of the dexterity of the exemplary glove relative to the dexterity of
the
ONEGlove system, expressed as a percentage) of not greater than 95%, such as
not
greater than 90%, not greater than 85%, or even not greater than 80%. For
example, the
dexterity index can be not greater than 75%.
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Gloves that further include a flame resistant outer layer exhibit flammability
resistance. For example, when tested in accordance with ASTM F 1359, the
integrated
glove does not ignite during an initial 3-second exposure period and does not
burn a
distance greater than 100 mm, does not sustain burning for more than 10
seconds, and
does not melt as evidenced by flow or dripping during a subsequent 12-second
exposure
period.
In an additional example, a glove that further includes a cut resistant outer
layer exhibits cut and penetration resistance. For example, the glove when
measured in
accordance with ASTM F 1790 exhibits a cut resistance performance not more
than 25
mm, such as not more than about 21 mm or not more than about 19 mm. In a
further
example, the glove exhibits puncture resistance. For example, when tested in
accordance
with ASTM F 1342, the glove exhibits a puncture resistance performance not
less than
2.3 kg (5 lbs).
In a further example, the glove exhibits a cold temperature performance. For
example, when tested in accordance with ASTM D 747, the glove exhibits a
bending
moment of 0.057 N-meters at an angular deflection of 60 at -25 C.
When used in conjunction with a flame retardant and puncture resistant outer
layer 410, the glove system 400 can comply with various NFPA standards. For
example,
embodiments of the glove system conform to standards, such as NFPA 1991, NFPA
1992, and NFPA 1994.
To form the barrier layer glove, a barrier layer is thermoformed over a three-
dimensional hand-shaped form. Optionally, an inner layer can be applied over
the hand-
shaped form. For example, a woven or knitted glove, such as a cotton glove or
a
polyamide glove, can be applied over the hand-shaped form to form an absorbent
inner
layer. Alternatively, absorbent foam materials cut into the shape of a 2-
dimensional hand
can be applied on either side of the hand-shaped form.
In an example, a fluoropolymer film is softened. For example, the
fluoropolymer film can be heated to a temperature of at least the glass
transition
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temperature, but not greater than a melting temperature. As illustrated in
FIG. 5, the
softened fluoropolymer film 504 can be applied over the hand-shaped form.
Alternatively, the softened film can be wrapped around the hand-shaped form,
drawn
from under the hand-shaped form and wrapped around the top, or applied at the
end of
the fingers and wrapped towards the wrist. In a further alternative, two
softened separate
flouropolymer films can be placed, one on either side of the hand-shaped form.
Following application over the hand-shaped form, the fluoropolymer film 504
is thermoformed around the hand-shaped form 502. For example, a vacuum can be
drawn between the fluoropolymer film 504 and the hand-shaped form 502, drawing
the
fluoropolymer film 504 in towards the hand and in contact with itself between
fingers and
around the hand-shaped form 502. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the fluoropolymer
barrier
layer bonds to itself in a region 604 away from the fingers and the hand-
shaped form and
thermoforms to adopt the 3-dimensional shape of the hand-shaped form.
Following thermoforming, the excess fluoropolymer can be trimmed forming
seams 704 around a 3-dimensional thermoformed shape 702 adopting the shape of
the
hand-shaped form. An opening 706 is formed at a wrist of the glove, as
illustrated in
FIG. 7.
The hand-shaped form can be removed from the form. Following removal,
the thermoformed barrier layer maintains a three-dimensional hand-shape even
when not
in use (i.e., when a form or a hand is not disposed inside the glove).
The thermoformed barrier layer can be used as a separate glove or can be
integrally formed with an outer layer to provide additional properties to the
glove system.
As such, an outer layer can be applied over the barrier layer. In a particular
example, the
outer layer can be attached to the barrier layer and optionally the absorbent
layer at a
wrist of the glove. In another example, the outer layer can be attached to
tabs (not
illustrated) formed of the thermoformed barrier layer at the end of the
fingers.
EXAMPLES
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EXAMPLE 1
A 3-mil film formed of fluoroinated ethylene propylene (FEP) copolymer is
applied over a three-dimensional hand-shaped form. The FEP film is softened
and
draped over the hand-shaped form. The edges of the film at a front and back of
the form
are held together and a vacuum is applied inside the thus formed enclosed
space. As a
result, the film takes the shape of the form and bonds to itself in regions
not occupied by
the form.
The film is cooled and the form removed to leave a fluoropolymer barrier
layer that maintains the three-dimensional shape of the form.
EXAMPLE 2
A knitted cotton glove is applied over a three-dimensional hand-shaped form.
A 2-mil PFA film is softened and draped over the knitted cotton glove. The
edges of the
film at a front and back of the form are held together and a vacuum is applied
inside the
thus formed enclosed space. As a result, the film takes the shape of the form
and bonds
to itself in regions not occupied by the form.
The film is cooled and the form removed to leave a glove including an
absorbent inner layer and a barrier layer that maintains the three-dimensional
shape of the
form.
In a first exemplary embodiment, a glove includes an inner layer having a 3-
dimensional shape of a hand and includes a fibrous absorbent material, and the
glove
includes a fluoropolymer barrier layer thermoformed around the inner layer to
have the 3-
dimensional shape of the hand. The fluoropolymer barrier layer maintains the 3-
dimensional shape when not in use. The glove has a breakthrough time of not
greater
than 1 hour when exposed to NFPA 1991 industrial chemicals and has a
detectable
permeation rate is not more than 0.10 micrograms/cm2/min.
In an example of the first embodiment, the fluoropolymer barrier layer
includes ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene
propylene
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copolymer (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), THV, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
or any
combination thereof. For example, the fluoropolymer barrier layer can include
FEP. In
another example, the fluoropolymer barrier layer can include PFA. In a further
example,
the fluoropolymer barrier layer can include ETFE.
In an additional example of the first embodiment, the fibrous absorbent
material includes a woven or knitted fabric. In another example, the fibrous
absorbent
material includes cotton or wool.
In a further example of the first embodiment, the glove further includes a
flame resistant outer layer disposed over the fluoropolymer barrier layer. In
another
example, the glove further includes a tear resistant outer layer disposed over
the
fluoropolymer barrier layer. In an additional example, the glove further
includes an outer
layer that provides improved grip and is disposed over the fluoropolymer
barrier layer.
In a particular example, the glove further includes an outer layer formed of a
polyaramid
material disposed over the fluoropolymer barrier layer.
In another example of the first embodiment, the fluoropolymer barrier layer
has a thickness of not greater than 5 mils. For example, the thickness can be
in a range of
0.25 mils to 4 mils.
In an additional example of the first embodiment, the glove exhibits a
dexterity performance of not greater than 200%, such as not greater than 180%.
In
another example, the glove exhibits a dexterity index of not greater than 95%,
such as not
greater than 90%.
In a further example of the first embodiment, the glove exhibits an average
cumulative permeation in 1 hour that of less than about 4.0 micrograms/cm2 for
lewisite
(L) and distilled mustard (HD). In an additional example of the first
embodiment, the
glove exhibits an average cumulative permeation over 1 hour that is less than
1.25
micrograms/cm2 when exposed to sarin (GB) or V-Agent (VX).
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In a second exemplary embodiment, a glove includes an inner layer including
a moisture wicking material and a fluoropolymer barrier layer thermoformed
around the
inner layer to have a 3-dimensional shape of a hand. The fluoropolymer barrier
layer
maintains the 3-dimensional shape when not in use. The glove has a dexterity
index of
not greater than 95%.
In an example of the second embodiment, the fluoropolymer barrier layer
includes ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene
propylene
copolymer (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), THV, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
or any
combination thereof. For example, the fluoropolymer barrier layer can include
FEP. In
another example, the fluoropolymer barrier layer can include PFA. In an
additional
example, the fluoropolymer barrier layer can include ETFE.
In a further example of the second embodiment, the wicking material includes
a woven or knitted fabric. In an additional example, the wicking material can
include
cotton or wool.
In another example of the second embodiment, the glove further includes a
flame resistant outer layer disposed over the fluoropolymer barrier layer. In
an additional
example, the glove further includes a tear resistant outer layer disposed over
the
fluoropolymer barrier layer. In a further example, the glove further includes
an outer
layer that provides improved grip and is disposed over the fluoropolymer
barrier layer.
In a particular example, the glove includes an outer layer formed of a
polyaramid
material disposed over the fluoropolymer barrier layer.
In an additional example of the second embodiment, the fluoropolymer barrier
layer has a thickness of not greater than 5 mils. For example, the thickness
can be in a
range of 0.25 mils to 4 mils.
In a further example of the second embodiment, the glove exhibits a dexterity
performance of not greater than 200%, such as not greater than 180%. Further,
the
dexterity index can be not greater than 90%.
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In another example of the second embodiment, the glove exhibits an average
cumulative permeation in 1 hour that of less than about 4.0 micrograms/cm2 for
lewisite
(L) and distilled mustard (HD). In a further example, the glove exhibits an
average
cumulative permeation over 1 hour that is less than 1.25 micrograms/cm2 when
exposed
to sarin (GB) or V-Agent (VX).
In a third exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a glove includes
applying an inner layer over a three-dimensional hand-shaped form, softening a
fluoropolymer film, and thermoforming the softened fluoropolymer film over the
inner
layer, whereby a glove is formed that maintains the three-dimensional hand-
shape after
the form is removed.
In an example of the third embodiment, softening the fluoropolymer film
including softening a fluoropolymer film comprising ethylene-
tetrafluoroethylene
copolymer (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP),
perfluoroalkoxy
(PFA), THV, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or any combination thereof. For
example,
the fluoropolymer film can include FEP. In another example, the fluoropolymer
film can
include PFA. In an additional example, the fluoropolymer film can include
ETFE.
In a further example of the third embodiment, the method further includes
removing the
three-dimensional hand-shaped form from the glove.
In another example of the third embodiment, the method further includes
applying an outer layer over the thermoformed fluoropolymer film. For example,
applying the outer layer includes applying a flame resistant outer layer over
the
thermoformed fluoropolymer film. In a further example, applying the outer
layer
includes applying a tear resistant outer layer over the thermoformed
fluoropolymer film.
In an additional example, applying the outer layer includes attaching the
outer layer to a
barrier layer formed of the thermoformed fluoropolymer film at a wrist of the
glove.
In an example of the third embodiment, applying an inner layer includes
applying a woven or knitted glove over the three-dimensional hand-shaped form.
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Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description
or
the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be
required, and
that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those
described. Still
further, the orders in which activities are listed are not necessarily the
order in which they
are performed.
In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with
reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
appreciates
that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the
scope of
the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification
and figures
are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all
such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.
As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including,"
"has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-
exclusive
inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of
features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include
other features
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or
apparatus. Further,
unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive-or and
not to an
exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the
following: A
is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not
present) and B is true
(or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
Also, the use of "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and
components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a
general
sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to
include one or at
least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that
it is meant
otherwise.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described
above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages,
solutions
to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or
solution to
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occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,
required, or
essential feature of any or all the claims.
After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain
features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate
embodiments, may
also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various
features
that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may
also be
provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values
stated in
ranges include each and every value within that range.
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