Light emitting glove

• US 6,592,235 B1
• Filed: 02/22/2002
• Issued: 07/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gary Mayo
• Original Assignee: Gary Mayo
• Inventors: Mayo, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): Alavi, Ali
• Application Number:
  US10/080,442
• Time in Patent Office: 508 Days
• Field of Search: 362/103, 362/800, 362/202, 362/184, 362/185, 362/205, 216/0
• US Class Current: 362/103
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 19/0157 with luminous or reflective means protective garments with reflective or luminous safety means A41D13/01
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/004 Reflective safety signalling devices attached on persons
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

Light emitting gloves provide a source of light under poorly lit or dark conditions to facilitate the completion of tasks. Such gloves are particularly useful when the use of both hands is required, eliminating the possibility of one hand holding a light source such as a flashlight. Light emitting gloves are also of great utility when working in a tight area where there may not be room for a separate light source and the hand performing the task. The person wearing the gloves can be seen more clearly from a distance during periods of low visibility, enhancing safety.

Claims

1. A light emitting glove comprising:

a glove having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a light source attached to said glove; and

a switch attached to said interior surface of said glove.

2. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 1, wherein said glove comprises:

an exterior layer; and

an interior layer laminated to said exterior layer.

3. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 2, wherein said exterior layer is selected from the group consisting of leather, cloth, rubber, and vinyl.

4. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 2, wherein said interior layer is selected from the group consisting of leather, cloth, rubber, and vinyl.

5. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 1, wherein said light source comprises:

a light emitting diode;

a socket attached to said exterior surface of said glove enclosing said light emitting diode; and

a power source attached to said socket.

6. The power source as defined in claim 5, wherein said power source comprises:

a battery case;

a battery enclosed within said battery case;

a first wire having opposing ends with one end connected to said battery and said opposing end connected to said socket;

a second wire having opposing ends with one end connected to said socket and said opposing end connected to said switch; and

a third wire having opposing ends with one end connected to said switch and said opposing end connected to said battery.

7. The switch as defined in claim 2, wherein said switch comprises a pushbutton on/off switch.

8. A light emitting glove comprising:

a glove having an interior, an interior surface, an exterior surface, four fingers, and a thumb;

a switch mounted on said interior surface of said thumb of said glove so as to protrude into said interior of said glove;

a second wire having opposing ends with one end connected to said switch; and

a light source connected to said opposing end of said second wire.

9. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 8, wherein said glove comprises:

an exterior layer; and

an interior layer laminated to said exterior layer.

10. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 9, wherein said exterior layer is selected from the group consisting of leather, cloth, rubber, and vinyl.

11. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 9, wherein said interior layer is selected from the group consisting of leather, cloth, rubber, and vinyl.

12. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 8, wherein said light source comprises:

a light emitting diode;

a socket enclosing said light emitting diode;

a first wire having opposing ends with one end connected to said socket; and

a power source attached to said opposing end of said first wire.

13. The light emitting glove as defined in claim 12, wherein said power source comprises:

a battery case;

a battery enclosed within said battery case; and

a third wire having opposing ends with one end connected to said battery case and said opposing end connected to said switch.

14. The switch as defined in claim 8, wherein said switch comprises a pushbutton on/off switch.

15. In combination with a glove, including an interior surface, an exterior surface, four fingers, and a thumb, the improvement which comprises:

a plurality of light sources attached to said exterior surface of said fingers;

a plurality of socket wires having opposing ends with said opposing ends connecting said plurality of light sources to one another

a second wire having opposing ends with one end connected to at least one of said light sources;

a switch connected to said opposing end of said second wire and mounted on said interior surface of said thumb;

a first wire having opposing ends with one end connected to at least one of said light sources;

a power source connected to said opposing end of said first wire; and

a third wire having opposing ends with one end connected to said power source and said opposing end connected to said switch.

16. The improvement to a glove as defined in claim 15, wherein said light source comprises:

a light emitting diode; and

a socket enclosing said light emitting diode.

17. The improvement to a glove as defined in claim 15, wherein said power source comprises:

a battery case; and

a battery enclosed within said battery case.

18. The improvement to a glove as defined in claim 15, wherein said switch is of the pushbutton on/off type.

19. The improvement to a glove as defined in claim 15, wherein said power source is attached to said glove.