Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Anatomical
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-31
2001-12-11
Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Anatomical
C033S00200A, C033S549000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327787
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a glove fitting device and method for measuring aspects of a user's fingers and hands and recommending an appropriate glove size based on the measurements.
BACKGROUND
In order to provide comfortable fitting gloves for different users who have a variety of hand shapes and sizes, manufactures generally provide consumers with a variety of different sized gloves. With respect to athletic gloves, such as those used in golf, proper glove fit is necessary for an additional reason. In such gloves, proper fit ensures that the glove does not interfere with the feel of a sports implement in the user's hands. Generally, gloves are produced in three size classifications, such as women's, men's, and cadet. Additionally, gloves within each size classification are usually produced in further size classifications, such as small, medium, large, extra-large, etc. Thus, retail locations often display a large number of different glove sizes and a customer often faces a time-consuming task of trying on multiple gloves in order to identify gloves with the best fit.
A number of hand measuring instruments have been attempted. None, however, provide a straightforward system that rapidly measures essential aspects of a customer's hand and accurately utilizes the measurements to suggest a glove size. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,997,920; 2,176,288; 2,605,548; and 4,173,074 disclose devices that measure palm width and the length of only the longest finger. Although such devices that measure the length of only a single finger and palm width may provide ease of use, these devices do not provide sufficient or accurate information to allow accurate prediction of the customer's glove size.
Other references, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 587,940 and 2,146,799 disclose devices that measure the girth of a hand and measure the length of the longer finger or fingers. For many individuals, however, these measurements also may not be sufficient to accurately predict the customer's glove size.
Several references, such as DT33495 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,924 disclose devices that measure the length of all of the fingers. Although these devices provide additional absolute information about the dimensions of a hand, such devices are generally too complicated and cumbersome to be used effectively in a retail setting.
Thus, a glove fitting device and method are needed that are easy for a customer to use in a retail setting, that allow pertinent aspects of their hands to be measured, and that more accurately predict their glove size.
SUMMARY
The present invention includes a hand measuring device for determining a glove size for a user with five digits. The device includes a platform and at least one measuring station associated with the platform. The measuring station includes a girth scale operatively associated with the platform for measuring a user's palm girth value and first and second measuring systems. The first measuring system measures a first digit length value of a first digit of a user's hand. The second measuring system measures a second digit length value of a second digit of the user's hand.
In one embodiment, the device includes at least two measuring stations. One measuring station measures the user's right hand and the other measuring station measures the user's left hand.
In yet another embodiment, the first digit length value is measured relative to a first position and the second digit length value is measured relative to a second position. The first position and the second position are located different distances from a reference point.
In another embodiment, the first and second measuring systems include separate scales with a plurality of spaced marks. A single scale can also be used as the measuring systems.
In addition, in one embodiment the first digit is the index finger and the second digit is the middle finger.
Furthermore, in one embodiment a grid associated with the platform for correlating a plurality of palm girth values and a plurality of preferred finger length values with a plurality of predetermined glove sizes.
The present invention also includes a method for fitting gloves to the user that includes the steps of measuring at least one hand of the user on a first scale to determine the girth of a palm of the user and assigning a girth value to that measurement. The method also includes the step of measuring the length of a first digit of at least one hand on a second scale and assigning a first digit length value to that measurement. In addition, the method includes the step of measuring the length of a second digit of at least one hand on a second scale and assigning a second digit length value to that measurement, selecting the largest of the first digit length value or the second digit length value as a preferred digit length value, and recommending to the user a predetermined glove size based on the preferred digit length value and the girth value.
In another embodiment, two hands can be measured and the longest preferred digit length values and girth values can be used to recommend the predetermined glove size.
In one embodiment, the step of recommending further includes recommending to the user a women's glove size, if the girth value is three or less. Alternatively, recommending to the user a cadet or men's glove size, if the girth value is greater than four.
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Bonzagni Maria
Whittlesey Saunders N.
Acushnet Company
Fulton Christopher W.
Pennie & Edmonds LLP
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