CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority of and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 62/233,282, filed on September 25, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to gloves and more particularly to gloves with improved palm grip, durability, flexibility, hand dexterity and resistance to saturation from contaminants found in the work environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Workers in industrial applications, including the oil and gas extraction industry operate in the presence of contaminants such as water, oils, petrochemical drilling lubricants and drilling fluids, mud, dirt, etc.

[0004] Workers wear gloves to protect their hands while working. The prior art palm materials for gloves currently used in industry include cow, goat, pig, deerskin leather; synthetic leather; polymer coated fabrics (polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone); embossed fabrics. One drawback to these materials is that they have a finite lifespan.

[0005] Additionally, when these prior art palm materials become saturated in the presence of oils, drilling lubricants and fluids, and mud, the grip of the palm is dramatically reduced and the effective lifespan of the glove is greatly reduced. [0006] Certain prior art glove palms have been designed with resistance to saturation, but the resistance comes with a significant reduction in grip and typically also includes a significant loss of hand dexterity.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to design a glove with a palm that provides high levels of grip, durability, flexibility /hand dexterity, and resistance to saturation from

contaminants found in the work environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A glove palm designed to improve grip, durability, flexibility /hand dexterity and resistance to saturation from contaminants is provided.

[0009] The glove palm comprises a base layer of rubber that covers the entire glove palm. The rubber compounds used for the construction of the glove palm are of the type that heretofore has been used in the footwear industry, generally natural and synthetic rubber in compositions thereof with a durometer range of about 40 to 90 Shore A.

[0010] The rubber compounds do not allow liquids to permeate the surface and saturate the glove palm as quickly as other glove palm materials. These rubber compounds are in fact oil resisting in contrast to leather and even synthetic leathers which may allow liquids to be absorbed into the material itself (e.g., the leather) or into the weave of the synthetic material. The result of the rubber materials used in accordance with this invention is a glove palm surface which remains more clean and will slip less than a glove palm made of other materials.

[0011] The base layer of the glove palm includes specific three dimensional molded rubber structures that cover the glove palm. [0012] A plurality of molded structures are arranged in specific flex patterns to enhance the flexibility and dexterity of the gloved hand. The molded structures preferably enhance grip when exposed to different environmental factors and used in different work trades and jobs.

[0013] The glove palm is sectioned into various zones of the hand such as the fingertips, base of palm, upper section of palm, etc. Molded structures of varying shapes and sizes are provided in the various zones and at various heights based on the requirements for grip and flexibility that vary according to location on the palm based on the anticipated use of the palm.

[0014] These and other features of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view of the palm of a glove embodying the present invention absent the presence of any molded structures.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the palm of a glove with molded structures which is preferably used in heavily saturated environments.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of Figure 2.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the palm of a glove with molded structures which is preferably used in wet or dry conditions and for pulling on ropes and cables.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 of Figure 4. [0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the palm of a glove with flame resisting molded structures which is preferably used in wet and dry conditions and preferably used in combination with flame resisting glove shell fabrics.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of Figure 6.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the palm of a glove with molded structures which is preferably used in wet and dry conditions.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line 9-9 of Figure 8.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a chart showing the amount of cycles until failure of various prior art glove palm materials and the glove palm material of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Initially referring to FIG. 1, the various zones of the glove palm are illustrated.

Each phalange consists of three finger zones: fingertip zone la, mid-finger zone lb, lower finger zone lc for the pinky finger, corresponding zones 2a, 2b, 2c for the ring finger, 3a, 3b, 3c for the middle finger, and 4a, 4b, 4c for the index finger. The fingertip zone, mid-finger zone and lower finger zone are substantially coextensive with the distal, intermediate and proximal phalanges of the fingers of a person wearing the glove.

[0027] The thumb consists of thumb tip zone 5a and lower thumb zone 5b which are substantially coextensive with the distal and proximal phalanges of the thumb of a person wearing said glove. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of these zones contains molded structures extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. The structures are preferably fabricated of the same material as the glove palm and are more preferably integrally formed with the glove palm. [0028] Finger flex zones 11 are located between the fingertip zones and mid-finger zones and between the mid-finger zones and lower finger zones. Thumb flex zones 12 are areas with no molded structures between the thumb tip zone 5a and lower thumb zone 5b and between the lower thumb zone 5b and the rest of the palm of the hand. Finger flex zones 11 and thumb flex zones 12 are devoid of any molded structures thereby reducing interference between molded structures in other zones and also provide a thinner cross-section to the rubber to increase flexibility when the wearer of the glove flexes the fingers and thumb in the glove.

[0029] The rest of the palm is comprised of lower palm zone 7, middle palm zones 6a and 6b and upper palm zone 8. Finger flex zones 11, thumb flex zones 12, flex bands 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 10a, and 10b are areas on the glove palm with no molded structures provided on the glove palm in an arrangement that generally mimics the layout of the worker's nerves and tendons, including the pretendinous bands, extending each flex band corresponding to a pretendinous band to the tip of each related finger. These flex bands preferably provide additional flexibility to the contours of the hand.

[0030] Palm flex zone 13 is located between lower finger zones lc, 2c, 3c, 4c and upper palm zone 8. Palm flex zone 14 is located between upper palm zone 8 and mid-palm zone 6a. Palm flex zones 13 and 14 are preferably devoid of any molded structures thereby reducing interference between molded structures in other zones while also providing a thinner cross- section to the rubber to preferably increase flexibility when the wearer of the glove flexes the fingers and thumb in the glove.

[0031] FIGS. 2 - 9 illustrate the types and heights of molded structures which are contained within each palm zone for various applications.

[0032] FIG. 2, also referred to as model SI 177, comprises molded structures in the form of lugs in a repeating diamond-shaped pattern split in four sections with a four point star in the center. The arced inside edges of the diamond section surrounding the four-point star are preferably used to channel high viscosity fluids, such as oils, away from the palm to improve the grip. The pattern also provides a high amount of flexibility. In a preferred embodiment the side walls of the lugs are perpendicular to the surface of the palm and the top surfaces of the lugs are perpendicular to the side walls of the lugs.

[0033] The diamond-shaped lugs of lower palm zone 207, mid-palm zones 206a and

206b, are preferably oriented at an angle to flex bands 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d, 209e, 210a and 210b so that the channels between the diamonds run diagonally across the palm when looking at it in the orientation shown in Figure 2.

[0034] The diamond shaped lugs of upper palm zone 208 are preferably rotated 90 degrees from the lugs in the mid-palm zones 206a and 206b and lower palm zone 207. In this orientation, the channels between the diamond-patterned lugs run horizontally across the palm when looking at it in the orientation shown in Figure 2. This provides for increased flexibility and lessens the impact of bunching which occurs in this region when a glove is being flexed by a wearer.

[0035] The lugs in the mid-palm zones 206a and 206b and upper palm zone 208 preferably have a height of about 1.5 mm extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm.

[0036] The diamond shaped lugs in the fingertip zones 201a, 202a, 203a, 204a, mid- finger zones 201b, 202b, 203b, 204b, and lower finger zones 201c, 202, 203c, and 204c are oriented perpendicularly to the respective flex bands. This orientation may be used to enhance the grip of a tool handle, pipe, rope or cable when held by the fingers, and the force of the object is along the horizontal axis (i.e., at a 90 degree angle to the fingers). [0037] Finger flex zones 211, thumb flex zones 212, palm flex zones 213 and 214, flex bands 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d, 209e, 210a, 210b, function in the same way as the corresponding zones and bands disclosed in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0038] As seen in FIG.3, the height of the lugs in the mid-finger zones (e.g., 203b), and lower finger zones (e.g., 203c) is preferably the same lug height as in palm zones 208, 206a, 206b, about 1.5 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. In this exemplary embodiment, the height of the lugs in the fingertip zones (e.g., 203a) is reduced to a height lower than the lug height in the other finger zones, preferably about 1 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. This reduced height may be used to provide the wearer with increased tactility at the fingertips.

[0039] The height of the lugs in upper thumb zone 205a is preferably the same height as fingertip zones 201a, 202a, 203a, 204a, about 1.0 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. In this exemplary embodiment the diamond shaped lugs are aligned in a vertical orientation which may be used to provide the wearer with increased grip on a tool handle, pipe, rope or cable when the thumb of the glove is wrapped around an item.

[0040] Lower thumb zone 205b has the same diamond shaped lug pattern and orientation as upper thumb zone 205a. However, in this exemplary embodiment, the height of the lugs extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm is greater than the height of the lugs in upper thumb zone 205a, preferably about 1.5 mm.

[0041] Lower palm zone 207 has the same diamond shaped lug pattern and orientation as mid-palm zones 206a and 206b, however the size of the lugs in that zone is preferably increased, preferably about 25%, and the lug height is preferably raised above the lug height in the other palm zones, preferably to about 2.0 mm from the surface of the palm, to provide a thicker palm surface in the lower palm, which typically would be the portion of the palm which makes contact with the ground when the glove wearer sticks out a hand to break a fall. The larger sized lugs also provide more surface area which would come in contact with the ground should the glove wearer' s palm make contact with the ground, thus decreasing the force per unit area encountered by the glove palm in such a fall.

[0042] FIG. 4, also referred to as model SI 178, comprises molded structures in the form of lugs with a pattern of repeating arrows with a channel splitting down the middle to disperse fluids. The repeating arrow pattern in upper palm zone 408 is preferably in the shape of a rectangular arrow and is preferably used for the pulling of large cables (e.g., made of steel or rope).

[0043] The arrow shaped lugs of upper palm zone 408 are preferably rotated 120 degrees off of the horizontal axis of the glove. The side walls of the lugs in upper palm zone 408 are preferably perpendicular to the surface of the palm. However, the top surface of the lugs in upper palm zone 408 preferably has beveled edges. Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the back squared off edges of the lugs in upper palm zone 408 have chiseled corners at 45 degrees for multi-directional traction edges.

[0044] The beveled pattern of lugs in upper palm zone 408 is also used in mid-finger zones 403b, 404b, lower finger zones 403c, 404c and lower thumb zone 405b.

[0045] Mid-finger zones 401b, 402b, lower finger zones 401c, 402c, and lower palm zones 407c have molded structures in the form of lugs in the shape of a repeated angular arrow pattern. The side walls of the lugs in mid-finger zones 401b, 402b, lower finger zones 401c, 402c, and lower palm zones 407 are perpendicular to the surface of the palm. In contrast to the other portions of the glove with the repeated rectangular arrow pattern, the lugs in these zones have a flat top surface and are not beveled. [0046] Fingertip zones 401a, 402a, 403a, 404a and thumb tip zone 405a each have one molded structure preferably encompassing the entirety of each zone. The molded structure has in-molded siping throughout which provides channels to disperse fluids and provides leading edges for grip as well as additional flexibility when the wearer of the glove grips with the fingertips.

[0047] Finger flex zones 411, thumb flex zones 412, palm flex zones 413 and 414, flex bands 409a, 409b, 409c, 409d, 409e, 410a, 410b, function in the same way as the corresponding zones and bands disclosed in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0048] As seen in FIG. 5, the lugs in mid-palm zones 406a and 406b and upper palm zone 408 preferably have the same height, about 1.5 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm.

[0049] The height of the lugs in the mid-finger zones 401b, 402b, 403b, 404b, lower finger zones 401c, 402c, 403c, 404c and lower thumb zone 405b is preferably the same lug height as in palm zones 406a, 406b, 408, about 1.5 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. In this exemplary embodiment, the height of the molded structures with siping in the fingertip zones 401a, 402a, 403a, 404a and thumb tip zone 405a is reduced to a height lower than the lug height in the other finger zones, preferably about 1 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. This reduced height may be used to provide the wearer with increased tactility at the fingertips.

[0050] The size of the lugs in lower palm zone 407 is preferably increased from the size of the lugs in the other palm zones, preferably about 25%, and the lug height is preferably raised above the lug height in the other palm zones, preferably to about 2.0 mm from the surface of the palm, to provide a thicker palm surface in the lower palm, which typically would be the portion of the palm which makes contact with the ground when the glove wearer sticks out a hand to break a fall. The larger sized lugs also provide more surface area which would come in contact with the ground should the glove wearer's palm make contact with the ground, thus decreasing the force per unit area encountered by the glove palm in such a fall.

[0051] FIG. 6, also referred to as model SI 179, comprises molded structures in the form of lugs in a repeating oval-shaped pattern with pointed edges at the ends of each oval. The oval is split in four sections in a way that creates two intersecting channels that provide leading edges for traction and additional outlets for water to disperse. The molded structures also have a high surface area for maximum durability.

[0052] The glove palm of FIG. 6 is preferably constructed using flame resisting compounds and preferably used in conditions where such a construction may be necessary. Accordingly, in one embodiment the oval-shaped pattern mimics the shape of a flame so that the wearer of the glove associates this glove with tasks that require fire resisting gloves.

[0053] The oval shaped lugs of upper palm zone 608 are preferably rotated about 90 degrees from the pattern present in mid-finger zones 601b, 602b, 603b, 604b, lower finger zones 601c, 602c, 603c, 604c, lower thumb zone 605b, mid-palm zones 606a, 606b and lower palm zone 607 creating horizontal rows in the upper palm zone 608 where each row has offset lugs where the arcs of each lug nest into the arc of the row above and below it. This pattern provides for maximum flexibility when the user is flexing the glove.

[0054] The side walls of the oval-shaped lugs throughout the glove shown in FIG. 6 are perpendicular to the surface of the palm.

[0055] Fingertip zones 601a, 602a, 603a, 604a and thumb tip zone 605a each have one molded structure preferably encompassing the entirety of each zone. The molded structure has in-molded siping throughout which provides channels to disperse fluids and provides leading edges for grip as well as additional flexibility when the wearer of the glove grips with the fingertips.

[0056] Finger flex zones 611, thumb flex zones 612, palm flex zones 613 and 614, flex bands 609a, 609b, 609c, 609d, 609e, 610a, 610b, function in the same way as the corresponding zones and bands disclosed in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0057] As seen in FIG. 7, the lugs in mid-palm zones 606a and 606b and upper palm zone 608 preferably have the same height, about 1.5 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm.

[0058] The height of the lugs in the mid-finger zones 601b, 602b, 603b, 604b, lower finger zones 601c, 602c, 603c, 604c and lower thumb zone 605b is preferably the same lug height as in palm zones 606a, 606b, 608, about 1.5 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. In this exemplary embodiment, the height of the molded structures with siping in the fingertip zones 601a, 602a, 603a, 604a and thumb tip zone 605a is reduced to a height lower than the lug height in the other finger zones, preferably about 1 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. This reduced height may be used to provide the wearer with increased tactility at the fingertips.

[0059] The size of the lugs in lower palm zone 607 is preferably increased, preferably about 25% from the size of the lugs in the other palm zones, and the lug height is preferably raised above the lug height in the other palm zones, preferably to about 2.0 mm from the surface of the palm, to provide a thicker palm surface in the lower palm, which typically would be the portion of the palm which makes contact with the ground when the glove wearer sticks out a hand to break a fall. The larger sized lugs also provide more surface area which would come in contact with the ground should the glove wearer' s palm make contact with the ground, thus decreasing the force per unit area encountered by the glove palm in such a fall. [0060] FIG. 8, also referred to as model SI 180, comprises molded structures in the form of lugs with a triangular pattern with flat top edges about every 120 degrees (i.e., at each corner) for multi-directional traction. The triangles are arranged on the palm in an interlocking pattern with the arced outside edges of each triangle interlocked between the other triangle patterns to allow fluids to flow off one edge and down to the next arc, to disperse fluids out of the palm. The triangular lug shape is split in through the center of the pattern to allow for the three corners of the triangle to flex against themselves while the palm is fully in use.

[0061] The triangular shaped lugs of upper palm zone 808 are preferably rotated about 90 degrees from the pattern present in mid-finger zones 801b, 802b, 803b, 804b, lower finger zones 801c, 802c, 803c, 804c, lower thumb zone 805b, mid-palm zones 806a, 806b and lower palm zone 807 creating horizontal rows in the upper palm zone 808 so that channels between the lug rows provide better flexibility.

[0062] The side walls of the oval-shaped lugs throughout the glove shown in FIG. 8 are perpendicular to the surface of the palm.

[0063] The lugs in upper palm zone 808 are preferably scaled slightly smaller than the lugs in the mid-palm zones 806a and 806b, mid-finger zones 801b, 802b, 803b, 804b, lower finger zone 801c, 802c, 803c, 804c, thumb tip zone 805a, and lower thumb zone 805b.

[0064] Finger tip zones 801a, 802a, 803a, 804a and thumb tip zone 805a each have one molded structure preferably encompassing the entirety of each zone. The molded structure has in-molded siping throughout which provides channels to disperse fluids and provides leading edges for grip as well as additional flexibility when the wearer of the glove grips with the fingertips. [0065] Finger flex zones 811, thumb flex zones 812, palm flex zones 813 and 814, flex bands 809a, 809b, 809c, 809d, 809e, 810a, 810b, function in the same way as the corresponding zones and bands disclosed in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0066] As seen in FIG. 9, the lugs in mid-palm zones 806a and 806b and upper palm zone 808 preferably have the same height, about 1.5 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm.

[0067] The height of the lugs in the mid-finger zones 801b, 802b, 803b, 804b, lower finger zones 801c, 802c, 803c, 804c and lower thumb zone 805b is preferably the same lug height as in palm zones 806a, 806b, 808, about 1.5 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. In this exemplary embodiment, the height of the molded structures with siping in the fingertip zones 801a, 802a, 803a, 804a and thumb tip zone 805a is reduced to a height lower than the lug height in the other finger zones, preferably about 1 mm, extending vertically from the surface of the glove palm. This reduced height may be used to provide the wearer with increased tactility at the fingertips.

[0068] The size of the lugs in lower palm zone 807 is preferably increased, preferably about 25%, from the size of the lugs, for example, in mid-palm zones 806a and 806b, and the lug height is preferably raised above the lug height in the other palm zones, preferably to about 2.0 mm from the surface of the palm, to provide a thicker palm surface in the lower palm, which typically would be the portion of the palm which makes contact with the ground when the glove wearer sticks out a hand to break a fall. The larger sized lugs also provide more surface area which would come in contact with the ground should the glove wearer's palm make contact with the ground, thus decreasing the force per unit area encountered by the glove palm in such a fall.

TEST METHODS [0069] Abrasion resistance of the palm material disclosed by this invention was tested in accordance with ASTM D3884-09 standard, which is incorporated by reference.

[0070] In order to measure the grip strength of the palm materials disclosed by this invention, a grip test was developed to measure the coefficient of friction of the palm when applied to varying surfaces.

[0071] ASTM F2913-11, the grip/slip test used for shoe soles (which is incorporated by reference) was adapted for use in testing glove palms. The modified ASTM F2913 test method determines the coefficient of friction between hand wear materials and various contaminated and non-contaminated substrates under conditions simulating those experienced in the phases of forces being applied while grasping. The modified method is applicable to all types of hand wear, footwear, outsole units, heel top-pieces (top-lifts) and sheet materials, and also to contaminated substrates and surfaces including but not limited to liquid water, ice, oil and grease.

[0072] A SATRA 144 testing apparatus, manufactured by SATRA Technology of

Northamptonshire, United Kingdom was used to conduct the grip test. The following procedure is used to conduct the test: (1) Cut out a 3-inch diameter disc of the palm or palm fabric or palm rubber to be used as the test piece. (2) Bond the test piece to a 3-inch diameter disk of 1/4 inch thick rubber, with a durometer of approximately 40 Shore A, using Barge All Purpose Cement. (3) Fix the test piece to a SATRA 144 coefficient of friction testing apparatus. (4) The test is performed on a flat stainless steel sheet, at least 1/8 inch thick. (5) If testing in the presence of fluid contaminant, apply 10 ml amount of fluid to the surface of the stainless steel sheet, with at least a 1 mm thick continuous layer covering the contact area.

[0073] The SATRA 144 testing apparatus is programmed to perform the following procedure: (a) apply a 500 N downward vertical force on the test piece; (b) the stainless steel sheet is moved horizontally at a speed of 0.3 m/s; (c) data is collected after 100 ms; (d) horizontal force (resistance to the movement of the stainless steel plate) is measured (the data is taken as the average horizontal force over a timespan of 20 ms); (e) the coefficient of friction is calculated as the ratio of the horizontal force divided by the vertical force (500 N). [0074] Five replicate tests are performed, and the final value for the coefficient of friction is the average of five tests (all five test values must be within 10% of each other).

SUMMARY OF TEST RESULTS [0075] The tables below presents the grip test data (resultant coefficient of friction) of embodiments of the present invention presented in FIGS. 2-9, identified by model numbers S I 177-S l 180, as tested using modified testing method ASTM F2913-1 1 as described above.

TABLE 1

COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION DATA FOR GLOVE PALMS TESTED ON STAINLESS STEEL, WITH DIFFERENT CONTAMINANTS PRESENT TESTED ACCORDING TO ASTM F2913-11 (ADAPTED FOR GLOVE PALM)

NAPA DMA - GEO transmission PetroDrill Drilling oil LVT 200 fluids

GLOVE PALM - DRY WATER OIL OIL WATER NAME/LOCATION / NUMBER BASED BASED

MUD MUD

OBM / S1177 0.64 0.73 0.24 0.44 0.52

RIGGER / SI 178 0.77 0.80 0.23 0.42 0.47

RIGGER - rope channel / SI 178 0.84 0.69 0.06 0.28 0.28

WATERPROOF / S I 180 0.71 0.48 0.21 0.16 0.31

FLAME RESISTING / S I 179 0.61 0.59 0.22 0.42 0.46

FINGERTIPS - (Rigger / SI 178;

Waterproof / SI 180; Flame Resisting

/ 1179) 0.89 0.51 0.16 0.15 0.24 [0076] Table 2 below presents the grip test data (resultant coefficient of friction) of prior art glove palm materials as tested using modified testing method ASTM F2913-1 1 as described above.

TABLE 2

COMPARATIVE GRIP DATA

[0077] Table 3 below presents the grip test data (resultant coefficient of friction) of prior art palm fabrics as tested using modified testing method ASTM F2913-1 1 as described above. TABLE 3

[0078] As can be seen by Tables 1 - 3, the glove palm of the various embodiments of the present invention possess significantly higher coefficients of friction than the prior art glove materials, particularly when exposed to the presence of contaminants such as oil, oil-based mud, and water based mud.

[0079] Abrasion testing of a version of the palm material of the present invention ("new palm material" or "Vibramrevl palm") and other palm materials was conducted in accordance with ASTM D3884-09. FIG. 10 illustrates the results of this abrasion testing and the results are presented in tabular form below in Table 4.

TABLE 4

Ergodyne 920 Glove palm 6000

New palm material (Vibramrevl palm) 19918

[0080] As seen in FIG. 10 and Table 4, the palm material of the present invention (i.e., the "new palm material" or "Vibramrevl palm") exhibits a significantly greater abrasion resistance, nearly 20,000 cycles until failure, than the other palm materials tested.

[0081] Now that embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. The spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly.