US 12,628,890 B2 · Glove providing enhanced selection and manipulation capabilities

Abstract

A glove that enhances a user's ability to sense the details of external objects and to interact with external objects. One or more tactile nodes are provided on the glove. Each tactile node incorporates an attached rod oriented approximately perpendicular to the outer surface of the glove. The rod extends through to the interior of the glove—where it ends in a finger interface. When an external object pushes against the node's exterior surface, the rod is translated inward (moving in a direction that is roughly perpendicular to the exterior surface) and the finger interface cap protrudes beyond the glove's inner surface and presses against the user's finger. The small point of contact made by the finger interface cap enhances the user's ability to detect the external object. An array of such tactile nodes are preferably provided.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A glove providing tactile feedback to a user, comprising:

(a) an insert integrated into said glove, said insert including an inner surface, an outer surface, an outer layer, and an inner layer;
(b) said insert including a plurality of tactile nodes, each including,
(i) a rod oriented approximately transversely to said outer surface,
(ii) a surface interface cap on a first end of said rod,
(iii) a finger interface cap on a second end of said rod,
(iv) said surface interface cap being attached to said outer layer, and
(v) said finger interface cap being movable between an undeflected position wherein said finger interface cap lies outward of said inner surface and a second position wherein said finger interface cap protrudes inward beyond said inner surface.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Glove providing enhanced selection and manipulation capabilities

Life of this patent

Glove providing enhanced selection and manipulation capabilities

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20