Self-sterilizing gloves

Abstract

A self-sterilizing glove and the method of making same. The glove is uniquely constructed so that a multiplicity of strands of silver-plated yarn are concentrated proximate the outside surface of the patient contact portions of the gloves so as to effectively sterilize microbial assault resulting from contact of the gloves with a patient. With such a construction, the gloves do not need to be doffed and replaced between each patient contact and will effectively self-sterilize between each patient contact.

1 . A self-sterilizing glove for use in treating patients, said glove, including patient contact portions having a surface and a back portion interconnected with said patient contact portions, said patient contact portions exhibiting a multiplicity of silver-coated filaments.  
   
   
       2 . The self-sterilizing glove as defined in  claim 1  in which said filaments comprises yarn.  
   
   
       3 . The self-sterilizing glove as defined in  claim 1  in which said patient contact portions are constructed by plaiting a silver-coated yarn alongside a nylon yarn.  
   
   
       4 . The self-sterilizing glove as defined in  claim 1  in which said glove is constructed by knitting.  
   
   
       5 . The self-sterilizing glove as defined in  claim 1  in which said glove is constructed by weaving.  
   
   
       6 . A self-sterilizing glove for use in treating patients, said glove including a back portion and a patient contact portion connected to said back portion, said patient contact portion having a surface and being constructed by plaiting a silver-coated yarn alongside a nylon yarn in a manner such that silver-coated yarn is exposed on said surface.  
   
   
       7 . The self-sterilizing glove as defined in  claim 6  in which said back portion is constructed from nylon yarn  
   
   
       8 . The self-sterilizing glove as defined in  claim 6  in which glove is constructed by knitting.  
   
   
       9 . The self-sterilizing glove as defined in  claim 6  in which said glove is constructed by weaving.  
   
   
       10 . A method of making a self-sterilizing glove for treating a patient, said glove having a patient contact portion having a surface and an interconnected back portion, comprising the steps of interweaving a first filament to form the back portion and simultaneously plaiting a second filament with a second silver-coated filament to form the patient contact portion in a manner such that the surface of the patient contact portion predominantly comprises said second silver-coated filament.  
   
   
       11 . The method as defined in  claim 10  in which said first filament comprises nylon.  
   
   
       12 . The method as defined in  claim 10  in which said second filament comprises nylon.