Impact-Resistant Glove with a 3D-Printed Lattice Layer

The problem

Hand injuries from being struck or pinched are a familiar risk in heavy industry, and impact-resistant gloves with padding on the back of the hand are standard kit on drilling rigs, construction sites and in workshops. Most use molded rubber (TPR) bars and pads. They protect, but they stiffen the hand, trap heat and add weight, so workers take them off. The patent proposes padding that is lighter and breathes: a printed lattice.

The solution

The patent layers the glove like this:

1. A liner (100) - a glove-shaped base knitted in one or more passes (“fly-knit”).
2. An impact layer (200) covering at least the back of the fingers and the back of the hand, made of many lattice cells joined together.
3. Each lattice cell is a 3D open network of one or more spatial polygon shapes; its struts - straight or curved - run in at least three directions, so the cell can compress and absorb a blow from different angles. The cells form a 3D array.
4. An outer skin (300) of PU, TPU or high-elasticity nitrile covers everything; it can be transparent or translucent to show the lattice.
5. TPU guards (400) - also made by additive manufacturing - sit between skin and lattice over the finger joints (proximal and distal phalanges).
6. The skin has a wrinkled flex zone (301) at the knuckles and a diagonal texture where the knuckles meet the back of the hand, so the fist can close.
7. An accessory area (500) on the back of the hand can carry sensors or indicators, such as an LED light with a battery connector.

Who it is for

• Industrial safety-glove brands selling impact gloves to oil and gas, mining, construction and utilities.
• Mechanics’ and tool brands looking for a lighter, cooler impact glove for workshop use.
• Motorcycle, MTB and tactical-glove makers interested in lattice padding instead of hard knuckle shells.
• Safety distributors wanting a visibly new technology - a see-through skin showing the lattice - for their private label.

How it works

The main parts

Why a lattice absorbs impact

When something strikes the back of the hand, the lattice cells collapse a little, spreading and slowing the blow before it reaches the bones. Because the struts point in several directions, the cells work for glancing blows as well as straight hits, and the open cells let air move. The patent shows several cell shapes - star-like, cage-like and crossed - which can be mixed in one layer.

Wearing it

1. Put the glove on like any knit-lined glove.
2. Work normally - the flex zone and lattice let the hand close.
3. Clip on a light or sensor in the accessory area for dark or monitored work.

Applications

Oil, gas and drilling

Roughnecks handling pipe and tongs need back-of-hand protection they will keep wearing all shift.

Construction and steel erection

Protection against pinches and knocks when handling materials and tools.

Automotive and heavy-equipment repair

Lighter impact protection for mechanics working in engine bays and under vehicles, with a light on the hand.

Mining and tunneling

Dark, confined work where a hand-mounted LED and impact padding both help.

Motorcycle and mountain-bike gloves

Ventilated knuckle protection as an alternative to hard shells.

Where it is less suitable

• Cut-resistance needs - impact padding does not stop blades; cut-resistant liners must be added and tested separately.
• Cold-weather work - an open lattice breathes; insulated versions need a different build.