ANTI-SHOCK BATTING GLOVES

Abstract

An anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive a thumb and forefingers of a hand, including: a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand, and a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand. The palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger pads adapted to limit shock to a batter's hand encountered during batting. The plurality of detached finger pads comprise a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand, a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger, a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a phalange of a ring finger, a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and discussed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS & PRIORITY CLAIMS

This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-103600, which was filed on 28 Apr. 2010, and is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth below in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to protective batting gloves and more particularly to anti-shock batting gloves for use in baseball, softball, and other activities where protective covering is desired.

BACKGROUND

The history of America's pastime can be traced back to the 18^th century. Baseball (and softball), has greatly evolved since the 18^th century and is now an extremely popular sport among men and women. Synonymous with the evolution of baseball has been the evolution of baseball equipment.

Traditional baseball and softball equipment consisted solely of a bat, a ball, and a glove to protect a defending player's hand and facilitate in catching the ball. Today, baseball and softball players use specialized equipment to enhance performance and protect from the potential dangers the game presents.

Most baseball and softball bats have limited shock absorbing properties. The shock resulting from the impact of the bat hitting the ball is passed to the batter, thus increasing the impact to the hands. This impact can cause injury to a batter's hand. The impact can also cause injury to the lower part of the palm, as the heel of the bat is usually shoved into the lower part of the hand after the impact. A rotational momentum can also be imparted to the bat upon contact with the ball, which causes the bat to exert force across and around a batter's hand, specifically through the area between the thumb and the index finger. In light of these issues, there has been an increased demand among players for batting gloves that provide hand protection to baseball and softball batters.

Many attempts have been made in designing batting gloves to protect against injury. There is still a need, however, for batting gloves that further protect against hand injuries. Specifically, there is a need for batting gloves that successfully protect against the shocks, vibrations, and rotational forces encountered during batting. Embodiments of the present invention are to such gloves.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention provide anti-shock batting gloves. Some embodiments can receive a thumb and forefingers of a hand, comprising a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand, and a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand. The palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger pads adapted to limit shock encountered during batting.

In accordance with some embodiments, the plurality of detached finger pads comprise a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand, a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger, a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a phalange of a ring finger, a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger.

In an embodiment, the first finger pad is substantially diamond shaped.

In another embodiment, the second finger pad is comprised of a top segment and a bottom segment that are continuously connected. The top segment and the bottom segment can be substantially diamond shaped.

In yet another embodiment, the third finger pad is comprised of a bottom segment, a middle segment, and a top segment that are continuously connected. The bottom segment, the middle segment, and the top segment are preferably substantially diamond shaped.

In another embodiment, the fourth finger pad is shaped to cooperate with a curvature between the thumb and the index finger.

In another embodiment, the plurality of detached finger pads are made of Bio Gel Foam.

In yet another embodiment, the palm pad, the first finger pad, the second finger pad, and the third finger pad are approximately 3 mm thick.

In other embodiments, the fourth finger pad is approximately 5 mm thick.

In another embodiment, the dorsal side comprises one or more fasteners adapted to securely adjust over a batter's hand.

Some embodiments are adapted to receive the thumb and forefingers of a hand, and comprise a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand, and a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand. The palmar said of this embodiment further comprises a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand, a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger, a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring finger, a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger.

A method of manufacturing anti-shock gloves of the present invention comprise the steps of providing a dorsal side of the glove, providing a palmar side of the glove, attaching the dorsal side of the glove to the palmar side of the glove, and disposing a plurality of detached finger pads on the palmar side of the glove.

In some embodiments, disposing the plurality of detached finger pads on the palmar side of the glove comprises the steps of disposing a palm pad such that it covers a lower portion of a palm of the hand, disposing a first finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal of a pinky finger, disposing a second finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring finger, disposing a third finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and disposing a fourth finger pad such that it covers an area between a thumb and an index finger.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a dorsal side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY & ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein is an anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive the thumb and forefingers of a hand, including: a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand, a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand, wherein the palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger pads adapted to limit or eliminate shock and other forces encountered during batting.

As discussed herein, embodiments of the present invention can include a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand, a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger, a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and proximal phalange of a ring finger, a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, proximal phalange, and intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger. Advantageously, this combination of finger pads protect a batter's hand from the shock, vibrations, and forces encountered during batting.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, an anti-shock glove in accordance with exemplary embodiments is illustrated. As illustrated in the figures, the palmar side 100 of the anti-shock glove 100 comprises a plurality of detached finger pads 105. The plurality of detached finger pads 105 herein are configured to limit shock, vibration, and rotational forces encountered during batting.

In exemplary embodiments, the palm pad 110 is configured on the palmar side 100 of the anti-shock glove. The palm pad 110 can be configured to cover and protect a lower portion 135 of the palm of a hand 140, particularly beneath the pinky finger 145 and ring finger 150.

In exemplary embodiments, the first finger pad 115 is configured to cover and protect the metacarpal of the pinky finger 145. However, the first finger pad 115 can be adapted to extend past the metacarpal to provide more protection to the pinky finger 145. The geometrical shape of the first finger pad 115 is preferably substantially diamond-like. The first finger pad 115 is not limited to this geometric configuration, however.

In exemplary embodiments, the second finger pad 120 is configured to cover and protect the metacarpal and proximal phalange of the ring finger 150. The second finger pad 120 can be adapted to extend past the proximal phalange and provide more protection to the ring finger 150. The second finger pad 120 is preferably comprised of two segments, a top segment 170 and a bottom segment 175. The top segment 170 and the bottom segment 175 are continuously connected. The top segment 170 preferably covers the metacarpal of the ring finger 150. The bottom segment 175 preferably covers the proximal phalange of the ring finger 150. The geometrical shape of the top segment 170 of the second finger pad 120 is preferably substantially diamond-like. The geometrical shape of the bottom segment 175 of the second finger pad 120 is also preferably substantially diamond-like. The top segment 170 and bottom segment 175 of the second finger pad 120 are not limited to this geometric configuration. In currently preferred embodiments, the surface area of the bottom segment 175 is greater than the surface area of the top segment 170.

In exemplary embodiments, the third finger pad 125 is configured to cover and protect the metacarpal, the proximal phalange, and the intermediate phalange of the middle finger 155. The third finger pad 125 can be adapted to extend past the intermediate phalange of the middle finger 155 to provide even more protection to the middle finger 155. The third finger pad 125 is preferably comprised of three segments, a bottom segment 180, a middle segment 185, and a top segment 190. The bottom segment 180, middle segment 185, and top segment 190 are continuously connected. The bottom segment 180 preferably covers the metacarpal of the middle finger 155. The middle segment 185 preferably covers the proximal phalange of the middle finger 155. The top segment 190 preferably covers the intermediate phalange of the middle finger 155. In currently preferred embodiments, the geometrical shape of the bottom segment 180, middle segment 185, and top segment 190 is substantially diamond-like. Many other geometric configurations can also be used, however. The surface area of the bottom segment 180 is greater than the surface area of the middle segment 185. The surface area of the middle segment 185 is greater than the surface area of the top segment 190.

In exemplary embodiments, the fourth finger pad 130 is configured to cover and protect the area 195 between the index finger 160 and the thumb 165. The geometrical shape of the fourth finger pad 130 is preferably substantially oval. The fourth finger pad 130 can be slightly deformed to cooperate with the curvature between the index finger 160 and the thumb 165 junction. The fourth finger pad 130, however, is not limited to this geometric configuration.

The palm pad 110, first finger pad 115, second finger pad 120, third finger pad 125, and fourth finger pad 130 can be made from many materials. It is preferable that the material has impact absorption characteristics that aid in limiting or eliminating the shock and vibrations to a batter's hand encountered during batting. In currently preferred embodiments, the plurality of detached finger pads 105 are made of a Bio Gel Foam material. At approximately 3 mm thick, Bio Gel foam has a gravity acceleration value of approximately 37 g and absorbs approximately 82.65% of energy resulting from a bat striking a ball. At approximately 6 mm thick, Bio Gel foam has a gravity acceleration value of 34 g and absorbs approximately 75.93% of energy resulting from a bat striking a ball. Other materials can also be used, for example but not limited to, Latex Foam, and Easton Foam. In currently preferred embodiments, the plurality of detached finger pads 105 are made of the same material. In other embodiments, however, the plurality of detached finger pads 105 can each be made of a different material.

In exemplary embodiments, the palm pad 110, first finger pad 115, second finger pad 120, and third finger pad 125 are comprised of a Bio Gel Foam pad having a thickness of approximately 3 mm. The fourth finger pad 130, however, is preferably comprised of a Bio Gel Foam pad having a thickness of approximately 5 mm.

The dorsal side 300 of the glove can comprise one or more fasteners adapted to wrap securely over a batter's hand. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop fastener, and can be, for example, VELCRO®.

The anti-shock glove can be made of, for example but not limited to, leather, neoprene, rayon, acrylic, polyester, cotton, or a combination of the foregoing. Moreover, the anti-shock glove can comprise a liner to enhance comfort to the batter. The material comprising the liner can be, for example but not limited to, leather, neoprene, rayon, acrylic, polyester, cotton, or a combination of the foregoing.

Further, to cooperate with the natural curves of the hand, the anti-shock glove can be comprised of one or more pieces of the same or different material. In embodiments that comprise more than one piece of material, the pieces are preferably attached using thread stitching.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate palmar side views of an anti-shock glove in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention. The anti-shock glove 600 illustrated in FIG.6 comprises a first finger pad 605 to cover and protect the metacarpal, the proximal phalange, and intermediate phalange of the pinky finger 615, ring finger 620, and middle finger 625. A second finger pad 610 is configured to cover and protect the area 640 between the index finger 630 and the thumb 635.

The anti-shock glove 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises a first finger pad 705 configured to cover and protect the metacarpal of the pinky finger 715, the metacarpal and proximal phalange of the ring finger 720, and the metacarpal, proximal phalange, and intermediate phalange of the middle finger 725. A second finger pad 710 is configured to cover and protect the area 740 between the index finger 730 and the thumb 735.

The anti-shock glove 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 comprises a plurality of detached finger pads 805. The first finger pad 810 is configured to cover and protect the pinky finger 830. The first finger pad 810 extends from the metacarpal 855 to the intermediate phalange 860 of the pinky finger 830. The second finger pad 815 is configured to cover and protect the ring finger 835. The second finger pad 815 extends from the metacarpal 865 to the intermediate phalange 870 of the ring finger 835. The third finger pad 820 is configured to cover and protect the middle finger 840. The third finger pad 820 extends from the metacarpal 875 to the intermediate phalange 880 of the middle finger 840. The fourth finger pad 825 is configured to cover and protect the area 885 between the index finger 845 and the thumb 850.

The anti-shock glove 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 comprises a plurality of detached finger pads 905. The first finger pad 910 is configured to cover and protect the pinky finger 930. The first finger pad 910 extends from the intermediate phalange 955 to the distal phalange 960 of the pinky finger 930. The second finger pad 915 is configured to cover and protect the ring finger 935. The second finger pad 915 extends from the intermediate phalange 965 to the distal phalange 970 of the ring finger 935. The third finger pad 920 is configured to cover and protect the middle finger 940. The third finger pad 920 extends from the intermediate phalange 975 to the distal phalange 980 of the middle finger 940. The fourth finger pad 925 is configured to cover and protect the area 985 between the index finger 945 and the thumb 950.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the particular formulations and materials disclosed herein as such formulations and materials may vary somewhat. Moreover, the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments only and the terminology is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Therefore, while embodiments of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications can be affected within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the above discussed embodiments, and should only be defined by the following claims and all equivalents.

Claims

1. An anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive the thumb and forefingers of a hand, comprising:

a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand; and

a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand, wherein the palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger pads adapted to limit shock encountered in batting.

2. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 1, wherein the plurality of detached finger pads comprise:

a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand;

a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger;

a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring finger;

a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger; and

a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger.

3. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the first finger pad is substantially diamond shaped.

4. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the second finger pad is comprised of a top segment and a bottom segment that are continuously connected.

5. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 4, wherein the top segment and bottom segment are substantially diamond shaped.

6. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the third finger pad is comprised of a bottom segment, a middle segment, and a top segment that are continuously connected.

7. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 6, wherein the bottom segment, the middle segment, and the top segment are substantially diamond shaped.

8. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the fourth finger pad is shaped to cooperate with a curvature between the thumb and the index finger.

9. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the plurality of detached finger pads are made of Bio Gel Foam.

10. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the palm pad, the first finger pad, the second finger pad, and the third finger pad are approximately 3 mm thick.

11. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the fourth finger pad is approximately 5 mm thick.

12. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 1, wherein the dorsal side comprises one or more fasteners adapted to securely adjust over a batter's hand.

13. An anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive the thumb and forefingers of a hand, comprising:

a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand; and

a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand, wherein the palmar side comprises a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand; a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger; a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring finger; a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger; and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger.

14. A method of manufacturing an anti-shock batting glove, comprising:

providing a dorsal side of the glove;

providing a palmar side of the glove;

attaching the dorsal side of the glove to the palmar side of the glove; and

disposing a plurality of detached finger pads on the palmar side of the glove.

15. The method of manufacturing an anti-shock batting glove in claim 14, wherein disposing the plurality of detached finger pads on the palmar side of the glove comprises:

disposing a palm pad such that it covers a lower portion of a palm of the hand;

disposing a first finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal of a pinky finger;

disposing a second finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring finger;

disposing a third finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger; and

disposing a fourth finger pad such that it covers an area between a thumb and an index finger.