POCKET CONFIGURATION FOR STORAGE ON ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A glove includes a pocket configuration or strip of material that allows a mouth guard or other items to be held in the pocket. The pocket includes a bottom section on the palm side of the glove and a top pocket section that is lifted to accommodate the mouth guard. A pocket binding opening is lifted by a pocket tab to open the pocket. The pocket also includes a banding strip positioned to maximize area on the back side of the glove without compromising flexibility.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage pocket configured on athletic equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a storage pocket having a configuration to allow the placement of a mouth guard into the pocket.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Athletes and sports participants increasingly use mouth guards to protect teeth as well as dental or orthodontic work, such as braces, from harm during sports activities. In many cases, mouth guards are required in order to participate in the sport, such as martial arts, football or lacrosse. A user places the mouth guard over their teeth while playing and removes the mouth guard when not.

Most players hold their mouth guards when not in use, or place them in a clothing pocket or other equipment, such as a helmet. For example, football players sometimes place their mouth guards in the mask on their helmet. This causes the mouth guard to get dirty or lost. If the player wears gloves, then they may try to keep the mouth guard clean and accessibility becomes problematic.

Lost mouth guards result in players not being able to play, possible injury and costs. Many mouth guards today are custom-made to fit braces and other orthodontic work. Unlike conventional mouth guards, these mouth guards may be expensive, therefore making constant replacement cost-prohibitive. Further, should a player lose their mouth guard and continue playing, the result may be an injury incurring thousands of dollars of dental work.

A holder or container on the glove would be uncomfortable or get in the way of play during games. Another issue with storing a mouth guard, any piece of equipment or athletic gear is space. Enough area should be available to secure and enclose the mouth guard on smaller sized equipment. Because mouth guards are used extensively in youth sports, these sizes should be able to accommodate them without being unduly bulky.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a mouth guard pocket configuration on an athletic glove, or other equipment, that holds the mouth guard securely, yet allowing access when needed. The pocket configuration does not snag or catch onto other items during play. The disclosed configuration also does not require a large surface area on the glove to hold the mouth guard.

The pocket configuration may use a mesh material having holes to allow air to access the inside of the pocket. The mouth guard, or any stored item, may have access to air to vent. Moreover, the mouth guard or inside of the pocket does not build up dirt or water during wet conditions. If the mouth guard is cleaned, then it may dry off while in the pocket.

Other embodiments include other configurations to secure a mouth guard onto athletic equipment. For example, an elastic banding or binding may be used in place of a pocket configuration. Further, the pocket configuration may include a large band to attach the mouth guard.

According to the preferred embodiments, a glove is disclosed. The glove includes a back side having a midsection and a bottom section. The glove also includes a pocket including a top pocket section attached to the bottom section. The glove also includes a banding strip to attach the top pocket section to the bottom section and attached to the midsection. The glove also includes a pocket binding opening extending from a section of the back side adjacent a thumb portion to a wrist cuff. The pocket binding opening is configured to open and to secure the pocket.

Further according to the preferred embodiments, a pocket configuration on a glove is disclosed. The pocket configuration includes a bottom section of the glove. The pocket configuration also includes a top pocket section comprised of mesh material. The pocket configuration also includes a banding strip to attach the top pocket section to the bottom section, which extends across a back side of the glove. The pocket configuration also includes a pocket binding opening coupled to the banding strip and wrist cuff, and comprised of nylon lycra. The pocket binding opening is configured to open and to close the pocket configuration.

Further according to the preferred embodiments, an athletic equipment item. The athletic equipment item includes a bottom section opposite a side in contact with a user. The athletic equipment item also includes a banding strip attached to the bottom section. The athletic equipment item also includes a pocket binding opening attached to the bottom section. The pocket binding opening is detachable from the bottom section. The athletic equipment item also includes a securing means for securing the item to the user in contact with the bottom section and the pocket top section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings listed below illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention, as disclosed by the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates a glove having a pocket configuration according to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a glove having a pocket holding a mouth guard according to the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the accompanying description. Alternate embodiments of the present invention and their equivalents are devised without parting from the spirit or scope of the present invention. It should be noted that like elements disclosed below are indicated by like reference numbers in the drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a glove 100 having a pocket configuration for holding a mouth guard according to the disclosed embodiments. FIG. 1 shows two sides for glove 100, back side 102 and front side, or palm side, 104. Palm side 104 refers to the side of glove 100 receives the palm of a user. Glove 100 also includes a pocket 101 comprised of top pocket section 114, part of bottom section 112, banding strip 132 and pocket binding opening 130.

Glove 100 may be an athletic glove used in sports and activities. For example, glove 100 may be a lacrosse glove, or, more particularly a girl's lacrosse glove. Female lacrosse players use mouth guards for protection. Alternatively, glove 100 may be used in field hockey as well. Glove 100 also may be a football glove for use by boys or men. Glove 100 also may be a batting glove for baseball or softball. Glove 100 also may hold other athletic equipment instead of a mouth guard, such as a first aid items, whistle, stopwatch and the like.

Glove 100 also may be a work or utility glove used for holding various items similar to a mouth guard. In other embodiments, glove 100 may be used to hold an electronic device or phone. Pedometers, counters, and the like may be used in conjunction with glove 100.

Back side 102 of glove 100 includes midsection 106. Midsection 106 covers the knuckles of the hand of a user. Midsection 106 may be a panel comprised of neoprene or airprene. Midsection 106 may be molded of this material with indentations to allow flexibility while using glove 100. Midsection 106 also includes knuckle pads 106a to cushion the knuckles of the user. Knuckle pads 106a may include foam cushions secured into midsection 106. Midsection 106 protects the midsection of the hand of the user. Parts of midsection 106 may extend into fingertips portions 110.

Glove 100 also includes nylon lycra inserts 108 to provide a border for midsection 106 and other portions of glove 100. Nylon lycra inserts 108 may have a width of about 3 to 4 millimeters exposed on glove 100.

Finger portions 110 comprise the tips of glove 100 to cover the fingers of the user. Finger portions 110 are made of different material than midsection 106 to provide greater flexibility and comfort to the user. Finger portions 110, for example, may be air mesh material and coupled to nylon lycra inserts 108. Air mesh material, or other similar materials, allows unrestricted air flow through its portions of glove 100. The holes in finger portions 110 may be larger than materials in other parts of glove 100 to allow the air flow and ease of flexibility. Borders 111 may line finger portions 110 with power mesh to provide stability and stretchability between fingers.

Bottom section 112 of glove 100, also known as an under panel, may be comprised of corded nylon material. Bottom section 112 is attached to the bottom of midsection 106 to cover the lower part of the hand of the user towards the wrist. The corded nylon is not as flexible or stretchable as finger portions 110 but provides more stability and security for glove 100. Bottom section 112 also prevents a mouth guard or other object from contacting the skin of the hand.

Top pocket section 114 resides over a portion of bottom section 112 and is the top portion of pocket 101. Top pocket section 114 may be comprised of power mesh material. Power mesh material, or any other applicable small mesh material, provides a woven material having medium with a four way stretch capability. Top pocket section 114 is expandable to secure a mouth guard without being stretched out of shape.

Top pocket section 114 is coupled, attached or stitched into bottom section 112 with banding strip 132. Banding strip 132 may have two lengths, A and B. Preferably, banding strip 132 is not straight across bottom section 112, but at angles away from knuckle pads 106a. The angled configuration allows for greater use of the area of bottom portion 112 and a larger top pocket section 114. Further, midsection 106 may provide greater protection to the knuckles of the index and middle fingers.

Preferably, length B is longer than length A. Length B may extend from below the knuckle of the “ring” finger to thumb arch section 122. Length A may extend away from length B from below the knuckle of the ring finger to the pinky side of glove 100. Length A may not extend at the same angle as length, or, alternatively, lengths A and B may extend at approximately the same angle. Banding strip 132 forms at least two sides of pocket 101. Preferably, lengths A and B may form a “V” configuration for pocket 101. Alternatively, lengths A and B may form a “U” shape.

Pocket 101 also includes pocket binding opening 130. Pocket binding opening 130 may be comprised of nylon lycra and use a stretch stitch or stretch zigzag stitch to allow ease of access to pocket 101. Pocket binding opening 130 is not secured or stitched into bottom section 112. Using pocket tab 126, the user may pull pocket binding opening 130 to insert the mouth guard or remove it. Pocket tab 126 may be comprised of sueded palm material, which is more durable than mesh materials. Pocket tab 126 also may include a team logo, trademark, user's name, team name, symbol and the like.

Palm side 104 includes palm section 116 that covers most of the palm of the hand. Palm section 116 may be comprised of sueded palm material to provide extra durability while in contact with athletic equipment, such as lacrosse sticks or footballs. Palm section 116 may not fully cover the thumb on the palm side.

Palm insert section 118 is located in the center of glove 100 to provide a vent capability. Palm insert section 118 may be comprised of power mesh material, or other stretchable material, to provide flexibility in using glove 100 as the palm side extends and contracts. Palm insert section 118 may be stitched into palm section 116. Palm insert section 118 may be any shape applicable to glove 100.

Other components of glove 100 include thumb arch section 122 that covers the “arch” or portion of the hand between the index finger and the thumb. Thumb arch section 122 may be comprised of suede palm material. Thumb section 124 may cover the outside of the thumb, and is coupled with thumb arch section 122. Thumb section 124 may be comprised of terry cloth, or other soft, material that is dryable. The soft material allows the user to wipe away sweat or other bodily fluids during competition. It also provides some flexibility for the thumb and thumbnail as the hand opens and closes.

Glove 100 also includes sections to secure itself at the wrist of the user. Wrist closure cuff 120 is located at the bottom of glove 100, preferably below the ball of the thumb. Wrist closure cuff 120 may be comprised of airprene for improved durability and to secure glove 100 without being uncomfortable. Closing portion 128 may be enclosed by wrist closure cuff 120 and adjustable to insert or remove the hand. Closing portion 128 may be comprised of airprene on its outer side, but includes Velcro™ or similar material to attach itself to wrist closure cuff 120.

Wrist closure cuff 120 is located on palm side 104 to allow for greater area or room for pocket 101. Known gloves usually have cuffs on the back side of the glove.

FIG. 2 depicts glove 100 with a mouth guard 200 in pocket 101 according to the disclosed embodiments. FIG. 2 shows back side 102 with the components of glove 100 disclosed above. In addition, border portion 202 is shown, which may be a portion of palm section 116 stitched, attached or coupled to bottom section 112. Thumb stitching 204 also is shown to denote a break in the fabric or material to allow thumb movement.

Mouth guard 200 is shown being held in pocket 101 according to the disclosed embodiments. Pocket binding opening 130 is lifted off bottom section 112 by pocket tab 126. Part or all of mouth guard 200 is placed within pocket 101. Having part of mouth guard 200 sticking out may allow easy retrieval.

Pocket tab 126 allows the user to pull pocket binding opening 130 without the need to take off the gloves and, preferably, with one hand. Pocket binding opening 130 stretches to allow insertion of mouth guard 200, then retracts to hold it in place or close pocket 101. Pocket 101 may be closed partially.

Thus, a pocket configuration for a glove is disclosed that allows a user to insert a mouth guard or other item for quick retrieval. Glove 100 is shown as a left-handed glove, but may be a right-handed glove. Moreover, gloves for both hands may include a pocket 101.

In an alternative embodiment, the pocket configuration may be replaced with a wide band for pocket binding opening 130. The band may include a width between about 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches. Mouth guard 200 may be placed into the band and held in place. The band also may include pocket tab 126. Top pocket section 114 may be removed as well, but banding strip 132 is still in place.

The disclosed embodiments also may include use of the disclosed pocket configuration on other athletic equipment, such as shooting sleeves, martial arts gear, and the like. Preferably, these configurations include corded nylon or other such material on the bottom with power mesh and banding strips to form pocket 101.

On a shooting sleeve for basketball, a pocket configuration may be formed so as to fit mouth guard 200. Pocket 101 may be on the inside or the outside of the forearm on the sleeve of the user. Pocket binding opening 130 may be facing the elbow. Thus, mouth guard 200 may be inserted into pocket 101 so as to not face outwards from the user. Instead of midsection 106 like glove 100, the shooting sleeve would have a molded panel in the elbow area of the user.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed glove and equipment configurations without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of the embodiments disclosed above provided that the modifications and variations come within the scope of any claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A glove comprising:

a back side having a midsection and a bottom section;

a pocket including a top pocket section attached to the bottom section;

a banding strip to attach the top pocket section to the bottom section and attached to the midsection; and

a pocket binding opening extending from a section of the back side adjacent a thumb portion to a wrist cuff, wherein the pocket binding opening is configured to open and to close the pocket.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the banding strip includes at least two lengths, wherein the lengths extend away from the midsection at angles.

3. The glove of claim 2, wherein the at least two lengths include different lengths.

4. The glove of claim 2, further comprising a pocket tab on the pocket binding opening.

5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the bottom section is comprised of corded nylon.

6. The glove of claim 1, wherein the top pocket section is comprised of power mesh material.

7. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a thumb section comprised of terry cloth.

8. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a closing portion of the wrist cuff located on a palm side of the glove.

9. A pocket configuration on a glove, the configuration comprising:

a bottom section of the glove;

a top pocket section comprised of mesh material;

a banding strip to attach the top pocket section to the bottom section, which extends across a back side of the glove; and

a pocket binding opening coupled to the banding strip and wrist cuff, and comprised of nylon lycra, wherein the pocket binding opening is configured to open and to close the pocket configuration.

10. The pocket configuration of claim 9, wherein the banding strip and the pocket binding opening extend from a thumb arch section.

11. The pocket configuration of claim 9, wherein the bottom section is comprised of corded nylon.

12. The pocket configuration of claim 9, wherein the banding strip borders a midsection panel.

13. The pocket configuration of claim 9, further comprising a soft fabric section extending away from the pocket binding opening.

14. An athletic equipment item comprising:

a bottom section opposite a side in contact with a user;

a banding strip attached to the bottom section;

a pocket binding opening attached to the bottom section, wherein the pocket binding opening is detachable from the bottom section; and

a securing means for securing the item to the user in contact with the bottom section and the pocket top section.

15. The athletic equipment item of claim 14, further comprising a top pocket section attached to the banding strip.

16. The athletic equipment item of claim 14, wherein the athletic equipment item is a glove.

17. The athletic equipment item of claim 14, wherein the pocket binding opening is comprised of elastic material.

18. The athletic equipment item of claim 14, further comprising a soft cloth section attached to the bottom section.

19. The athletic equipment item of claim 14, wherein the banding strip comprises at least two lengths of unequal length that extend into the bottom section.

20. The athletic equipment item of claim 19, wherein the at least two lengths extend at an angle into the bottom section.