Workout glove

Abstract

A glove that provides improved comfort, flexibility, and safety while a wearer participates in workout activities, such as weight training, indoor/outdoor cycling, Pilates, racquetball, as well as others. Particularly, the glove provides for improved wicking of perspiration, improved range of mobility of the hand, and a more comfortable fit. While donned, the glove does not interfere with jewelry, such as rings worn by the wearer, and the glove's construction reduces pinching the wearer on the palmar surface at the knuckle joints. The glove of the present invention also provides for a securing mechanism with less bulk, reduced latching effort, reduced noise associated with unlatching the closure mechanism, and a resistance against damaging other articles of clothing.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/758,224 entitled “Workout Glove”, filed Jan. 12, 2006. This application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a glove for use during various workout activities, such as weight training, indoor/outdoor cycling, Pilates, racquetball, as well as others, and particularly, to a workout glove designed for an improved fit of a woman's hand.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Workout gloves used for exercise activities, particularly weightlifting, are known in the art. However, previous workout gloves posed significant problems to a wearer, such as excessive bulk, low breathability, and reduced comfort, flexibility, and fit. These drawbacks have decreased the wearer's overall workout experience, as well as posed safety risks and durability issues.

For example, workout gloves presently available in the art have a low wicking ability (i.e., the ability to convey perspiration from a skin's surface) causing perspiration to accumulate within the glove and at the skin's surface. This accumulation of perspiration not only causes discomfort to the glove wearer, but also leads to the degradation of the glove material, shortening the glove's useful life.

Additionally, gloves presently available are bulky, causing a reduced range of motion of the hand. For example, current workout gloves typically include a thick padding, which covers the palm and typically a portion of the fingers of wearer's hand. The thick padding often unintentionally reduces a wearer's ability to grip objects, such as a barbell, especially for those wearers having small hands. Because workout gloves currently available are primarily tailored to a man's hand, and because women generally have hands that are smaller than men, this problem disproportionately affects women. The reduced gripping ability also poses a safety risk when the wearer is attempting to lift large amounts of weight.

Further, workout gloves presently available often include bulky closure mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners, to secure the workout glove to the wearer's hand. The bulky closure mechanisms also cause discomfort and restrict movement of the wearer's hand. Additionally, hook and loop closure mechanisms can create undesirable noise when unfastening the closure mechanism.

Moreover, hook and loop fasteners used on present closure mechanisms have a tendency to damage other articles of clothing, such as nylon stockings or silk garments, after coming into contact therewith. For example, many persons who exercise do so at a gym and use a bag or other similar container to store their clothing items while working out. If a workout glove having a hook and loop closure mechanism contacts other types of clothing, the closure mechanism can snag the other garments and cause significant damage thereto, including complete ruination.

Further, workout gloves presently available often include finger covering portions that encircle a lower portion of the four principle digits of the hand, for example. In some variations, the finger covering portions terminate proximate to a first finger joint between the knuckle and the first finger joint. As a result, the workout gloves preclude or impair wearing of any form of jewelry, e.g., rings, over the fingers while the workout gloves are being worn. Additionally, there is a tendency for the finger covering portions of gloves presently available to pinch the fingers while grasping an object, such as a barbell. The pinching occurs on the palm surface at the knuckle joints where the fingers attach to the hand. Pinching occurs when the finger covering portions slide or move toward the knuckle joint, such as by rolling over itself, and being pressed into the knuckle joint. Pinching occurs particularly when the wearer is weightlifting, for example, and is especially noticeable where a portion of the finger covering is manufactured from a stiff material, such as leather.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves these problems, as well as others, by providing a workout glove manufactured from a more flexible and more breathable material, while decreasing the overall bulk of the glove.

In light of the above described problems and shortcomings, various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to this invention provide hand glove that includes a palmar portion, an upper portion that comprises a plurality of flaps, wherein a first flap comprises a loop and a second flap comprises a button, and a plurality of finger openings, wherein at least one of the palmar portion and the upper portion comprises neoprene, and the upper portion closes over a wearer's hand when the loop of the first flap is engaged with the button of the second flap.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the workout glove is manufactured, at least in part, from a perforated neoprene, also known as airprene. In one embodiment, the airprene forms a lower portion, i.e., palmar portion, of the workout glove. In another embodiment, the airprene forms both an upper portion and the lower portion of the glove. The airprene provides for a more flexible glove and provides the wearer with a wider range of motion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the airprene forming at least a portion of the glove is manufactured in thin sections, which also permits improved flexibility. Additionally, the perforations formed in the airprene provide for better ventilation, which, along with the improved wicking properties of airprene, provide the wearer with a more comfortable workout experience.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the glove includes a thin padding on the palmar portion for improved flexibility of the glove and improved range of motion of the wearer's hand. In one embodiment, the padding on the palmar portion is in the form of a plurality of padding strips distributed over the palmar portion of the glove.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the glove includes a wrist portion that extends along a lower portion of the hand towards the wrist and terminates at a position immediately above the wrist joint. As a result, the wrist remains entirely or substantially uncovered. Thus, the glove provides for improved comfort and range of motion of the hand.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the glove includes finger covering portions, which extend only partially along a length of the finger. As a result, the finger covering portions allow the wearer to don jewelry, such as rings, on the fingers. Also, the length of the finger covering portions, along with use of the airprene, reduces pinching of the fingers at the knuckle joints.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the glove includes a button and loop closure, wherein the loop closure comprises a stretchable material, such as elastic or rubber. Therefore, the loop and button fastener can accommodate hands of varying sizes. Additionally, the glove of the present invention may be produced in varying sizes, such as large, medium, and small, to conform to hands of different sizes. Alternately, a loop portion of the loop and button fastener forms a ladder structure providing the glove with adjustability to fit hands of varying size. Moreover, the loop and button fastener require less effort to both fasten and unfasten compared to other fasteners presently used.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a grosgrain material forms a portion of the glove of the present invention. Particularly, grosgrain is used in along one or more seams of the glove and provides improved aesthetic appeal and style. Further, it is within the scope of the present invention that grosgrain of any color and size be used for forming a portion of the glove of the present invention.

Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be partially set forth in the description that follows, and will also become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other aspects of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, along with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an top view of a glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the glove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3(a) and (b) show palmar portions of gloves according to alternate embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the glove according to an embodiment of the present invention fitted onto a hand of a wearer;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a closure mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6-15 are Photostats of example embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a workout glove that provides improved comfort and flexibility while a wearer participates in workout activities, such as weightlifting. Particularly, the glove provides for improved wicking of perspiration while exercising, improved range of mobility of the hand, and a more comfortable fit. Further, while donned, the glove does not interfere with jewelry, such as rings, worn by the wearer. The glove of the present invention also provides for a securing mechanism with less bulk, reduced latching effort, reduced noise associated with unlatching the closure mechanism, and a resistance against damaging cloth into which the closure mechanism comes into contact. Particularly, the closure mechanism of the present invention is resistant to damaging other articles of clothing, especially clothing articles manufactured from cloth with a fine weave.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a glove 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The glove 10 includes a hand portion 20 having an upper hand portion 30 and a lower hand or palmar portion 40. The upper hand portion 30 includes opposing first and second flaps 50 and 60. A closure mechanism 200 connects the first and second flaps 50 and 60. The glove 10 further includes finger openings 100, a thumb opening 110, and a wrist opening 120. The finger openings 100 are formed, for example, using partial tubular finger portions 130 attached to an upper end 140 the hand portion 20 and attached to the palmer portion 40.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper hand portion 30 is manufactured from a soft, flexible material, such as neoprene, and the lower hand portion 40 is manufactured from a perforated neoprene, also referred to herein as “airprene.” Alternately, both the upper hand portion 30 and the lower hand portion 40 are manufactured from airprene. Neoprene and airprene are lightweight and flexible and provide a comfortable fit with little resistance to hand articulation. Moreover, airprene enhances breathability of the glove 10 and wicks perspiration away from a skin surface of the hand, also improving comfort and potentially prolonging the glove's useful life. In one embodiment, the upper hand portion 30 and the lower hand portion 40 are two separate pieces that are sewn, stitched, or otherwise attached to each other. This two-piece construction enables the glove 10 to provide a better contour around the wearer's palm and thumb.

FIGS. 3(a) and (b) show alternate embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3(a) shows a glove 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention having padding 150 attached to the palmar portion 40. The padding 150 extends generally from a location near the tubular finger portions 130 and terminates at a location near the wrist opening 120, as shown in FIG. 3(a). According to a further embodiment, FIG. 3(b) shows a glove 300′ having padding 150′ in the form of a plurality of padding strips attached to the palmar portion 40′. In one embodiment, the padding 150 and 150′ are manufactured from a perforated material, such as airprene, for example, and, therefore, provides the breathability, wicking, comfort, and flexibility characteristics discussed above. Alternately, it is within the scope of the invention that the patting 150, 150′ be manufactured from any suitable material, such as a non-perforated material. The padding 150 and 150′ also have a low bulk and thickness, providing an improved gripping ability and range of motion to wearers having smaller hands. Additionally, the padding 150′ improves airflow through the glove, because the plurality of padding strips occupies a smaller area of the palmar portion 40′.

Moreover, the gloves 300 and 300′ reduce risks associated with some types of exercise, such as weightlifting or weight training. Because of the reduced bulk of the gloves 300 and 300′, especially in the palmar portion 40 and 40′, the wearer is better able to close the wearer's hands around and object, thus creating an improved grip. The improved grip reduces the risk that items, such as a barbell or other weightlifting bar, will slip from the wearer's grip. As a result, exercise safety is improved.

FIG. 4 illustrates the glove 10 of FIG. 1 fitted onto a hand 160 of a wearer. The hand 160 slides into the glove from a first end 170 of the hand portion 20 and slides over the hand 160 until fingers 180 of the hand slide through the tubular finger portions 130 and a thumb 185 inserts into the thumb opening 110. Thereafter, the glove 10 continues to slide over the hand 160 until stitching 190 disposed between neighboring tubular finger portions 130 contact respective troughs 195 of the hand 160 disposed between neighboring fingers 180. Thereafter, the first and second flaps 50 and 60 are urged towards each other and the closure mechanism 200 is fastened, securing the glove 10 to the wearer's hand 160.

FIG. 4 also illustrates how the glove 10 of the present invention does not interfere with rings, such as a ring 205, worn by the wearer. Moreover, the glove 10 protects any rings worn by the wearer, particularly a lower portion thereof, from being scraped or otherwise damaged from workout equipment, such as a knurled surface prominent on weight lifting equipment. The glove 10 protects the ring 205, because the ring 205 is located behind a back edge of the tubular finger portion 130. As a result, the lower portion of the ring 205 is sandwiched between the wearer's finger 180 and an interior surface of the glove 10. Consequently, the glove 10 protects the lower portion of the ring 205.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in one embodiment of the present invention, the closure mechanism 200 is a loop and button fastener. The loop and button fastener includes a loop 210 and a button 220. The loop 210 is attached to an edge of the first flap 50, and the button 220 is attached to an upper surface of the second flap 60. The loop 210 is pulled over and around the button 220 to secure the closure mechanism 200. In one embodiment, the loop 210 is manufactured from a resilient material, such as elastic or rubber. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to include other types of fastening devices, such as a snap and a tab, and slot connector. Additionally, the glove of the present invention may be produced in varying sizes, such as large, medium, and small, to conform to hands of different sizes.

Additionally, the wrist opening 120 is located at a position higher on the wrist 250, as shown in FIG. 4, than prior art gloves. That is, the wrist 250 remains entirely or substantially uncovered by the glove 10. As a result, the glove 10 has a reduced resistance to movement, and, consequently, the wearer has an improved range of wrist motion. Moreover, wrist comfort is also improved.

Referring to FIG. 5, in another variation, the glove 310 includes a closure mechanism 200′, wherein a loop 210′ has a ladder-type construction. The loop 210′ includes an outer loop 230 with a plurality of segments 240 extending between opposing sides of the outer loop 230, dividing the loop 210′ into a plurality of sections 240. Accordingly, the closure mechanism 200′ is adjustable to different sizes by inserting button 220′ through one of the sections 245 of the loop 210′.

The closure mechanisms 200 of FIGS. 1 and 4 and 200′ of FIG. 5 provide the advantages of reduced bulk; improved comfort, especially among persons with smaller hands; simplicity of operation; and elimination of noise associated with unfastening hook and loop fasteners. Moreover, closure mechanisms 200 of FIGS. 1 and 4 and 200′ of FIG. 5 lack any appendages capable of snagging cloth having a fine weave or otherwise. Therefore, these closure mechanisms will not damage or ruin other articles of clothing when placed thereon or within an environment where the closure mechanisms may come into contact therewith.

A grosgrain material (not shown) may also be used in one or more portions of the glove 10 to provide a more attractive and stylish look and appeal. For example, the grosgrain material may be used along seams of the glove 10 where two or more pieces of the glove are stitched together, such as along sides of the glove 10 where upper hand portion 30 and the lower hand portion 40 attach to each other. It is within the scope of the invention that any size or color of grosgrain be used as part of the glove 10.

FIGS. 6-15 are Photostats of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. On FIGS. 6-15, various real-life views of a glove according to an exemplary embodiments are shown.

While there has been described what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made thereto, and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A glove, comprising:

a palmar portion;

an upper portion that comprises a first flap and a second flap, wherein the first flap comprises a first clasp portion and the second flap comprises a second clasp portion; and

a plurality of finger openings; wherein at least one of the palmar portion and the upper portion comprises neoprene; and wherein the upper portion closes over a wearer's hand when the first clasp portion is engaged with the second clasp portion.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the plurality of finger openings comprise a plurality of tubular finger portions.

3. The glove of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises at least one of neoprene and airprene, and the palmar portion comprises airprene.

4. The glove of claim 1, wherein the palmar portion and the upper portion include two separate pieces joined together.

5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the palmar portion comprises padding.

6. The glove of claim 5, wherein the padding comprises a plurality of padding strips.

7. The glove of claim 1, wherein a substantial area of a top portion of the wearer's hand is uncovered by the upper portion of the glove.

8. The glove of claim 1, wherein the loop comprises a plurality of sections capable of engaging the button.

9. The glove of claim 1, wherein various portions of the glove comprise grosgrain.

10. The glove of claim 1, wherein the first clasp portion comprises a loop.

11. The glove of claim 1, wherein the second clasp portion comprises a button.