BASEBALL GLOVES WITH AN ADAPTABLE INDEX FINGER STALL AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME

Abstract

Baseball gloves with an adaptable index finger stall and methods of making same are provided. A glove can include a back leather having a little finger stall portion, ring finger stall portion, middle finger stall portion, index finger portion, and a thumb stall portion. Each of the stall portions can have distal and proximal ends. An aperture can be located at the proximal end of the index finger stall portion of the back leather. A pad can span part of the aperture. The adapted index finger stall enables users to select between a plurality of index finger positions based upon the user's preferences and play style. One of the positions can enable users to place the index finger such that is it partially housed within the index finger stall without reducing the glove's comfort, safety, and performance. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a baseball glove, and more particularly, to a baseball glove with an adaptable index finger stall and methods of making baseball gloves having adaptable index finger stall.

BACKGROUND

A glove is designed to receive a ball in the webbing provided between the thumb and index finger. It is often the case, however, when the ball is caught by a user, part or all of the ball strikes a portion of the glove housing the index finger, or other fingers, rather than being enveloped solely by the webbing. Indeed, conventional baseball gloves often do not provide the level padding desired by a user to cushion the impact of a ball being caught in the glove. This can be very painful and result is bruising or numbness of the hand or finger after repeated impacts. The padding provided within the glove is often insufficient to satisfactorily lessen the impact of a hard hit or thrown baseball.

A glove is designed to be worn by a user by placing each finger of the hand in a separate finger stall. The finger stalls are aligned so that the fingers may be maintained in a natural, comfortable position relative to each other. Removing the index finger from the index finger stall, and placing it on the surface of the back leather requires substantially bending back the index finger. As a result the index finger is not aligned with the other fingers of the hand. This greatly reduces the overall comfort of wearing the glove for longer periods of time.

It is common for users to remove their index finger from the index finger stall of a glove and place the finger through the aperture over the back of the palm provided in the back leather, and rest the index finger on the surface of the back leather. This provides the back leather as an additional layer of padding between the index finger and the ball. While this may soften the impact of a ball, it typically reduces comfort, safety, and performance of the glove.

During play, the gloves are often used for scooping up balls off the ground or “tagging” other players. The glove generally covers and protects the entire hand. When the index finger is placed on the surface of the back leather, however, it protrudes from the surface of the glove and is completely unprotected. As a result, the index finger is vulnerable to snagging against another players clothing, scraping against the ground or a sliding player's cleats, or being bent backwards or sideways during play or practice. This reduces the safety of wearing a glove and can result in a serious injury to the user's finger.

An important function of a glove is its ability to open and close to secure and release a ball. The finger stalls of a glove are designed respond to movement of the user's fingers to open and close the glove. By removing the index finger from the appropriate finger stall, the functional characteristics of the glove are negatively altered. As a result the glove does not open and close as designed, reducing its responsiveness and performance in receiving and releasing a ball that has been caught by a user.

The need to adapt a glove to the practice of removing the index finger from the appropriate finger stall has been recognized by the industry. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,531 is directed to a baseball glove having an area with additional padding on the surface of the back leather for placement of the index finger. This design, however, does not address the comfort, safety, and performance problems encountered due to the player removing the index finger and placing it fully exposed on the back of the leather. In this design the finger is bent backward onto the back leather, protrudes over the back surface of the glove, and is not in proper communication with the front leather of the glove.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,239 discloses a baseball glove having a backside finger protector to receive the index finger of the surface of the back leather. While the design protects the exposed index finger, it does not address the issues of comfort and performance. Indeed, since the index finger remains substantially bent backward and not within a finger stall in proper communication with the front leather of the glove.

In yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,209 provides a strap and pocket for placing the user's index finger on surface of the back leather. This design, however, suffers from the same drawbacks as previous designs. The index finger remains bent backward and misaligned relative to the other fingers, reducing comfort. The user's index finger is also substantially located outside of the appropriate finger stall, and not in proper communication with the front leather of the glove. This reduces the user's ability to close the glove to receive or catch a baseball, and diminishes the glove's performance.

Accordingly, there is a need for a glove that allows the user to safely and comfortably remove the index finger from the index finger stall without sacrificing the glove's performance. It is to such a glove that various embodiments of the present invention are directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a baseball glove, and method of manufacturing thereof, having an adapted index finger stall that allows a user to select between a plurality of index finger positions based upon the user's preferences and play style. One of the positions enables a user to place the index finger such that is it partially housed within the index finger stall without reducing the glove's comfort, safety, and performance.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glove includes a back leather having a little finger stall portion, ring finger stall portion, middle finger stall portion, index finger portion, and a thumb stall portion. Each of the stall portions have distal and proximal ends. An aperture is located at the proximal end of the index finger stall portion of the back leather. A pad is further disposed, spanning part of the aperture.

The aperture located on the back leather is preferably oblong. The aperture preferably has a proximal and distal region. The width of the proximal region of the aperture is preferably greater than the width of the distal region of the aperture. The aperture is preferably adapted to receive the index finger.

In other embodiments, a glove includes a back leather having an outward surface and an inward surface, a little finger stall portion, ring finger stall portion, middle finger stall portion, index finger portion, and a thumb stall portion. Each of said stall portions has distal and proximal ends. An aperture is located at the proximal end of the index finger stall portion of the back leather. The glove further includes a pad spanning part of the aperture, the pad having an outward surface and an inward surface. The pad is preferably attached to the inward surface of the back leather.

Accordingly, it is an object of various embodiments of the present invention to provide for a baseball glove design with an adaptable index finger stall.

It is another object of various embodiments of present invention is to provide for a baseball glove which allows the user to remove the index finger from the index finger stall without reducing the comfort of the glove.

Another object of various embodiments of the present invention is to provide for a baseball glove which allows the user to remove the index finger from the index finger stall without reducing the safety of the glove.

Yet another object of various embodiments of the present invention is to provide for a baseball glove which allows the user to remove the index finger from the index finger stall without reducing the performance of the glove.

Other objects, features, and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a glove in an open position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of a glove and an adaptable index finger stall in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a finger within an adaptable index finger stall in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method to produce a baseball glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED & ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. Throughout this description, various components may be identified having specific values or parameters, however, these items are provided as exemplary embodiments. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments do not limit various aspects and concepts of the present invention as many comparable parameters, sizes, ranges, and/or values may be implemented.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, illustrates a front perspective view of a glove 100 in an open position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The front 102 of the glove 100 forms a surface that receives a ball (not shown). The glove 100 preferably comprises a front leather 110. The front leather 110 preferably includes a front thumb stall portion 120, a front index finger stall portion 130, a front middle finger stall portion 140, a front ring finger stall portion 150, and a front little finger stall portion 160. The front leather 110 further comprises an outward front leather surface 110a, and an inward front leather surface (not shown), which back the outward front leather surface 110a.

The front leather 110 further comprises a front palm region 115. Each of the front finger stall portions 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 include a corresponding proximal region 120a, 130a, 140a, 150a, and 160a, adjacent the front palm region 115. The front finger stall portions 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 each preferably further include a corresponding distal region 120b, 130b, 140b, 150b, and 160b. The proximal regions 120a, 130a, 140a, 150a, and 160a are preferably disposed adjacent to the palm region 115. The distal regions 120b, 130b, 140b, 150b, and 160b are preferably disposed spaced apart from the front palm region 115, at the tips of each finger stall. In this manner, the front leather 110 preferably takes the general shape of a hand.

The front leather 110 is preferably formed from a single piece. In other contemplated embodiments, the front leather 110 may be formed from multiple panels that are sewn, laced, glued, or attached in another suitable manner to each other. The front leather 110 is preferably formed from 100% full grain leather. In other contemplated embodiments, the front leather 110 may be formed from rubber, a synthetic or composite material, a combination of different materials, another form of leather, or any other suitable material.

The glove 100 further preferably includes a web 170. The web 170 is preferably disposed between the front thumb stall portion 120 and front index finger stall portion 130. The web 170 is preferably constructed from the same material as the front leather 110. In other contemplated embodiments, the web 170 may be constructed from a material different from the front leather 110. The web 170 is preferably formed by lacing multiple leather strands 175 to create a surface 177. The web is preferably attached to the front leather 110 by lacing the web along the sides of the front thumb stall portion 120 and front index finger stall portion 130.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of a glove and an adaptable index finger stall in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The back of the glove 100 preferably includes a back leather 210. The back leather 210 preferably includes a back index finger stall portion 230, a back middle finger stall portion 240, a back ring finger stall portion 250, a back little finger stall portion 260, and a back thumb stall portion (not shown).

The back leather 210 further comprises a back palm region 215. Each of the back finger stall portions 230, 240, 250, and 260 include a corresponding proximal region 230a, 240a, 250a, and 260a. The back finger stall portions 230, 240, 250, and 260 each preferably further include a corresponding distal region 230b, 240b, 250b, and 260b. The proximal regions 230a, 240a, 250a, and 260a are preferably disposed adjacent to the back palm region 215. The distal regions 230b, 240b, 250b, and 260b are preferably disposed spaced apart from the back palm region 215, at the tips of each finger stall. Although not shown, the back thumb stall portion also comprises proximal and distal regions similar to the other back finger stall portions 230, 240, 250, and 260. In this manner, the back leather 210 preferably takes the general shape of a hand, similar to the front leather 110.

The back leather 210 is preferably formed from multiple pieces that are sewn, laced, glued, or attached in another suitable manner to each other. In other contemplated embodiments, the back leather 210 may be formed from a single piece. The back leather 210 is preferably formed from 100% full grain leather. In other contemplated embodiments, the back leather 210 may be formed from rubber, a synthetic or composite material, a combination of different materials, another form of leather, or any other suitable material.

The front leather 110 and back leather 210 are attached to form a cavity for receiving a user's hand. Corresponding edges of the front leather 110 and back leather 210 are laced, sewn, glued, or attached by other suitable means to each other. Edges of the front finger stall portions 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 are preferably similarly attached to the edges of the back finger stall portions 230, 240, 250, 260, and back thumb stall portion to form the thumb stall 20 (depicted in FIG. 1), the index finger stall 30, middle finger stall 40, ring finger stall 50, and little finger stall 60.

The glove 100 is designed to be worn on a user's hand. The glove 100 receives a user's hand though opening 270. When worn, the palm of the user's hand is preferably disposed between the front palm region 115 and back palm region 215. A user's fingers are preferably disposed in the corresponding finger stalls 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 when the glove 100 is placed on the hand. When fully worn, the finger stalls 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 preferably mirror the movement of a user's fingers to open and close the glove 100. This enables a user to receive and release a ball in the front of the glove 100.

The index finger stall 30 is further adapted to enable placement of the index finger in a plurality of positions. The back leather 210 preferably includes an aperture 300. The aperture 300 preferably spans the back palm region 215 and the proximal region of the back index finger stall portion 230a. The aperture 300 preferably further comprises a proximal aperture region 300a disposed in the back palm region 215, and a distal aperture region 300b disposed in the proximal region of the back index finger stall portion 230a.

The aperture 300 is preferably oblong in shape. In other contemplated embodiments, the aperture 300 can take the form of other shapes such as elliptical, triangular, square, or another suitable regular or irregular shape. In further contemplated embodiments, the aperture 300 is preferably generally the shape of an index finger.

The proximal aperture region 300a is preferably wider than the distal aperture region 300b. The width of the aperture 300 preferably varies from the proximal aperture region 300a to the distal aperture region from approximately five centimeters (about 2 inches) to 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch). The length of the aperture 300 is preferably about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches).

The glove 100 further preferably includes a pad 310. The pad 310 preferably spans part of the aperture 300. For example, the distal aperture region 300B can completely span the pad 310. The proximal aperture region 300A is preferably substantially not spanned by the pad 310, such that proximal aperture region 300A spans the exterior and interior cavity of the glove 100. The pad 310 is preferably formed from rubber. In other contemplated embodiments, the pad 310 may be formed from leather, plastic, fabric, or another suitable material. In further contemplated embodiments, the pad 310 may be formed from a single piece of material folded over to form two layers of the material. The pad 310 is preferably substantially similar in shape to the aperture 300. The pad 310 may further comprise a textured surface to increase grip.

The back leather 210 further comprises an outward back leather surface 210a and an inward back leather surface 210b. The outward back leather surface 210a defines the outside surface of the back of the glove 100. The inward back leather surface 210b defines the back of the interior cavity of the back of the glove 100. Similarly, the outward front leather surface 110a defines the outside surface of the front of the glove 100. Although not depicted, the inward front leather surface defines the front of the interior cavity of the glove 100.

The edges of the pad 310 are preferably attached to the inward back leather surface 210a along the edges of the aperture 300. The pad 310 may be sewn, laced, glued, or attached by other suitable means to the inward back leather surface 210a.

The pad 310 preferably comprises an outward pad surface 310a and an inward pad surface 310b. The inward pad surface 310b preferably defines the surface of the back of the index finger stall 30. The outward pad surface 310a is preferably below the plane of the outward back leather surface 210a, defining an index finger receiving recess 320.

The aperture 300 and pad 310 enable the index finger stall 30 to be adaptable. FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a finger within an adaptable index finger stall in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In the inside position, the user's finger in within the index finger stall 30. The index finger rests upon the inward front leather surface. The pad 300 forms the back of the index finger stall 30. The inward pad surface 310b, substantially covers the user's index finger, which is disposed within the index finger stall 30. In the inside position the index finger is completely housed within the index finger stall 30. The index finger is fully protected from interference with external objects such as the ground, other players, bases, of a fence.

A user's index finger may also be disposed in an outside position. The user may extend the index finger through the proximal aperture region 300a. The index finger is preferably rested upon the outward pad surface 310a, in the index finger receiving recess 320. Placing the index finger on the outward pad surface 310a preferably deforms the aperture 300 by narrowing its width, enabling the inward pad surface 310b to rest against inward front leather surface of the front index finger stall portion 130. The outside position may be selected by a user who desires an extra level of protection against the impact from a ball. In the outside position, the pad 310 is disposed between the index finger of the front of the glove 300 which receives the ball. In this manner, the pad 310 affords an additional cushioning material to absorb the shock of catching a hard hit or thrown baseball.

In an outside position, the index finger is partially enclosed within the index finger receiving recess 320 of the index finger stall 30. This exposes the back of a user's index finger. In the outside position, the back of the index finger is not covered by any portion of the glove 100. The alignment of the index finger relative to the other fingers is preferably the same in the inside and outside positions, such that the outside position does not require the index finger to be bent backward onto the outward back leather surface 210a. This allows both the outside and inside positions to be comfortable for the user.

In an outside position, a user's index finger is preferably housed within the index finger receiving recess 320 and rests below the plane of the outward surface of the back leather 210a. The index finger receiving recess 320 formed by depressing the pad 310 is adapted to receive the index finger so that it does not protrude above the level of the outward back leather surface 210a. This prevents the index finger from being bent and scratched as the glove is slid or brushed against the ground or another player. This provides an equal amount of safety for the finger in the outside position as the finger would have in a conventional glove wherein the index finger is within a finger stall.

In an outside position, a user's index finger remains in communication with the front index finger stall portion 130. As described above, the pad 310 is adapted to be depressed by the index finger and rest upon inward front leather surface of the front index finger stall portion 130. This enables the user to exert force upon the front index finger stall portion 130 by pressing on the pad 310. This communication between the user's index finger and front index finger stall portion 130 allows for the same degree of control over the closing of the glove 100 as the user would experience with the index finger being disposed within the index finger stall. As a result, performance characteristics of the glove 100 are not diminished.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 400 to produce a baseball glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that while method 400 is shown with various “steps” such steps can be performed in any order and additional “steps” can be included in additional method embodiments. The first step of the method is to provide at least one piece of leather 410. This leather will preferably form the back leather 210 of the glove 100. It is contemplated the entire back leather 210 may be formed from a single piece of leather of multiple pieces attached to each other. The next step is to form a plurality of finger stall portions and palm portions 420. These finger stall portions will preferably form the back thumb stall portion and back finger stall portions 230, 240, 250, 260. The palm portion will preferably form the back palm region 215.

A following step is to provide an aperture in one of the finger stall portions 430. The aperture will preferably form the aperture 300 on the back index finger stall portion 230. In other contemplated embodiments, the aperture may be on other finger stall portions or multiple finger stall portions. The aperture is preferably formed by cutting away an area of leather on the one of the finger stall portions.

A following step is to substantially span the aperture with an element 440. An area of the aperture preferably remains not spanned by the element sufficient to enable the user to comfortable accommodate passage of a user's finger. The element is preferably a rubber pad as described above in the embodiment of the glove 100.

A following step is to attach an element to the surface of the at least one piece of leather that will define the interior of the glove at a plurality of points adjacent to the aperture 450. the element will preferably be attached below the surface of the leather that will define the outward portion of the glove. This will preferably form a recess for receiving the user's finger. The element is preferably attached to the leather by sewing. Other methods such as gluing and lacing have also been contemplated for the attachment of the element to the surface of leather.

In other contemplated embodiments, the glove 100 may include apertures similar in design and function to aperture 300 for other fingers. For example, the glove 100 can comprise an additional aperture for the middle finger such that one or both of the index and middle fingers may be placed in the inside or outside positions depending on the preferences of the user. The glove 100 may be designed with an aperture for each finger stall, such that the user can pick which finger is in the outside position and which is in the inside position based upon the user's preferences and play style.

In other contemplated embodiments, the size, shape and design of the glove may be adapted for other applications such as catcher's gloves, first baseman's gloves, fielder's gloves, pitcher's gloves, tee-ball gloves, softball gloves, or other specialized application gloves for baseball, softball, and similar sports.

In some contemplated embodiments, the glove 100 may further comprise a strap spanning the width of the aperture 300. The strap could be of a variety of widths and partially or fully span the aperture 300. The strap preferably provides additional protection for the back of the user's index finger.

In some contemplated embodiments, the glove 100 may further comprise a stabilizing loop or ring disposed on the outward pad surface 310a. The loop would preferably be of a diameter of sufficient to receive a finger and provide additional lateral support for the user's index finger when the outside position is selected.

In some contemplated embodiments, the glove 100 may further comprise an inner liner. For example, the inner liner may be formed from a front liner and a back liner that are attached to each other to form finger stalls and a palm receiving region. The liner may be sewn or attached to the inside of the cavity formed by the glove 100. The liner may be constructed from leather or a combination of materials to increase the user's comfort in wearing the glove. The liner may further include other types of padding and cushioning such as foam, rubber, cotton, fur, or another suitable material to increase the comfort of the glove 100.

In some contemplated embodiments, the finger stalls 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 may comprise loops or rings for receiving a user's finger. These loops enable a tighter fit between the user's hand and the glove 100, increasing comfort and performance of the glove. The loops may preferably be constructed from leather or another suitable material and attached to the front leather 110, back leather 210, both leathers 110, 210, or formed within the lining described in the contemplated embodiments above.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a baseball glove with an adapted index finger stall. The stall provides the user with the option to select an inside position similar to conventional finger placement, and an outside position. The outside position enables the user to increase the padding between the index finger and the ball without sacrificing comfort, safety, or performance.

Therefore, while embodiments of this invention have been described in detail with particular reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of 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. A baseball glove comprising:

a back leather having a little finger stall portion, ring finger stall portion, middle finger stall portion, index finger stall portion, and a thumb stall portion, each of said stall portions having distal and proximal ends;

an aperture located at the proximal end of the index finger stall portion of the back leather; and

a pad spanning part of the aperture.

2. A baseball glove according to claim 1, the aperture is oblong.

3. A baseball glove according to claim 1, the aperture has a proximal region and a distal region, the width of the proximal being greater than the width of the distal region.

4. A baseball glove according to claim 3, the pad spans all of the distal region of the aperture, and the proximal region of the aperture is substantially not spanned by the pad.

5. A baseball glove according to claim 1, the width of the distal region of the aperture is approximately 2.5 centimeters and the width of the proximal region of the aperture is approximately 5 centimeters.

6. A baseball glove according to claim 1, the pad is formed from rubber.

7. A baseball glove according to claim 1, the pad is sewn to the back leather

8. A baseball glove according to claim 1, the pad defines the proximal portion of the index finger stall.

9. A baseball glove comprising:

a back leather having an outward surface and an inward surface, a little finger stall portion, ring finger stall portion, middle finger stall portion, index finger stall portion, and a thumb stall portion, each of said stall portions having distal and proximal ends;

an aperture located at the proximal end of the index finger stall portion of the back leather; and

a pad spanning part of the aperture, the pad having an outward surface and an inward surface, wherein the pad is attached to the inward surface of the back leather.

10. A baseball glove according to claim 9, the pad adapted to receive the index finger of the user such that the top of the index finger does not extend above the outward surface of the back leather.

11. A baseball glove according to claim 9, the width of the aperture adapted to decrease when the pad is pressed by a user's index finger.

13. A baseball glove according to claim 9, capable of receiving a user's index finger between the outward surface of the back leather and the outward surface of the pad.

14. A baseball glove according to claim 9, the aperture having a proximal region and a distal region, the width of the proximal being greater than the width of the distal region.

15. A baseball glove according to claim 14, wherein the pad spans all of the distal region of the aperture, and the proximal region of the aperture is substantially not spanned by the pad.

16. A method to produce a baseball glove comprising:

providing at least one piece of leather;

forming a plurality finger stall portions and a palm portion from the at least one piece of leather;

providing an aperture in one of the finger stall portions; and

substantially spanning the aperture with an element.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising, attaching the element to the surface of the at least one piece of leather that will define the interior of the glove at a plurality of points adjacent to the aperture.

18. A baseball glove comprising: a front leather having an outward surface and an inward surface, a little finger stall portion, ring finger stall portion, middle finger stall portion, index finger stall portion, and a thumb stall portion, each of said stall portions having distal and proximal ends;

a back leather having an outward surface and an inward surface, a little finger stall portion, ring finger stall portion, middle finger stall portion, index finger stall portion, and a thumb stall portion, each of said stall portions having distal and proximal ends;

an aperture located at the proximal end of the index finger stall portion of the back leather; and

a pad spanning part of the aperture, the pad having an outward surface and an inward surface, wherein the pad is attached to the inward surface of the back leather, the pad adapted to enable a user to place an index finger in the index finger stall with the back side of the user's index finger against the inward surface of the pad or with the palm side of the user's index finger against the outward surface of the pad.

19. A baseball glove according to claim 18, the pad forming an index finger receiving recess when the user places the index finger on the outward surface of the pad.

20. A baseball glove according to claim 19, the index finger receiving recess adapted to house the user's index finger such that the index is between the plane of the outward surface of the back leather the outward surface of the pad, and the inward surface of the pad is in communication with the inward surface of the finger stall portion of the front leather.