Gripping mitt with single flap for water sports
This invention, gripping mitt with single flap for water sports, incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The mitt has a single flap that has a hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the single flap. The palm side of the mitt has an opposite “hook and loop” material that holds the single flap in a fastened position. When the gripping mitt with single flap is in use, the single flap of the mitt surrounds a paddle handle and holds the paddle so that the user can make paddle strokes. The hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the single flap provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. The gripping mitt with flap has additional innovative features.
This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/880,363 filed on Jul. 19, 2007.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCHNot Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTINGNot Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to the field of devices that assist physically disabled people to achieve superior results in spite of their physical disability. The instant invention generally relates to sports devices that aid individuals having physical disabilities to participate in sports activities in a superior fashion in spite of their physical disability. This invention more specifically relates to a gripping mitt with a single flap to be utilized in conjunction with paddles for water sports.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSome individuals have impaired hand gripping abilities. The impaired hand gripping ability may be the result of an accident, or nerve damage, or muscle damage or sickness, or arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, or a stroke, or Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, or overuse of a hand, or other reasons or combinations thereof, etc.
Many individuals that have impaired hand grips are unable to fully participate in sports related activities because they are unable to adequately grasp handles of sports related devices. Examples of such sports related handles include canoe and/or kayak paddles.
Often a person with an impaired hand grip may be able to participate in a sports related activity if it were not for the impaired hand grip. The problem of impaired hand grip may be tho only reason a person can not enjoy sports related activities such as paddling a canoe or paddling a kayak.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention, gripping mitt with flap for water sports, incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The mitt has a single flap that has a Hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the flap. The palm side of the mitt has an opposite “hook and loop” material that holds the single flap in a fastened position. When the gripping mitt with flap is in use, the single flap of the mitt surrounds a paddle handle and holds the paddle so that the user can make paddle strokes. The hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the single flap provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists someone with impaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is relatively easy to manufacture.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would be rugged and reusable.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would not be affected by getting wet and drying out repeatedly.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite the gripping impairment.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is ergonomically designed to assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that could be easily made to fit many different hand sizes.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that can be used on a right hand or a left hand. Separate right hand versions and separate left hand versions are not necessary.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is would enable the user to easily let go of the handle of a sports related device, if so desired.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would enable a variety sports related handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired gripping abilities.
In order that the manner in which the above and other objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying annexed drawings wherein:
The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the drawings are studied in conjunction with reading the following description and also reading the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSIn keeping with the requirements of Patent Laws there is described herein below the best mode of the invention that is currently known to the applicant. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap is unique and clearly provides a simple solution to an impaired grip problem.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists someone with impaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is relatively easy to manufacture.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would be rugged and reusable.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would not be affected by getting wet and drying out repeatedly.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite the gripping impairment.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap is ergonomically designed to assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap could be easily made to fit many different hand sizes.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that can be used on a right hand or a left hand. Separate right hand versions and separate left hand versions are not necessary.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would enable the user to easily let go of the handle of a sports related device if so desired.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would enable many sports related handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired gripping abilities.
This invention having been described in its presently contemplated best mode, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous, variations, modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. It should be understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A sports related gripping mitt comprising:
- a mitt shaped to fit over a human hand including an opening that encircles the wrist of a user when a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt;
- said mitt encloses the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;
- said mitt having a single pocket for enclosing the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;
- said mitt having a mitt outer surface and a mitt inner surface;
- said mitt having a mitt palm side; and a mitt dorsal side; said mitt palm side having a gripping section thereon; said gripping section having a non-slip, or, a tacky surface thereon;
- said gripping section on said mitt palm side having a palm side access opening therethrough; said palm side access opening extending between said mitt outer surface and said mitt inner surface; said palm side access opening being substantially a slit;
- said mitt made of a flexible waterproof material;
- said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mitt fingertip end;
- said mitt finger tip end having a single strap fastened thereto; said single strap having a palm side and a dorsal side; said palm side of said single strap having one component of hook and loop fastening material thereon;
- said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening therethrough; said drain opening on said mitt fingertip end utilized for draining water from said mitt fingertip end;
- said wrist end of said palm side of said mitt having an opposite component of hook and loop fastening material thereon;
- said gripping section on said mitt palm side surrounds and grips a handle of a sports related device when said hook and loop fastening material on said single strap mates with said opposite component of said hook and loop fastening material on said wrist area of said palm side of said mitt.
2. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt finger tip end drain opening is located adjacent to said single strap.
3. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening is at least one inch long.
4. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening is located adjacent to said single strap; and said drain opening being substantially as long as the width of said single strap.
5. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said palm side access opening is substantially a linear slit that is at least three inches long.
6. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of a neoprene material.
7. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of a nylon covered neoprene material.
8. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt outer surface has a nylon covering thereon; or said mitt inner surface has a nylon covering thereon.
9. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 including a wrist strap located on said wrist end of said mitt; said wrist strap having means for providing a snug fit on said wrist end of said mitt when said wrist strap is tightened.
10. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 including a wrist strap located on said wrist end of said mitt; said wrist strap having hook and loop material thereon for mating with hook and loop material on said wrist end of said mitt; said wrist strap having means for providing a snug fit on said wrist end of said mitt when said wrist strap is tightened.
11. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said gripping mitt is suitable for a right hand of a user or a left hand of a user.
12. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of one piece of waterproof material that is folded and stitched around the perimeter of said mitt in order to form said mitt.
13. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 including a product name thereon, or including a company name thereon.
14. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said single strap has substantially a rectangular shape.
15. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 41 wherein said single strap has a quick release tap thereon.
16. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 41 wherein said gripping section is made of a different material than the material of said mitt.
17. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said gripping section is made of a different material than the material of said mitt; and said gripping section is glued to said mitt; or said gripping section is stitched to said mitt.
18. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said gripping section is made of a Dycem material; or said gripping section is made of a to neoprene material.
19. A sports related gripping mitt comprising:
- a mitt shaped to fit over a human hand including an opening that encircles the wrist of a user when a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt;
- said mitt encloses the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;
- said mitt having a single pocket for enclosing the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;
- said mitt having a mitt outer surface and a mitt inner surface;
- said mitt having a mitt palm side; and a mitt dorsal side; said mitt palm side having a gripping section thereon; said gripping section having a non-slip, or, a tacky surface thereon;
- said gripping section on said mitt palm side having a palm side access opening therethrough; said palm side access opening extending between said mitt outer surface and said mitt inner surface; said palm side access opening being substantially a linear slit; said linear slit being at least three inches long;
- said mitt made of a flexible neoprene material;
- said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mitt fingertip end;
- said mitt finger tip end having a single strap fastened thereto; said single strap having a palm side and a dorsal side; said palm side of said single strap having one component of hook and loop fastening material thereon; said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening therethrough; said drain opening on said mitt fingertip end utilized for draining water from said mitt fingertip end;
- said wrist end of said palm side of said mitt having an opposite component of hook and loop fastening material thereon;
- said gripping section on said mitt palm side surrounds and grips a handle of a sports related device when said hook and loop fastening material on said single strap mates with said opposite component of said hook and loop fastening material on said wrist area of said palm side of said mitt.
20. A sports related gripping mitt comprising:
- a mitt shaped to fit over a human hand including an opening that encircles the wrist of a user when a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt;
- said mitt encloses the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;
- said mitt having a single pocket for enclosing the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;
- said mitt having a mitt outer surface and a mitt inner surface;
- said mitt having a mitt palm side; and a mitt dorsal side; said mitt palm side having a gripping section thereon; said gripping section having a non-slip, or, a tacky surface thereon; said gripping section being made of a different material than the material of said mitt;
- said gripping section on said mitt palm side having a palm side access opening therethrough; said palm side access opening extending between said mitt outer surface and said mitt inner surface; said palm side access opening being substantially a linear slit;
- said mitt made of a nylon covered neoprene material;
- said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mitt fingertip end;
- said mitt finger tip end having a single strap fastened thereto; said single strap having a palm side and a dorsal side; said palm side of said single strap having one component of hook and loop fastening material thereon; said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening therethrough; said drain opening on said mitt fingertip end utilized for draining water from said mitt fingertip end; said drain opening being located adjacent to said single strap;
- said wrist end of said palm side of said mitt having an opposite component of hook and loop fastening material thereon;
- said gripping section on said mitt palm side surrounds and grips a handle of a sports related device when said hook and loop fastening material on said single strap mates with said opposite component of said hook and loop fastening material on said wrist area of said palm side of said mitt.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 19, 2009
Publication Date: Sep 2, 2010
Inventor: Cindy Dillenschneider (Washburn, WI)
Application Number: 12/583,397