HAND PROTECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A system which in use is mounted onto a glove for protecting the back of a user's hand comprises a plurality of elongate, flexible strips, each overlying a respective finger. Each strip has a first end portion serving as sole means of fixedly attaching the strip to the glove, usually in the vicinity of the fingertips, and a remaining portion, extending to the second end of the strip, which is free to move relative to the glove. In this respect, a plurality of discrete guide structures are attached to the glove at a spacing remote from the first end portion) of each strip so that the strip extends across, through or into the guide structure and is held in position on the glove in a manner which allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip along the longitudinal axis of the strip. The guide structures may be configured to provide a closed tunnel through which the strip extends, or in other versions may be open so that opposing engagement lugs slidingly retain side edges of the strip. Optionally, a plate assembly is mounted over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand and is configured to provide plural guide portions into which the free second end portions of at least some of the strips are received in slidable manner.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to European patent application no. EP 09173334.5, filed Oct. 16, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hand protection system for a glove, particularly but not exclusively for use in sports such as motorcycling.

BACKGROUND

Most currently available protective gloves for use in motorcycling incorporate protective pads over the region of the main knuckles (where the metacarpal bones connect to the proximal phalanges). These are often rigid and uncomfortable and only provide limited protection at the front of the knuckle, a region particularly prone to impact. Some currently available protective gloves also include protective pads positioned over the proximal and intermediate phalanges bones of at least some of the individual fingers, but provided no protection at the joint between these bones, again a region particularly prone to impact and injury.

US 2006/048259 (EP 1632273) discloses a finger protector for a sports glove, in particular a goalkeeper glove, comprising a plate that is connected in one piece with strips which overlie respective fingers of one hand. Each strip consists of a chain of members and an underlying band. The chain of members are connected in one piece with each other but can be moved relative to each other (towards and away) by virtue of through holes extending transverse to the chain direction. The underlying band has nipples which are pushed into the through holes. Such a finger protector is integrated into that part of a glove associated with the back portion of the user's hand, embedded in a layer of soft foam plastic or foamed textile composite, possibly detachably and interchangeably. The aforesaid chain of members has flexibility but is attached at multiple points to the nipples of the underlying band and the whole protector is mounted into the fabric of the glove with no provision for displacement relative to the glove.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved hand protection system which allows for protection of the entire fingers, including joints, which are the most vulnerable parts, without compromising the ability of the user to bend and stretch the fingers, thus enabling gripping in the normal manner, and without compromising comfort for the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention a hand protection system for mounting onto a glove is provided that comprises a plurality of elongate flexible strips, each strip positioned to overlie a respective finger, and each strip having a longitudinal axis between first and second opposing ends, characterized in that each strip has a first end portion serving as sole means of fixedly attaching the strip to the glove and a remaining portion, and in that a plurality of discrete guide structures are provided, adapted for attachment to the glove at a spacing remote from the first end portion of each strip so that the respective strip can extend across, through or into the guide structure and be held in position on the glove in a manner which allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip along the longitudinal axis of the strip.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention a glove on to which such a hand protection system is mounted is provided, the glove having a plurality of elongate flexible strips overlying respective fingers, each strip having a longitudinal axis between first and second opposing ends, characterized in that each strip has a first end portion whereby the strip is fixedly attached to the glove and a remaining portion, extending to the second end, which is free to move relative to the glove and in that a plurality of discrete guide structures are attached to the glove, at least one for each finger, at a spacing remote from the first end portion of each strip such that the strip extends across, through or into the guide structure and is thereby held in position on the glove in a manner which allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip along the longitudinal axis of the strip.

At present, two basic forms of the guide structures are envisaged. A first version is configured to provide only edge engagement means for slidingly retaining side edges of the respective strip. Such a version is open across the upper surface of the strip. Such a version may comprise a unitary structure having opposing confronting edge engagement means, or may comprise two separate halves which face each other and provide the respective edge engagement means.

A second version is configured to provide a tunnel through which or into which the respective strip extends. Such a version extends completely across the upper surface of the strip. The tunnel provided may be open at each end, in which case the strip may extend right through. Alternatively, the tunnel may be closed at one end so as to form, effectively, a socket for receiving the second end of the respective strip, i.e. into which the second end of the strip will project in use.

The aforesaid flexible strips and guide structures may be provided on the glove as the totality of the hand protection system. However, it is possible, even likely, that an additional protective plate or pad, which may be of entirely conventional form, may be provided in addition to the aforesaid strips and guide structures, said plate being mounted over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand. Whether or not such an additional plate or pad is provided, the first end portions of the strips may be secured to the fingers either adjacent tips of the fingers with the displaceable remaining portions extending towards the knuckles or adjacent to the knuckles with the displaceable remaining portions extending towards the fingertips, in each case passing across or through or into respective guide structures.

In a development of the present invention a plate mounted or mountable onto the glove over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand is additionally provided, said plate being configured to provide plural adjacent guide portions for the second ends of the respective strips. Of course, with such an arrangement the first end portions of the strips are secured to the fingers, distally of the plate, adjacent the tips of the fingers, with the displaceable remaining portions of the strips extending towards and into the aforesaid guide portions of the plate. Just as with the discrete guide structures, these guide portions also may provide only edge engagement means for slidingly retaining side edges of the respective strips or alternatively may be configured to provide tunnels into which the respective second ends of the strips project.

Also within the scope of the invention are embodiments where first end portions of the respective strips are permanently connected to a plate, which plate is fixedly mounted or mountable onto the glove over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region. The remaining portions of the strips then extend away from the plate to overlie the fingers and be guided by respective guide structures mounted on those fingers.

Preferably, each strip is formed of a plurality of alternate thicker and thinner regions as provided, for example, by a series of transverse slits along the longitudinal axis of each strip, to enhance the flexibility of the strip.

In preferred embodiments each strip is generally triangular in cross-section with an upstanding apex. This shape provides for strength, flexibility and best impact protection for the underlying delicate finger bones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred practical left-hand embodiment of the hand protection system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the same embodiment, viewed from above;

FIG. 3 is a corresponding enlarged, exploded perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment, viewed from the underside;

FIG. 4 is a corresponding, enlarged, exploded end view of the FIG. 1 embodiment, viewed from the finger end;

FIG. 5 is a reduced scale perspective view of a glove fitted with the hand protection system shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a modified embodiment of the hand protection system according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a glove fitted with a second embodiment of the hand protection system of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view, corresponding to FIG. 7, of a third embodiment of the hand protection system of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a reduced scale perspective view of a fourth embodiment (also left-hand) of the hand protection system of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 5, a preferred practical embodiment of the system of the invention comprises a plurality of separately fabricated components which are assembled together for fitting onto the back portion of a glove 10 (FIG. 5). These components comprise a plate assembly, denoted generally by reference numeral 20, a plurality of flexible strips, also referred to as spines, 30, one for each finger, and a corresponding plurality of guide structures 40, again one for each finger. The housing assembly 20 is formed of three components, namely a base plate 22, which in use is secured to the fabric of the glove 10, an upper plate 24 which fits above the base plate 22 to provide tunnels for reception in slidable manner of proximal end regions of some of the spines 30, and an additional top plate 28 which overlies part of the upper plate 24 to provide additional protection. All these parts are typically formed of suitable thermoplastic material, such as low-density polyurethane or polypropylene, although other materials are possible. Also, a soft silicone layer may the provided at the underside of the base plate 22 to offer increased protection to the metacarpal region of the wearer's hand.

Each spine 30 is elongate and accordingly has a longitudinal axis between first and second opposing ends. A portion 32 at the first end provides the sole means of fixing the respective spine 30 to the glove 10, while the remainder of the spine is not fixedly attached but is held in a position to overlie the respective finger of the glove 10. In this embodiment the first end portion 32 of each spine 30 is formed as an enlarged region with a peripheral curving flange 34 adapted for securing to the fabric of the glove 10, for example by adhesive or stitching, and possibly with an intervening layer of fabric. For each spine 30, the respective enlarged spine end region 32 is connected to its finger at a location a short spacing from the fingertip. The spines 30 for overlying the first (index), second, third and fourth fingers have their end regions 32 attached at a position overlying the intermediate phalanges. The three spines 30 overlying the first second and third fingers are of a suitable length to extend from aforesaid connection to the glove to sliding engagement below the upper plate 24, which is mounted over the metacarpal region.

Each spine 30 is generally triangular in cross-section, with an upstanding apex, and is provided with a plurality of transverse slits 38 to enable a significant degree of flexing whenever the wearer of the glove curls that finger, in gripping or other movements. Small through bores 39 are provided centrally of each transverse slit 38 to enhance the flexibility of each spine 30. The length and cross-sectional configuration of the spine 30, along with choice of material, serves to protect the finger throughout its length, including the vulnerable regions at or adjacent the joints, against impact injuries.

As already mentioned, and as shown in FIG. 5, the plate assembly 20 is mounted onto the back of the glove 10 overlying the metacarpal region of the wearer's hand, just behind the main knuckles. It serves to locate and guide proximal ends of the spines 30 which overlie the first, second and third fingers. The upper plate 24 includes three laterally spaced guide portions 26 of convexly curving cross-section, which thereby provide tunnels, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, for reception of the free (unfixed) ends of these spines 30. These unfixed end regions of the spines 30 extend into the tunnels provided by the regions 26 in a freely slidable manner so that as the user's hand or any individual finger is flexed into increasing curvature they slide outwardly, but once the user's hand is straightened out again, they slide back inwardly of the respective tunnel.

The top plate 28 is secured to the upper plate 24 by its side edges clipping below appropriately spaced latching members 21 projecting upwards from the two outermost tunnel forming regions 26.

The guide structures 40, of which there are five, one for each finger, and one for the thumb of the glove wearer, each comprise a curving base plate 42 and an upstanding convex portion 44 defining a tunnel above the base plate. The base plate 42 of each said member 40 is mounted onto the back of the glove 10 above the proximal phalange bone of each finger. Thus, as regards the first, second and third fingers the convex portions 44 provide respective tunnels through which the respective spines 30 extend, in an freely slidable manner, part way between their distal end attachment at portion 32 and their reception in the respective housing tunnels 26, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.

The guide structures 40 for the thumb and the little finger are slightly different as the free ends of their respective spines 30 do not locate into guide means of the plate assembly 20. In the version shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the guide structure 40 for the thumb has a closed end 46 to its tunnel forming convex portion 44, thus providing, in effect, a socket which slidingly receives the free end portion of a similar spine 130 mounted over the thumb. (This is not shown in FIG. 1, where the free end of the spine 130 is shown extending through a guide structure 40 of similar form to those employed for the spines of the above-mentioned fingers.) The guide structure 44 for the fourth (little) finger is also modified by having an extension 48 to its base plate 42 for more secure attachment purposes and to offer a greater abrasion resistance at the side of the little finger.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative version of the system where open guide structures 140 are provided in place of the above-described closed guide structures 40. These open guide structures 140 differ only in that they do not provide a tunnel forming convex portion for the spines 30 to slide through, but instead provide two edge engagement lugs 143,145 upstanding from a base plate 142. These lugs 143,145 face each other and slidingly retain side edges of the respective spine 30. In all other respects, the system is the same as in FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals have been used to denote corresponding parts.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show two further embodiments from which the plate assembly 20 is absent, as such a plate assembly is not always necessary. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, spines 50 are shown provided over the first second and third fingers of a glove 51. These spines 50 are essentially the same as the spines 30 in the previous embodiment, and are secured at first end portions 52 in the vicinity of the fingertips, with the remaining portion of each spine 50 being slidably displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the spine 50 by locating through a respective guide structure 54, which is mounted onto the finger at a spacing from the secured first end portion 52. The guide structures 54 are similar to the previously described guide structures 40 in the preceding embodiment and include a base plate attached to the glove fabric and a convex portion providing a tunnel into and through which a free end region of the spine 50 projects.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, spines 60 are shown provided over the first second and third fingers of a glove 61. These spines 60 are again essentially the same in structure as the spines 30 in the previous embodiment. However, in this case they are secured at first end portions 62 in the vicinity of the knuckles, with the remaining unconnected and displaceable portion of each spine 60 extending towards the fingertips and being slidably displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the spine 60 by locating through two spaced apart respective guide structures 64. The guide structures 64 are again similar to the previously described guide structures 40 in the preceding embodiment and include a base plate attached to the glove fabric and a convex portion providing tunnels through which the unconnected, displaceable region of the spines 60 extend.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the hand protection system of the invention. The tunnel housing assembly, designated generally by reference numeral 120, is essentially the same as in preceding embodiment. The flexible spines for overlying the respective fingers are somewhat different to the preceding embodiment, as those for the first, second and third fingers are provided in two parts 132, 134. The distal parts 132 are each provided with a respective terminal enlargement 133 for securing onto the glove region overlying the intermediate phalanges, but otherwise are much shorter than in previous embodiment. The proximal parts 134 have enlarged end regions 136 which, in addition to being for securing onto the glove region overlying the proximal phalanges, provide tunnels, in the manner of sockets, for receiving respective ends of the distal parts 132 in slidable manner. Accordingly, the enlarged end regions 136 take the place of the separate, tunnel forming attachment members 40 in the preceding embodiment. A separate tunnel forming attachment member 140 is provided for the slidable reception of the free end of the spine 131 overlying the little finger. A spine 138 for overlying the thumb is simply designed to overlie the joint and has respective enlarged ends 139 for securing to the glove at each side of the joint.

The invention is not restricted to the precise details of any foregoing embodiments, and other variations are possible in other embodiments as will be evident to any person skilled in this technical field.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features described in conjunction with a particular embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

1. A glove comprising a plurality of elongate flexible strips overlying respective fingers, each strip having a longitudinal axis between first and second opposing ends, wherein each strip has a first end portion fixedly attached to the glove and a remaining portion, extending to the second end, which is free to move relative to the glove and wherein a plurality of discrete guide structures are attached to the glove, at least one for each finger, at a spacing remote from the first end portion of each strip such that the strip extends across, through or into the guide structure and is thereby held in position on the glove in a manner which allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip along the longitudinal axis of the strip.

2. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each guide structure is configured to provide at least edge engagement means for slidingly retaining side edges of the respective strip.

3. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each guide structure is configured to provide a tunnel through which or into which the respective strip extends.

4. A glove according to claim 1, additionally comprising a plate mounted over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand, the plate being configured to provide plural adjacent guide portions for the second ends of the respective strips.

5. A glove according to claim 4, wherein each guide portion is configured to provide at least edge engagement means for slidingly retaining side edges of the respective strip.

6. A glove according to claim 4, wherein each guide portion is configured to provide a tunnel into which the second end of the respective strip is to project.

7. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion of the respective strips are permanently connected to a plate which is fixedly mounted onto the glove over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand.

8. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip is formed of a plurality of alternate thicker and thinner regions along its longitudinal axis.

9. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip has a series of transverse slits provided along its longitudinal axis.

10. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip is generally triangular in cross-section, with an upstanding apex.