Glove With Thermally Moldable Shaping Inserts
An athletic glove capable of receiving a human hand is provided. The glove comprises an exterior glove shell and an interior glove liner connected together to form index, middle, ring, and pinky finger sheaths and a thumb sheath. A glove webbing is connected to and extends between the thumb sheath and the index finger sheath. At least one middle layer is located between the exterior shell and the interior liner. At least one thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded in a finger or thumb sheath between the exterior glove shell and the interior glove liner. When heated beyond a threshold temperature, the embedded insert becomes temporarily pliable such that the insert can be molded while the threshold temperature is exceeded and retains the molded shape after the insert cools below the threshold temperature, the molded insert providing the glove a desired shape.
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TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to athletic gloves. More particularly, the present invention relates to athletic gloves with a thermally moldable shaping insert.
BACKGROUNDAthletic gloves of various types are widely used in sports to improve performance. In sports such as baseball and softball, players typically wear a glove on the non-throwing hand for catching fly balls, throws, and line drives and for fielding ground balls. The characteristics of a desirable glove vary among individual players and among positions. For example, outfielders tend to prefer a longer glove with a deeper pocket to enhance their ability to catch fly balls. Similarly, infielders tend to prefer a shorter glove with a shallower pocket to enhance their ability to quickly retrieve fielded balls from the glove pocket and throw to the appropriate base.
Individual players often have additional preferences. Some players prefer the finger sheaths and thumb sheath of the glove to bend together such when a ball hits the pocket the glove naturally collapses around the ball. Other players prefer the glove to flare open to provide a larger area for stopping and fielding an incoming ball. Still other players prefer a glove shape somewhere between an inward-bending glove and an outward-flaring glove.
Gloves are typically made of leather and are conventionally shaped during the “breaking-in” process in which softening substances are applied to the leather. During breaking-in, water, oil, or other substances may be applied to a leather glove. The glove may then be bound or otherwise held in a desired position. After a certain amount of time has elapsed, the glove will dry and take on the desired shape.
The breaking-in process is typically done only once—when a glove is first purchased. It is difficult to make adjustments or outright changes to a broken-in glove. Additionally, shaping a glove through the breaking-in process can require multiple attempts and requires a large investment of time and effort. Further, some gloves are made of synthetic materials and are more difficult to shape.
SUMMARYThis Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
An athletic glove capable of receiving a human hand is provided. The glove comprises an exterior glove shell and an interior glove liner connected together to form index, middle, ring, and pinky finger sheaths, a thumb sheath, and an opening capable of receiving a human hand. The opening is located opposite the four finger sheaths and corresponds approximately to the wrist of a user when the glove is worn by the user with fingers of the user extending within the four finger sheaths and the thumb of the user extending within the thumb sheath. A glove webbing is connected to and extends between the thumb sheath and the index finger sheath. At least one middle layer is located between the exterior glove shell and the interior glove liner. At least one thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded in a finger or thumb sheath between the exterior glove shell and the interior glove liner. The embedded insert becomes temporarily pliable when heated beyond a threshold temperature such that the insert can be molded while the threshold temperature is exceeded and retains the molded shape after the insert cools below the threshold temperature. The molded insert provides the glove a desired shape.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
In conventional gloves used in baseball and softball, glove shaping is provided through the breaking-in process. The present invention provides athletic gloves with thermally moldable shaping inserts that allow improved and adjustable glove shaping as compared to conventional gloves and methods for shaping such athletic gloves. Examples of the present invention are illustrated in
Glove webbing 118 connects to and extends between index finger sheath 106 and thumb sheath 114. Glove webbing 118 may comprise one or more pieces of material connected to be substantially solid, woven, or otherwise interlocked or overlaid. Glove webbing 118 creates a “pocket” in glove 100 that is used to catch, field, and or hold a ball.
Glove 100 is designed to receive a left hand. Gloves designed to receive a right hand are also envisioned and within the scope of the present invention. For simplicity, only a glove designed to receive a left hand is shown in the drawings.
In some examples, interior glove liner 104 is made of leather or synthetic leather that is thinner than exterior glove shell 102. Interior glove liner 104 may be formed from multiple pieces of material and may comprise a substantial portion or all of the interior surface of glove 100. The portion of finger sheaths 106, 108, 110, and 112 and thumb sheath 114 contacted by a user's fingers and thumb when the glove is worn may be part of interior glove liner 104. Interior glove liner 104 and exterior glove shell 102 may connect along opening 116, among other places.
In some examples, glove 100 is a mitt such as a baseball or softball catcher's or first-baseman's mitt. Gloves typically have finger sheaths such as sheaths 106, 108, 110, and 112 that are clearly visible as distinct finger sheaths and are connected together at one or a few points. For example, sheaths 106, 108, 110, and 112 are stitched together near the end of the sheaths. Glove finger sheaths may not be connected together along the entire length of the finger sheaths. Although connected near the ends, finger sheaths 106, 108, 110, and 112, for example, are not connected together along the majority of the length of each finger sheath.
The finger sheaths of mitts, in contrast, are typically not clearly visible as distinct finger sheaths when the palm-side portion of the exterior glove shell is primarily viewed. The palm-side portion of the exterior glove shell of a glove or mitt is the side of the exterior glove shell corresponding to a user's palm when the glove is worn. The palm-side portion comprises four finger portions, a palm portion, and a thumb portion. The four finger portions of the palm-side portion are the parts of the palm-side portion that correspond to the finger sheaths.
The four finger portions of the palm-side portion of the exterior glove shell of a mitt are typically connected together to form a continuous piece. If, for example, glove 100 were a first-baseman's mitt, the finger portions of the palm-side portion of exterior glove shell 102 would be connected together to form a continuous piece. Finger sheaths 106, 108, 110, and 112 would still be present although not distinctly visible as finger sheaths when the palm-side portion is primarily viewed. Finger sheaths 106, 108, 110, and 112 could be visible as distinct sheaths when the back portion of exterior glove shell 102 is viewed.
Glove 100 has one or more middle layers (not shown in
Thermally moldable shaping inserts 120 and 122 are embedded in thumb sheath 114 and pinky finger sheath 112, respectively. Although
Thermally moldable shaping inserts 120 and 122 may be made of a variety of materials. In one example, shaping inserts 120 and 122 are made of (plastic). Thermally moldable shaping inserts 120 and 122 become moldable through the addition of a heat source. The amount of heat necessary to heat shaping inserts 120 and 122 to a moldable state is determined by the characteristics of the material of which inserts 120 and 122 are made. Inserts 120 and 122 may be designed to be moldable at a variety of temperatures. In one example, shaping inserts 120 and 122 are heated to about approximately (110) degrees Fahrenheit to become moldable. In another example, the material from which shaping inserts 120 and 122 are made is selected such that inserts 120 and 122 do not become moldable in temperatures encountered in typical use and storage.
In some examples, a steam heat source is used. Steam provides the dual benefit of moisture to soften and condition the leather and heat to allow molding of shaping inserts 120 and 122. In one particular example, a clothes steamer or other source of steam heat is used to heat inserts 120 and 121 to a threshold temperature at which they become pliable. In another example a hairdryer is used to heat shaping inserts 120 and 122. In still another example a food steamer is used as the heat source. In still a further example, glove 100 is encased in a moisture-retaining bag or container and placed in or near a heat source such as an oven or fireplace.
Upon heating thermally moldable shaping inserts 120 and 122 to the threshold temperature that makes inserts 120 and 122 pliable, thumb sheath 114 and pinky sheath 112 are molded or bent in the desired way. As discussed above, thumb sheath 114 and pinky sheath 112 become temporarily pliable when heated beyond a threshold temperature such that the sheaths can be molded while the threshold temperature is exceeded and retain the molded shape after cooling below the threshold temperature. After molding, thumb sheath 114 and pinky sheath 112 provide glove 100 a desired shape.
In some examples, the materials of which the exterior glove shell 102 and shaping inserts 120 and 122 are made are selected to ensure that immediately or shortly after the temperature of shaping inserts 120 and 122 are increased to the threshold temperature required for molding, the corresponding sheaths can be molded by a bare hand without burning or otherwise injuring the hand. The time during which shaping insert 120 and 122 will remain pliable after the threshold temperature is reached and the heat source is removed depends upon the material and how far beyond the threshold temperature the inserts are heated. In one example, shaping insert 120 and 122 remain pliable for about approximately (30 seconds) after the threshold temperature is reached and the heat source is removed. The shaping of glove 100 can be altered by re-heating and re-molding glove 100 after it has been previously shaped.
As can be seen clearly in
In some examples, insert 120 has holes 402 shown in
Thermally moldable shaping insert 120 can be sewn to one or more middle layers through holes 402. In other examples, insert 120 is placed between middle layers 502 and 504, and middle layers 502 and 504 are connected to each other such that insert 120 is held in place. For example, middle layers 502 and 504 can be sewn together around a portion or all of the perimeter of insert 120. Any means of connecting shaping insert 120 to one or more middle layers, external glove shell 102, or internal glove liner 104 may be used, including adhesives, lamination, staples, and pressure fitting. The connection means is designed to withstand the application of the heat required to make insert 120 moldable.
Glove 100 can be fabricated by assembling the layers. In one example, the layers of glove 100 are the layers shown in
In some examples, one or more middle layers extend substantially along an entire side or sides of glove 100. This is illustrated in
In some examples, a second desired shape is identified, and a molded insert is heated beyond the threshold temperature until the insert becomes pliable. The pliable insert is then re-molded to a second molded shape that provides the second desired shape to the glove. After allowing the insert to re-cool to a temperature below the threshold temperature, the cooled insert retains the second molded shape during normal use and storage conditions. In further examples, the inserts can be re-molded additional times to additional shapes.
Glove 100 may comprise a number of different layers connected in a number of different ways. Thermally moldable shaping inserts may be embedded in any one or combination of finger sheaths 106, 108, 110, 112 or thumb sheath 114. As discussed above, the specific way in which the one or more inserts are embedded depends upon the underlying layered structure.
In some examples, embedded thermally moldable shaping inserts are removable by the user from the finger or thumb sheath in which they are embedded without disassembling the glove. This may be accomplished, for example, through an access slit or panel in exterior glove shell 102.
The present invention encompasses baseball gloves, softball gloves, tee-ball gloves, and other gloves used to field or catch objects. In some examples, gloves in accordance with the present invention are sold with an insulating case designed to prevent unwanted heat from reaching the thermally moldable shaping inserts embedded in the thumb and/or finger sheaths of the glove.
The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative examples will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An athletic glove capable of receiving a human hand, the athletic glove comprising:
- an exterior glove shell made of a durable material;
- an interior glove liner substantially inside and connected to the exterior glove shell to form index, middle, ring, and pinky finger sheaths, a thumb sheath, and an opening capable of receiving a human hand, the opening located opposite the four finger sheaths and corresponding approximately to the wrist of a user when the glove is worn by the user with fingers of the user extending within the four finger sheaths and the thumb of the user extending within the thumb sheath;
- a glove webbing connected to and extending between the thumb sheath and the index finger sheath;
- at least one middle layer between the exterior glove shell and the inner glove liner; and
- at least one thermally moldable shaping insert embedded in a finger or thumb sheath between the exterior glove shell and the interior glove liner, the embedded insert becoming temporarily pliable when heated beyond a threshold temperature such that the insert can be molded while the threshold temperature is exceeded and retains the molded shape after the insert cools below the threshold temperature, the molded insert providing the glove a desired shape.
2. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein a thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded in the thumb sheath.
3. The athletic glove of claim 2, wherein a thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded in the pinky finger sheath.
4. The athletic glove of claim 2, wherein a thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded in each finger sheath.
5. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein at least one middle layer extends substantially along the length of each sheath in which a thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded, and wherein each thermally moldable shaping insert is attached to at least one middle layer.
6. The athletic glove of claim 5, wherein the one or more thermally moldable shaping inserts are sewn onto at least one middle layer.
7. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein at least two middle layers extend substantially along the length of each sheath in which a thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded, and wherein each insert is embedded between two middle layers.
8. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein the one or more thermally moldable shaping inserts are made of plastic, and wherein the thickness of the inserts is selected according to a desired amount of rigidity or a desired temperature at which the inserts become moldable.
9. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein the one or more thermally moldable shaping inserts are removable by the user without disassembling the glove.
10. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein each thermally moldable shaping insert is substantially as long as the sheath in which it is embedded.
11. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein the glove can be shaped by applying steam heat to the one or more thermally moldable shaping inserts in the glove.
12. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein the thermally moldable shaping inserts are designed to retain their shape under temperature conditions encountered in typical use and storage.
13. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein the length of each insert is selected to enhance performance for a playing position for which the glove is designed.
14. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein the glove is one of a baseball glove or a softball glove.
15. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein the glove is a mitt, wherein the exterior glove shell has a palm-side portion and a back portion, the palm-side portion having a palm portion, four finger portions, and a thumb portion, and wherein the four finger portions of the palm-side portion of the exterior glove shell are connected together to form a continuous piece.
16. An athletic glove capable of receiving a human hand, the athletic glove comprising:
- an exterior glove shell made of a durable material;
- an interior glove liner substantially inside and connected to the exterior glove shell to form index, middle, ring, and pinky finger sheaths, a thumb sheath, and an opening capable of receiving a human hand, the opening located opposite the four finger sheaths and corresponding approximately to the wrist of a user when the glove is worn by the user with fingers of the user extending within the four finger sheaths and the thumb of the user extending within the thumb sheath;
- a glove webbing connected to and extending between the thumb sheath and the index finger sheath;
- a middle layer between the exterior glove shell and the inner glove liner extending substantially along the length of the thumb sheath and the pinky finger sheath; and
- a thermally moldable shaping insert embedded in each of the thumb sheath and the pinky finger sheath between the exterior glove shell and the interior glove liner, the embedded inserts becoming temporarily pliable when heated beyond a threshold temperature such that the inserts can be molded while the threshold temperature is exceeded and retain the molded shape after the inserts cool below the threshold temperature, the molded inserts providing the glove a desired shape.
17. The athletic glove of claim 16, further comprising an additional middle layer between the exterior glove shell and the inner glove liner extending substantially along the length of the thumb sheath and the pinky finger sheath, wherein each insert is embedded between the two middle layers.
18. The athletic glove of claim 16, wherein the glove can be shaped by applying steam heat to the thermally moldable shaping inserts in the glove, and wherein the glove is designed to retain its shape under temperature conditions encountered in typical use and storage.
19. A method for shaping an athletic glove capable of receiving a human hand, the method comprising:
- providing an athletic glove having at least one embedded thermally moldable shaping insert;
- heating the at least one insert beyond a threshold temperature until the insert is temporarily pliable;
- molding the at least one pliable insert to a first molded shape that provides a first desired shape to the glove; and
- allowing the insert to cool to a temperature below the threshold temperature such that the cooled insert retains the first molded shape during normal use and storage conditions.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
- identifying a second desired shape;
- heating at least one molded insert beyond the threshold temperature until the insert is temporarily pliable;
- re-molding the pliable insert to a second molded shape that provides the second desired shape to the glove; and
- allowing the insert to re-cool to a temperature below the threshold temperature such that the re-cooled insert retains the second molded shape during normal use and storage conditions.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 14, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 19, 2012
Applicant: Nike, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
Inventor: Mark McNamee (Portland, OR)
Application Number: 13/007,343
International Classification: A63B 71/14 (20060101); A41D 19/01 (20060101);