Glove With Thermally Moldable Shaping Inserts

Abstract

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to athletic gloves. More particularly, the present invention relates to athletic gloves with a thermally moldable shaping insert.

BACKGROUND

Athletic 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.

SUMMARY

This 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an athletic glove with thermally moldable shaping inserts embedded in the thumb and pinky finger sheaths;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the athletic glove of FIG. 1 shaped with the thumb and pinky finger sheaths bent slightly inward;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the athletic glove of FIG. 1 shaped with the thumb and pinky finger sheaths flared slightly outward;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a thermally moldable shaping insert;

FIG. 5 is an exploded partial elevation view of a thermally moldable shaping insert and exterior shell, middle, and interior layers;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view a middle layer with two thermally moldable shaping inserts attached; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for constructing and shaping a glove having a thermally moldable insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 FIGS. 1-7.

FIG. 1 illustrates an athletic glove 100. Glove 100 comprises exterior glove shell 102. Exterior glove shell 102 is made of a durable material such as leather or synthetic leather. Interior glove liner 104 is substantially inside exterior glove shell 102 and is connected to exterior glove shell 102 to form index finger sheath 106, middle finger sheath 108, ring finger sheath 110, pinky finger sheath 112, thumb sheath 114, and opening 116. Opening 116 is capable of receiving a human hand and is located opposite finger sheaths 106, 108, 110, and 112.

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 FIG. 1) between exterior glove shell 102 and interior glove liner 104. Middle layers often provide support and rigidity to glove 100. In some examples, middle layers are made of felt. In other examples, middle layers are made of leather. If a particular thickness is desired, additional layers of felt can be used to provide the desired thickness. Padded middle layers may be located in the area of glove 100 corresponding to the palm of a user's hand to provide cushioning for catching or fielding a ball. In some examples, exterior glove shell 102 is thicker in the palm area to provide cushioning.

Thermally moldable shaping inserts 120 and 122 are embedded in thumb sheath 114 and pinky finger sheath 112, respectively. Although FIG. 1 shows two thermally moldable shaping inserts, examples are contemplated having a shaping insert in any finger or thumb sheath or combination of finger and thumb sheaths. In one example, one or more thermally moldable shaping inserts are retained in glove webbing 118. In another example, glove 100 only has insert 120. In still other examples, glove 100 has a thermally moldable shaping insert in thumb sheath 114 and each finger sheath.

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.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate glove 100 shaped to enhance the performance of a player wearing glove 100. In FIGS. 2 and 3, thermally moldable shaping inserts 120 and 122 have been heated until they were moldable. Pinky finger sheath 112 and thumb sheath 114 were then shaped. FIG. 2 illustrates glove 100 with pinky finger sheath 112 and thumb sheath 114 bent slightly inward. Shaping glove 100 in a slightly inward-bending form causes glove 100 to naturally collapse closed when a ball is fielded or caught. Some players prefer a glove with such characteristics to aid them in retaining possession of the ball in the glove.

FIG. 3 illustrates glove 100 with pinky finger sheath 112 and thumb sheath 114 bent slightly outward. Shaping glove 100 in a slightly outward-bending (flaring) form provides a wider mouth for fielding a ball. A flaring glove shape is preferred by some players to enhance their fielding ability.

FIG. 4 shows thermally moldable shaping insert 120 in more detail. Insert 120 is largely rectangular with rounded corners in a “popsicle stick” shape. In some examples, insert 120 is rectangular. In other examples, insert 120 is substantially oval shaped. In still other examples, insert 120 tapers from one end to the other. Insert 120 can be any shape that can be embedded in a finger or thumb sheath. The thickness of insert 120 can be selected according to a desired amount of rigidity or a desired temperature at which insert 120 becomes moldable.

As can be seen clearly in FIG. 1, insert 120 is substantially as long as thumb sheath 114, and insert 122 is substantially as long as pinky finger sheath 112. In some examples, the length of each shaping insert is substantially as long as the corresponding finger or thumb sheath. The length of insert 120 and any other thermally moldable shaping inserts embedded in glove 100 can also be selected to enhance performance for a playing position for which the glove is designed. Shorter or longer gloves and shorter or longer shaping inserts can be selected according to the demands of a particular playing position and/or individual.

In some examples, insert 120 has holes 402 shown in FIG. 4. Insert 120 can be embedded in thumb sheath 114 by sewing insert 120 to the middle layer through holes 402. Insert 120 can also be attached directly to exterior glove shell 102 or interior glove liner 104. In some examples, at least one middle layer extends substantially along the length of each sheath in which a thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded, and each insert is attached to at least one middle layer. In other examples, at least two middle layers extend substantially along the length of each sheath in which a thermally moldable shaping insert is embedded, and each insert is embedded between two middle layers. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by “exploding” the various layers.

FIG. 5 illustrates exterior glove shell 102, middle layer 502, thermally moldable shaping insert 120, middle layer 504, and interior glove liner 104. Glove 100 may comprise additional middle layers. Insert 120 is embedded between two middle layers 502 and 504. In some examples, insert 120 is attached to both middle layers. In other examples, insert 120 is attached to only one middle layer. Only a representative portion of exterior glove shell 102, middle layers 502 and 504, and interior glove liner 104 are shown to illustrate an example of how insert 120 can be embedded in thumb sheath 114. Insert 120 can be embedded in the portion of thumb sheath 120 corresponding to the front, back, or either side of a user's thumb when the glove is worn.

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 FIG. 5. At least one thermally moldable shaping insert can be attached to a middle layer. In some examples, the insert is sewn to the middle layer. Additional middle layers can be added. The middle layers can then be attached to one or both of the external glove shell or the internal glove liner. In some examples, the middle layers with attached inserts are placed between the interior glove liner and exterior glove shell, and the shell and liner are stitched together or otherwise attached.

In some examples, one or more middle layers extend substantially along an entire side or sides of glove 100. This is illustrated in FIG. 6. Middle layer 504 comprises portions 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 extending substantially the length of each finger and thumb sheath of glove 100 as well as a central portion 612 and a webbing portion 614. Inserts 120 and 122 are attached to middle layer 504, which is located between exterior glove shell 102 and interior glove liner 104. Middle layer 504 may be located on the side of the glove corresponding to the back or palm of a user's hand.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method 700 for constructing and shaping a glove having a thermally moldable insert. In step 702, glove layers are cut according to the design for the glove. Glove layers may comprise an exterior glove shell, an interior glove liner, and at least one middle layer. Each layer may comprise multiple pieces of material. In step 704, at least one thermally moldable insert is formed. The formed shape of the at least one thermally moldable insert may be selected to correspond to the intended placement in the glove. In step 706, the glove layers are affixed in a manner to create a glove. The at least one thermally moldable inserts are retained between glove layers. In step 708, at least one insert is heated beyond a threshold temperature until the insert is temporarily pliable. The heat source may be steam heat, produced, for example, by a clothes steamer or other source, or radiant heat, produced, for example, by a space heater, heat lamp, oven, hairdryer, or other source. In step 710, the pliable insert is molded to a first molded shape that provides a first desired shape to the glove. The insert is allowed to cool to a temperature below the threshold temperature in step 712. In step 714, during normal use and storage conditions, the insert retains its molded shape after cooling, giving the glove the first desired shape.

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.