ATHLETIC GLOVE

Abstract

Disclosed is an athletic glove comprising a pair of finger pads on the dorsal surface of each finger portion, a dorsal pad extending between the metacarpophalangeal finger joints and the metacarpals when worn, and a lateral pad.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/587,599 filed 17 Jan. 2012, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION

Gloves that provide hand protection are needed in many situations such as sporting events. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,712 discloses a batting glove with shield. U.S. Pat. No. D551395 describes an ornamental design for a protective athletic glove. However, neither of these references discloses a glove which comprises padding that protects the lateral edge of the hand.

SUMMARY

The present inventor discloses a glove comprising a palm portion, a dorsal surface, four finger portions and a thumb portion; a pair of finger pads on the dorsal surface of each finger portion, each finger pad covering a proximal phalange bone or a proximal interphalangeal joint when worn; a dorsal pad extending between the metacarpophalangeal finger joints and the metacarpals when worn; and a lateral pad.

In various embodiments, a lateral pad of the present teachings can extend between the distal ulna and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn. In some embodiments, a lateral pad can extend between the Innate bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn. In some embodiments the lateral pad can extend between the triquetral hone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn. In some embodiments, a lateral pad can extend between the pisiform bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn. In some embodiments, a lateral pad can cover the fifth metacarpal, the lunate, the triquetral, the pisiform and the distal ulna bones when worn. In some embodiments, a lateral pad can cover the fifth metacarpal, the lunate, the triquetral, and the pisiform hones when worn. In various embodiments of the present teachings, a lateral pad can comprise a soft foam material.

In various embodiments, each finger pad can comprise soft foam. In some configurations, the soft foam can comprise a soft foam rubber material such as latex and/or a polymer such as polyurethane and/or polystyrene.

In various embodiments of the present teachings, a dorsal pad can comprise a soft foam material, in some configurations, a dorsal pad can comprise a substantially incompressible, hard plate which can be, for example a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plate. In some configurations, a dorsal pad can comprise a combination of a hard plate and a soft foam cushion. In various configurations, a soft foam cushion can comprise soft foam rubber such as latex, and/or a polymer such as polyurethane and/or polystyrene. In various configurations, a hard plate of a dorsal pad can be situated dorsal to the soft foam when worn. In various configurations, a soft cushion of a dorsal pad can be situated dorsal to a hard plate when worn. In various configurations, one or more soft cushions and one or more hard plates can be configured in alternating layers. In various configurations, other materials can be used instead or in addition to PVC and foam such as, without limitation, Kevlar, carbon composites, gels, and/or various plastics.

In various configurations, the palm portion, the dorsal surface, the finger portions and the thumb portion can each comprise leather. In some embodiments, the palm portion, the dorsal surface, the finger portions and the thumb portion can each comprise cabreta leather.

In some embodiments, each finger portion can comprise a shock-absorbing material. In some configurations, the shock-absorbing material can comprise slow recovery foam.

In various embodiments, a glove of the present teachings can further comprise a wrist portion. In some configurations, a wrist portion can comprise an elastic material and/or a reversible attachment. In various configurations, the reversible attachment can be at least one hook/loop (Velcro®) attachment, at least one button/buttonhole; at least one hook/eye, at least one snap, at least one zipper, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, the reversible attachment can be at least one Velcro® attachment.

In some embodiments, each finger portion can comprise lycra material in addition to or instead of leather.

In some embodiments, each finger portion can comprise at least one substantially rectangular aperture situated dorsal to a phalangeal bone when worn. In some embodiments, the phalangeal bone can be a middle phalangeal bone. In some embodiments, an at least one substantially rectangular aperture can consist of two substantially rectangular apertures. In some embodiments, an at least one substantially rectangular aperture can consist of one substantially rectangular aperture. In some embodiments, an at least one substantially rectangular aperture can consist of three substantially rectangular apertures.

The present invention includes, without limitation, the following aspects:

1. A glove comprising:

• • A palm portion, a dorsal portion, four finger portions and a thumb portion;
  • A pair of finger pads on the dorsal surface of each finger portion, each finger pad covering a proximal phalange bone or a proximal interphalangeal joint when worn;
  • a dorsal pad extending between the metacarpophalangeal finger joints and the metacarpals when worn; and
  • a lateral pad.

2. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the lateral pad extends between the distal ulna and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn.

3. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the lateral pad extends between the lunate bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn.

4. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the lateral pad extends between the triquetral bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn.

5. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the lateral pad extends between the pisiform bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn.

6. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the lateral pad covers the fifth metacarpal, the lunate, the triquetral, the pisiform and the distal ulna bones when worn.

7. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the lateral pad covers the fifth metacarpal, the lunate, the triquetral, and the pisiform bones when worn.

8. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein each finger pad comprises soft foam.

9. A glove in accordance with aspect 8, wherein the soft foam is soft foam rubber.

10. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the dorsal pad comprises soft foam.

11. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the dorsal pad comprises polyvinyl chloride.

12. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the dorsal pad comprises polyvinyl chloride and soft foam.

13. A glove in accordance with aspect 12, wherein the polyvinyl chloride is dorsal to the soft foam when worn.

14. A glove in accordance with any one of aspects 10, 12 and 13c, wherein the soft foam is soft foam rubber.

15. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the palm portion, the dorsal surface, the finger portions and the thumb portion each comprises leather.

16. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the palm portion, the dorsal surface, the finger portions and the thumb portion each comprises cabreta leather.

17. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein each finger pad comprises a shock-absorbing material.

18. A glove in accordance with aspect 17, wherein the shock-absorbing material comprises a slow recovery foam.

19. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, further comprising a wrist portion.

20. A glove in accordance with aspect 19, wherein the wrist portion comprises an elastic material.

21. A glove in accordance with aspect 19, wherein the wrist portion comprises a reversible attachment.

22. A glove in accordance with aspect 21, wherein the reversible attachment is selected from the group consisting of at least one Velcro® attachment, at least one button/buttonhole; at least one hook/eye, at least one snap, at least one zipper, and a combination thereof.

23. A glove in accordance with aspect 21, wherein the reversible attachment is at least one Velcro® attachment.

24. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein each finger portion comprises lycra material.

25. A glove in accordance with aspect 1, wherein each finger portion comprises at least one substantially rectangular aperture situated dorsal to a phalangeal bone when worn.

26. A glove in accordance with aspect 25, wherein the phalangeal bone is a middle phalangeal bone.

27. A glove in accordance with aspect 25, wherein the at least one substantially rectangular aperture consists of two substantially rectangular apertures.

28. A glove in accordance with aspect 25, wherein the at least one substantially rectangular aperture consists of one substantially rectangular aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-8 each illustrate a glove of the present teachings viewed from a perspective. Only a left-handed glove is illustrated. A right-handed glove, not shown, is symmetrical with a left-handed glove.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dorsal view of glove as worn.

FIG. 2 illustrates a ventral view of a glove as worn.

FIG. 3 illustrates a dorsal view of a glove.

FIG. 4 illustrates an edge view of a glove with the thumb towards viewer.

FIG. 5 illustrates an edge view of a glove with the wrist portion towards viewer.

FIG. 6 illustrates a ventral view of a glove.

FIG. 7 illustrates an edge view of a glove with the thumb away from viewer.

FIG. 8 illustrates an edge view of a glove with the finger portions towards viewer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventor has developed a glove that can provide protection to a hand. A glove of the present teachings can be useful in any situation in which protection of a hand is desired, such as, for example, when there is risk of hand injury. For example and without limitation, a glove of the present teachings can provide hand protection when worn during an athletic competition such as when batting a baseball game, at a building construction site, or during a military operation.

References to hand anatomy herein, such as, for example, when an aspect of a glove is described as “when worn,” are for clarity of description of glove structure and are not intended to limit the scope of any claim, unless the context indicates otherwise. That is, a glove of the present teachings has a structure described herein, irrespective of whether it is worn by a person.

In various embodiments, a glove 10 of the present teachings can comprise leather material, such as, and without limitation, cabreta leather. A glove of the present teachings can further or alternatively comprise other fabric materials in addition to or instead of leather. A glove of the present teachings can further comprise stitching, such as, for example, double stitching.

In various embodiments, a glove of the present teachings can be constructed using methods known to skilled artisans, including cutting, sewing, and/or gluing of component materials.

In various embodiments, a glove of the present teachings comprises a palm portion 11, a dorsal portion overlying the back of the hand, and a lateral pad 13 that overlays the lateral side of the hand, e.g., extending between the wrist and the 5^th digit when worn.

In various configurations, lateral pad 13 can be contiguous with palm portion 11 and/or dorsal portion 12, or can be attached to palm portion 11 and/or to dorsal portion 12. In some configurations, the attachment can be an irreversible attachment, or a reversible attachment. In some configurations, lateral pad 13 can be substantially hidden when glove 10 is viewed externally. In some configurations, lateral pad 13 can be readily apparent when glove 10 is viewed externally.

In various configurations, lateral pad 13 can extend between the distal ulna and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn. In some embodiments, lateral pad 13 can extend between the lunate bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn. In some embodiments lateral pad 13 can extend between the triquetral bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn. In various embodiments, lateral pad 13 can extend between the pisiform bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn. In some embodiments, lateral pad 13 can cover the fifth metacarpal, the lunate, the triquetral, the pisiform and the distal ulna bones when worn. In some embodiments, lateral pad 13 can cover the fifth metacarpal, the lunate, the triquetral, and the pisiform bones when worn. In various embodiments, lateral pad 13 can comprise a soft foam material, which can be, without limitation, an aerated matrix comprising a natural foam rubber such as latex, and/or a polymer such as, for example, polyurethane and/or polystyrene. In various embodiments, a lateral pad 13 can have an maximal thickness 21 ranging from 1 mm up to 30 mm, from 2 mm up to 25 mm, from 3 mm up to 20 mm, from 5 mm up to 15 mm, from 7 mm up to 10 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, or about 30 mm.

In various embodiments, the dorsal portion of a glove of the present teachings can comprise a dorsal pad 22. In various configurations, a dorsal pad 22 can extend between the metacarpophalangeal finger joints and the metacarpals when worn. In various configurations, a dorsal pad can comprise a soft foam material, which can be, without limitation, an aerated matrix comprising a natural foam rubber such as latex, and/or a polymer such as, for example, polyurethane and/or polystyrene. In various configurations, a dorsal pad can comprise an substantially incompressible, substantially planar material such as, for example, a polyvinyl chloride sheet. A substantially planar portion of a dorsal pad can have a thickness of, without limitation, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, or about 5 mm. In some configurations, a dorsal pad can comprise an incompressible, substantially planar portion 23 and a soft foam portion 24. In various configurations, the thickness of a dorsal pad can be from 2 mm to 30 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm or about 30 mm. In various configurations, the polyvinyl chloride sheet of a dorsal pad can be dorsal to the soft foam when worn in various configurations, the soft foam polyvinyl chloride of a dorsal pad can be dorsal to polyvinyl chloride sheet the when worn.

In various embodiments, a glove 10 of the present teachings can further comprise four finger portions. When worn, each finger portion 14, 15, 16 and 17 can cover the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th digits, respectively. In various embodiments, the dorsal surface of each finger portion can further comprise a first finger pad 18 and a second finger pad 19. In various configurations, when worn, each first finger pad can cover a proximal phalange bone. In various configurations, when worn, each second finger pad can cover a proximal interphalangeal joint. In various configurations, each finger pad can comprise soft foam. In some embodiments, the soft foam can be soft foam rubber. In some embodiments, each finger portion can comprise lycra material.

In some embodiments, each finger portion can comprise one or more apertures 27. In some embodiments, each finger portion can comprise at least one substantially rectangular aperture. In various configurations, the one or more apertures can be situated dorsal to a phalangeal bone when worn. In some embodiments, the phalangeal bone can be a middle phalangeal bone. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially rectangular aperture can consist of two substantially rectangular apertures. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially rectangular aperture can consist of one substantially rectangular aperture. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially rectangular aperture can consist of three substantially rectangular apertures. In various configurations, a substantially rectangular aperture can have a width of from 1 mm to 3 mm, or of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, or about 3 mm. In various configurations, a substantially rectangular aperture can have a length of from 4 mm to 12 mm, or of about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, or about 12 mm.

In various embodiments, a glove of the present teachings can further comprise a thumb portion 20 that, when worn, covers the thumb.

In various configurations, the palm portion, the dorsal surface, the finger portions and the thumb portion can each comprise leather. In some embodiments, the palm portion, the dorsal surface, the finger portions and the thumb portion can each comprise cabreta leather. In some configurations, the cabreta leather can be premium grade cabreta leather. In some configurations, a thumb portion can further comprise on the dorsal side an elastic region 28 comprising an elastic material such as, for example, stretch lycra.

In various embodiments, each finger portion or pad described herein can comprise a shock-absorbing material. In some configurations, the shock-absorbing material can comprise slow recovery foam.

In various embodiments, a glove of the present teachings can further comprise a wrist portion. In some configurations, the wrist portion can comprise a reversible attachment. In various configurations, the reversible attachment can be at least one hook/loop (Velcro®) attachment, at least one button/buttonhole; at least one hook/eye, at least one snap, at least one zipper, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, the reversible attachment can be at least one Velcro® attachment 25. In some configurations, when worn, the Velcro® can be situated dorsal to the wearer's wrist. In various configurations, the Velcro® can be used to secure the glove to the wearer's hand along the wearer's wrist. In various embodiments, a wrist portion of a glove of the present teachings can comprise elastic portion 26 comprising an elastic material such as, for example, stretch lycra.

In various configurations, a glove of the present teachings can be used, for example and without limitation, as a batting glove during a baseball game. In various configurations, a glove of the present teachings, when worn by a baseball player, can permit a batter to maintain a strong grip on a baseball bat while pads of the glove provide hand protection. In some configurations, a glove of the present teachings, when worn, can protect a hand from impact injury due to, e.g., a wild pitch.

In various embodiments, a glove of the present teachings can be used in many sports situations in addition to baseball in which hand protection is desired, such as, for example and without limitation, during a game of football, hockey or rugby.

In various embodiments, a glove of the present teachings can be used in an industrial setting, such as, for example and without limitation, at a construction site in which a worker may be at risk for a hand injury.

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference, each in its entirety.

Claims

1. A glove comprising:

A palm portion, a dorsal portion, four finger portions and a thumb portion;

A pair of finger pads on the dorsal surface of each finger portion, each finger pad covering a proximal phalange bone or a proximal interphalangeal joint when worn;

a dorsal pad extending between the metacarpophalangeal finger joints and the metacarpals when worn; and

a lateral pad.

2. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lateral pad extends between the distal ulna and fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn.

3. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lateral pad extends between the lunate bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn.

4. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lateral pad extends between the triquetral bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn.

5. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lateral pad extends between the pisiform bone and the fifth metacarpophalangeal finger joint when worn.

6. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lateral pad covers the fifth metacarpal, the lunate, the triquetral, the pisiform and the distal ulna bones when worn.

7. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lateral pad covers the fifth metacarpal, the lunate, the triquetral, and the pisiform bones when worn.

8. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein each finger pad comprises soft foam.

9. A glove in accordance with claim 8, wherein the soft foam is soft foam rubber.

10. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the dorsal pad comprises polyvinyl chloride and soft foam, and wherein the polyvinyl chloride is dorsal to the soft foam when worn.

11. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the palm portion, the dorsal surface, the finger portions and the thumb portion each comprises leather.

12. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein the palm portion, the dorsal surface, the finger portions and the thumb portion each comprises cabreta leather.

13. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein each finger pad comprises a shock-absorbing material.

14. A glove in accordance with claim 13, wherein the shock-absorbing material comprises a slow recovery foam.

15. A glove in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a wrist portion comprising an elastic material.

16. A glove in accordance with claim 15, wherein the wrist portion comprises a reversible attachment.

17. A glove in accordance with claim 16, wherein the reversible attachment is selected from the group consisting of at least one Velcro® attachment, at least one button/buttonhole; at least one hook/eye, at least one snap, at least one zipper, and a combination thereof.

18. A glove in accordance with claim 16, wherein the reversible attachment is at least one Velcro® attachment.

19. A glove in accordance with claim 1, wherein each finger portion comprises at least one substantially rectangular aperture situated dorsal to a middle phalangeal bone when worn.

20. A glove in accordance with claim 19, wherein the at least one substantially rectangular aperture consists of two substantially rectangular apertures.