Work and Sports Glove System

Abstract

An improved work and sports glove system comprising a shaped and padded palmar component with four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeve attached to the palmar component. Attachment points are mounted to the dorsal sections of the four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve where molded perspiration absorbing materials may be removably attached to the attachment points. The molded perspiration absorbing material may be shaped so as to create a squeegee-like blade at one end, and the material may be customized in the form of differing colors and having objects such as letters to provide users of the system the opportunity to design and personalize a set of gloves. The improved work and glove system may include a shaped dorsal hand component which covers the back of the hand so as to create fingerless workout gloves or standard work gloves to provide a more efficient and disposable perspiration absorbing system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

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FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of gloves. More specifically, the present invention relates to a work and sports glove system which includes shaped, detachable and customizable pads and/or perspiration control elements.

2. Description of the Related Art

A glove is a garment which covers the hand. Gloves protect and comfort hands against cold or heat. Gloves may protect hands against damage by friction, abrasion or chemicals, and disease; or in turn to provide a guard for what a bare hand should not touch. Gloves have separate sheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb; if there is an opening but no (or a short) covering sheath for each finger they are called fingerless gloves. Several varieties of fingerless gloves have entered the sports and fitness market. And because of their popularity, fingerless gloves have been developed for work purposes as well.

With the advent of a new sports and workout regimen known by the registered trademark, CrossFit®, a whole new fitness movement has come into existence. CrossFit® is a strength and conditioning program consisting mainly of a mix of aerobic exercise, calisthenics (body weight exercises), and Olympic weightlifting. The workout regimen has been described as “constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity across broad time and modal domains,” with the stated goal of improving and individual's overall physical fitness. Programs offered at affiliated gyms typically include a warm-up, a skill development segment, the high-intensity “workout of the day,” and a period of individual or group stretching. Some gyms also often have a strength focused movement prior to the workout of the day. Performance on each workout of the day is often scored and/or ranked to encourage competition and to track individual progress. Some affiliates who run training centers under the CrossFit® brand offer additional classes, such as Olympic weightlifting, which are not centered around typical workouts of the day.

The intensity of CrossFit® style workouts have created the demand for an improved work and sports glove system. Not only must gloves be durable enough to withstand the frictional forces involved with weightlifting and calisthenics, but gloves must also be able to provide a user with a means of quickly removing perspiration from the user's face and body.

Limitations in the prior art do not provide for a perspiration absorbing system designed to be implemented with the latest styles of fingerless gloves capable of withstanding the rigors of a CrossFit® workout while providing the user a means for wiping perspiration from the face and body. As such, there currently exists the need for a work and sports glove system with an attachable and detachable perspiration-absorbing and perspiration-wiping system not only designed to accommodate the CrossFit® workout, but can be applied to other fitness gloves, multi-purpose sporting gloves, outdoor and military gloves, and recreational gloves.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a work and sports glove system with an attachable and detachable perspiration-absorbing and perspiration-wiping system not only designed to accommodate the CrossFit® workout, but can be applied to other fitness gloves, multi-purpose sporting gloves, outdoor and military gloves, and recreational gloves. Deriving its inspiration from the minimalistic appearance of weightlifting gloves, the exemplary work and sports glove system employs its perspiration absorbing and wiping system on the knuckles or proximal phalanges and the thumb.

The work and sports glove system is comprised of a shaped and padded shaped palmar component with four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeve attached to the palmar component. Attachment points are mounted to the dorsal sections of the four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve where molded perspiration absorbing pads may be removably attached to the attachment points. The molded perspiration absorbing material may be shaped so as to create a squeegee-like blade at one end providing the user a more efficient means of wiping away perspiration. The molded perspiration absorbing pads may be customized in the form of differing colors and having objects such as letters to provide users of the system the opportunity to design and personalize a set of gloves.

Though minimalistic in nature, alternative embodiments of the work and sports glove system may include a shaped dorsal hand component which covers the back of the hand so as to create fingerless workout gloves or standard work gloves to provide a more efficient and disposable perspiration absorbing system. Such a system is capable of providing a user different types of gloves for both work and sports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention directed by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exemplary work and sports glove system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary work and sports glove system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary work and sports glove system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a shaped perspiration absorbing pad in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a single piece perspiration absorbent knuckle attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the exemplary work and sports glove system in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be understood that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes all equivalents known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described. But any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein should also be understood to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

References to “one embodiment,” “one variant,” “an embodiment,” “a variant,” “various embodiments,” “numerous variants,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include particular features, structures, or characteristics. However, not every embodiment or variant necessarily includes the particular features, structures, or characteristics. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” or “a variant,” or “another variant,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment although they may. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments and/or variants of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing the optimal manufacture or commercial implementation of such a work and sports glove system. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art.

The exemplary work and sports glove system will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exemplary work and sports glove system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the exemplary work and sports glove system comprises a shaped palmar component 102 which may assume numerous shapes and sizes so as to conform to the palm of a human hand. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the material used for the palmar component 102 is a leather or leather-like material. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that such leather-like material may be made out of numerous materials such as, but not limited to, elastic polyesters, microfiber cloth, leather, leather substitutes, cotton, or nylon. Padding 116 may be sewn into the palmar component to further enhance the palmar component 102.

Attached to the shaped palmar component is a thumb sleeve 104 and four finger sleeves 106. The thumb sleeve 104 and finger sleeves 106 may be made out of numerous materials such as, but not limited to, elastic polyesters, microfiber cloth, leather, leather substitutes, cotton, nylon, and other materials readily appreciated in the art. The finger sleeves may assume the configuration of a simple loop made of an elastic material or the finger sleeves may be made from sewn swatches of leather or a leather-like fabric to create a more durable finger sleeve. Attached to the dorsal side of the thumb sleeve is an attachment point 108 for a shaped perspiration absorbing pad 112. The shaped perspiration absorbing pads 112 are larger in area than the attachment point 108. Attached to the dorsal side of each finger sleeve 106 attachment points 110 for shaped perspiration absorbing pads 114. As with the thumb sleeve, the shaped perspiration absorbing pads 114 are larger in area than the attachment points 110.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the attachment points may be attached to the finger and thumb sleeves by various methods such as, but not limited to, sewing or the use of fabric adhesives. It will be further appreciated by persons having skill in the art that the shaped perspiration absorbing pads may be removably attached to the exemplary work and sports glove system by, but not limited to, a hook and eye fastening system often referred to by the trade name Velcro®.

Attached to the proximal end 118 of the shaped palmar component 102 is an adjustable wrist strap 120 with a fastening means attached to the end of the wrist strap. Such a wrist strap may be made out of numerous materials such as, but not limited to, elastic polyesters, microfiber cloth, leather, leather substitutes, cotton, or nylon. An attachment point 122 is located at the distal end of the wrist strap. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such an attachment point could be made from numerous types of attachment materials such as, but not limited to, a hook and eye fastening material or snap fasteners.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary work and sports glove system. In this view, the adjustable wrist strap 120 is shown wrapped around the wrist and secured in place. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the attachment points and perspiration absorbing pads as described in FIG. 1 are readily implementable in this embodiment.

In such an alternative embodiment of the invention, a shaped dorsal hand cover 202 is attached to the shaped palmar component as referenced in FIG. 1 and may be used to create fingerless sleeves for the thumb and fingers. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that such components may assume differing sizes and shapes, and can be attached using numerous techniques and materials, such as, but not limited to, connecting the palmar component and shaped dorsal hand cover 202 with fabric swatches sewn to the shaped palmar component and shaped dorsal hand cover 202. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the material used for the shaped dorsal hand cover 202 is a leather or leather-like material. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that such leather-like material may be made out of numerous materials such as, but not limited to, elastic polyesters, microfiber cloth, leather, leather substitutes, cotton, or nylon. Ventilation holes 204 may be created to allow for greater airflow and hand cooling capabilities. Just as referenced in FIG. 1, the dorsal side of each finger sleeve has attachment points for shaped perspiration absorbing pads. As with the thumb sleeve, the shaped perspiration absorbing pads 114 are larger in area than the attachment points 110. Along the entire thumb line, from the proximal phalanx to the distal metacarpal, fastening means 206 has been attached to the dorsal hand cover. A shaped perspiration absorbing pad 208 runs the length of the thumb line. The shaped perspiration absorbing pad 208 employs a fastening means 206 making it capable of easily attaching and detaching from the thumb line. The perspiration absorbing pad 208 is shaped so as to create a squeegee-like blade 210 at one end of the shaped perspiration absorbing pad. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that such a shaped perspiration absorbing pad may be made from materials such as, but not limited to, foam, cloth, or sponge.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary work and sports glove system. In this view, the adjustable wrist strap 120 is shown wrapped around the wrist and secured in place. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the attachment points and perspiration absorbing pads as described in FIG. 1 are readily implementable in this embodiment. And just as referenced in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the dorsal side of each finger sleeve has attachment points for shaped perspiration absorbing pads, and an attachment point and shaped perspiration absorbing pad runs the length of the thumb line.

In such an embodiment of the invention, a shaped dorsal hand cover as referenced in FIG. 2 is attached to the shaped palmar component as referenced in FIG. 1 to create full length sleeves 302 for the thumb and fingers. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that the shaped palmar component and shaped dorsal hand cover may be sewn together using numerous techniques and materials. In an embodiment of the invention, a mounting area 304 for components such as electronics or a belongings pouch is provided.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a shaped perspiration absorbing pad 402 capable of running the length of the thumb line. The shaped perspiration absorbing pad 402 employs a fastening means 406 making it capable of easily attaching and detaching from the thumb line. The shaped perspiration absorbing pad 402 is shaped so as to create a squeegee-like blade 404 at one end of the shaped perspiration absorbing pad. Such a shape enables users to not only wipe away perspiration from places such as the forehead, but to absorb it as well. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the absorbing pad is made from microfiber material constructed from polyesters and polyamides. The squeegee-like blade 404 at one end of each pad may be created by folding one end over itself one or more times and secured by an adhesive or stitching; or it could be molded from materials readily understood by persons skilled in the art such as foam; or it could further be a laminate created by multiple layers of material and then shaped. Persons having skill in the art will further appreciate that such a shaped perspiration absorbing pad may be made from materials such as, but not limited to foam, cloth, or sponge.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a single piece shaped perspiration absorbing pad 408. In an embodiment of the invention, a single molded perspiration absorbing pad is offered in place of four units to cover the four finger sleeves. Such an embodiment could be easily produced and sold as one-time use products at locations such as, but not limited to, gymnasiums, sporting events or work sites. A logo could be printed or silkscreened on the absorbing pad for advertising purposes.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the exemplary work and sports glove system in use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As viewed, the shaped perspiration absorbing pads are customizable to create personal statements 502. Such attachments may be created and sold separately, or purchasers of such attachments may customize the attachments themselves.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the work and sports glove system, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing the work and sports glove system according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the work and sports glove system may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, work and sports glove system described in the foregoing was principally directed to the casting of manhole components. However, similar techniques may instead be applied to other construction methods which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. Such possibilities include, but are not limited to, building or other fixed structure or concrete pipe construction. More particularly, the main barrel sections may be fitted together and laid horizontally to create stronger pipes and sanitary sewer mains. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Although specific features of the work and sports glove system are shown in some drawings and not others, persons skilled in the art will understand that this is for convenience. Each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. The words “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively, and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims to be added at a later date.

Any amendment presented during the prosecution of the application for this patent is not a disclaimer of any claim element presented in the description or claims to be filed. Persons skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim that would literally encompass each and every equivalent.

Claims

1. A work and sports glove system comprising:

A shaped palmar component;

A thumb sleeve;

Four finger sleeves;

A wrist strap for securing the glove system to the hand;

Attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves and the distal metacarpal and proximal phalanx sections of the said thumb sleeve; and

Removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve.

2. The work and sports glove system recited in claim 1 wherein the palm component is made of a leather or leather-like material.

3. The work and sports glove system recited in claim 1 wherein the palm component is padded.

4. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve are made of leather, leather-like, or an elastic material.

5. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx section of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve consists of a hook and eye attachment system.

6. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the wrist strap is attached to the proximal end of the palmar component and wraps around a user's wrist and attaches to the said wrist strap.

7. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve are shaped at one end to function as a squeegee to wipe away perspiration.

8. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve may accommodate images or letters so as to create an individualized appearance.

9. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein a single removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing pad which attaches to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves is used.

10. A work and sports glove system comprising:

A shaped palmar component;

A shaped dorsal hand cover;

A thumb sleeve;

Four finger sleeves;

A wrist strap for securing the glove system to the hand;

Attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves and the distal metacarpal and proximal phalanx sections of the said thumb sleeve; and

Removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve.

11. The work and sports glove system recited in claim 10 wherein the palm component is made of a leather or leather-like material.

12. The work and sports glove system recited in claim 10 wherein the palm component is padded.

13. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 10, wherein the dorsal hand cover is attached to the palmar component to create the four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve.

14. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 10, wherein the four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve are made of an elastic material.

15. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 10, wherein the attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx section of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve consists of a hook and eye attachment system.

16. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 10, further comprising a wrist strap attached to the proximal end of the palmar component which wraps around a user's wrist and attaches to the said wrist strap.

17. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 10, wherein the removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve are shaped at one end to function as a squeegee to wipe away perspiration.

18. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 10, wherein the removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve may accommodate images or letters so as to create an individualized appearance.

19. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein a single removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing pad which attaches to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves is used.

20. An improved work and sports glove system, the improvement comprising:

the addition of detachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads on the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx region of the finger sleeves and along the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx and distal metacarpal region of the thumb sleeve, the said detachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads being made of a perspiration absorbing material and shaped in a way so as to form a squeegee at one end; with said detachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads being capable of accommodating images or letters so as to create an individualized appearance.