U.S. patent application number 10/384003 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for grip-enhancing material.
Invention is credited to Albert, David M..
Application Number | 20040025224 10/384003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31499491 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040025224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Albert, David M. |
February 12, 2004 |
Grip-enhancing material
Abstract
A grip-enhancing material for preventing two objects in contact
with each other from slipping is disclosed herein. The
grip-enhancing material of the present invention includes a
plurality of recesses, such as suction cups, positioned on a base
material. The suction cups may be connected to the base material by
a stem or may be connected directly to the base material. The base
material can be affixed to a first object and the grip-enhancing
material engages a smooth surface of a second object upon contact
through suction and/or friction forces. In one application, the
grip-enhancing material may be applied to prevent heavy objects
placed on smooth surfaces from slipping. In another application,
the grip-enhancing material is used to enhance the frictional
characteristics of gripping surfaces on certain objects. Further,
the grip-enhancing material may be used on the exterior surfaces of
gloves to enhance a person's ability to grip various objects.
Inventors: |
Albert, David M.;
(Littleton, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Family ID: |
31499491 |
Appl. No.: |
10/384003 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10384003 |
Mar 7, 2003 |
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10179423 |
Jun 24, 2002 |
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10179423 |
Jun 24, 2002 |
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09520300 |
Mar 7, 2000 |
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6427248 |
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09520300 |
Mar 7, 2000 |
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09169707 |
Oct 9, 1998 |
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6055669 |
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60061435 |
Oct 9, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/159 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/01558 20130101;
A63B 71/148 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/159 |
International
Class: |
A41D 019/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A grip-enhancing material for preventing a first object and a
second object in contact with each other from slipping, comprising:
a base material forming a plurality of recesses therein defining a
depth, said recesses formed at a density of approximately 180 to
300 per square inch, wherein said depth of said recesses is
approximately {fraction (1/64)} to {fraction (1/32)} of an inch,
and wherein said first object contacts said base material and said
grip-enhancing material engages a smooth surface of said second
object upon contact through suction and friction forces.
2. The grip-enhancing material of claim 1 wherein said recesses
define diameters of approximately {fraction (1/64)} or greater
inches.
3. The grip-enhancing material of claim 1 wherein said base
material is constructed of plastic.
4. The grip-enhancing material of claim 1 wherein said base
material is constructed of polyurethane.
5. The grip-enhancing material of claim 1 wherein said base
material is affixed to said first object.
6. The grip-enhancing material of claim 5 wherein said first object
is an area rug and said second object is a floor.
7. The grip-enhancing material of claim 5 wherein said first object
is a kitchen appliance and said second object is a counter top.
8. The grip-enhancing material of claim 1 wherein said first object
is a user's hand and said second object is a crutch handle.
9. The grip-enhancing material of claim 1 wherein said first object
is a sheath and said smooth surface of said second object is a
gripping surface.
10. A grip-enhancing material for preventing a first object and a
second object in contact with each other from slipping, comprising:
a base material; a plurality of suction cups formed at a density of
4 to 7 per square inch, said suction cups defining diameters of
approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inches, wherein each of said plurality of
suction cups is connected with said base material by a stem; and
wherein said first object contacts said base material, and said
grip-enhancing material engages a smooth surface of said second
object upon contact through suction and friction forces.
11. The grip-enhancing material of claim 10 wherein said stems are
flexible.
12. The grip-enhancing material of claim 10 wherein said base
material is constructed of plastic.
13. The grip-enhancing material of claim 10 wherein said base
material is constructed of polyurethane.
14. The grip-enhancing material of claim 10 wherein said base
material is affixed to said first object.
15. The grip-enhancing material of claim 14 wherein said first
object is an area rug and said second object is a floor.
16. The grip-enhancing material of claim 14 wherein said first
object is a kitchen appliance and said second object is a counter
top.
17. The grip-enhancing material of claim 10 wherein said first
object is a user's hand and said second object is a crutch
handle.
18. A grip-enhancing material for preventing a first object and a
second object in contact with each other from slipping, comprising:
a base material; a plurality of suction cups formed at a density of
14 to 18 per square inch, said suction cups defining a diameter of
approximately {fraction (1/16)} to 1/4 inches, wherein each of said
plurality of suction cups is connected with said base material by a
pedestal; and wherein said first object contacts said base
material, and said grip-enhancing material engages a smooth surface
of said second object upon contact through suction and friction
forces.
19. The grip-enhancing material of claim 18 wherein said base
material is constructed of plastic.
20. The grip-enhancing material of claim 18 wherein said base
material is constructed of polyurethane.
21. The grip-enhancing material of claim 18 wherein said base
material is affixed to said first object.
22. The grip-enhancing material of claim 21 wherein said first
object is an area rug and said second object is a floor.
23. The grip-enhancing material of claim 21 wherein said first
object is a kitchen appliance and said second object is a counter
top.
24. The grip-enhancing material of claim 18 wherein said first
object is a user's hand and said second object is a crutch
handle.
25. The grip-enhancing material of claim 18 wherein said first
object is a sheath and said smooth surface of said second object is
a gripping surface.
26. A grip-enhancing material for preventing a first object and a
second object in contact with each other from slipping, comprising:
a base material; a plurality of suction cups, each of said
plurality of suction cups defining a diameter of 1/8 to {fraction
(3/16)} inches and arranged adjacent to at least one suction cup,
wherein each of said plurality of suction cups has a concave side
facing away from said base material and a convex side connected
directly with said base material, and forming a plurality of voids
between said convex sides of each of said plurality of suction cups
and said base material; and wherein said first object contacts said
base material, and said grip-enhancing material engages a smooth
surface of said second object upon contact through suction and
friction forces.
27. The grip-enhancing material of claim 26 wherein said base
material is constructed of plastic.
28. The grip-enhancing material of claim 26 wherein said base
material is constructed of polyurethane.
29. The grip-enhancing material of claim 26 wherein said base
material is affixed to said first object.
30. The grip-enhancing material of claim 29 wherein said first
object is an area rug and said second object is a floor.
31. The grip-enhancing material of claim 29 wherein said first
object is a kitchen appliance and said second object is a counter
top.
32. The grip-enhancing material of claim 26 wherein said first
object is a user's hand and said second object is a crutch
handle.
33. The grip-enhancing material of claim 26 wherein said plurality
of suction cups are formed at a density of 28 to 64 per square
inch
34. The grip-enhancing material of claim 26 wherein said first
object is a sheath and said smooth surface of said second object is
a gripping surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/179,423, filed on Jun. 24, 2002, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/520,300 filed Mar. 7,
2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,248, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/169,707, filed Oct. 9, 1998, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,055,669, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/061,435, filed Oct. 9, 1997. Each of the
above-identified patent applications or patents is hereby
incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a material used to prevent contact
surfaces between various objects from slipping, and more
particularly to a grip-enhancing material that utilizes friction
and/or suction forces that may also be selectively removable or
permanently affixed to various objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many different products on the market are designed to be in
physical contact with other objects when in use. More particularly,
these products may include objects that rest on a floor (i.e. rugs,
mats, furniture), objects that rest on countertops (i.e. kitchen
appliances, lab equipment, tools), objects with handles or gripping
surfaces (i.e. crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, tools), and objects
used to grip other objects, such as gloves. However, many of these
products are seemingly designed without consideration of the
friction or the lack thereof between a particular product and
another object when in contact with each other.
[0004] Many products on the market that are designed to rest on
another surface are often supplied to consumers without
consideration of how easily a particular object might slip across
the surface upon which it is to rest. This oversight can result in
serious problems when these products are used. For example, the
bottom sides of some area rugs are simply made up of the back side
of the fabric and weaving used to create the rug. Typically, very
little friction is created between the bottom surface of the area
rug and a smooth floor, because the bottom side of the rug is
generally smooth and hard. Therefore, it may be hazardous to place
these area rugs on a smooth floor, because the rugs may slip when
stepped on or walked across by a person. Other products on the
market supplied without consideration to the surface upon which
they are resting include products designed to rest on countertops.
For example, some kitchen appliances are supplied with smooth
plastic legs that slide easily when placed upon a smooth kitchen
countertop. A blender that stands on smooth plastic legs may slide
across a smooth countertop when in use due to the vibration caused
by the motor. Left unsupervised, the blender may slide off the
countertop and cause damage to the floor, the blender, or perhaps
injure a bystander.
[0005] Some products on the market are designed with a handle or
gripping surface and are supplied to consumers without
consideration of how a particular object can be gripped without
slipping. For example, crutches and walkers that have a smooth
gripping surface may not have a suitable means for enhancing a
person's grip on the object when in use. To overcome this
oversight, some products on the market may be supplied with a
sheath on the gripping surface to enhance a person's grip. However,
the sheath may only enhance the person's grip on the sheath and not
the object itself, because the sheath may slip on the gripping
surface.
[0006] Various types of work and athletic gloves are used to assist
in maximizing a person's use of their hands. Generally gloves tend
to improve the control that a user has over objects as well as help
the user avoid blisters and other physical damage to the hands.
Several examples of when gloves can be used to increase a person's
control over an object include: a bowling ball glove, a baseball
batting glove, a golf glove, driving gloves, and work gloves.
[0007] Numerous available gloves are made of materials that help
protect the user's hands from injury but have minimal or even
deleterious effects on the user's grip. These gloves tend to be of
a thicker more durable material, but have little or no
control-enhancing material to increase the user's control over
gripped objects.
[0008] Other available gloves have a frictional material at
locations where the user's hand engages objects. The frictional
material helps create a controlling effect on the object, but is
ineffective if the user shifts his or her hand and the frictional
material is disengaged from the surface of the object.
[0009] An excellent example of these shortcomings is seen in
bowling ball gloves. Several available bowling ball gloves assist
the user in maintaining the proper hand position, but do not
improve the contact performance where the bowler's hand engages the
bowling ball.
[0010] Further, other available bowling ball gloves have a
frictional material at locations where the user's hand engages the
bowling ball. The frictional material is typically a smooth rubber
surface or a rough sand-paper like surface. The frictional material
helps create a controlling effect on the item gripped, but is
ineffective if the user slightly shifts his or her hand and the
frictional material is disengaged from surface of the item.
[0011] It is with these shortcomings in mind that the instant
invention was developed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The grip-enhancing material of the present invention
generally comprises a base material with a plurality of recesses,
such as suction cups, positioned on the base material, and wherein
the grip-enhancing material is placed between contact surfaces of
two objects in order prevent slipping through suction and/or
friction forces. In any of the embodiments of the present
invention, the base material and suction cups may be constructed of
either plastic or polyurethane. In one application, the
grip-enhancing material may be applied to prevent heavy objects
placed on smooth surfaces, such as floors, bath tubs, countertops,
laboratory tables, tool benches, and the like, from slipping. In
another application, the grip-enhancing material is used to enhance
the frictional characteristics of gripping surfaces on certain
objects, such as power tools, crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, and
the like. Further, the grip-enhancing material may be used on the
exterior surfaces of gloves to enhance a person's ability to grip
various objects.
[0013] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the
grip-enhancing material for preventing a first object and a second
object in contact with each other from slipping, comprises: a base
material forming a plurality of recesses therein defining a depth,
the recesses formed at a density of approximately 180 to 300 per
square inch, wherein the depth of the recesses is approximately
{fraction (1/64)} to {fraction (1/32)} of an inch, and wherein the
first object contacts the base material and the grip-enhancing
material engages a smooth surface of the second object upon contact
through suction and friction forces. The recesses of the
grip-enhancing material may also define diameters of approximately
{fraction (1/64)} or greater inches.
[0014] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the
grip-enhancing material for preventing a first object and a second
object in contact with each other from slipping, comprises: a base
material; a plurality of suction cups formed at a density of 4 to 7
per square inch, said suction cups defining diameters of
approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inches, wherein each of said plurality of
suction cups is connected with said base material by a stem; and
wherein said first object contacts said base material, and said
grip-enhancing material engages a smooth surface of said second
object upon contact through suction and friction forces.
[0015] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the
grip-enhancing material for preventing a first object and a second
object in contact with each other from slipping, comprises: a base
material; a plurality of suction cups formed at a density of 14 to
18 per square inch, the suction cups defining a diameter of
approximately {fraction (1/16)} to 1/4 inches, wherein each of the
plurality of suction cups is connected with the base material by a
pedestal; and wherein the first object contacts the base material,
and the grip-enhancing material engages a smooth surface of the
second object upon contact through suction and friction forces.
[0016] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the
grip-enhancing material for preventing a first object and a second
object in contact with each other from slipping, comprises: a base
material; a plurality of suction cups, each of the plurality of
suction cups defining a diameter of 1/8 to {fraction (3/16)} inches
and arranged adjacent to at least one suction cup, wherein each of
the plurality of suction cups has a concave side facing away from
the base material and a convex side connected directly with the
base material, and forming a plurality of voids between the convex
sides of each of the plurality of suction cups and the base
material; and wherein the first object contacts the base material,
and the grip-enhancing material engages a smooth surface of the
second object upon contact through suction and friction forces.
[0017] In another application, the control-enhancing material of
the present invention includes a plurality of recesses, such as
suction cups, positioned on the palm portion of the a glove. The
areas covered by the control-enhancing material include the palm
area, the underside of the index finger, the underside of the
thumb, the underside of the little finger, and the underside of the
middle and ring fingers. Basically, the control-enhancing material
is positioned at all or some of the areas on the glove that contact
objects when the glove is worn on the hand of the user and the user
is holding an object. The control-enhancing material works to grip
the surface of an object by a suction force and a friction force to
engage the material with the object. The additional grip is
maintained even though the user moves his or her hand slightly
either away from, towards, or laterally with respect to an object.
The control-enhancing material also helps cushion the user's hand
from objects.
[0018] In more detail, the glove of the present invention engages
an outer surface of an object, the glove including a palm portion,
a control-enhancing material attached to the palm portion, and the
control enhancing material engaging the object upon contact through
suction and frictional forces.
[0019] Further, the glove includes control-enhancing material that
has a plurality of suction cups. The glove could also include
suction cups each having a flexible stem and an engagement end
attached to the stem, the engagement end spaced away from the
glove. The engagement end could be concave. The suction cups can be
attached to a base material, with the base material being attached
to the glove.
[0020] Other aspects, features and details of the present invention
can be more completely understood by reference to the following
detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, and from the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a bowling glove incorporating the suction cups
of a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a bowling glove incorporating the suction cups
of a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a bowling glove incorporating the suction cups
of a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 7A is a section view of a first embodiment of the
present embodiment in engagement with the outer surface of the
bowling ball.
[0028] FIG. 7B is a section view of a second embodiment of the
present invention in engagement with the outer surface of the
bowling ball.
[0029] FIG. 7C is a section view of a third embodiment of the
present invention in engagement with the outer surface of the
bowling ball.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a glove incorporating the suction cups of the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows a glove incorporating the custom-positioning of
the suction cups of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a section taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.
[0033] FIG. 11 shows the present invention engaged to the surface
of a baseball bat.
[0034] FIG. 12 shows the present invention engaged to the surface
of a golf club.
[0035] FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the grip-enhancing
material.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a section taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.
[0037] FIG. 15 shows an alternative configuration of the fourth
embodiment of the grip-enhancing material.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a section taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.
[0039] FIG. 17 shows the grip-enhancing material affixed to the
bottom surface of an area rug.
[0040] FIGS. 17A-17C show the grip-enhancing material affixed to
the bottom surface of the area rug in various configurations.
[0041] FIG. 18 shows the grip-enhancing material affixed to the
bottom support legs of a blender.
[0042] FIG. 19 shows the grip-enhancing material placed on a smooth
gripping surface of a crutch handle.
[0043] FIGS. 20A-20B show the grip-enhancing material placed
between a sheath and a gripping surface of a power saw.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] An example of a grip-enhancing glove can be envisioned with
reference to a bowling ball glove. FIGS. 1-7C show a bowling glove
20 with controlling surfaces attached to the palm side 22 of the
glove to enhance the user's control of the bowling ball 23 (see
FIGS. 7A-7C). The glove is typically made of a leather, vinyl, or
other suitable material, and has an adjustable closure around the
base rim 24, such as a hook-and-loop material clasp. Velcro.RTM. is
a good example of such a hook and loop material clasp. Typical
bowling gloves have a palm portion 26 including an index finger 28,
a little finger 30, a truncated middle 32 and ring 34 fingers, and
truncated thumb 36 portions. On the middle and ring finger portions
the glove extends up to the first knuckle of the finger, and on the
thumb portion the glove typically extends only over the base
knuckle of the thumb. The glove also has a back side portion, which
extends across the back of the hand and attaches on either side to
the palm portion.
[0045] The control-enhancing 38 material of the present invention
includes a plurality of recesses 40, such as suction cups 44,
positioned on the glove 20 on the palm portion 26, including the
underside of the index finger portion 28, the underside of the
little finger portion 30, and the underside of the middle 32 and
ring 34 fingers. Basically, the control-enhancing material is
positioned at all or some of the areas on the glove 20 that contact
the bowling ball when the glove is worn on the hand of the user and
the user is holding a bowling ball.
[0046] The control-enhancing material 38 works to grip the surface
of the bowling ball 23 by a suction force and a friction force. The
additional grip is maintained even though the user moves his or her
hand slightly either away from, towards, or laterally with respect
to the bowling ball 23, as is explained in more detail below. The
control-enhancing material 38 also helps cushion the user's hand
from the bowling ball. The control-enhancing material 38 allows the
user to have more control during the entire delivery of the bowling
ball.
[0047] FIGS. 1 and 4 show a first embodiment of the present
invention. A plurality of relatively small suction cups 44 are
mounted on the palm portion 26, including under the index 28,
little 30, thumb 36 and portions of the middle 32 and ring 34
fingers. The diameter of the suction cups is preferably 1/6.sup.th
of an inch to 1/4.sup.th of an inch in diameter at their engagement
ends 42. The suction cups 44 are positioned at a relatively high
density, such as preferably between 14 and 18 per square inch. This
size and density of suction cups provides for a relatively smooth
release when the bowling ball disengages from the control-enhancing
material because the suction cups are relatively small.
[0048] The suction cups 44 each have an engagement end 42 shaped
with a concave side 46 facing outwardly and a convex side 48 facing
toward the palm portion 26. A preferably flexible pedestal 50
extends from the convex side of the engagement end to a base
material 52. The base material 52 is preferably the same material
as the suction cups, and is flexible. The base material helps
support the suction cup 44 and maintains their spacing relative to
one another. The base material is fixedly or releasably attached to
the glove 20 in the appropriate desired locations. The base
material 52 and the suction cups 44 are preferably formed of a
flexible resilient material, such as urethane or plastic.
[0049] While the suction cups are preferably located as described
above, they can be positioned only on the desired location, for
instance on the fingers and not on the palm. As shown in FIGS. 9
and 10 a hook and loop fastener 45, such as the fastener sold under
the trademark Velcro.RTM., can be used to attach the base material
52, and as such the suction cups 44, to the desired location on the
glove 20. This allows the user to custom-position the suction cups
44 for the most effect. The area of the glove 20 covered by the
control-enhancing material 38, whether over the entire surface of
the palm portion 26 or only under one finger, is hereinafter
referred to as the "control area" 54 (see FIG. 1).
[0050] When the control area 54 is engaged with the outer surface
of a bowling ball, the suction cups 44 engage and attach to the
continuously curving bowling ball surface 56 (see FIG. 7A). Since
the engagement end 42 of the suction cups 44 are positioned on
flexible pedestals, they extend away from the glove 20. The suction
cups 44 thus can stay connected to the surface 56 of the bowling
ball even though the hand or finger is pulled away slightly from,
pushed towards, or moved laterally with respect to the bowling
ball. The pedestal 50 for each suction cup 44 flexes to allow the
hand to move relatively independently from the engagement end 42 of
each of the suction cups 44. Each suction cup 44 attaches
independently at discrete locations to the surface 56 of the
bowling ball 23.
[0051] This is advantageous over existing sticky surface gloves
where a slight movement of the finger or hand away from the bowling
ball disengages the sticky surface from the outer surface of the
bowling ball. For instance, the tip of the index finger is often
not in direct engagement with the outer surface of the bowling
ball, but is instead slightly raised off the outer surface of the
bowling ball. With the present invention, the suction cups near the
tip of the index finger will remain intact with the bowling ball
since they each extend away from the surface of the glove and allow
the finger to be lifted slightly off the surface of the bowling
ball without disengaging the suction cups.
[0052] In FIG. 1, the relatively small sized suction cups extend
along the under surface of the index finger 28, the little finger
30, below the thumb 36, across the palm, and extend up the middle
32 and ring 34 fingers. The extension of the suction cups 44 away
from the surface of the base material 38 allows for lateral
adjustment as well as vertical adjustment and movement of the
suction cups 44 once applied to the outer surface of the bowling
ball to facilitate a more complete connection of the suction cups
44 to the bowling ball with respect to the position of the finger
or hand.
[0053] When the bowling ball 23 is released from the hand of the
user, the suction cups 44 each individually disconnect from the
surface 56 of the bowling ball 23. During the delivery movement
(back swing, down swing and release), the suction cups keep the
user in closer control of the bowling ball, and assist in
increasing rotation, accurate handling and positioning of the
bowling ball during the delivery movement.
[0054] FIGS. 2 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present
invention where the suction cups 60 are relatively larger than in
the first embodiment and are preferably directly attached to the
material of the glove 62. The general construction and operating of
the glove and the suction cups is similar to that described in the
first embodiment. The suction cups 60 (new reference numerals are
used for clarity) have the same construction as those previously
described, and can be individually attached by adhesive, sewing or
the like to the glove as desired. The suction cups 60 still extend
along the palm 64, along the underside of the index 66 and little
68 fingers, as well as on the portions of the glove covering the
middle 70 and ring 72 fingers. The suction cups 60 together form
the control-enhancing material, and the area covered by the suction
cups is considered the control area. These relatively larger
suction cups 60 are preferably approximately 1/4 of an inch to 1/2
of an inch in diameter. The larger suction cups are spaced further
apart than in the first embodiment, such as preferably
approximately 4-7 suction cups per square inch. This size and
density of suction cups 60 provides for a relatively less smooth
release when the bowling ball 23 disengages from the
control-enhancing material 74 because the suction cups 60 are
relatively larger.
[0055] The suction cups 60 each have a flexible stem 76, and an
engagement end 78 defining a concave surface 80 and a convex
surface 82. As with the first embodiment, these suction cups 60
still allow relative movement of the finger or hand away from or
toward the ball, or laterally with respect to the ball without
disengaging the attachment of the suction cup to the outer surface
of the bowling ball. The suction cups are individually formed of a
plastic or urethane material, or other suitable material. The
suction cups can also be attached on a unitary base material if
desired, as in the first embodiment. In addition, the larger
suction cups can be positioned only in particular locations as
desired, as described above with regard to the first
embodiment.
[0056] FIGS. 3 and 6 show another embodiment of the present
invention where the suction cups are each formed by an individual
recesses 88 in a base material. The general operation of the glove
and the suction cups is similar to that described in the first
embodiment. The base material 90 can be of uniform thickness or
varying thickness. The base material 90 is applied and attached,
either fixedly or removably, to the glove 92 below the thumb 94,
along the palm 96, along the underside of the index 98 and little
100 fingers, and along the underside of the middle 102 and ring 104
finger where covered by the glove. The recesses 88 together form
the control-enhancing material 89, and the area covered by the
recesses is considered the control area 91. The recesses 88 formed
in the base material 90 act as suction cups and are smaller than
the suction cups of the first and second embodiments. They also
provide a suction and frictional attachment to the outer surface 56
of the bowling ball 23 to provide additional control during
delivery. The base material 90 is a plastic or polyurethane
material, or other suitable material that is flexible and
compressible. The base material 90, being flexible, allows slight
movement of the glove with respect to the bowling ball without
affecting the contact of the base material to the outer surface 56
of the bowling ball 23.
[0057] The recesses 88 are preferably circular and approximately
{fraction (1/64)} of an inch to 1/8 of an inch in diameter. The
recesses are formed at a density level of between 180 and 300
recesses per square inch, preferably 250. The portion 102 of the
base material 90 between the recesses 88 acts to enhance the
frictional engagement between the glove 92 and the outer surface 56
of the bowling ball 23.
[0058] FIG. 6 shows the recesses 88 in section. The recesses 88 are
concave having a generally semicircular shape. The recesses 88 are
preferably approximately {fraction (1/64)} to {fraction (1/32)} of
an inch deep. This size and density of recesses provides for a
smooth release when the bowling ball disengages from the
control-enhancing material because the suction cups are
smaller.
[0059] FIGS. 7A-7C show representative cross-sections of the first,
second, and third embodiment, respectively. The suction cups of the
respective embodiments are applied to the outer surface 56 of the
bowling ball 23 and follow the curvature of the outer surface of
the bowling ball continuously. As can be seen, the suction cups
position themselves in a generally curved orientation to exactly
match the outer surface of the bowling ball and provide excellent
engagement with the bowling ball. In addition, since the suction
cups extend from the finger and hand of the user, and are flexible,
the user's slight movement of the finger toward and away from the
surface of the bowling ball or laterally with respect to the
surface of the bowling ball does not necessarily disengage the
suction cups from the surface of the bowling ball.
[0060] With respect to the first and second embodiments, the
suction cup engagement end extends from the glove on a pedestal,
which spaces the engagement ends away from the finger and allows
for the flexibility in hand and finger positioning. As the ball is
released, the force of the ball leaving the hand overcomes the
attachment and controlling force created by the suction cups. While
engaging the bowling ball, the control-enhancing material imparts
additional force to the bowling ball to improve the user's control
and revolution generation. The suction cups can be of a circular
shape, oval shape, or other suitable shape, with the circular or
oval shapes being preferred.
[0061] In addition to a bowling ball glove, FIG. 8 shows a
grip-enhancing glove where the glove encloses the entirety of the
user's hand. The glove has a palm portion including an index,
little, middle, and ring fingers, and thumb portions. The glove
also contains a back side portion, which extends across the back of
the hand.
[0062] Attached to the palm portion of the grip-enhancing glove is
a control-enhancing surface. The surface material includes a
plurality of recesses, such as suction cups, positioned on the
glove on the palm portion, including the underside of the index,
little, middle, and ring fingers, and the underside of the thumb as
was described more fully above for the bowling ball glove. Note, as
was discussed above for the bowling ball, the control-enhancing
material may be removably attached to a desired location on the
glove. This allows the user to custom-position the
control-enhancing material at the appropriate desired locations on
the glove.
[0063] FIG. 9 shows a bowling glove that has discrete patches or
sections of control-enhancing material positioned at selected
locations on the palm portion of the glove. The patches can be
attached with a removable attachment material, such as a removable
attachment material sold under the trademark Velcro.RTM.,
appropriately affixed to the palm and patch. The attachment
material should be secure enough to keep the control-enhancing
material from being removed from the glove when an object is
released from the hand. The patches can have a variety of shapes,
including squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, or irregular shapes,
as desired, for more or less effect, as desired. Patches of
differing shape can be used for different applications, or patches
of similar shape can be reconfigured on the palm portion.
[0064] The control-enhancing material works to grip the surface of
a plurality of objects by suction force and friction force. The
control-enhancing material allows the user to have greater control
over the gripped object and help cushion the user's hand from
impacts sustained through the object.
[0065] It is envisioned that the glove will enhance gripping of a
plurality of objects including cylindrically-shaped objects as well
as to other irregularly shaped objects. As long as the shape of the
object and the surface of an object allows at least a suction force
or a friction force to be developed between the glove and the
surface of the object, the control-enhancing material will improve
grip and control. The control enhancing surface works best when
used to enhance the control via both friction and suction on a
relatively smooth surface, such as plastic, polished leather,
metals, or the like.
[0066] The control-enhancing material of the grip-enhancing glove
is envisioned to have the same three embodiments as described above
for the bowling ball glove.
[0067] With reference to FIGS. 11-12, several further examples will
help illustrate possible uses of the grip-enhancing glove. FIG. 11
shows the control-enhancing surface attached to the palm side of a
baseball batting glove to enhance the user's control over a
baseball bat. The control-enhancing surface engages the surface of
the handle of the bat with both a friction and suction force. FIG.
12 shows the control-enhancing surface attached to the palm side of
a golf glove to enhance the user's grip when holding a golf club.
The control-enhancing surface attached to the palm side of many
styles of gloves can enhance gripping and control of a gripped
object. For instance, such technology can be used on a glove for a
fishing pole, and a variety of common tools, including a shovel,
rake, hoe, ax and the like.
[0068] FIGS. 13-16 show a fourth embodiment of the grip-enhancing
material 106, which can be utilized in the same manner as the three
embodiments of the grip-enhancing material described above. In this
fourth embodiment, the grip-enhancing material 106 utilizes a
plurality of suction cups 108 (new reference numerals are used for
clarity) having a similar construction to those described in the
first and second embodiments. The suction cups 108 each have an
engagement end 110 defining a concave surface 112 and a convex
surface 114. However, unlike the first and second embodiments, the
convex surface 114 of each suction cup 108 in the fourth embodiment
is attached directly to a base material 116. As with the above
described embodiments, the base material 116 and suction cups 108
are preferably formed of a plastic or urethane material, or any
other suitable material. In this embodiment, the preferred diameter
of each suction cup is 1/8" to {fraction (3/16)}" at the engagement
end with the suction cups positioned tangentially to each other, as
shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. A density level of 28 to 64 suction cups
per square inch is also preferred. However, the suction cups may
also have diameters within the ranges for the three previously
described embodiments, and may also be arranged on the base
material within their respective preferred densities.
[0069] While the four embodiments of the grip-enhancing material
described above are typically utilized in conjunction with a
grip-enhancing glove, it is envisioned that the grip-enhancing
material may also be used to prevent contact surfaces between
various objects from slipping without utilizing a grip-enhancing
glove. The base material of the grip-enhancing material may be
permanently affixed to a particular object by any suitable means,
such as glue, stitching, and the like. Alternatively, the base
material may be selectively removable from a particular object by
utilizing materials such as Velcro.RTM., tape, and the like. With
the base material attached to an object, the suction cups can
engage a smooth surface of another object to prevent slipping
between the two objects by utilizing friction and/or suction
forces. The invention may also be configured such that the suction
cups attach to one object with suction forces and the base material
engages a smooth surface of another object to prevent slipping
between the two objects through increased friction forces.
Alternatively, the grip-enhancing material may be configured such
that suction cups extend from opposite sides of the base material,
which would allow the grip-enhancing material to be affixed to two
objects by the suction forces of the suction cups.
[0070] In general, the grip-enhancing material may be applied to
prevent heavy objects placed on smooth surfaces, such as floors,
bath tubs, countertops, laboratory tables, tool benches, and the
like, from slipping. FIGS. 17-20 illustrate various examples of how
any of the four embodiments of the grip-enhancing material can be
used to prevent objects in contact with smooth contact surfaces
from slipping by utilizing friction and/or suction forces.
[0071] One application for the grip-enhancing material is to
prevent an object placed on a floor from slipping when a person
steps on the object or walks over it. For example, FIG. 17 shows a
grip-enhancing material 117 utilized as a backing for an area rug
118. The grip-enhancing material 117 is attached to a bottom
contact surface 120 of the area rug 118 and engages a floor 122
with friction and/or suction forces to prevent the area rug 118
from slipping on the floor 122. When a person steps on the area rug
118, the person's weight exerts forces on the area rug 118 and the
grip-enhancing material 117 in a downward direction and in a
direction parallel to the surface of the floor. However, the
friction and/or suction forces of the grip-enhancing material 117
causes the rug to resist slipping across the floor. The
grip-enhancing material works particularly well under area rugs
resting on tile, stone, or wood floors. The grip-enhancing material
117 can also be used in other similar situations, such as
preventing bath mats from slipping on a bath tub.
[0072] The grip-enhancing material 117 may also be configured
geometrically on an object in various ways to achieve optimum
results depending on the particular application. For example, in
FIG. 17, the grip-enhancing material 117 is placed only on the
corners of the area rug 118. FIG. 17A shows the grip-enhancing
material 117 attached to the area rug 118 such that it covers the
entire contact surface 120 of the area rug 118. In another
application, the grip-enhancing material 117 is placed only on a
perimeter area 124 of the contact surface 120 of the area rug 118,
as shown in FIG. 17B. Alternatively, the grip-enhancing material
117 may be arranged randomly or in a pattern on the contact surface
120 of the area rug 118, as shown in FIG. 17C. It should be
understood that the available configurations are not limited to
those depicted herein.
[0073] In another application, the grip-enhancing material is used
to prevent an object supported on legs from slipping on a smooth
surface. For example, the grip-enhancing material may be used to
prevent kitchen appliances from slipping on smooth kitchen counter
tops. As shown in FIG. 18, the grip-enhancing material 117 is
attached to the bottoms of support legs 126 on a blender 128. The
grip-enhancing material 117 engages a smooth counter top 130 with
suction and/or friction forces to help prevent the blender 128 from
slipping on the counter top 130. In a similar manner, the
grip-enhancing material may be placed on the support legs of other
objects, such as tools, laboratory equipment, office equipment,
furniture, tables, chairs, and the like. The grip-enhancing
material can also be utilized with plastic cups having carpet
underneath to prevent It should also be understood that the
grip-enhancing material may be placed on objects without legs that
rest on countertops and tables, such as cutting boards, knife
holders, and the like.
[0074] The grip-enhancing material may also be utilized with
devices that are used to prevent furniture legs from scratching the
floor. One such device is a plastic cup having a small piece of
carpet or fabric attached to its bottom. The plastic cup fits over
the bottom of the furniture leg and the small piece of carpet or
fabric rests between the plastic cup and the floor. Although this
device prevents the furniture leg from scratching the floor, the
carpet or fabric does not prevent the furniture from easily sliding
across the floor. To prevent the furniture from easily sliding
across the floor while providing scratch protection, the
grip-enhancing material can be used in conjunction with the plastic
cup instead of carpeting or fabric.
[0075] In other applications, the grip-enhancing material may be
used to prevent slipping between a user's hand and objects equipped
with a gripping surface. As shown in FIG. 19, the grip-enhancing
material 117 is placed on a smooth gripping surface 132 of a handle
134 on a crutch 136. The grip-enhancing material engages the smooth
surface 132 utilizing friction and suction forces to prevent a
user's hand 138 from slipping on the crutch handle 134. The
grip-enhancing material can also be used in other similar
situations on objects equipped with gripping surfaces or handles,
such as walkers, wheel chairs, free weights, small tools, and the
like.
[0076] In some applications, the grip-enhancing material need not
be placed directly between a user's hand an object's gripping
surface. For instance, some objects equipped with a gripping
surface are supplied with a sheath that fits over the gripping
surface to prevent the user's hand from slipping on the gripping
surface. Although the user's hand may not slip on the sheath, the
sheath itself may slip on the gripping surface. In this situation,
the grip-enhancing material can be placed between the sheath and
the gripping surface to prevent slipping between the sheath and the
gripping surface. This application is illustrated in FIGS. 20A and
20B. FIG. 20A shows a side view of a hand-held power saw 140 with a
gripping surface 142 for a user's hand. The gripping surface 142 is
covered by a sheath 144. To prevent the sheath 144 from slipping on
the gripping surface 142, the grip-enhancing material 117 is
attached on an inner surface 146 of the sheath 144, as shown in
FIG. 20B. When the sheath 144 is placed on the gripping surface 142
of the saw 140, the sheath 144 engages the gripping surface 142
with friction and/or suction forces to prevent slipping.
[0077] Presently preferred embodiments of the present invention and
many of its improvements have been described with a degree of
particularity. It should be understood that this description has
been made by way of example, and that the invention is defined by
the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *