U.S. patent application number 10/820371 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for protective glove with articulated locking thumb.
Invention is credited to Johnson, Craig, Poulin, Jocelyn, Wilder, Thomas V..
Application Number | 20040187190 10/820371 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26804702 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040187190 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilder, Thomas V. ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Protective glove with articulated locking thumb
Abstract
A protective glove system is disclosed wherein each glove has an
articulated thumb skeleton disposed in the thumb member. The thumb
skeleton comprises a plurality of sections pivotably joined
together to enable the thumb to articulate between open and closed
positions. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing the thumb
skeleton sections from bending backwards, thereby preventing
hyperextension of the wearer's thumb.
Inventors: |
Wilder, Thomas V.; (Laguna
Niguel, CA) ; Johnson, Craig; (Long Beach, CA)
; Poulin, Jocelyn; (Laguna Niguel, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
26804702 |
Appl. No.: |
10/820371 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10820371 |
Apr 8, 2004 |
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10446501 |
May 28, 2003 |
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10446501 |
May 28, 2003 |
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09420738 |
Oct 20, 1999 |
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6584615 |
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60107357 |
Nov 6, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/148 20130101;
A63B 2243/0025 20130101; A63B 71/143 20130101; A41D 19/01588
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/161.1 |
International
Class: |
A41D 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hockey glove for enclosing a human wrist and hand, the hand
including a dorsal side, a palm side, four fingers and one thumb
having a dorsal side, an inner side, a middle phalanx, a distal
phalanx and an articulation between the middle and distal
phalanxes, said hockey glove including a hand-receiving portion
comprising: (a) a palm side facing the palm side of the hand; (b) a
dorsal side facing the dorsal side of the hand, said dorsal side of
said hand-receiving portion having a padded surface; (c) finger
sheaths receiving the four fingers of the hand; and (d) a
thumb-receiving portion receiving the thumb of the hand, said
thumb-receiving portion having a rigid thumb shall covering at
least in part the dorsal side of the thumb, said rigid thumb shell
having first and second shell portions that partially overlap one
another, said first shell portion covering at least partially the
middle phalanx of the thumb, said second shell portion covering at
least partially the distal phalanx of the thumb, said first shell
portion being hinged to said second shell portion.
2. The hockey glove as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and
second shell portions are hinged together near the articulation
between the middle and distal phalanxes.
3. The hockey glove as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and
second shell portions comprise stopping means for preventing
movement of said second shell portion beyond a predetermined
point.
4. The hockey glove as defined in claim 1 wherein a degree of
overlap between said first and second shell portions varies when
one of said first and second shell portions is hingedly moved
relative to the other of said first and second shell portions.
5. The hockey glove as defined in claim 4 wherein said first shell
portion partially extends underneath said second shell portion.
6. The hockey glove as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said
first and second shell portions comprises an internal locking lip
along its respective overlapping portion, said internal locking
lips engaging each other at a predetermined point when said second
shell portion is fully bent.
7. The hockey glove as defined in claim 6 wherein said first shell
portion comprises an abutting portion adapted to engage said
internal locking lip of said second shell portion for preventing
hyperextension of the thumb.
8. The hockey glove as defined in claim 1 further comprising a cuff
portion surrounding the wrist, said cuff portion having a plurality
of padded elements positioned around at least a portion of the
circumference of said cuff portion and defining a peripheral
forearm protector, each said padded element partially overlapping
an adjacent padded element.
9. A hockey glove for enclosing a human wrist and hand, the hand
including a dorsal side, a palm side, four fingers and one thumb
having a dorsal side, an inner side, a middle phalanx, a distal
phalanx and an articulation between the middle and distal
phalanxes, said hockey glove comprising: (a) a cuff portion
surrounding the wrist; (b) a hand-receiving portion having a
thumb-receiving portion receiving the thumb of the hand, said
thumb-receiving portion having a rigid thumb shell covering at
least in part the dorsal side of the thumb, said rigid thumb shell
having first and second shell portions that partially overlap one
another; (c) a first movable joint between said cuff portion and
said first shell portion; and (d) a second movable joint between
said first and second shell portions.
10. The hockey glove as defined in claim 9 wherein said first and
second shell portions are hinged together near the articulation
between the middle and distal phalanxes.
11. The hockey glove as defined in claim 9 wherein said first and
second shell portions comprise stopping means for preventing
movement of said second shell portion beyond a predetermined
point.
12. The hockey glove as defined in claim 9 wherein a degree of
overlap between said first and second shell portions varies when
one of said first and second shell portions is hingedly moved
relative to the other of said first and second shell portions.
13. The hockey glove as defined in claim 12 wherein said first
shell portion partially extends underneath said second shell
portion.
14. The hockey glove as defined in claim 13 wherein each of said
first and second shell portions comprises an internal locking lip
along its respective overlapping portion, said internal locking
lips engaging each other at a predetermined point when said second
shell portion is fully bent.
15. The hockey glove as defined in claim 14 wherein said first
shell portion comprises an abutting portion adapted to engage said
second shell portion for preventing hyperextension of the
thumb.
16. The hockey glove as defined in claim 9 wherein said cuff
portion comprises a plurality of padded elements positioned around
at least a portion of the circumference of said cuff portion and
defining a peripheral forearm protector, each said padded element
partially overlapping an adjacent padded element.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/446,501, filed on May 28, 2003, which is a division of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/420,738, filed on Oct. 20, 1999, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,584,615, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e)
from Provisional Application No. 60/107,357, filed on Nov. 6, 1998.
The entirety of each of these related applications is hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of protective
outer gear, and more particularly to protective gloves for use in
playing hockey.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hockey is a fast-moving, competitive game involving
extensive contact between players and implements. Thus, hockey
players wear padding and protective gloves while playing. Because
of the thick padding required to absorb repeated impact with
sticks, players and walls, hockey gloves tend to be bulky and
cumbersome and can restrict desired finger and hand movement.
[0004] For example, a hockey player's thumb tends to receive much
physical contact from opposing players, sticks, walls, etc.
Accordingly, the thumb of a hockey glove is heavily padded. Also,
during play, impact may tend to hyperextend the player's thumb.
Accordingly, hockey gloves usually have a stiffened member provided
in the thumb padding in order to prevent such hyperextension.
However, the stiffened member usually substantially constricts
normal articulated movement of the player's thumb. Thus, the thumb
tends to have awkward and uncomfortable movement during play
because of the glove. This may affect a player's performance.
[0005] To facilitate thumb movement, some gloves have a loop formed
on the palm side to create a thumb pocket for alternative placement
of the wearer's thumb in the glove. This thumb pocket allows the
thumb to move with more freedom, being less connected to the
padding and the stiffened member. However, such an arrangement
provides less complete padding protection and exposes the thumb to
dangerous impact from sticks, etc. Also, since the thumb pocket is
still joined to the thumb padding, the stiffened member still
restricts movement of the thumb even when the wearer's thumb is in
the pocket.
[0006] Hockey players generally hold the hockey stick with an upper
hand near the butt of the stick and a lower hand gripping the shaft
nearer the blade. A typical right-handed hockey player will use his
left hand to grasp the stick near the butt of the shaft. This left
hand is the main hand for grasping the stick and acts to provide
stability to the player's grip. Also, this upper hand acts as a
pivot point when the player shoots or passes the puck. A
right-handed hockey player generally positions his right hand on
the handle of the shaft but closer to the blade. This lower hand
acts as the main power generator and controller of the hockey
stick. The player uses this lower hand to generate power during
shots and slashing movements, as well as during passing, receiving,
and advancement of the puck. This lower hand is also the main
controller of the player's grip on the stick.
[0007] Because of their differing positions and purposes, the upper
and lower hands tend to grip the hockey stick from different
perspectives. For instance, during play, the lower hand is wrapped
around the stick with the palm facing generally upward and slightly
to the side, while the upper palm generally faces downward. Because
of these opposing orientations, the upper and lower hands tend to
be impacted in different places.
[0008] Although each hand of a hockey player has a different
function or role during a hockey game and different protection
needs, traditional hockey glove pairs have included symmetrical
right and left gloves. These glove pairs ignore the differences
between the grasping/pivot role of the upper glove and the
power/control role of the lower glove.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system of
hockey gloves that facilitates articulated movement of the thumb
and includes upper and lower gloves which are specially adapted for
their particular roles and positions on the hockey stick.
[0010] An object of the current invention, therefore, is to provide
a hockey glove having an articulated thumb which is less
restrictive to natural movement of the wearer's thumb, but still
protects the wearer's thumb from impact and hyperextension. Another
object of the current invention is to provide a hockey glove system
wherein the upper and lower gloves are each configured to maximize
their suitability for their respective functions.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
hockey glove thumb member is provided having articulated stiffening
sections which roughly correspond to the sections of a players
thumb. These sections are stiffened to absorb and protect the thumb
from impacts and are pivotably connected so as to allow them to
rotate relative to each other and articulate in a manner similar to
a human thumb. However, adjoining segments have stops or locks
disposed therebetween to prevent the sections from rotating to such
a degree that would cause hyperextension of the wearer's thumb. At
each junction, a section which is closer to the tip of the thumb
overlaps an adjoining base section. A notch is formed in the base
section and an extension extends from this base section beyond the
notch. The tip segment overlaps this extension of the base segment,
wherein the pivot point is disposed. Accordingly, the tip is
rotatable relative to the base section. However, this rotation is
only possible in the rotational direction facilitating normal,
articulated thumb movement similar to that incurred when closing a
fist. If the tip section is rotated in an opposite direction (i.e.,
a direction towards hyperextension of the thumb), then the tip
section will contact a stop formed by the notch in the base
section. This stop prevents further rotation of the tip section in
that direction.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention
provides a hockey glove system comprising upper and lower gloves
which are asymmetric from each other. The upper glove's main roles
are to protect the player's hand, help the player grasp the stick
near its butt end, and provide stability and a pivot point for
shots and slashing motions, etc. The lower glove's main roles are
to protect the player's hand while grasping the hockey stick along
the shaft but closer to the blade, and providing power and control
when the player shoots, slashes, passes, catches or otherwise
advances the puck.
[0013] To facilitate improved control and minimize padding
interference with a player's grip or hand movement, the lower glove
is arranged so that the last two fingers, i.e., the pinky and ring
fingers of the hockey player's hand, are kept together in one
finger gusset of the control glove. Thus, the control glove is
considered a three-fingered glove, the pinky and ring fingers being
disposed together in one glove finger. The upper glove, on the
other hand, facilitates use of all of the player's fingers to
maximize the player's grasp over that portion of the stick and thus
stability of grip. Accordingly, the grasp glove has four
fingers.
[0014] The upper and lower gloves preferably have differing padding
arrangements. The upper glove, which generally grasps the hockey
stick with the palm facing downward and requires forward movement
of the wrist to facilitate its role as a pivot point, is heavily
padded along the cuff on the outer wrist to protect the hand and
wrist, but lightly padded on the palm side of the wrist to
facilitate the pivoting motion. The lower glove, which generally
grasps the hockey stick with the palm facing upward, is heavily
padded along the cuff along the palm side and base of the thumb.
Thus the most vulnerable areas are more heavily padded.
[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a hockey
glove comprising a palm, a protective back extending over the palm,
a thumb portion, and a plurality of finger gussets. The back has at
least one foam segment adapted to provide padding for a wearer's
hand disposed within the glove. The thumb portion has a base
communicating with the palm and the back. The finger gussets are
adapted to accommodate the wearer's fingers. At least one of the
finger gussets is adapted to accommodate more than one finger.
[0016] In accordance with yet another aspect, the above hockey
glove is combined with a second hockey glove having a separate
finger gusset for each of the wearer's fingers.
[0017] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a hockey glove is provided having a thumb member. The
thumb member is padded and comprises a rigid articulating skeleton.
The skeleton comprises at least two sections pivotably joined
together. The sections are adapted to be rotatable relative to each
other to allow rotation between a closed position and an open
position. A stop is provided to prevent rotation in an open
direction beyond the open position.
[0018] In accordance with a still further aspect of the present
invention, a protective sports glove is provided having a thumb
member. The thumb member is padded and comprises a rigid
articulating skeleton. The skeleton comprises at least two sections
pivotably joined together. The sections are adapted to be rotatable
relative to each other to allow rotation between a closed position
and an open position. Locking means is provided for preventing
rotation of the sections in an open direction beyond the open
position.
[0019] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the
invention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be
understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may
be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of
advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other
objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
[0020] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of
the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention
not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s)
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
hockey upper glove having features of the present invention, viewed
with the palm side down.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
hockey upper glove having features of the present invention, viewed
with the palm side up.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
hockey lower glove having features of the present invention, viewed
with the palm side down.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
hockey lower glove having features of the present invention, viewed
with the palm side up.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of an articulated thumb skeleton disposed about a
wearer's thumb.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the thumb skeleton of
FIG. 5 in an open position.
[0027] FIG. 6a is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a
thumb skeleton in an open position.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the thumb skeleton of
FIG. 5 in a closed position.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of a base section of the
thumb skeleton of FIG. 5.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a top view of the middle and tip sections of the
skeleton of FIG. 5 shown joined and with their top surfaces
partially cut away.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the sections of FIG. 9
taken along line 10-10 and the base section of FIG. 8 taken along
line 10a-10a, with the sections assembled.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the adjoining middle
and tip sections of FIG. 9 taken along line 11-11.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of an
articulated thumb skeleton having features of the present invention
and shown in an open position.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the thumb skeleton of
FIG. 12, shown in a closed position.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a finger of the upper
glove of FIG. 1 taken along line 14-14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] With first reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hockey upper glove
10 having features in accordance with the present invention is
shown. The glove 10 generally comprises a body 12 and a cuff 14.
The body 12 has a palm portion 16, fingers 20, a thumb 30, and a
back 40. Finger gussets 22 are formed in the fingers 20 for
receiving the wearer's fingers therein.
[0037] The upper glove 10 is adapted to be worn on a wearer's upper
hand, which grasps the hockey stick shaft near the stick's butt
end. The upper hand's main purposes are to maintain a firm grasp on
the stick and to act as a pivot point during shots. When grasping
the stick, the upper hand is typically oriented so that the palm is
facing generally downward.
[0038] The palm portion 16 of the body 12 extends to cover the
fronts of the thumb and fingers of the wearer's hand. The palm 16
is preferably formed of split leather or synthetic leather selected
for durability and comfort. Preferably, reinforcing gripping
sections 18 of material, such as textured synthetic leather, are
provided on the palm to improve gripping ability and provide
reinforcement.
[0039] A reinforcing strip 17 of material is preferably provided
and extends generally diagonally across the palm from about the
index finger to the heel of the palm 16 on the pinky finger side of
the glove. The orientation and positioning of the reinforcing
member 17 is customized for the typical positioning of the wearer's
upper hand on the hockey stick. During play, the upper hand
typically grasps the stick at an angle. The reinforcing member 17
is preferably oriented to run generally parallel to the stick
during this angular grasping. This orientation aids grip and
reduces fatigue by reducing the glove's resistance to grasping the
stick at such an angle.
[0040] The thumb member 30 of the upper glove 10 has a loop 32
formed at the palm-facing side. The loop 32 creates a pocket for
alternative placement of the wearer's thumb.
[0041] The finger gussets 22 are preferably formed of leather or
another natural or synthetic material selected for softness and
durability and may also include holes for ventilation. See, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,506, titled HOCKEY GLOVE WITH
VENTILATION HOLES, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. FIG. 14 presents a cross sectional view of one of the
fingers 20 of the upper glove 10 of FIG. 1. As shown, tabs 26 of
split leather are preferably provided over the tips of the finger
gussets 22 for greater abrasion resistance, improved gripping
ability, and extended wear of the glove 10.
[0042] Continuing with reference also to FIG. 14, the back 40 of
the glove 10, including the backs of the fingers 20, includes foam
segments 42 formed of relatively thick foam sandwiched between an
inner liner 44 and an outer cover 46. These segments 42 are
preferably formed by waffle-type foam material processed in any
known manner. The inner liner 44 typically comprises about 1/8 inch
foam covered on both sides by nylon. The foam segments 42 are
preferably between about 1/4 to one inch thick for providing
adequate protection of the hand. Preferably, the outer cover 46 is
leather, or a suitable synthetic material such as woven nylon
cordura.
[0043] The foam segments 42 of the back 40 are formed and grouped
to substantially conform to the shape of the back of the hand and
fingers of a wearer. The segments 42 on the fingers 20 are
preferably formed to curve slightly to imitate a relaxed position
of the wearer's hand.
[0044] A padded cuff 14 of the upper glove 10 has back, side, and
palm portions 14a, 14b, 14c. The back and side portions 14a, 14b
are wider than the palm portion 14c. Thus, bending of the wearer's
wrist forwardly, at the palm portion 14c of the cuff, is less
restricted than bending of the wearer's wrist backwardly.
[0045] A padded cuff roll 15 is disposed about the cuff 14. The
cuff roll 15 is wider along the back 40 of the glove 10 than on the
palm side. Preferably, the cuff roll 15 along the back 40 of the
glove 10 has a rigid insert disposed therein, such as a
polyethylene plate or another suitable material.
[0046] The above-described padding arrangement focuses padding on
areas of the upper hand most likely to be exposed to impacts during
hockey play. However, forming the cuff smaller on the palm side
facilitates the forward wrist pivoting action required by the
wearer's upper hand during play. It is to be understood that
padding may be added to this upper glove 10 in other areas made
vulnerable by its position when gripping a hockey stick. For
example, extra padding may be desirably added to the side portion
of the pinky finger of the glove 10.
[0047] With reference next to FIGS. 3 and 4, a hockey lower glove
110 is shown generally comprising a body 112 and a cuff 114. The
body 112 has a palm portion 116, fingers 120, a thumb 130, and a
back 140. Finger gussets 122 are formed in the fingers 120 for
receiving the wearer's fingers therein. The thumb member 130 of the
lower glove 110 has a loop 132 formed at the palm-facing side. The
loop 132 creates a pocket for alternative placement of the wearer's
thumb. The lower glove 110 is adapted to be worn on a wearer's
lower hand, which is positioned on the hockey stick shaft between
the stick's butt end and the blade. The lower hand's main purpose
is to provide aim, control and power when advancing or controlling
the hockey puck. When grasping the stick, the lower hand is
oriented with the palm generally facing up.
[0048] The lower glove 110 shares similar structure with the upper
glove 10 in many respects. For example, the palm portion 116, the
thumb member 130, the foam segments 42 and their associated
arrangements are similar to the corresponding members described
with reference to the upper glove 10 and have thus been similarly
numbered in the figures. However, the lower glove 110 has some key
differences. For instance, a double-fingered gusset 124 is
preferably formed on the lower glove 110 and is adapted to receive
both the wearer's pinky and ring fingers therein. Accordingly, the
lower glove 110 has only three fingers 120, wherein the upper glove
10 has four fingers 20.
[0049] The double-finger gusset 124 has been found to decrease the
glove's interference with the wearer's stick control. Additionally,
this decreased interference has also been found to enable players
to focus more power into shooting the puck. Thus, the
double-fingered gusset 124 can increase the wearer's control and
shooting power.
[0050] A reinforcing section 117 of material is preferably provided
and extends across the palm 116 generally perpendicularly to the
fingers 120, though slightly diagonally. As with the upper glove 10
discussed above, the orientation of the reinforcing section 117 is
adapted to follow the grip of the lower hand on the stick. The
lower hand typically grasps the hockey stick with the hand
generally perpendicular, but slightly diagonal, to the stick. The
reinforcing section 117 is oriented so that it will be generally
parallel to the stick shaft, thus providing a better grip by
reducing grip resistance and increasing grip surface area in
contact with the stick.
[0051] The cuff 114 is adapted to encircle the wearer's wrist. A
padded cuff roll 115 is disposed about the cuff 114. The cuff roll
115 is preferably wider along the base of the thumb member 130 and
palm 116 of the glove 110 than on the back side 140. Preferably,
the cuff roll 115 along the base of the thumb 130 and palm 116 has
a rigid insert disposed therein, such as a polyethylene plate or
other suitable material.
[0052] It is to be understood that padding may be added to this
lower glove 110 in other areas made vulnerable by its position when
gripping a hockey stick. For example, extra padding may be
desirably added to the side portion of the index finger of the
glove. Such padding should consider the lower glove's purpose of
providing necessary protection and optimal functionality when
oriented in a generally palm-up position.
[0053] The thumb member 30, 130 of both gloves 10, 110 preferably
comprises a substantially rigid articulated skeleton 50. With next
reference to FIGS. 5-11, a preferred embodiment of an articulated
skeleton 50 having features of the present invention is shown. As
shown in FIG. 5, the articulated skeleton 50 is arranged within the
glove and adapted to fit over the wearer's entire thumb to protect
the thumb from impacts to the thumb area 30, 130 of the glove 10,
110. In order to follow the natural anatomy of the user's hand, the
thumb skeleton 50 is preferably oriented at an angle .theta.
relative to the wearer's palm of about 30-40.degree. and more
preferably about 35.degree..
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the articulated thumb skeleton 50
preferably comprises a base section 52, a middle section 54, and a
tip section 56 joined to each other at pivot points 62. The base
and middle sections 52, 54 each have a notch 60 formed therein and,
as depicted in FIGS. 8-10, an extension 64 extends beyond the notch
60. The pivoting connection between the tip section 56 and middle
section 54 is preferably similar to the pivotal connection between
the middle section 54 and base section 52. Thus, the preferred
pivotal connection between the tip section 56 and middle section 54
will be described below as typical of such a connection.
[0055] With specific reference to FIGS. 9-11, the extension portion
64 of the middle section 54 is overlapped by the adjoining tip
section 56. The two sections are joined at the pivot point 62 in a
manner allowing the sections 56, 54 to rotate relative to one
another. Such a connection may be constructed using pins, rods or
any other manner known in the art. FIG. 11 shows a cross section of
the tip segment 56 overlapping the extension 64 of the middle
section 54 and further demonstrates that the articulated skeleton
50 preferably has an arcuate cross section, allowing the skeleton
50 to more closely fit at least partially around the wearer's thumb
to provide protection while maintaining a low profile.
[0056] When the sections 52, 54, 56 of the articulated skeleton 50
are pivotably joined together, the skeleton 50 may articulate and
move from the open position shown in FIG. 6 to the closed position
shown in FIG. 7. The closed position roughly follows the position
of a thumb while grasping a hockey stick. Thus, the sections of the
articulated skeleton move with the wearer's thumb as it grasps the
stick. As a result, the wearer's grasp is improved and fatigue
during grasping is minimized.
[0057] Pivoting of the thumb sections in the opposite direction
beyond the open position is undesirable because of the danger of
thumb hyperextension. To prevent possible hyperextension of the
thumb, rotation is stopped when the tip section 56 comes into
contact with the notch 60 of the middle section 54. Similarly,
rotation is stopped when the middle section 54 comes into contact
with the notch 60 of the base section 52. Thus, pivoting in a
closed direction is enabled, but pivoting in the opposite, open
direction beyond the open position is prevented.
[0058] It is to be understood that other methods and apparatus
known in the art for constructing the skeleton may be employed to
achieve the locking mechanism. For example, a post, wall, or ridge
61 near the front end of each section may prevent rotation beyond
the desired open position, as shown in FIG. 6a. Also, even if a
notch is not employed, the adjacent sections may still be arranged
to overlap each other and can be adapted so that contact between
the overlapping sections prevents undesired rotation.
[0059] The middle section 54 preferably has a bend 68 formed
therein. This bend 68 helps the skeleton 50 to more closely
approximate the normal position of the wearer's thumb within the
glove in a relaxed position. However, this bend 68 is not required
and need not be employed in other embodiments, such as those shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0060] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another preferred embodiment of
an articulated skeleton 150 having three adjoining sections
including a base section 152, a middle section 154, and a tip
section 156. The base and middle sections 152, 154 have notches 160
formed therein and extensions 164 extending beyond these notches
160. The sections 152, 154, 156 are rotatably connected to each
other at pivot points 162. The skeleton 150 preferably articulates
in a manner similar to the skeleton 50 embodiment discussed
above.
[0061] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the
present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the
particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be
determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
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