U.S. patent application number 11/767376 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for protective glove with angular articulated locking thumb.
This patent application is currently assigned to MISSION ITECH HOCKEY, INC.. Invention is credited to Ricky G. Paquette, David H. Rudd.
Application Number | 20080313785 11/767376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40134958 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080313785 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rudd; David H. ; et
al. |
December 25, 2008 |
PROTECTIVE GLOVE WITH ANGULAR 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. At least one pivot axis is not perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the second section of the skeleton. A locking
mechanism is provided for preventing the thumb skeleton sections
from bending backwards, thereby preventing hyperextension of the
wearer's thumb.
Inventors: |
Rudd; David H.; (Vaudreuil,
CA) ; Paquette; Ricky G.; (Montreal, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
MISSION ITECH HOCKEY, INC.
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
40134958 |
Appl. No.: |
11/767376 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/16 ; 2/161.1;
2/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/143
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/16 ; 2/161.1;
2/163 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/08 20060101
A41D013/08; A41D 19/00 20060101 A41D019/00; A41D 19/015 20060101
A41D019/015 |
Claims
1. A protective sports glove, comprising: a plurality of finger
gussets adapted to accommodate a wearer's fingers; a thumb member
adapted to accommodate a wearer's thumb, the thumb member
comprising an articulating skeleton having a first section and a
second section that are pivotably connected about a pivot axis, the
second section defining a longitudinal axis; wherein the pivot axis
is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
2. The protective sports glove of claim 1, wherein the first and
second sections of the articulating skeleton are substantially
rigid.
3. The protective sports glove of claim 2, wherein an acute angle
exists between the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis.
4. The protective sports glove of claim 3, wherein the acute angle
is between about 70 degrees and about 80 degrees.
5. The protective sports glove of claim 2, wherein the first
section and the second section are adapted to be rotatable relative
to each other to allow the skeleton to rotate between a closed
position and an open position.
6. The protective sports glove of claim 5, wherein the skeleton
further comprises a stopping mechanism to prevent rotation in an
open direction beyond a predetermined position.
7. The protective sports glove of claim 6, wherein the stopping
mechanism comprises overlapping a distal portion of the first
section with a proximal portion of the second section.
8. The protective sports glove of claim 2, wherein the articulating
skeleton further comprises: a third section pivotably connected to
the second section about a second pivot axis, the second and third
sections being adapted to be rotatable relative to each other
between a closed position and an open position; a stopping
mechanism to prevent rotation in the open direction of the third
section relative to the second section beyond a predetermined
position.
9. The protective sports glove of claim 8, wherein the second pivot
axis intersects the longitudinal axis of the second section at a
substantially perpendicular angle.
10. A protective sports glove, comprising: a plurality of finger
gussets adapted to accommodate a wearer's fingers; a thumb member
adapted to accommodate a wearer's thumb, the thumb member
comprising an articulating skeleton having a first section
pivotably connected to a second section along a pivot axis, the
second section having a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and
opposing first and second edges, wherein a distance along the
longitudinal axis between the distal end and a point at which the
pivot axis cross the first side edge is greater than the distance
along the longitudinal axis between the distal end and a point at
which the pivot axis crosses the second edge.
11. The protective sports glove of claim 10 wherein the difference
between (a) the distance along the longitudinal axis between the
distal end and a point at which the pivot axis cross the first side
edge, and (b) the distance along the longitudinal axis between the
distal end and a point at which the pivot axis crosses the second
edge, is between about 15 mm and about 20 mm.
12. The protective sports glove of claim 11 wherein the difference
between (a) the distance along the longitudinal axis between the
distal end and a point at which the pivot axis cross the first side
edge, and (b) the distance along the longitudinal axis between the
distal end and a point at which the pivot axis crosses the second
edge, is between about 18 mm.
13. The protective sports glove of claim 10, wherein the first and
second sections are substantially rigid.
14. The protective sports glove of claim 13, wherein the first and
second sections of the articulating skeleton are adapted to pivot
relative to each other to allow the skeleton to rotate between a
closed position and an open position, the articulating skeleton
further comprising a stopping mechanism to prevent rotation in an
open direction beyond a predetermined position.
15. The protective sports glove of claim 14, wherein the stopping
mechanism comprises overlapping a distal portion of the first
section with a proximal portion of the second section.
16. The protective sports glove of claim 13, wherein the
articulating skeleton further comprises a third section rotatably
connected to the second section along a second pivot axis, the
second pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the second section, wherein the articulating
skeleton is adapted to prevent the third section from rotating in
an open direction relative to the second section beyond a
predetermined position.
17. The protective sports glove of claim 16, wherein a proximal
portion of the third section overlaps a distal portion of the
second section, thereby preventing the third section from rotating
in an open direction relative to the second section beyond a
predetermined position.
18. The protective sports glove of claim 17, wherein the second
section comprises a bend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of protective
outer gear, and more particularly to protective sports gloves.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] 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 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.
[0005] For example, a hockey player's thumb tends to receive
physical contact from opposing players, sticks, boards, 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 restricts
normal articulated movement of the player's thumb. Thus, the thumb
tends to have awkward and uncomfortable movement during play
because of the glove. In particular, such gloves prevent the player
from being able to tightly grasp objects in the player's hands,
such as a hockey stick. The inability to articulate the player's
thumbs to tightly grasp the hockey stick may significantly affect a
player's performance.
[0006] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for protective
sports gloves, such as hockey gloves, that facilitate articulated
movement of the thumb. Therefore, some embodiments described herein
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.
[0008] Some embodiments provide a protective sports glove,
comprising a plurality of finger gussets adapted to accommodate a
wearer's fingers and a thumb member adapted to accommodate a
wearer's thumb, the thumb member comprising an articulating
skeleton having a first section and a second section that are
pivotably connected about a pivot axis, the second section defining
a longitudinal axis, wherein the pivot axis is not perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, an acute angle exists
between the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis. In some
embodiments, the skeleton further comprises a stopping mechanism to
prevent the skeleton from rotating in an open direction beyond a
predetermined position.
[0009] In some embodiments, the articulating skeleton further
comprises a third section pivotably connected to the second section
about a second pivot axis, the second and third sections being
adapted to be rotatable relative to each other between a closed
position and an open position, and a stopping mechanism to prevent
rotation in the open direction of the third section relative to the
second section beyond a predetermined position.
[0010] Some embodiments provide a protective sports glove,
comprising a plurality of finger gussets adapted to accommodate a
wearer's fingers, a thumb member adapted to accommodate a wearer's
thumb, the thumb member comprising an articulating skeleton having
a first section connected to a second section along a pivot axis,
the second section having a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and
opposing first and second edges, wherein a distance along the
longitudinal axis between the distal end and a point at which the
pivot axis cross the first side edge is greater than the distance
along the longitudinal axis between the distal end and a point at
which the pivot axis crosses the second edge. In some embodiments,
the first and second sections of the articulating skeleton are
adapted to be rotatable relative to each other to allow the
skeleton to rotate between a closed position and an open position,
the articulating skeleton further comprising a stopping mechanism
to prevent rotation in an open direction beyond a predetermined
position. In some embodiments, the articulating skeleton further
comprises a third section rotatably connected to the second section
along a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second
section, wherein the articulating skeleton is adapted to prevent
the third section from rotating in an open direction relative to
the second section beyond a predetermined position.
[0011] Some embodiments provide a pair of protective sports gloves
comprising a first glove adapted to be worn over an athlete's left
hand and a second glove adapted to be worn over an athlete's right
hand, each glove comprising a plurality of finger gussets adapted
to accommodate a wearer's fingers and a thumb member adapted to
accommodate a wearer's thumb, the thumb member comprising an
articulating skeleton having a first section and a second section,
the first section and second sections being pivotably connected
about a pivot axis, a longitudinal axis defined by the second
section, and an acute angle defined by the intersection of the
pivot axis and the longitudinal axis, wherein the acute angle
defined by the articulating skeleton of the left hand glove is
substantially equal to an acute angle defined by the articulating
skeleton of the right hand glove. In some embodiments, the first
section and the second section of each articulating skeleton is
adapted to prevent rotation in an open direction of the second
section relative to the first section beyond a predetermined
position. In some embodiments, each articulating skeleton further
comprises a third section pivotably connected to the second section
along a pivot axis, wherein each pivot axis is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second section of
each articulating skeleton.
[0012] 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. Thus, for
example, those skilled in the art will recognize that one
embodiment may achieve or optimize one advantage or group of
advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other
objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 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 claims
not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s)
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hockey
glove disclosed herein.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hockey
glove disclosed herein.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a finger portion of a
hockey glove disclosed herein.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of
an articulated thumb skeleton disposed about a wearer's thumb.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of an articulating thumb
skeleton as disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an articulating thumb
skeleton as disclosed herein.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of an articulating thumb
skeleton as disclosed herein.
[0020] FIGS. 8A and 8B are exploded top and side views,
respectively, of one embodiment of an articulating thumb skeleton
as disclosed herein.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between the
first member and the second member of an articulating thumb
skeleton as disclosed herein.
[0022] FIG. 10 is an exploded top view of one embodiment of an
articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein.
[0023] FIG. 11 is an exploded side view of one embodiment of an
articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of an articulating thumb
skeleton as disclosed herein.
[0025] FIGS. 13A and 13B are exploded top views of a pair of
articulating thumb skeletons as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of the sports glove
disclosed herein. A hockey glove 10 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.
[0027] 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 a synthetic material
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.
[0028] A reinforcing strip 17 of material is preferably provided in
the locations of the palm 16 which may wear more rapidly. For
example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, reinforcing material
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
may be customized for the typical positioning of the wearer's hand
on the hockey stick. During play, the hand typically grasps the
stick at an angle. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 17 is
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. In other embodiments, the reinforcing member can be shaped
or directed differently.
[0029] The thumb member 30 of the glove 10 may have a loop 32
formed at the palm-facing side. The loop 32 creates a pocket for
alternative placement of the wearer's thumb. However, one preferred
embodiment employs no such loop.
[0030] The padded cuff 14 of the glove 10 preferably has back,
side, and palm portions 14a, 14b, 14c. The back and side portions
14a, 14b may be 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.
[0031] A padded cuff roll 15 may be disposed about the cuff 14. The
cuff roll 15 may be 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.
[0032] The above-described padding arrangement focuses padding on
areas of the 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 hand during play. It is to be understood that padding may
be added to this 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. Further, it is to be understood that many padding
configurations may be employed, as desired.
[0033] 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. 3 presents a cross sectional view of one of the
fingers 20 of the glove 10 of FIG. 1. As shown, tabs 24 of flexible
material are preferably provided over the tips of the finger
gussets 22 and may be adapted for abrasion resistance, improved
gripping ability, and extended wear of the glove 10. Alternatively,
the material of the finger gussets 22 may extend about the finger
tips.
[0034] With continuing reference to FIG. 3, the fingers 20 include
foam segments 42 formed of foam or other suitable material, which
may be sandwiched between an inner liner 44 and an outer cover 46.
These segments 42 preferably comprise an expanded foam material.
The foam segments 42 are preferably of sufficient thickness to
provide adequate protection of the hand. Preferably, the outer
cover 46 is leather, or a suitable synthetic material such as woven
nylon cordura.
[0035] The foam segments 42 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.
The segments 42, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, may pivot with
respect to each other, such that the fingers 20 of the glove 10
more closely approximate the shape of the wearer's fingers when the
wearer's fingers are bent. Thus, the foam segments 42 are pivotably
connected by a joint 43.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the thumb member of the glove
preferably comprises a substantially rigid articulated skeleton 50.
As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,781, which is incorporated
herein in its entirety, the articulated skeleton 50 is arranged
within the glove and adapted to fit over the wearer's thumb to
protect the thumb from impacts and/or hyperextension. In order to
follow the natural anatomy of the user's hand, the thumb skeleton
50 may be oriented at an angle .theta. relative to the wearer's
palm. In some embodiments, the angle .theta. is about
30-40.degree.. In a preferred embodiment, angle .theta. is about
35.degree..
[0037] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of an articulated
thumb skeleton, wherein the articulated thumb skeleton 50 is in its
"open" state. The illustrated skeleton 50 is intended for a
left-handed glove. The skeleton comprises a first section 60 having
a proximal end 62 and a distal end 64, and a second section 70
having a proximal end 72 and a distal end 74. The first section 60
is pivotably connected to the second section 70 at a joint 80.
Therefore, the first section 60 can pivot in relation to the second
section 70 about a pivot axis 82, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The
second section 70 further comprises a first side edge 76 and a
second side edge 78. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments
a joint 80 may exist at each side 76, 78. In such embodiments, the
pivot axis 82 will be the axis that extends between the two joints
80, and about which the first and second sections 60, 70 are
pivotably connected.
[0038] The first section 60 defines a first longitudinal axis 69,
and the second section 70 defines a second longitudinal axis 79, as
shown in FIG. 5. In the open state, the first longitudinal axis 69
and second longitudinal axis 79 are generally collinear. As can be
seen, the longitudinal axes 69, 79 are not perpendicular to the
pivot axis 82. In preferred embodiments, the pivot axis 82 forms an
acute angle .alpha. with the second longitudinal axis 79.
Preferably, the acute angle .alpha. between the pivot axis 82 and
the second longitudinal axis 79 is between about 70 and about 80
degrees. In some embodiments, the acute angle .alpha. is about 75
degrees.
[0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be seen
that a distance (d1) along the longitudinal axis from the distal
end 74 to the point at which the pivot axis 82 crosses the first
side edge 76 is greater than the distance (d2) along the
longitudinal axis from the distal end 74 to the point at which the
pivot axis 82 crosses the second side edge 78. The difference
between d1 and d2 is represented in FIG. 5 by the symbol A. In some
embodiments, A is between about 15 mm and about 20 mm. In some
embodiments, A is about 18 mm.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the distal end 74 of the second
section 70 may be curved to generally correspond to the tip of the
wearer's thumb. Also, the skeleton 50 may comprise numerous holes
or cut-outs, thereby reducing the weight of the skeleton while
maintaining its rigid structure. In addition, other ridges,
grooves, and the like may be included as a part of the skeleton 50
to reinforce the structure, provide shape, etc.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates the articulating skeleton 50 of FIG. 5 in
the partially "closed" state. As can be seen, the second
longitudinal axis 79 is no longer collinear to the first
longitudinal axis 69, and the second skeleton 70 is tilted relative
the first skeleton 60 in a direction generally away from the
fingers of the glove.
[0042] Providing an articulating skeleton 50 in the thumb of a
sports glove allows the padded, rigid thumb portion of the glove to
more closely approximate the natural movement of the thumb. An
articulating skeleton having the angular articulation of the
embodiments as described herein more closely approximates how the
thumb moves when grasping certain objects, such as a hockey stick,
and thus reduces the glove's resistance to a wearer's thumb when
grasping, holding, or adjusting grip on such objects. Thus, the
illustrated configuration helps a wearer to more easily hold such
objects, especially in a dynamic sporting environment.
[0043] In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 6, the articulating skeleton 50 may extend beyond a horizontal
axis 84 as viewed from the side when the skeleton 50 is in the open
position. Such a configuration allows the wearer to experience an
increased range of natural thumb motion while using the protective
glove. In other embodiments, the range of thumb motion in the open
position may be limited to such that the skeleton is prevented from
extending beyond the horizontal axis, or another predetermined
position.
[0044] In some embodiments, the articulating skeleton 50 may be
configured to prevent the wearer's thumb from hyperextending. FIGS.
8A and 8B provide exploded top and side views of the embodiment of
the articulating skeleton 50 and provide examples of how the
skeleton 50 may be configured to prevent the first and second
sections 60, 70 from rotating in an open direction beyond a
predetermined position. As illustrated, the proximal end 72 of the
second section 70 may be pivotably connected to the distal end 64
of the first section 60. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A
and 8B, the joint 80 is created by overlapping holes 81, through
which pins, rods, rivets, or the like may be placed. Any of a
number of various pivoting mechanisms may be utilized to allow the
first section 60 and the second section 70 to pivot with respect to
each other.
[0045] To prevent the skeleton 50 from rotating in the open
direction beyond a predetermined position, a portion of the
proximal end 72 of the second section 70 and a portion of the
distal end 64 of the first section 60 overlap. The overlapping of
these rigid structures acts as a stopping mechanism, and prevents
the skeleton from hyperextending. It is to be understood that other
methods of preventing hyperextension are known in the art depending
on the type of pivot mechanism utilized. Any appropriate pivot
mechanism, and corresponding stopping mechanism to prevent
hyperextension, are intended to be encompassed within this
disclosure, including the mechanisms described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,813,781. In addition, one of skill in the art will recognize that
the entire distal portion of the first section need not overlap
with the entire proximal portion of the second section. For
example, in some embodiments, only a small portion of the two
sections might overlap.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the
skeleton 50 in accordance with one embodiment. In some embodiments,
the skeleton 50 has an arcuate cross section, allowing the skeleton
50 to more closely fit at least partially around the wearer's thumb
to provide protection. Optionally, the first section 60 has less of
an arc than does the second section 70. In some embodiments, the
skeleton 50 may have no arc, providing protection only to the top
of the thumb. In some embodiments where the skeleton 50 is used
primarily to prevent hyperextension, the width of the skeleton 50
may be narrower than the thumb itself when viewed from above. As
illustrated, a distal portion 64 of the first section may overlap a
proximal portion 72 of the second section.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment
of the articulating skeleton disclosed herein. In this embodiment,
the skeleton 50 comprises a third section 90 having a proximal end
92 and a distal end 94. The third section 90 may be pivotably
connected to the second section 70 about a second pivot axis 86;
however, in the illustrated embodiment the second pivot axis 86 is
substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 79.
Having a third section 90 that is pivotably connected to second
section 70 allows the skeleton 50 to even more closely approximate
the natural movement of the wearer's thumb when gripping an object,
such as a hockey stick. The second pivot axis 86 allows the
skeleton to pivot as the wearer's knuckle closest to the finger tip
is rotated. As described above, the distal end may be rounded to
more closely approximate the shape of the wearer's thumb, and the
skeleton 50 may include holes to reduce its weight and/or provide
ventilation.
[0048] FIG. 11 provides a side view of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 10. As can be seen, while the pivot joints 80 on the
proximal end 72 of the second section 70 are offset, the pivot
joints 96 near the distal end 74 of the second section 70 are not.
Thus, the longitudinal axis 99 of the third section 90 and the
second longitudinal axis 79 are substantially parallel or
collinear, so that the pivot axis 86 between the pivot joints 96 is
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 79, 99. In
another embodiment, the second pivot axis 86 may also be angled at
an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis 99. In a still
further embodiment, the second pivot axis 86 is angled, but the
first pivot axis 82 is perpendicular to axis 79.
[0049] Although the second section 70 and third section 90 are
rotatable with respect to each other, a stopping mechanism may be
utilized to prevent these sections from extending beyond a
predetermined position. Thus, the skeleton 50 preferably has a
stopping mechanism to prevent hyperextension of the wearer's thumb,
as described previously in connection with the pivot mechanism
joining the first section 60 and the second section 70. As
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the stop may be provided by an
overlap of the distal portion 74 of the second section 70 with the
proximal portion 92 of the third section 90. However, the stop may
be provided by any of a number of mechanisms known in the art. For
example, a post, wall, or ridge near the distal end of each section
may prevent rotation beyond the desired open position.
[0050] In some embodiments, one or more of the sections 60, 70, 90
may comprise a bend, to allow the skeleton 50 to more closely
approximate the normal position of the wearer's thumb within the
glove in a relaxed position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
12, the second section 70 has a bend 75 formed therein. The bend 75
may be located at any point along the second section 70. However,
as with other features disclosed herein, the bend 75 is not
necessarily employed in all embodiments.
[0051] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 utilizes notches to
prevent the skeleton's components from rotating beyond a
predetermined point, thereby preventing the wearer's thumb from
hyperextending. As illustrated, a notch 66 is located at the distal
end 64 of the first section 60. This notch prevents the first
section 60 from rotating in an "open" direction beyond a
predetermined position. As illustrated, the rotation of the first
section 60 in the "open" direction will be prevented when the
distal edge of the first section 60 (i.e. where the notch is
located) contacts the proximal end 72 of second section 70. In a
similar manner, the third section is rotatably connected to the
second section, but a notch 77 prevents rotation beyond a
predetermined point in the "open" direction.
[0052] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate one embodiment of a pair of
articulating skeletons as disclosed herein. FIG. 13A illustrates an
embodiment of the articulating skeleton disclosed herein, adapted
to provide protection to the wearer's left thumb. FIG. 13B
illustrates an embodiment of the articulating skeleton disclosed
herein, adapted to provide protection to the wearer's right thumb.
The skeletons of FIGS. 13A and 13B are adapted to be used in left
and right gloves, respectively, of a pair of protective gloves. As
can be seen, for both articulating skeletons, the first pivot axis
is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second
section. In the illustrated embodiment, the articulating skeleton
of the right thumb is a mirror image of the articulating skeleton
for the left thumb.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 13A, which represents the
articulating skeleton for the left thumb, the intersection of the
first pivot axis and the second longitudinal axis 79 defines an
acute angle A. B represents the corresponding angle in FIG. 13B,
which is the articulating skeleton that protects the right thumb of
the wearer. As can be seen, in this embodiment, A and B are the
same. In some embodiments, a pair of gloves comprising the rigid
articulating skeletons illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B would have
a value of A of between about 70 and about 80, and a value of B of
between about 70 and about 80.
[0054] However, in some embodiments the value of B may not be equal
to A. For example, when a right handed hockey player is in a
typical hockey position, the player's right hand grasps the hockey
stick in the middle of the shaft of the stick, whereas the left
hand grasps the top (also referred to as the "butt-end") of the
hockey stick. Therefore, the stick is often grasped at different
angles by each hand. As a result, the thumbs of the player's hand
may close around the hockey stick in a different manner for each
hand. In such a situation, some players may prefer to have angle B
be greater (or less) than A.
[0055] Although particular embodiments are described above in
connection with a hockey glove or pair of hockey gloves, these
embodiments are intended for illustrative purposes only. The
features and designs disclosed herein apply equally to other sports
in which it is important to protect the player's thumb, either from
impact or from hyperextension. For example, a baseball player may
use a glove comprising a rigid articulating skeleton as disclosed
herein in order to protect the player's thumb from impact with a
baseball. The use of a rigid articulating skeleton as disclosed
herein would provide protection to the baseball player's hand while
allowing the player's thumb to grasp the baseball bat in a more
natural manner.
[0056] Similarly, the articulating rigid skeleton disclosed herein
may be used in sports gloves for which the prevention of
hyperextension of the thumb is the primary consideration. For
example, a glove comprising an articulating skeleton as disclosed
herein may be used in a thinly padded glove for skateboarding or
rollerblading. Such embodiments may have little, or no, soft
padding. Similarly, placement of a rigid articulating skeleton as
disclosed herein in a baseball catching glove, such as a catcher's
glove, would help prevent hyperextension of the player's thumb when
catching the ball.
[0057] In various embodiments disclosed herein, the articulating
skeleton may be rigid or substantially rigid. In other embodiments,
the sports gloves may be padded, but not rigid. In such
embodiments, the sections of the articulating skeletons described
above may be replaced by padding and/or non-rigid structures. In
such embodiments, any of the first, second, and/or third sections
60, 70, 90 may comprise padded portions that are not rigid. The
padded portions may be pivotably connected to each other through
various means, including but not limited to material connections,
similar to those described in connection with the joint 43
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. In such embodiments, the first pivot
axis, which is the axis at the joint of the first and second
sections, will not be substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the second section.
[0058] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety. To the extent publications and patents
or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the
disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is
intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such
contradictory material.
[0059] The term "comprising" as used herein is synonymous with
"including,""containing," or "characterized by," and is inclusive
or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements
or method steps.
[0060] All numbers expressing sizes used in the specification and
claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by
the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary,
the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and
attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.
At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application
of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each
numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of
significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.
[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. In addition, while a number of variations
of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other
modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will
be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this
disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or
subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the
embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined
with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes
of the disclosed invention. 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.
* * * * *