U.S. patent application number 12/239172 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for sports glove.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gathering Storm LLC d/b/a TMAX Gear, Gathering Storm LLC d/b/a TMAX Gear. Invention is credited to Bryan Smeltzer.
Application Number | 20100077526 12/239172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42055816 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100077526 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smeltzer; Bryan |
April 1, 2010 |
SPORTS GLOVE
Abstract
A sports glove is provided having an elongated protective guard
formed of elastomeric material projecting upwardly from an outer
surface of the dorsal side over the metacarpal portion of the
user's hand.
Inventors: |
Smeltzer; Bryan; (Coto de
Caza, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TSIRCOU INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
655 Central Ave., 17th Floor
Glendale
CA
91203
US
|
Assignee: |
Gathering Storm LLC d/b/a TMAX
Gear
Carlsbad
CA
|
Family ID: |
42055816 |
Appl. No.: |
12/239172 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/16 ; 2/161.1;
2/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/148 20130101;
A63B 2243/007 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 |
Claims
1. A sports glove, comprising: a palmar side; a dorsal side coupled
to the palmar side forming a cavity for receiving a user's hand;
and an elongated protective guard formed of elastomeric material
projecting upwardly from an outer surface of the dorsal side over
the metacarpal portion of the user's hand, the elongated protective
guard having a maximum height of at least 3 mm and a length of at
least 30 mm.
2. A sports glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the protective
guard is formed of TPR material.
3. A sports glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the protective
guard defines a plurality of notched recesses oriented generally
across the width thereof.
4. A sports glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the protective
guard has a length greater than 50 mm.
5. A sports glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the protective
guard is generally u-shaped having a mediate portion disposed
proximate to the user's wrist, when worn.
6. A sports glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the protective
guard is angled across the metacarpal portion from a radial side to
an ulnar side.
7. A sports glove as defined in claim 6, wherein the protective
guard has a maximum height proximate to the ulnar side of the
glove.
8. A sports glove as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of finger guards formed of elastomeric material extending
from an outer surface of the dorsal side of finger portions of the
glove.
9. A sports glove, comprising: a palmar side; a dorsal side coupled
to the palmar side forming a cavity for receiving a user's hand;
and a plurality of elongated protective guards formed of
elastomeric material extending from an outer surface of the dorsal
side over the metacarpal portion of the user's hand, the elongated
protective guards having a maximum height of at least 3 mm and a
length of at least 30 mm.
10. A sports glove as defined in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
protective guards are formed of TPR material.
11. A sports glove as defined in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
protective guards each defines a plurality of notched recesses
oriented generally across the width thereof.
12. A sports glove as defined in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
protective guards are angled across the metacarpal portion from a
radial side to an ulnar side.
13. A sports glove as defined in claim 12, wherein the protective
guard has a maximum height proximate to the ulnar side of the
glove.
14. A sports glove as defines in claim 9, further comprising a
knuckle guard formed of elastomeric material having a height of at
least 3 mm.
15. A sports glove as defined in claim 9, wherein the palmar side
includes an outer surface formed of a silicone material covering
substantially the entirety thereof, the outer surface defining a
raised pattern.
16. A sports glove, comprising: a palmar side having an outer
surface having a silicone material that defines a raised pattern
disposed across substantially all the outer surface; a dorsal side
coupled to the palmar side forming a cavity for receiving a user's
hand; and a knuckle guard formed of thermoplastic material having a
maximum height of at least 3 mm; a plurality of finger guards
formed of thermoplastic material having a maximum height of at
least 3 mm; a plurality of elongated protective guards formed of
thermoplastic material extending from an outer surface of the
dorsal side over the metacarpal portion of the user's hand, the
elongated protective guards having a maximum height of at least 3
mm and a length of at least 30 mm.
17. A sports glove as defined in claim 16, wherein the plurality of
protective guards are formed of TPR material.
18. A sports glove as defined in claim 16, wherein the plurality of
protective guards each defines a plurality of notched recesses
oriented generally across the width thereof.
19. A sports glove as defined in claim 17, wherein the plurality of
protective guards are angled across the metacarpal portion from a
radial side to an ulnar side.
20. A sports glove as defined in claim 19, wherein the protective
guards have a maximum height proximate to the ulnar side of the
glove.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to sports gloves
and, more particularly, sports gloves having protective features
disposed on a dorsal side thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In many sports, athletes employ various types of sports
gloves. Such sports gloves are often geared to enhance the
athlete's performance. In addition, such sports gloves can provide
a measure of protection. The balance between performance and
protection can vary from sport to sport as well as from position to
position within a single sport.
[0003] For example, in football, protective measures for interior
linemen are primary concerns, since such players rarely handle the
football. However, skilled positions such as receivers, defensive
backs, and running backs handle the football frequently. Thus,
current football gloves for skilled positions tend to focus on
enhance performance features such as enhanced grip. The enhanced
grip allows receivers, defensive backs, and running backs to handle
and control the football with more ease than bare hands would
allow.
[0004] Football players are also at risk of injuring their hands
and fingers because of the great deal of pressure and strain that
is put on them while competing. Many of the current gloves are
created to allow athletes to have a greater grip on the ball and a
freer range of motion. Although this freer range of motion and
increased grip is important, it is also vital that the gloves
provide support for the player. Football players are prone to
injury and they need equipment that is able to both provide support
and functionality. Current gloves seem to sacrifice one
characteristic over the other.
[0005] Current protection-type gloves are bulky and do not allow
for a free range of motion. These gloves are meant to protect the
user's hands from falls, strains, or the like, but they lack the
flexibility and grip that other gloves may provide. Gloves created
to protect the user tend to have a bulkier style of design that
allows for more padding, but significantly impedes on other
qualities such as flexibility and fit. This is typically the case
when it comes to football athletes, especially the skilled position
players who are looking for a combination of protection, grip, and
flexibility in their gloves.
[0006] Skilled position football players, such as receivers,
defensive backs, and running backs, need a glove that will give
them the free range of motion and grip they are looking for, but
one that also provides them with the support and protection. This
type of glove is difficult to find because current bulky padded
gloves are too large and cumbersome for these athletes to use and
move as freely as they would like. Although protection is essential
for athletes, they also need a glove that will provide them with
the fundamental elements that they need, such as flexibility and
grip.
[0007] It should be appreciated that there remains a need for a
sports glove that addresses these concerns. The present invention
fulfills this need and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In general terms, the present invention provides a sports
glove having an elongated protective guard formed of elastomeric
material projecting upwardly from an outer surface of the dorsal
side over the metacarpal portion of the user's hand. The elongated
protective guard has a maximum height of at least 3 mm and a length
of at least 30 mm.
[0009] More specifically, and by way of example in an embodiment of
the invention, the glove includes a plurality of elongated
protective guards formed of elastomeric material extending from an
outer surface of the dorsal side over the metacarpal portion of the
user's hand. The elongated protective guards have a maximum height
of at least 3 mm and a length of at least 30 mm. The protective
guards can further define a plurality of notched recesses oriented
generally across the width thereof.
[0010] In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the
protective guards are formed of TPR material. The protective guards
are angled across the metacarpal portion from a radial side to an
ulnar side.
[0011] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the
palmar side of the glove includes an outer surface formed of a
silicone material covering substantially the entirety thereof, the
outer surface defining a raised pattern.
[0012] In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment,
the glove includes a knuckle guard formed of elastomeric material
having a height of at least 3 mm. The glove can further include a
plurality of finger guards formed of elastomeric material having a
maximum height of at least 3 mm.
[0013] In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment,
the protective guard is generally u-shaped having a mediate portion
disposed proximate to the user's wrist, when worn.
[0014] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention
have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that
not necessarily all such 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 advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein.
[0015] 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
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a dorsal perspective view of a sports glove in
accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the sports glove of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a palmar perspective view of the sports glove of
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is dorsal perspective view of a second embodiment of
a sports glove in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a palmar perspective view of the sports glove of
FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1
and 2, there is shown a sports glove 10. The glove includes a
plurality of protective guards 12(a-e) over the metacarpal region
of the user's hand. In the exemplary embodiment, five protective
guards are downwardly angled from a radial side 14 of the glove to
an ulnar side 16. The protective guards are configured to protect
the user's hand from impact. In addition, protective finger guards
18 are provided on the fingers 20(a-d) of the gloves. The
protective guards are configured to protect the dorsal side of the
hand without unduly hampering flexibility, fit, and
performance.
[0023] The protective guards 12(a-e) are configured to protect the
metacarpal region of the user's hand. In the exemplary embodiment,
the protective guards are made of durable, resilient material such
as a thermoplastic rubber (TPR). In other embodiments, various
other materials can be used, such as, thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE), silicon rubber (e.g., polysiloxanes), flexible PVC or the
like. The material used enables the protective guards to absorb an
impact directed to the metacarpal region of the hand.
[0024] The protective guards 12(a-e) have a unique structure
configured for protection and performance. Each protective guard
has a width between about 1 mm and about 8 mm, and preferably
between about 2 mm and 4 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, a width
of about 3 mm is used. As best seen in FIG. 2, the height of the
guards slopes from a minimum height proximate to the radial side 14
of the glove to a maximum height proximate to the ulnar side 16 of
the glove. In another embodiment, a maximum height between about 3
mm and about 10 mm can be used. The protective guards are
relatively narrow as compared to its height. In use, the protective
guards tend to deflect upon impact to absorb impact forces to
protect the hand.
[0025] Each protective guard 12(a-e) includes notched recesses 22
oriented generally across the width thereof. In the exemplary
embodiment, the notches terminate at a height of about 2 mm
measured from the base of the protective guard.
[0026] The protective guards 12(a-e) are angled across the dorsal
side such that each protective guard is disposed over more than one
metacarpal bone of the hand. Thus, upon impact, the guard can
disperse impact forces across the hand, rather than allow such
force to be localized. In the exemplary embodiment, the protective
guards 12(a-e) radiate out from a knuckle guard 24. Each protective
guard has a first end 26(a-e) adjacent to the knuckle guard and
second end 28(a-e) generally disposed adjacent to the ulnar side 16
of the glove. In the exemplary embodiment, the first ends 26(a-b)
and 26(b-c) are spaced apart about 11 mm. The first ends 26(c-d)
are spaced apart about 8 mm, and the first ends 26(d-e) are spaced
apart about 3 mm. The second ends 28(a-b) are spaced apart about 16
mm. The second ends 28(b-c) are spaced apart about 21 mm. The
second ends 28(c-d) are spaced apart about 34 mm, and the second
ends 28(d-e) are spaced apart about 32 mm.
[0027] The glove 10 includes a dorsal section 30 formed of padded
material. In the exemplary embodiment, the dorsal section is formed
of a multi-layered, compress-molded material, having a foam backing
and an outer layer of elastic material such as Lycra.RTM. or
Spandex.RTM. material available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company. In other embodiments, other materials can be used, such as
nylon, leather, synthetic leather, and so on. Moreover, the glove
can include perforations defined by portions of the glove body,
such as those disclosed in Applicant's co-pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 12/144,451, filed Jun. 23, 2008, which is incorporated by
reference.
[0028] The glove further includes a dorsal finger section 32 and a
dorsal thumb section 34 formed of fabric having elastic material,
e.g., nylon mesh. The dorsal finger section 32 and a dorsal thumb
section 34 are attached to the dorsal section by stitch lines 36
and 38, respectively.
[0029] The protective guards 12(a-e), the finger guards 18, and the
knuckle guard 24 are attached to the dorsal section 30 via sonic
welding, however, various other attachment means can be used, e.g.,
heat-activated adhesion strips, stitching, glue, and so on.
[0030] With reference now to FIG. 3, a palmar side 40 of the glove
10 is shown, having a palmar section 42 defining a palm region 44
and palmar sides 46(a-d) of the finger portions 20. The finger
portions of the palmer side further include openings 48 having
elastic material 50 disposed proximate to the finger joints. In the
exemplary embodiment, the elastic material is formed of elastic
fabric, such as Lycra.RTM. material or Spandex.RTM. material
available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; however other
material having elastic properties can be used.
[0031] The palmar side 40 of the glove 10 includes a pattern of
silicone material disposed on the palmar section for enhanced grip.
The palmer section 42 is formed of unitary construction of leather,
or artificial leather, material. The silicone material is raised
relative to the palmar section.
[0032] The palmar side 40 of the glove 10 also defines a slit 52.
The slit extends from the wrist edge towards the knuckle region of
the glove to aid the user in applying the glove. The dorsal side
further includes a strap 54 that fastens across the slit to secure
the glove in place when worn. In the exemplary embodiment,
hook-and-loop material is used; however, other fastening approaches
can be used, as is known in the art.
[0033] The palmar section 42 includes a thumb extension 56 disposed
along a thumb web region. The thumb extension is coupled to a
palmar thumb section 58, which is primarily formed of a single
piece of inelastic material, e.g., leather or simulated leather. A
stitch line 60 extends across the distal end of the thumb and
proximally down a side of the thumb. The palmar thumb section is
attached to the palmar section 42 via a stitch line 62.
[0034] With reference now to FIG. 4, a glove 70 is shown. The glove
includes an elongated u-shaped protective guard 72 disposed over
the metacarpal region of the user's hand. The protective guard
includes a first end 74 positioned between the first and middle
fingers and a second end 76 positioned between the ring and little
fingers. The mediate portion 78 of the protective guard 72 is
disposed proximate to the user's wrist. The protective guard
further includes a planar base 80 and an upstanding portion 82. The
planar base aids in minimizing hand injury by distributing impact
forces. The base has a width of about 10 mm. The upstanding portion
has a height of about 4 mm proximate to the first and second ends
74, 76 and a height of about 7 mm proximate at the mediate
portion.
[0035] The dorsal side 84 of the glove 70 includes a central
portion 86 of mesh material and peripheral portion 88 of elastic
fabric. The central portion and the peripheral portion are sewn to
the protective guard 72. More particularly, a stitch line 90
attaches the central portion to a bottom surface of the base and
the peripheral portion to an upper surface of the base.
[0036] The protective guard defines notched recesses 92 oriented
generally across the width thereof, along the spaced-apart arms of
the protective guard. In the exemplary embodiment, the notches
terminate at a height of about 2 mm measured from the base of the
protective guard. The protective guard can be formed of the
materials as discussed above with reference to the guards 12 of the
first embodiment.
[0037] With reference now to FIG. 5, a palmar side 94 of the glove
70 is shown. The palmar side includes a palmar section 96 defining
a palm region 98 and palmar sides 100(a-d) of the finger portions
20. The palmar section is formed of a unitary construction of
leather, or artificial leather, material. The outer layer of the
palmar section is formed of a silicone material covering the
entirety thereof. The outer layer includes a raised hexagonal
pattern for enhanced grip. The finger portions of the palmer side
further include openings 102 having elastic material disposed
proximate to the finger joints. In the exemplary embodiment, the
elastic material is formed of elastic fabric, such as Lycra.RTM.
material or Spandex.RTM. material available from E. I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company, however, other material having elastic
properties can be used. In yet other embodiments, the opening can
be left without any material disposed therein.
[0038] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present
invention provides a sports glove having an elongated protective
guard formed of elastomeric material projecting upwardly from an
outer surface of the dorsal side over the metacarpal portion of the
user's hand. The elongated protective guard has a maximum height of
at least 3 mm and a length of at least 30 mm.
[0039] Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with
reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided
without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *