U.S. patent application number 12/903068 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for hand protection system.
Invention is credited to Geoffrey TRAVELL.
Application Number | 20110088139 12/903068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41393628 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110088139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TRAVELL; Geoffrey |
April 21, 2011 |
HAND PROTECTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A system which in use is mounted onto a glove for protecting the
back of a user's hand comprises a plurality of elongate, flexible
strips, each overlying a respective finger. Each strip has a first
end portion serving as sole means of fixedly attaching the strip to
the glove, usually in the vicinity of the fingertips, and a
remaining portion, extending to the second end of the strip, which
is free to move relative to the glove. In this respect, a plurality
of discrete guide structures are attached to the glove at a spacing
remote from the first end portion) of each strip so that the strip
extends across, through or into the guide structure and is held in
position on the glove in a manner which allows sliding displacement
of the remaining portion of the strip along the longitudinal axis
of the strip. The guide structures may be configured to provide a
closed tunnel through which the strip extends, or in other versions
may be open so that opposing engagement lugs slidingly retain side
edges of the strip. Optionally, a plate assembly is mounted over
the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand and is configured
to provide plural guide portions into which the free second end
portions of at least some of the strips are received in slidable
manner.
Inventors: |
TRAVELL; Geoffrey;
(Cockermouth, GB) |
Family ID: |
41393628 |
Appl. No.: |
12/903068 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.1 ;
2/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/14 20130101;
A63B 71/148 20130101; A41D 19/01588 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/161.1 ;
2/163 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 16, 2009 |
EP |
EP 09173334.5 |
Claims
1. A glove comprising a plurality of elongate flexible strips
overlying respective fingers, each strip having a longitudinal axis
between first and second opposing ends, wherein each strip has a
first end portion fixedly attached to the glove and a remaining
portion, extending to the second end, which is free to move
relative to the glove and wherein a plurality of discrete guide
structures are attached to the glove, at least one for each finger,
at a spacing remote from the first end portion of each strip such
that the strip extends across, through or into the guide structure
and is thereby held in position on the glove in a manner which
allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip
along the longitudinal axis of the strip.
2. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each guide structure is
configured to provide at least edge engagement means for slidingly
retaining side edges of the respective strip.
3. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each guide structure is
configured to provide a tunnel through which or into which the
respective strip extends.
4. A glove according to claim 1, additionally comprising a plate
mounted over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand, the
plate being configured to provide plural adjacent guide portions
for the second ends of the respective strips.
5. A glove according to claim 4, wherein each guide portion is
configured to provide at least edge engagement means for slidingly
retaining side edges of the respective strip.
6. A glove according to claim 4, wherein each guide portion is
configured to provide a tunnel into which the second end of the
respective strip is to project.
7. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion of
the respective strips are permanently connected to a plate which is
fixedly mounted onto the glove over the knuckle and/or metacarpal
region of the hand.
8. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip is formed of a
plurality of alternate thicker and thinner regions along its
longitudinal axis.
9. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip has a series of
transverse slits provided along its longitudinal axis.
10. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip is generally
triangular in cross-section, with an upstanding apex.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to European patent
application no. EP 09173334.5, filed Oct. 16, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a hand protection system for a
glove, particularly but not exclusively for use in sports such as
motorcycling.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Most currently available protective gloves for use in
motorcycling incorporate protective pads over the region of the
main knuckles (where the metacarpal bones connect to the proximal
phalanges). These are often rigid and uncomfortable and only
provide limited protection at the front of the knuckle, a region
particularly prone to impact. Some currently available protective
gloves also include protective pads positioned over the proximal
and intermediate phalanges bones of at least some of the individual
fingers, but provided no protection at the joint between these
bones, again a region particularly prone to impact and injury.
[0004] US 2006/048259 (EP 1632273) discloses a finger protector for
a sports glove, in particular a goalkeeper glove, comprising a
plate that is connected in one piece with strips which overlie
respective fingers of one hand. Each strip consists of a chain of
members and an underlying band. The chain of members are connected
in one piece with each other but can be moved relative to each
other (towards and away) by virtue of through holes extending
transverse to the chain direction. The underlying band has nipples
which are pushed into the through holes. Such a finger protector is
integrated into that part of a glove associated with the back
portion of the user's hand, embedded in a layer of soft foam
plastic or foamed textile composite, possibly detachably and
interchangeably. The aforesaid chain of members has flexibility but
is attached at multiple points to the nipples of the underlying
band and the whole protector is mounted into the fabric of the
glove with no provision for displacement relative to the glove.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved
hand protection system which allows for protection of the entire
fingers, including joints, which are the most vulnerable parts,
without compromising the ability of the user to bend and stretch
the fingers, thus enabling gripping in the normal manner, and
without compromising comfort for the user.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention a
hand protection system for mounting onto a glove is provided that
comprises a plurality of elongate flexible strips, each strip
positioned to overlie a respective finger, and each strip having a
longitudinal axis between first and second opposing ends,
characterized in that each strip has a first end portion serving as
sole means of fixedly attaching the strip to the glove and a
remaining portion, and in that a plurality of discrete guide
structures are provided, adapted for attachment to the glove at a
spacing remote from the first end portion of each strip so that the
respective strip can extend across, through or into the guide
structure and be held in position on the glove in a manner which
allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip
along the longitudinal axis of the strip.
[0007] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention
a glove on to which such a hand protection system is mounted is
provided, the glove having a plurality of elongate flexible strips
overlying respective fingers, each strip having a longitudinal axis
between first and second opposing ends, characterized in that each
strip has a first end portion whereby the strip is fixedly attached
to the glove and a remaining portion, extending to the second end,
which is free to move relative to the glove and in that a plurality
of discrete guide structures are attached to the glove, at least
one for each finger, at a spacing remote from the first end portion
of each strip such that the strip extends across, through or into
the guide structure and is thereby held in position on the glove in
a manner which allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion
of the strip along the longitudinal axis of the strip.
[0008] At present, two basic forms of the guide structures are
envisaged. A first version is configured to provide only edge
engagement means for slidingly retaining side edges of the
respective strip. Such a version is open across the upper surface
of the strip. Such a version may comprise a unitary structure
having opposing confronting edge engagement means, or may comprise
two separate halves which face each other and provide the
respective edge engagement means.
[0009] A second version is configured to provide a tunnel through
which or into which the respective strip extends. Such a version
extends completely across the upper surface of the strip. The
tunnel provided may be open at each end, in which case the strip
may extend right through. Alternatively, the tunnel may be closed
at one end so as to form, effectively, a socket for receiving the
second end of the respective strip, i.e. into which the second end
of the strip will project in use.
[0010] The aforesaid flexible strips and guide structures may be
provided on the glove as the totality of the hand protection
system. However, it is possible, even likely, that an additional
protective plate or pad, which may be of entirely conventional
form, may be provided in addition to the aforesaid strips and guide
structures, said plate being mounted over the knuckle and/or
metacarpal region of the hand. Whether or not such an additional
plate or pad is provided, the first end portions of the strips may
be secured to the fingers either adjacent tips of the fingers with
the displaceable remaining portions extending towards the knuckles
or adjacent to the knuckles with the displaceable remaining
portions extending towards the fingertips, in each case passing
across or through or into respective guide structures.
[0011] In a development of the present invention a plate mounted or
mountable onto the glove over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region
of the hand is additionally provided, said plate being configured
to provide plural adjacent guide portions for the second ends of
the respective strips. Of course, with such an arrangement the
first end portions of the strips are secured to the fingers,
distally of the plate, adjacent the tips of the fingers, with the
displaceable remaining portions of the strips extending towards and
into the aforesaid guide portions of the plate. Just as with the
discrete guide structures, these guide portions also may provide
only edge engagement means for slidingly retaining side edges of
the respective strips or alternatively may be configured to provide
tunnels into which the respective second ends of the strips
project.
[0012] Also within the scope of the invention are embodiments where
first end portions of the respective strips are permanently
connected to a plate, which plate is fixedly mounted or mountable
onto the glove over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region. The
remaining portions of the strips then extend away from the plate to
overlie the fingers and be guided by respective guide structures
mounted on those fingers.
[0013] Preferably, each strip is formed of a plurality of alternate
thicker and thinner regions as provided, for example, by a series
of transverse slits along the longitudinal axis of each strip, to
enhance the flexibility of the strip.
[0014] In preferred embodiments each strip is generally triangular
in cross-section with an upstanding apex. This shape provides for
strength, flexibility and best impact protection for the underlying
delicate finger bones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention will be described further, by way of example,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred practical left-hand
embodiment of the hand protection system of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the same
embodiment, viewed from above;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a corresponding enlarged, exploded perspective
view of the FIG. 1 embodiment, viewed from the underside;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a corresponding, enlarged, exploded end view of
the FIG. 1 embodiment, viewed from the finger end;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a reduced scale perspective view of a glove fitted
with the hand protection system shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a plan view, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a
modified embodiment of the hand protection system according to the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a glove fitted with a second
embodiment of the hand protection system of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a plan view, corresponding to FIG. 7, of a third
embodiment of the hand protection system of the invention; and
[0024] FIG. 9 is a reduced scale perspective view of a fourth
embodiment (also left-hand) of the hand protection system of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 5, a preferred practical
embodiment of the system of the invention comprises a plurality of
separately fabricated components which are assembled together for
fitting onto the back portion of a glove 10 (FIG. 5). These
components comprise a plate assembly, denoted generally by
reference numeral 20, a plurality of flexible strips, also referred
to as spines, 30, one for each finger, and a corresponding
plurality of guide structures 40, again one for each finger. The
housing assembly 20 is formed of three components, namely a base
plate 22, which in use is secured to the fabric of the glove 10, an
upper plate 24 which fits above the base plate 22 to provide
tunnels for reception in slidable manner of proximal end regions of
some of the spines 30, and an additional top plate 28 which
overlies part of the upper plate 24 to provide additional
protection. All these parts are typically formed of suitable
thermoplastic material, such as low-density polyurethane or
polypropylene, although other materials are possible. Also, a soft
silicone layer may the provided at the underside of the base plate
22 to offer increased protection to the metacarpal region of the
wearer's hand.
[0026] Each spine 30 is elongate and accordingly has a longitudinal
axis between first and second opposing ends. A portion 32 at the
first end provides the sole means of fixing the respective spine 30
to the glove 10, while the remainder of the spine is not fixedly
attached but is held in a position to overlie the respective finger
of the glove 10. In this embodiment the first end portion 32 of
each spine 30 is formed as an enlarged region with a peripheral
curving flange 34 adapted for securing to the fabric of the glove
10, for example by adhesive or stitching, and possibly with an
intervening layer of fabric. For each spine 30, the respective
enlarged spine end region 32 is connected to its finger at a
location a short spacing from the fingertip. The spines 30 for
overlying the first (index), second, third and fourth fingers have
their end regions 32 attached at a position overlying the
intermediate phalanges. The three spines 30 overlying the first
second and third fingers are of a suitable length to extend from
aforesaid connection to the glove to sliding engagement below the
upper plate 24, which is mounted over the metacarpal region.
[0027] Each spine 30 is generally triangular in cross-section, with
an upstanding apex, and is provided with a plurality of transverse
slits 38 to enable a significant degree of flexing whenever the
wearer of the glove curls that finger, in gripping or other
movements. Small through bores 39 are provided centrally of each
transverse slit 38 to enhance the flexibility of each spine 30. The
length and cross-sectional configuration of the spine 30, along
with choice of material, serves to protect the finger throughout
its length, including the vulnerable regions at or adjacent the
joints, against impact injuries.
[0028] As already mentioned, and as shown in FIG. 5, the plate
assembly 20 is mounted onto the back of the glove 10 overlying the
metacarpal region of the wearer's hand, just behind the main
knuckles. It serves to locate and guide proximal ends of the spines
30 which overlie the first, second and third fingers. The upper
plate 24 includes three laterally spaced guide portions 26 of
convexly curving cross-section, which thereby provide tunnels, as
best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, for reception of the free (unfixed)
ends of these spines 30. These unfixed end regions of the spines 30
extend into the tunnels provided by the regions 26 in a freely
slidable manner so that as the user's hand or any individual finger
is flexed into increasing curvature they slide outwardly, but once
the user's hand is straightened out again, they slide back inwardly
of the respective tunnel.
[0029] The top plate 28 is secured to the upper plate 24 by its
side edges clipping below appropriately spaced latching members 21
projecting upwards from the two outermost tunnel forming regions
26.
[0030] The guide structures 40, of which there are five, one for
each finger, and one for the thumb of the glove wearer, each
comprise a curving base plate 42 and an upstanding convex portion
44 defining a tunnel above the base plate. The base plate 42 of
each said member 40 is mounted onto the back of the glove 10 above
the proximal phalange bone of each finger. Thus, as regards the
first, second and third fingers the convex portions 44 provide
respective tunnels through which the respective spines 30 extend,
in an freely slidable manner, part way between their distal end
attachment at portion 32 and their reception in the respective
housing tunnels 26, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.
[0031] The guide structures 40 for the thumb and the little finger
are slightly different as the free ends of their respective spines
30 do not locate into guide means of the plate assembly 20. In the
version shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the guide structure 40 for the thumb
has a closed end 46 to its tunnel forming convex portion 44, thus
providing, in effect, a socket which slidingly receives the free
end portion of a similar spine 130 mounted over the thumb. (This is
not shown in FIG. 1, where the free end of the spine 130 is shown
extending through a guide structure 40 of similar form to those
employed for the spines of the above-mentioned fingers.) The guide
structure 44 for the fourth (little) finger is also modified by
having an extension 48 to its base plate 42 for more secure
attachment purposes and to offer a greater abrasion resistance at
the side of the little finger.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows an alternative version of the system where open
guide structures 140 are provided in place of the above-described
closed guide structures 40. These open guide structures 140 differ
only in that they do not provide a tunnel forming convex portion
for the spines 30 to slide through, but instead provide two edge
engagement lugs 143,145 upstanding from a base plate 142. These
lugs 143,145 face each other and slidingly retain side edges of the
respective spine 30. In all other respects, the system is the same
as in FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals have been used to
denote corresponding parts.
[0033] FIGS. 7 and 8 show two further embodiments from which the
plate assembly 20 is absent, as such a plate assembly is not always
necessary. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, spines 50 are shown
provided over the first second and third fingers of a glove 51.
These spines 50 are essentially the same as the spines 30 in the
previous embodiment, and are secured at first end portions 52 in
the vicinity of the fingertips, with the remaining portion of each
spine 50 being slidably displaceable along the longitudinal axis of
the spine 50 by locating through a respective guide structure 54,
which is mounted onto the finger at a spacing from the secured
first end portion 52. The guide structures 54 are similar to the
previously described guide structures 40 in the preceding
embodiment and include a base plate attached to the glove fabric
and a convex portion providing a tunnel into and through which a
free end region of the spine 50 projects.
[0034] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, spines 60 are shown provided
over the first second and third fingers of a glove 61. These spines
60 are again essentially the same in structure as the spines 30 in
the previous embodiment. However, in this case they are secured at
first end portions 62 in the vicinity of the knuckles, with the
remaining unconnected and displaceable portion of each spine 60
extending towards the fingertips and being slidably displaceable
along the longitudinal axis of the spine 60 by locating through two
spaced apart respective guide structures 64. The guide structures
64 are again similar to the previously described guide structures
40 in the preceding embodiment and include a base plate attached to
the glove fabric and a convex portion providing tunnels through
which the unconnected, displaceable region of the spines 60
extend.
[0035] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the hand
protection system of the invention. The tunnel housing assembly,
designated generally by reference numeral 120, is essentially the
same as in preceding embodiment. The flexible spines for overlying
the respective fingers are somewhat different to the preceding
embodiment, as those for the first, second and third fingers are
provided in two parts 132, 134. The distal parts 132 are each
provided with a respective terminal enlargement 133 for securing
onto the glove region overlying the intermediate phalanges, but
otherwise are much shorter than in previous embodiment. The
proximal parts 134 have enlarged end regions 136 which, in addition
to being for securing onto the glove region overlying the proximal
phalanges, provide tunnels, in the manner of sockets, for receiving
respective ends of the distal parts 132 in slidable manner.
Accordingly, the enlarged end regions 136 take the place of the
separate, tunnel forming attachment members 40 in the preceding
embodiment. A separate tunnel forming attachment member 140 is
provided for the slidable reception of the free end of the spine
131 overlying the little finger. A spine 138 for overlying the
thumb is simply designed to overlie the joint and has respective
enlarged ends 139 for securing to the glove at each side of the
joint.
[0036] The invention is not restricted to the precise details of
any foregoing embodiments, and other variations are possible in
other embodiments as will be evident to any person skilled in this
technical field.
[0037] Throughout the description and claims of this specification,
the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean
"including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and
do not) exclude other components. Throughout the description and
claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural
unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the
indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood
as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the
context requires otherwise.
[0038] Features described in conjunction with a particular
embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be
applicable to any other embodiment or example described herein
unless incompatible therewith.
* * * * *