U.S. patent application number 12/846372 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-03 for anti-shock batting gloves.
This patent application is currently assigned to MIZUNO USA, INC.. Invention is credited to TAMOTSU DOI, JUNKO HARADA, TAKAYUKI KANEMITSU, KEI KATO, KAZUHIRO KUME, CHAD ROBERTSON.
Application Number | 20110265239 12/846372 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44857054 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110265239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KANEMITSU; TAKAYUKI ; et
al. |
November 3, 2011 |
ANTI-SHOCK BATTING GLOVES
Abstract
An anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive a thumb and
forefingers of a hand, including: a dorsal side for covering a
dorsal side of the hand, and a palmar side for covering a palm of a
hand. The palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger pads
adapted to limit shock to a batter's hand encountered during
batting. The plurality of detached finger pads comprise a palm pad
configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand, a first
finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger, a
second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a phalange
of a ring finger, a third finger pad configured to cover a
metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a
middle finger, and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area
between a thumb and an index finger. Other aspects, embodiments,
and features are also claimed and discussed.
Inventors: |
KANEMITSU; TAKAYUKI; (Osaka,
JP) ; DOI; TAMOTSU; (Kyota, JP) ; ROBERTSON;
CHAD; (Buford, GA) ; KATO; KEI; (Osaka,
JP) ; HARADA; JUNKO; (Osaka, JP) ; KUME;
KAZUHIRO; (Wakayama, JP) |
Assignee: |
MIZUNO USA, INC.
NORCROSS
GA
|
Family ID: |
44857054 |
Appl. No.: |
12/846372 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/19 ; 2/161.1;
2/163; 2/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/01523 20130101;
A63B 2102/182 20151001; A63B 71/143 20130101; A63B 71/146 20130101;
A63B 2102/18 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/19 ; 2/169;
2/161.1; 2/163 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/015 20060101
A41D019/015; A41D 19/00 20060101 A41D019/00; A41D 19/02 20060101
A41D019/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 28, 2010 |
JP |
2010-103600 |
Claims
1. An anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive the thumb and
forefingers of a hand, comprising: a dorsal side for covering a
dorsal side of the hand; and a palmar side for covering a palm of a
hand, wherein the palmar side comprises a plurality of detached
finger pads adapted to limit shock encountered in batting.
2. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of detached finger pads comprise: a palm pad configured to cover a
lower portion of a palm of the hand; a first finger pad configured
to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger; a second finger pad
configured to cover a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring
finger; a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a
proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger;
and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb
and an index finger.
3. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the first
finger pad is substantially diamond shaped.
4. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the second
finger pad is comprised of a top segment and a bottom segment that
are continuously connected.
5. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 4, wherein the top segment
and bottom segment are substantially diamond shaped.
6. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the third
finger pad is comprised of a bottom segment, a middle segment, and
a top segment that are continuously connected.
7. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 6, wherein the bottom
segment, the middle segment, and the top segment are substantially
diamond shaped.
8. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the fourth
finger pad is shaped to cooperate with a curvature between the
thumb and the index finger.
9. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the plurality
of detached finger pads are made of Bio Gel Foam.
10. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the palm pad,
the first finger pad, the second finger pad, and the third finger
pad are approximately 3 mm thick.
11. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the fourth
finger pad is approximately 5 mm thick.
12. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 1, wherein the dorsal
side comprises one or more fasteners adapted to securely adjust
over a batter's hand.
13. An anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive the thumb and
forefingers of a hand, comprising: a dorsal side for covering a
dorsal side of the hand; and a palmar side for covering a palm of a
hand, wherein the palmar side comprises a palm pad configured to
cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand; a first finger pad
configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger; a second finger
pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a
ring finger; a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a
proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger;
and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb
and an index finger.
14. A method of manufacturing an anti-shock batting glove,
comprising: providing a dorsal side of the glove; providing a
palmar side of the glove; attaching the dorsal side of the glove to
the palmar side of the glove; and disposing a plurality of detached
finger pads on the palmar side of the glove.
15. The method of manufacturing an anti-shock batting glove in
claim 14, wherein disposing the plurality of detached finger pads
on the palmar side of the glove comprises: disposing a palm pad
such that it covers a lower portion of a palm of the hand;
disposing a first finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal of a
pinky finger; disposing a second finger pad such that it covers a
metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring finger; disposing a
third finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal, a proximal
phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger; and
disposing a fourth finger pad such that it covers an area between a
thumb and an index finger.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS & PRIORITY CLAIMS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of and priority
to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-103600, which was filed on
28 Apr. 2010, and is incorporated by reference herein as if fully
set forth below in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
protective batting gloves and more particularly to anti-shock
batting gloves for use in baseball, softball, and other activities
where protective covering is desired.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The history of America's pastime can be traced back to the
18.sup.th century. Baseball (and softball), has greatly evolved
since the 18.sup.th century and is now an extremely popular sport
among men and women. Synonymous with the evolution of baseball has
been the evolution of baseball equipment.
[0004] Traditional baseball and softball equipment consisted solely
of a bat, a ball, and a glove to protect a defending player's hand
and facilitate in catching the ball. Today, baseball and softball
players use specialized equipment to enhance performance and
protect from the potential dangers the game presents.
[0005] Most baseball and softball bats have limited shock absorbing
properties. The shock resulting from the impact of the bat hitting
the ball is passed to the batter, thus increasing the impact to the
hands. This impact can cause injury to a batter's hand. The impact
can also cause injury to the lower part of the palm, as the heel of
the bat is usually shoved into the lower part of the hand after the
impact. A rotational momentum can also be imparted to the bat upon
contact with the ball, which causes the bat to exert force across
and around a batter's hand, specifically through the area between
the thumb and the index finger. In light of these issues, there has
been an increased demand among players for batting gloves that
provide hand protection to baseball and softball batters.
[0006] Many attempts have been made in designing batting gloves to
protect against injury. There is still a need, however, for batting
gloves that further protect against hand injuries. Specifically,
there is a need for batting gloves that successfully protect
against the shocks, vibrations, and rotational forces encountered
during batting. Embodiments of the present invention are to such
gloves.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide anti-shock
batting gloves. Some embodiments can receive a thumb and
forefingers of a hand, comprising a dorsal side for covering a
dorsal side of the hand, and a palmar side for covering a palm of a
hand. The palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger pads
adapted to limit shock encountered during batting.
[0008] In accordance with some embodiments, the plurality of
detached finger pads comprise a palm pad configured to cover a
lower portion of a palm of the hand, a first finger pad configured
to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger, a second finger pad
configured to cover a metacarpal and a phalange of a ring finger, a
third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a proximal
phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and a
fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and
an index finger.
[0009] In an embodiment, the first finger pad is substantially
diamond shaped.
[0010] In another embodiment, the second finger pad is comprised of
a top segment and a bottom segment that are continuously connected.
The top segment and the bottom segment can be substantially diamond
shaped.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the third finger pad is comprised
of a bottom segment, a middle segment, and a top segment that are
continuously connected. The bottom segment, the middle segment, and
the top segment are preferably substantially diamond shaped.
[0012] In another embodiment, the fourth finger pad is shaped to
cooperate with a curvature between the thumb and the index
finger.
[0013] In another embodiment, the plurality of detached finger pads
are made of Bio Gel Foam.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the palm pad, the first finger
pad, the second finger pad, and the third finger pad are
approximately 3 mm thick.
[0015] In other embodiments, the fourth finger pad is approximately
5 mm thick.
[0016] In another embodiment, the dorsal side comprises one or more
fasteners adapted to securely adjust over a batter's hand.
[0017] Some embodiments are adapted to receive the thumb and
forefingers of a hand, and comprise a dorsal side for covering a
dorsal side of the hand, and a palmar side for covering a palm of a
hand. The palmar said of this embodiment further comprises a palm
pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand, a
first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky
finger, a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a
proximal phalange of a ring finger, a third finger pad configured
to cover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate
phalange of a middle finger, and a fourth finger pad configured to
cover an area between a thumb and an index finger.
[0018] A method of manufacturing anti-shock gloves of the present
invention comprise the steps of providing a dorsal side of the
glove, providing a palmar side of the glove, attaching the dorsal
side of the glove to the palmar side of the glove, and disposing a
plurality of detached finger pads on the palmar side of the
glove.
[0019] In some embodiments, disposing the plurality of detached
finger pads on the palmar side of the glove comprises the steps of
disposing a palm pad such that it covers a lower portion of a palm
of the hand, disposing a first finger pad such that it covers a
metacarpal of a pinky finger, disposing a second finger pad such
that it covers a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring
finger, disposing a third finger pad such that it covers a
metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a
middle finger, and disposing a fourth finger pad such that it
covers an area between a thumb and an index finger.
[0020] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an
anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a dorsal side view of an anti-shock glove
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an
anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an
anti-shock glove in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY & ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Disclosed herein is an anti-shock batting glove adapted to
receive the thumb and forefingers of a hand, including: a dorsal
side for covering a dorsal side of the hand, a palmar side for
covering a palm of a hand, wherein the palmar side comprises a
plurality of detached finger pads adapted to limit or eliminate
shock and other forces encountered during batting.
[0032] As discussed herein, embodiments of the present invention
can include a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a
palm of the hand, a first finger pad configured to cover a
metacarpal of a pinky finger, a second finger pad configured to
cover a metacarpal and proximal phalange of a ring finger, a third
finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, proximal phalange, and
intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and a fourth finger pad
configured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger.
Advantageously, this combination of finger pads protect a batter's
hand from the shock, vibrations, and forces encountered during
batting.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, an anti-shock glove in
accordance with exemplary embodiments is illustrated. As
illustrated in the figures, the palmar side 100 of the anti-shock
glove 100 comprises a plurality of detached finger pads 105. The
plurality of detached finger pads 105 herein are configured to
limit shock, vibration, and rotational forces encountered during
batting.
[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the palm pad 110 is configured on
the palmar side 100 of the anti-shock glove. The palm pad 110 can
be configured to cover and protect a lower portion 135 of the palm
of a hand 140, particularly beneath the pinky finger 145 and ring
finger 150.
[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the first finger pad 115 is
configured to cover and protect the metacarpal of the pinky finger
145. However, the first finger pad 115 can be adapted to extend
past the metacarpal to provide more protection to the pinky finger
145. The geometrical shape of the first finger pad 115 is
preferably substantially diamond-like. The first finger pad 115 is
not limited to this geometric configuration, however.
[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the second finger pad 120 is
configured to cover and protect the metacarpal and proximal
phalange of the ring finger 150. The second finger pad 120 can be
adapted to extend past the proximal phalange and provide more
protection to the ring finger 150. The second finger pad 120 is
preferably comprised of two segments, a top segment 170 and a
bottom segment 175. The top segment 170 and the bottom segment 175
are continuously connected. The top segment 170 preferably covers
the metacarpal of the ring finger 150. The bottom segment 175
preferably covers the proximal phalange of the ring finger 150. The
geometrical shape of the top segment 170 of the second finger pad
120 is preferably substantially diamond-like. The geometrical shape
of the bottom segment 175 of the second finger pad 120 is also
preferably substantially diamond-like. The top segment 170 and
bottom segment 175 of the second finger pad 120 are not limited to
this geometric configuration. In currently preferred embodiments,
the surface area of the bottom segment 175 is greater than the
surface area of the top segment 170.
[0037] In exemplary embodiments, the third finger pad 125 is
configured to cover and protect the metacarpal, the proximal
phalange, and the intermediate phalange of the middle finger 155.
The third finger pad 125 can be adapted to extend past the
intermediate phalange of the middle finger 155 to provide even more
protection to the middle finger 155. The third finger pad 125 is
preferably comprised of three segments, a bottom segment 180, a
middle segment 185, and a top segment 190. The bottom segment 180,
middle segment 185, and top segment 190 are continuously connected.
The bottom segment 180 preferably covers the metacarpal of the
middle finger 155. The middle segment 185 preferably covers the
proximal phalange of the middle finger 155. The top segment 190
preferably covers the intermediate phalange of the middle finger
155. In currently preferred embodiments, the geometrical shape of
the bottom segment 180, middle segment 185, and top segment 190 is
substantially diamond-like. Many other geometric configurations can
also be used, however. The surface area of the bottom segment 180
is greater than the surface area of the middle segment 185. The
surface area of the middle segment 185 is greater than the surface
area of the top segment 190.
[0038] In exemplary embodiments, the fourth finger pad 130 is
configured to cover and protect the area 195 between the index
finger 160 and the thumb 165. The geometrical shape of the fourth
finger pad 130 is preferably substantially oval. The fourth finger
pad 130 can be slightly deformed to cooperate with the curvature
between the index finger 160 and the thumb 165 junction. The fourth
finger pad 130, however, is not limited to this geometric
configuration.
[0039] The palm pad 110, first finger pad 115, second finger pad
120, third finger pad 125, and fourth finger pad 130 can be made
from many materials. It is preferable that the material has impact
absorption characteristics that aid in limiting or eliminating the
shock and vibrations to a batter's hand encountered during batting.
In currently preferred embodiments, the plurality of detached
finger pads 105 are made of a Bio Gel Foam material. At
approximately 3 mm thick, Bio Gel foam has a gravity acceleration
value of approximately 37 g and absorbs approximately 82.65% of
energy resulting from a bat striking a ball. At approximately 6 mm
thick, Bio Gel foam has a gravity acceleration value of 34 g and
absorbs approximately 75.93% of energy resulting from a bat
striking a ball. Other materials can also be used, for example but
not limited to, Latex Foam, and Easton Foam. In currently preferred
embodiments, the plurality of detached finger pads 105 are made of
the same material. In other embodiments, however, the plurality of
detached finger pads 105 can each be made of a different
material.
[0040] In exemplary embodiments, the palm pad 110, first finger pad
115, second finger pad 120, and third finger pad 125 are comprised
of a Bio Gel Foam pad having a thickness of approximately 3 mm. The
fourth finger pad 130, however, is preferably comprised of a Bio
Gel Foam pad having a thickness of approximately 5 mm.
[0041] The dorsal side 300 of the glove can comprise one or more
fasteners adapted to wrap securely over a batter's hand. In a
preferred embodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop fastener, and
can be, for example, VELCRO.RTM..
[0042] The anti-shock glove can be made of, for example but not
limited to, leather, neoprene, rayon, acrylic, polyester, cotton,
or a combination of the foregoing. Moreover, the anti-shock glove
can comprise a liner to enhance comfort to the batter. The material
comprising the liner can be, for example but not limited to,
leather, neoprene, rayon, acrylic, polyester, cotton, or a
combination of the foregoing.
[0043] Further, to cooperate with the natural curves of the hand,
the anti-shock glove can be comprised of one or more pieces of the
same or different material. In embodiments that comprise more than
one piece of material, the pieces are preferably attached using
thread stitching.
[0044] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate palmar side views of an anti-shock
glove in accordance with other embodiments of the present
invention. The anti-shock glove 600 illustrated in FIG.6 comprises
a first finger pad 605 to cover and protect the metacarpal, the
proximal phalange, and intermediate phalange of the pinky finger
615, ring finger 620, and middle finger 625. A second finger pad
610 is configured to cover and protect the area 640 between the
index finger 630 and the thumb 635.
[0045] The anti-shock glove 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises a
first finger pad 705 configured to cover and protect the metacarpal
of the pinky finger 715, the metacarpal and proximal phalange of
the ring finger 720, and the metacarpal, proximal phalange, and
intermediate phalange of the middle finger 725. A second finger pad
710 is configured to cover and protect the area 740 between the
index finger 730 and the thumb 735.
[0046] The anti-shock glove 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 comprises a
plurality of detached finger pads 805. The first finger pad 810 is
configured to cover and protect the pinky finger 830. The first
finger pad 810 extends from the metacarpal 855 to the intermediate
phalange 860 of the pinky finger 830. The second finger pad 815 is
configured to cover and protect the ring finger 835. The second
finger pad 815 extends from the metacarpal 865 to the intermediate
phalange 870 of the ring finger 835. The third finger pad 820 is
configured to cover and protect the middle finger 840. The third
finger pad 820 extends from the metacarpal 875 to the intermediate
phalange 880 of the middle finger 840. The fourth finger pad 825 is
configured to cover and protect the area 885 between the index
finger 845 and the thumb 850.
[0047] The anti-shock glove 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 comprises a
plurality of detached finger pads 905. The first finger pad 910 is
configured to cover and protect the pinky finger 930. The first
finger pad 910 extends from the intermediate phalange 955 to the
distal phalange 960 of the pinky finger 930. The second finger pad
915 is configured to cover and protect the ring finger 935. The
second finger pad 915 extends from the intermediate phalange 965 to
the distal phalange 970 of the ring finger 935. The third finger
pad 920 is configured to cover and protect the middle finger 940.
The third finger pad 920 extends from the intermediate phalange 975
to the distal phalange 980 of the middle finger 940. The fourth
finger pad 925 is configured to cover and protect the area 985
between the index finger 945 and the thumb 950.
[0048] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to
the particular formulations and materials disclosed herein as such
formulations and materials may vary somewhat. Moreover, the
terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing
exemplary embodiments only and the terminology is not intended to
be limiting since the scope of the various embodiments of the
present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and
equivalents thereof.
[0049] Therefore, while embodiments of the invention are described
with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art
will understand that variations and modifications can be affected
within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the
present invention should not be limited to the above discussed
embodiments, and should only be defined by the following claims and
all equivalents.
* * * * *