U.S. patent application number 13/495403 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for wearable article for holding a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.S.. Invention is credited to Serge CHAPUIS, Bruno SIRVAIN.
Application Number | 20120317696 13/495403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46229173 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120317696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAPUIS; Serge ; et
al. |
December 20, 2012 |
WEARABLE ARTICLE FOR HOLDING A CONTAINER
Abstract
A wearable article for covering at least a portion of a user's
hand, such article including a first section partially surrounding
the hand by connecting at least a portion of the palm to at least a
portion of the back of the hand, the first section passing via a
zone joining the thumb and index finger of the hand, and via the
edge of the hand; a second section connected to the first section
so as to form an opening for passage of the thumb, and at least one
mechanism for fastening a container on the first section. The
fastening mechanism comprises a fastener connected to a section so
that it is capable of partially surrounding the container in order
to press a portion of the container against the first section. The
points of attachment of the fastener to the section are spaced from
the palm of the hand.
Inventors: |
CHAPUIS; Serge; (Lepin Le
Lac, FR) ; SIRVAIN; Bruno; (Metz-Tessy, FR) |
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.S.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
46229173 |
Appl. No.: |
13/495403 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/0024 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A41D 19/0037 20130101; A45F 2005/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/160 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 14, 2011 |
FR |
11/01824 |
Claims
1. A wearable article for covering at least a portion of a hand of
a wearer, comprising: a first section structured and arranged to
partially surround the hand of the wearer by connecting at least a
portion of a palm of the hand to at least a portion of a back of
the hand, the first section extending through a junction zone
structured and arranged to join a thumb and index finger of the
hand, and over an edge of the hand; a second section connected to
the first section so as to form an opening for passage of the thumb
of the hand of the wearer; at least one mechanism for fastening a
container onto the first section; the fastening mechanism
comprising a fastener connected to one of the first and second
sections of the wearable article, so that the wearable article can
at least partially surround the container to press a portion of the
container against the first section; points of attachment of the
fastener to the one of the sections are positioned to be spaced
from the palm of the hand of the wearer.
2. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: the points of
attachment of the fastener are positioned to be proximate a
palm/back of the hand interface.
3. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: one of the
points of attachment of the fastener is positioned to be in an area
of the second section, the area comprising a zone of a tendon of an
extensor muscle of the thumb of the hand of the wearer.
4. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: one of the
points of attachment of the fastener is positioned to be located in
the area of an edge of the hand of the wearer.
5. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: the points of
attachment of the fastener are substantially in a same location,
the fastener structured and arranged to surround a base of the hand
of the wearer.
6. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening
mechanism forms a tightening loop structured and arranged to
surround the hand of the wearer equipped with the container.
7. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: the fastener
extends along a direction Y forming an angle .alpha. greater than
45.degree. with respect to an axis X defined by the edge of the
hand of the wearer, along a plane passing via the palm of the
hand.
8. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: the fastener
comprises an area made of a non-slip material structured and
arranged for contact with a portion of the container.
9. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: the fastener
is elastic.
10. A wearable article according to claim 1, further comprising: a
second fastening mechanism arranged in an area of the junction
zone.
11. A wearable article according to claim 10, wherein: the second
fastening mechanism forms, with a portion of the junction zone, a
tightening loop structured and arranged to surround a portion of
the container.
12. A wearable article according to claim 10, wherein: at least one
of the fastening mechanisms structured and arranged to surround a
portion of the container comprises a length-adjustable structure to
enable a length of said at least one of the fastening mechanisms to
be adjustable.
13. A wearable article according to claim 10, further comprising: a
third fastening mechanism comprising a complementary fastening
mechanism structured and arranged to reinforce retention of an end
of the container in relation to the hand of the wearer.
14. A wearable article according to claim 1, further comprising: at
least one additional fastening mechanism structured and arranged to
fasten a second container, one container on one side of the hand of
the wearer and the second container on another of the hand of the
wearer.
15. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: the wearable
article comprises at least a partial envelope of the hand, in the
form of a glove or a mitt.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon French patent application
Ser. No. 11/01824, filed Jun. 14, 2011, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the
priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a wearable article for
covering a portion of a hand of a user and for supporting a
container such as a bottle, a flexible bag, or a tube containing a
fluid.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Athletes engaged in certain endurance sports, such as
running on pavement or on a trail, need to rehydrate regularly
during the exercise. For covering long distances independently,
some runners carry a bottle directly in their hand, an inconvenient
and uncomfortable practice requiring the athlete to maintain a
tight grip on the bottle between his/her fingers, which can lead to
muscle pain over time. The hand remains clenched and does not
relax. In addition, the bottle can be dropped at any time, in the
event the fingers were to relax their grip.
[0006] To overcome this drawback, certain manufacturers have
designed bottle-holders that attach directly to a rigid bottle and
include a handle. Reference can be made, for example, to the
"Quickdraw Elite" hand-held bottle carrier by Nathan. The athlete
slips his/her hand between the bottle and the handle, the handle
then covering the back of the hand. The handle can include an
opening for passage of the thumb in order to improve the fit of the
bottle-holder in the hand. This product is practical but
nevertheless has some drawbacks. The hand is in direct contact with
the bottle, which is not comfortable, as the material of the bottle
is often not particularly pleasant to the touch. This direct
contact also promotes heat exchange and the subsequent warming of
the liquid in the bottle. Moreover, this accessory is provided to
support the same bottle throughout the race. When empty, the bottle
must be refilled; this can be time-consuming. Indeed, quickly
replacing the bottle with another is difficult because of the
design of the mechanism for fastening the bottle-holder to the
bottle. This particular bottle-holder was not designed for flexible
bottles or pouches, nor was it designed to be compatible with
various container sizes.
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,414,692 and 6,000,058 describe similar
solutions, including a pocket adapted to receive a container, such
pocket being fastened to a glove or mitt using loop-and-hook
self-gripping fasteners, such as Velcro.RTM. fasteners. These
container holders were not designed for use in sports, but rather
to make it possible to handle a container of cold or hot liquid.
Therefore, the objective was to thermally isolate the container
from the hand. These gloves are therefore not adapted for the
dynamic movements associated with a race or other activity,
particularly a sports activity. The mechanisms for fastening the
pocket housing the container to the glove do not make possible
proper retention of the container against the glove during rapid
hand movements. Moreover, the pockets are not adapted to receive
flexible pouches or containers, nor to be compatible with various
container sizes.
[0008] U.S. Design Pat. No. D633,215 discloses a glove comprising a
strip sewn into the center of the palm area, the strip encircling a
baby bottle. This accessory is adapted to prevent the baby's hand
from releasing the bottle. It is not designed for use in sports and
especially not to ensure proper retention of the container against
the glove during rapid hand movements. Indeed, the strip can easily
rotate about its anchoring point. In addition, the glove is not
adapted for flexible pouches or containers.
[0009] Furthermore, all of the aforementioned documents propose the
container to be held in a substantially vertical orientation, that
is to say, perpendicular to the direction defining the natural
extension of the hand corresponding substantially to the axis of
the middle finger. Thus, the fingers can wrap around the container
to grip the same. This configuration causes the container to
overlap beneath the hand. This overlap can hinder movement,
especially if the overlapping portion of the container becomes
caught on a projection in the surroundings. Thus, an impact on the
container during hand movement can cause a force in the area of the
glove, which can damage the glove or injure the user. Furthermore,
the container is not protected and it can also be damaged upon
impact. Moreover, in this arrangement, the bottle is positioned so
as to cover the palm of the hand completely. This zone would be
thermogenic during a foot race, e.g., and, if such zone were not
covered or properly ventilated, perspiration would increase,
thereby adding to the discomfort.
SUMMARY
[0010] The invention solves one or more of the aforementioned
drawbacks.
[0011] The invention provides an improved wearable article
providing ease of use, particularly during practice of a sport.
[0012] The invention provides for better retention of a container
on the wearable article.
[0013] Also, a wearable article according to the invention is
compatible with various types of containers, including flexible
pouches, bags, and containers of various sizes.
[0014] Additionally, a wearable article according to the invention
supports a container that is easily replaceable while the article
is being worn.
[0015] Still further, the article of the invention protects the
container.
[0016] To these ends, the invention provides a wearable article
covering at least a portion of a user's hand, such article
including a first section partially surrounding the hand by
connecting at least a portion of the palm to at least a portion of
the back of the hand, the first section extending via a zone
joining the thumb and the index finger, and via the edge of the
hand; a second section connected to the first section so as to form
an opening for passage of the thumb and at least one mechanism for
fastening a container to the first section. The fastening mechanism
includes a fastener connected to a section so as to be capable of
partially surrounding the container in order to press a portion of
the container against the first section, and the points of
attachment of the fastener on the section are spaced from the palm
of the hand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
better understood from the following description, with reference to
the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting
embodiments, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a 3/4 front perspective view of a hand equipped
with a wearable article carrying a flexible container according to
a first embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front view of a hand equipped with the wearable
article;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a hand equipped with the wearable
article, the wearable article being in a non-adjusted configuration
on the hand;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a view like that of FIG. 3, with the wearable
article being in another configuration, adjusted on the hand;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a hand equipped with a wearable
article according to a second embodiment, the wearable article
being in an adjusted configuration on the hand;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a 3/4 rear perspective view of a hand equipped
with a wearable article carrying two other containers according to
a third embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a front view of a hand equipped with a wearable
article carrying another flexible container according to a fourth
embodiment of the invention; and
[0025] FIG. 8 is a front view of a hand equipped with the wearable
article according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention.
The wearable article comprises a partial envelope 1 covering a
portion of a hand 2 of a user. It is structured and arranged to
support a container 31 positioned in the palm 21 of the hand,
without being gripped. The container is held in the hand without
the user clamping his/her fingers on it. In this example, the
container 31 is a flexible pouch, that is to say, in the
illustrated embodiment, a bottle having deformable walls.
[0027] In this illustrated embodiment, the envelope 1 includes a
first section 11 surrounding a portion of the wearer's hand by
connecting the palm 21 to the back 22 of the hand 2, the section 11
extending via a zone 23 joining the thumb 25 and index finger 26 of
the hand, and via the edge 24 of the hand. The junction zone 23
extends on both sides of a line connecting the base of the thumb to
the base of the index finger, on a portion of the back of the hand,
on the radial side (toward the thumb) and on a portion of the palm
of the hand, on the radial side. The edge 24 of the hand covers a
zone extending on both sides of a line connecting the palm 21 to
the back 22 of the hand, on the ulnar side (toward the little
finger), on a portion of the back of the hand (on the ulnar side),
and on a portion of the palm of the hand (on the ulnar side).
[0028] The first section 11 is formed of a plurality of constituent
portions.
[0029] A first portion 111 partially covers the palm 21. This is
the portion that forms the interface between the skin and the
container when the container is carried against the palm. This
portion 111 thus makes it possible to isolate the container from
the skin. For example, it can be made of an elastic and honeycombed
material in order to improve user comfort. This material is
pleasant to the touch and adapts to the hand morphology. The cells
provide better ventilation of the palm. A material meeting this
need can be a mixture of polyester and spandex or polyamide. This
portion 111 can also be made of any of other materials, such as
neoprene, that generates little heat.
[0030] A second portion 112 covers the edge 24 of the hand. This
portion 112 serves to protect the hypothenar eminence of the hand.
By way of example, a low-stretch and honeycombed 3D fabric is
suitable for this portion. This material allows for good
ventilation while providing satisfactory support. An exemplary
material that meets this need is polyester.
[0031] A third portion 113 covers much of the back 22 of the hand.
This portion serves as an attachment zone for fastening mechanisms
for a container, but also for attachment of an adjustment tab 13,
or tongue, structured and arranged to adjust the envelope to the
morphology of the user's hand. Therefore, this portion should be
low-stretch, i.e., it should have a structure that is not elastic
or not very elastic, in order to ensure proper anchoring, and it
includes an outer surface 113a for attaching an inner surface 131
of the adjustment tab. These two surfaces are thus provided with
additional self-fastening mechanisms that are described below. One
solution for making this third portion, among others, involves
superimposing a low-stretch fastening fabric with a honeycombed
elastic fabric the same as or similar to that used for the first
portion 111. The honeycombed fabric is comfortable and provides the
same advantages as those described above. As an example, the
structure of the fastening fabric used as a reinforcement includes
textile loops. The material used for this fabric can be brushed
polyester. This third portion is demarcated, on the ulnar side
(toward the edge of the hand), by a seam 113b and, on the radial
side (toward the thumb), by a seam 113c, such seams being stitched
seams, for example.
[0032] A fourth portion 114 connects the first portion 111 to the
third portion 113. A seam 115, such as stitching, marks the
boundary between the first portion 111 and the fourth portion 114
in the junction zone 23, toward the palm. The fourth portion 114
serves to adjust the envelope to the morphology of the user's hand.
It must be flexible so as to be capable of bending or folding,
thereby making it possible to reduce the circumference of the first
section 11. In this example, this fourth portion can be comprised
of the same material or fabric as that used for the first portion
111.
[0033] The adjustment tab 13 is assembled at one 133 of its ends by
or to the seam 115, such as stitching, and is oriented to extend on
the side of the back of the hand. It widens toward the other end
134 in order to increase the surface for attachment to the third
portion 113.
[0034] The adjustment tab 13 includes an inner side 131 made of a
material that makes it possible for the tab to grip the outer
surface 113a of the third portion 113. In this example, the
material is brushed polyester having a structure with textile hooks
or any equivalent structure. The inner surface 131 of the
adjustment tab 13 and the outer surface 113a of the third portion
113 form the attachment mechanisms of the adjustment system of the
envelope. The surfaces, comprising textile loops and hooks, whether
knitted or woven, are pleasant to the touch and protect the
environment. The textile loops and hooks do not catch on other
garments, unlike conventional self-gripping fastening mechanisms
made of injected plastic, such as Velcro.RTM.. However, these
conventional self-gripping fastening mechanisms can also be
used.
[0035] The adjustment tab 13 can also include an outer side 132
made of a material that is pleasant to the touch. As an example,
the material of the outer surface 132 is capable of absorbing
liquid so that perspiration can be dried or wiped from the face of
the user, with a simple movement, during exercise.
[0036] To adjust the envelope to the morphology of the user's hand,
the user pulls on the adjustment tab 13 toward the back 22 of the
hand. When the first portion is satisfactorily tightened around the
hand, the user brings the inner surface 131 of the end 134 of the
adjustment tab against the third portion 113, so that the
attachment mechanisms 131, 113a can cooperate. This action shortens
the fourth portion 114 and therefore reduces the circumference of
the section 11. The envelope is therefore adjusted to the
morphology of the user's hand.
[0037] The envelope 1 includes a second section 12 connected to the
first section 11 so as to form an opening 14 for passage of the
thumb 25. A seam 141, such as stitching, demarcates the opening 14.
Thus, the sections 11 and 12 surround the base of the thumb 25. The
opening 14 for passage of the thumb is sized so that the base of
the thumb is cleared. Advantageously, the opening extends toward
the edge of the hand in order not to cover the thenar eminence.
This zone is not biased; the movement of the thumb thus being
facilitated, thereby providing ease of use of the article. By way
of example, the opening 14 can form a "V" in this zone.
[0038] A seam 116, such as stitching, demarcates an edge of the
envelope, toward the fingers. This seam 116 runs along the first
section 11. Another such seam 126 demarcates the other edge of the
envelope, toward the wrist. The seam 126 surrounds a portion of the
first section 11 and a portion of the second section 12.
[0039] According to an alternative embodiment, the adjustment tab
13 is connected to the second section 12. In this case, tightening
is adjusted around the hand behind the thumb 25, on the side of the
wrist. The circumference is therefore slightly adjusted above the
wrist, in the area of the second section 12.
[0040] The adjustment tab 13 is not required. The envelope can
incorporate portions that are sufficiently resilient to permit
adjustment of the envelope to the morphology of the user's
hand.
[0041] From a constructional perspective, the first and second
sections are not necessarily made as separate panels. For example,
the first 111, third 113, and fourth 114 portions of the first
section 11 and second section 12 form a single panel made of a
flexible and honeycombed material. In this case, the third portion
113 is reinforced by the covering of another more rigid and
adherent fabric, as described previously. Alternatively, the third
portion 113 is a separate panel made entirely of a rigid fabric and
is engageable with the adjustment tab 13.
[0042] According to another, more minimalist embodiment, the first
section 11 includes an elastic band connecting a back panel
corresponding to the portion 113, in the area of junction of the
thumb and the index finger, and a panel covering the edge of the
hand, corresponding to the portion 112. The second section 12 is
also an elastic band connecting the back panel corresponding to the
portion 113, in the area of the base of the thumb, on the side of
the wrist, and the panel covering the edge of the hand,
corresponding to the portion 112.
[0043] The invention encompasses other embodiments having a similar
construction, that is to say, an envelope including a first section
surrounding the hand by passing between the thumb and the index
finger, and a second section connected to the first, passing via
the base of the thumb, on the side of the wrist. The invention is
not limited to the use of any particular material for making the
sections.
[0044] The envelope 1 includes a first fastening mechanism 15
arranged in the area of the zone 23 joining the thumb 25 and index
finger 26 of the hand.
[0045] In this example, the first fastening mechanism 15 includes
an elastic string 150, each end 151 and 152 of which is assembled
on the seam 113c of the third portion 113, in the area of the back
22 of the hand, toward the fingers. The elastic string 150 and a
portion of the edge 113c of the third portion 113 forms a first
tightening loop 153 constituting the first fastening mechanism
15.
[0046] The first fastening mechanism 15 is adapted to surround the
upper portion 31a of a container 31. The upper end of the container
is passed in the tightening loop 153 widened by the user, and the
elastic string is then relaxed in the area of the upper portion 31a
of the container. To make it easier to grip the elastic string 150,
a strip 154 is attached thereto. The user can then easily grab and
pull on the strip 154 in order to expand the elastic string.
[0047] When released, the elastic string 150 contracts, pressing
the upper portion 31a of the container against the first section
11. The upper end of the container 31 is held in relation to the
envelope 1. This end generally includes a cap 31e.
[0048] The two ends 151 and 152 of the elastic string 150, in an
exemplary embodiment, are spaced apart by a distance between 1.5
and 3.0 cm. This spacing improves the stability of the container 31
by preventing it from pivoting about the anchor of the elastic
string 150 on the edge 113c of the third portion 113. In addition,
this spacing enables the adjustment tab 13 to pass through the
tightening loop 153.
[0049] The envelope 1 includes a second fastening mechanism 16
adapted to surround the lower portion 31b of a container 31 in
order to press a portion of the container against the first section
11.
[0050] In this example, the second fastening mechanism 16 includes
an elastic band 160, forming a fastener, each end 161 and 162 of
which is assembled on the third portion 113.
[0051] The first end 161 is attached to the edge 113c of the third
portion 113, in the area of the back 22 of the hand, toward the
wrist. This attachment point is therefore located in the area of an
attachment zone of the second section 12, where a tendon of an
extensor muscle of the thumb is located. The potential attachment
zone extends on both sides of the interface, or junction, between
the palm portion and the back of the hand portion, over three
centimeters, for example, on each side. The effective attachment
point is positioned, according to an exemplary embodiment, as close
as possible to this interface located in the extension of the
thumb.
[0052] The second end 162 is attached to the edge 113b of the third
portion 113, in the area of the back 22 of the hand, toward the
fingers. This attachment point is therefore located in the area of
the edge 24 of the hand. The edge 24 of the hand, constituting the
second potential attachment zone of the elastic band 160, extends
on both sides of the interface, or junction, between the palm
portion and the back of the hand portion, over three centimeters,
for example, on each side.
[0053] The two points of attachment of the fastener 160 on the
envelope 1 are thus spaced from the palm 21 of the hand.
[0054] The band 160 extends along a portion of the palm and
partially covers the thenar eminence and hypothenar eminence.
Consequently, the band 160 extends along a direction Y forming an
angle .alpha. greater than 45.degree. with respect the axis X
defined by the edge 24 of the hand, along a plane passing through
the palm of the hand. This orientation of the fastening mechanism
is illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0055] The elastic band 160, the fastener, and a dorsal or
posterior portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, that
is to say, arranged on the back of the hand, form a second
tightening loop 163 constituting the second fastening mechanism 16.
Thus, the tightening loop surrounds the hand equipped with the
container, which provides excellent retention of the container
against an inner or anterior portion of the sections 11 and 12 of
the envelope 1, that is to say, arranged in the area of the palm of
the hand. The force exerted by the tightening loop 163 is
distributed around the hand, in the area of the back of the hand,
by the dorsal portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1,
and in the area of the container by the elastic band 160. Thus, the
container is better immobilized than a glove provided with a
tightening mechanism located in the palm of the hand. The risk of
swaying is reduced.
[0056] The use of this second fastening mechanism 16 is similar to
that of the first fastening mechanism 15. One end of the container
31 is passed through the tightening loop 163 expanded by the user;
the container is slipped through the tightening loop and the
elastic band is released in the area of the lower portion 31b of
the container.
[0057] When released, the elastic band 160 contracts, pressing the
lower portion 31b of the container against the first section 11.
The lower end of the container 31 is held in relation to the
envelope 1.
[0058] The elastic band 160 includes an inner side 164 opposite the
palm, and an outer surface 165. The inner side 164, in an exemplary
embodiment, includes a coating made of non-slip material adapted to
be in contact with at least a portion of the container.
Consequently, such coating reduces any relative movement between
the container walls and the elastic band. The container is then
even better retained. The outer surface 165 can be used for
decorative purposes.
[0059] The container is mainly retained by the second fastening
mechanism 16.
[0060] The combination of the two fastening mechanisms 15 and 16
makes it possible to better immobilize the container.
[0061] For the immobilization to be effective, the two fastening
mechanisms 15 and 16 must be spaced from one another. The distance
d between the center of the two fastening mechanisms 15 and 16, in
a particular embodiment, is between 4.0 and 10 cm. Due to this
spacing, the fastening mechanisms prevent or considerably limit the
rotation R of the container about an axis perpendicular to the palm
of the hand.
[0062] Moreover, the translation T of the container along its
longitudinal axis in relation to the envelope 1 is limited by the
friction forces between the fastening mechanisms 15 and 16 and the
walls of the container 11. In addition, the walls of the container
11 are not smooth or uniform. The cross section of the container is
often variable. Accordingly, the tightening of the fastening
mechanisms 15, 16 is generally located in recesses of the
container, which contributes to the translational immobilization.
Furthermore, the non-slip coating of the inner side 164 of the
elastic band 160 improves the axial retention.
[0063] Finally, retention of the container against the palm is
obtained by the two fastening mechanism 15 and 16. These fastening
mechanism press the container against the first section 11 of the
envelope 1, preventing the spacing E of the container from the
hand.
[0064] The invention thus provides another way to carry a
container. Unlike the prior art, in which the bottle is carried in
a vertical orientation, that is to say, perpendicular to the
direction defining the natural elongation of the hand, the
container holder according to the invention positions the container
along a direction that is more suitable for a race and other sports
activities. The container is therefore inclined with respect to a
"vertical" direction. The fastening mechanisms make it possible to
orient the container so that its major axis corresponds to a
direction Z inclined by an angle .beta., in a clockwise direction,
with respect to the axis of the middle finger (at rest). The angle
.beta. is less than 60.degree.. In an exemplary embodiment, the
angle .beta. is close to 45.degree., so as to position the top of
the container in the area of junction between the thumb and the
middle finger. Thus, the container is protected by the hand, the
wrist, and possibly a portion of the forearm. Moreover, during a
race, e.g., in which the athlete's hand is constantly swinging,
this arrangement promotes the runner's balance. Indeed, the liquid
inside the container moves along a direction corresponding
substantially to the hand/forearm alignment. This inertia only
slightly penalizes the movement of the arms, which is not the case
when the fluid moves along a direction perpendicular to the
hand/forearm alignment, as is the case with the known container
holders.
[0065] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the second fastening
mechanism is replaced by an elastic band 190, the two ends 191, 192
of which are assembled in the same attachment point located on the
second section 12, at the base of the thumb, on the side of the
wrist. This can be on the edge 113c of the third portion 113, in
the area of the back 22 of the hand, on the side of the wrist. The
elastic band 190 then surrounds the base of the hand in a zone
slightly offset from the side of the wrist. This design makes it
possible to position the container either against the palm of the
hand or against the back of the hand. When the container is carried
against the palm of the hand, the container is held by a tightening
loop 193 formed by the elastic band 190. In this configuration, a
portion of the elastic band 190 remains pressed against the back of
the envelope 1. When the container is carried against the back of
the hand, a portion of the elastic band 190 is pressed against a
portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1. The second
fastening mechanism 19 is thus formed by the tightening loop 193.
These two configurations use the same fastening mechanisms 15 and
19.
[0066] In this example, the elastic band 190 constitutes the
fastener as well as the fastening mechanism within the context of
the invention. The points of attachment of the elastic band 190 on
the envelope 1 are spaced from the palm of the hand and are
substantially in the same location, i.e., as close as possible to
the palm/back of the hand interface, located in the extension of
the thumb. The orientation of the elastic band 190 is similar to
the first embodiment; it extends along a direction Y forming an
angle .alpha. greater than 45.degree. with respect to the axis X
defined by the edge 24 of the hand, along a plane passing through
the palm of the hand.
[0067] The first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 can also be
reversible, in the sense that the fastening mechanisms 15 and 16
allow retention of the container against both the palm 21 of the
hand and the back 22 of the hand. To switch from one configuration
to the other, it is necessary to pass the elastic band 160 on the
other side of the hand. Advantageously, the attachment points of
the string 150 or the band 160 are located as close as possible to
the palm/back of the hand interface in order to obtain an
equivalent tightening tension, regardless of the carrying
configuration of the container (i.e., whether in the palm or on the
back of the hand).
[0068] Alternatively, an envelope can be designed and provided to
only press the container against the back of the hand. In this
case, in a particular exemplary embodiment, the first fastening
mechanism is assembled on or by the seam 115, such as stitching.
Furthermore, the attachment points of the second fastening
mechanism can be offset toward the palm 21 of the hand. This
embodiment is advantageous because it frees the palm, and thus
makes it possible, to use poles that can help pushing forward when
racing on mountainous terrain. The envelope could also be
structured and arranged to incorporate means for removable
connection to the pole, as is known in the prior art.
[0069] Another possibility involves adding fastening mechanisms in
order to support two containers, one on each side of the hand. FIG.
6 illustrates such an embodiment. The first 15 and second 16
fastening mechanisms are similar to the first embodiment described
above. In this illustration, the fastening mechanisms make it
possible to hold a conventional rigid bottle 32 higher than the
flexible pouch 31 shown previously. The first fastening mechanism
15 retains the upper portion 32a of the bottle. The second
fastening mechanism 16 retains the middle portion 32b of the
bottle. In this example, the envelope includes third and fourth
fastening mechanisms 17 and 18 adapted to support another container
33 positioned on the back 22 of the hand. Here, this third type of
container 33 can be a tube filled with an energy gel used to
prevent muscle soreness. The third fastening mechanism 17 is
similar to the first fastening mechanism 15. The fourth fastening
mechanism 18 is similar to the second fastening mechanism 16.
[0070] Advantageously, one or more fastening mechanisms can include
a structural device or mechanism 171 to adjust the length of the
tightening loop 173. This adjustment makes it possible to adapt to
various container sizes and to adjust the force pressing and
holding the container against the hand. This also makes it possible
to envision non-elastic fastening mechanisms, the tightening then
being made by the adjustment mechanism. FIG. 6 illustrates an
exemplary embodiment of this adjustment mechanism. The third
fastening mechanism 17 incorporates a blocker 171 that carries out
this adjustment function. The length of the elastic string 170
forming the tightening loop 173 can be adjusted. Other adjustment
mechanisms are also within the scope of the invention.
[0071] In clever constructions, the envelope can incorporate
pockets or nets, which can be positioned in the third portion 113
of the first section 11 or on the adjustment tab 13. They can be
closed by a zipper or by an elastic band. They can be used to house
a key, coins or paper money, or a tube filled with an energy gel.
FIG. 5 illustrates an envelope provided with a pocket 135 housed
within the adjustment tab 13 and having an opening closed by a
zipper 136.
[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment structured and
arranged to retain a long container 34. In this example, it is a
long flexible pouch or bag. The envelope 1 includes the same first
15 and second 16 fastening mechanisms as those of the first
embodiment. However, the envelope 1 includes a third fastening
mechanism 19' similar to the second fastening mechanism 19 of the
second embodiment. The third fastening mechanism 19' comprises an
elastic band 190' whose two ends are attached in the area of the
same fastening point on the second section 12 of the envelope. The
elastic band 190' surrounds the base of the hand in a zone slightly
offset from the side of the wrist. This third complementary
fastening mechanism makes it possible to reinforce the retention of
an end of the container in relation to the hand. Thus, the first
fastening mechanism 15 makes it possible to press on the upper
portion 34a of the container. The second fastening mechanism 16 can
make it possible to press on the middle portion 34b. The third
fastening mechanism 19' makes it possible to press on the lower
portion 34c. The position of the container 34 is therefore more
stable with respect to the hand.
[0073] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment in which a container 35 is
retained by a single fastening mechanism 50. In this example, the
envelope 1 includes a first portion 11 and a second portion 12. On
the front portion 12 of the envelope, on the side of the palm, a
panel 500 partially covers the first portion 111 of the first
section 11 and partially the second section 12, on the side of the
palm.
[0074] A first end 501 of the panel 500 is attached to the first
section 11 in the area of an attachment zone of the edge 24 of the
hand. The edge 24 of the hand, constituting the first potential
attachment zone of the panel 500, extends on both sides of the
interface, or junction, between the palm portion and the back of
the hand portion, over three centimeters on each side. In this
example, the attachment of the end 501 extends substantially over
the entire width of the first section 11. Alternatively, the
attachment can cover only part of the width of the first section
11.
[0075] A second end 502 of the panel 500 is attached in the area of
an attachment zone of the second section 12, in which a tendon of
an extensor muscle of the thumb of the hand is located. This second
potential attachment zone extends on both sides of the interface,
or junction, between the palm portion and the back of the hand
portion, over three centimeters on each side. In a particular
embodiment, the effective attachment point is positioned as close
as possible to this interface located in the extension of the
thumb. In this example, the attachment of this end 502 extends
substantially over the entire width of the second section 12.
Alternatively, the attachment can cover only part of the width of
the second section 12.
[0076] Thus, the two points of attachment of the fastening
mechanism 50 on the envelope 1 are thus spaced from the palm 21 of
the hand.
[0077] This construction therefore forms an open pocket in which
the container 31 to be carried is inserted. The container 35 is
thus pressed against an inner or anterior portion of the sections
11 and 12 of the envelope 1, that is to say, arranged in the area
of the palm of the hand. This retention is achieved by a tightening
loop 503 formed by the panel 500 and by a dorsal, or posterior,
portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, that is to
say, arranged on the back of the hand. Thus, the tightening loop
503 constitutes the fastening mechanism 50 whose panel 500 is an
element thereof.
[0078] The panel 500 is made of an elastic material in order to
able to deform for passage of the container and to exert sufficient
pressure to maintain the container against the section 11 of the
envelope 1.
[0079] The orientation of the panel 500 is similar to that of the
previous embodiments, insofar as it extends along a direction Y
forming an angle .alpha. greater than 45.degree. with respect to
the axis X defined by the edge 24 of the hand, along a plane
passing via the palm of the hand.
[0080] As previously, the fastening mechanism 50, once positioned,
makes it possible to orient the container 35 so that its major axis
corresponds to a direction Z inclined by an angle .beta. in a
clockwise direction, with respect to the axis of the middle finger
(at rest). According to the illustrated embodiment, the angle
.beta. is less than 30.degree..
[0081] These various embodiments enable containers of various sizes
to be retained. Because the fastening mechanisms are simple and
practical, it is very easy to replace an empty container with
another, full container, the latter being capable of having other
dimensions than the empty container. Furthermore, the fastening
mechanisms constantly press the container against the hand, which
provides carrying stability. The container does not move, or moves
only slightly. These fastening mechanisms are also adapted to
various container structures, whether they are rigid or flexible.
Thus, irrespective of the size and structure of the container, the
container is retained (no swaying).
[0082] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described
and encompasses all possible combinations of the previous examples.
Similarly, the structure and constituent materials of the portions
of the envelope can be different. The envelope can more or less
cover the hand and cover part of the fingers, thus forming a mitt,
or can cover them completely, thus forming a glove. In any case,
the envelope provides additional protection for the hand, including
in the absence of a container.
[0083] Advantageously, the envelope is designed to be versatile, in
the sense that it is suited for both right hand and left hand. This
can be achieved, for example, by positioning the attachment points
of the fastener of the second fastening mechanism close to the
interface/junction between the inner/palm portion and the
outer/back portion of the sections 11, 12 of the envelope 1. Thus,
it suffices to position the fastener on the correct side to
configure the fastening mechanism: right hand/left hand. Another
possibility involves designing an envelope that is symmetrical with
respect to a plane parallel to the palm of the hand and/or with
respect to a plane perpendicular to the palm of the hand and
passing substantially via the axis of the middle finger, and/or
with respect to a plane perpendicular to the palm of the hand and
passing substantially via a "vertical" axis.
[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the attachment points of the
fastener of the second fastening mechanism are located on the back
of the hand, on the portion 113 of the section 11 of the envelope
1.
[0085] The invention disclosed herein by way of exemplary
embodiments suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element
or structure which is not specifically disclosed herein.
* * * * *