U.S. patent application number 14/221613 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for disposable fingerless exercise glove.
The applicant listed for this patent is James Dwyer. Invention is credited to James Dwyer.
Application Number | 20150059043 14/221613 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52581103 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150059043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dwyer; James |
March 5, 2015 |
Disposable Fingerless Exercise Glove
Abstract
Disclosed is an improved disposable exercise glove. The device
includes a latex glove with an opening for each finger section, a
flock-lined interior, and a padded palm area. The flock lining
enables a user to easily don the gloves, while the padding provides
an enhanced grip when grasping exercise equipment. The gloves can
be worn and disposed of after a single use or can be reused as
desired. The present invention is substantially all in one piece,
and is easy to put on and take off of the user's hand. The
disposable exercise glove is composed of resilient material that
not only readily adjusts itself to the user's hand when placed
thereon, but snugly and tightly fits the same. The present
invention provides a hygienic and protective barrier to make
otherwise long or strenuous workouts more comfortable.
Inventors: |
Dwyer; James; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dwyer; James |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52581103 |
Appl. No.: |
14/221613 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61870611 |
Aug 27, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 31/12 20190201;
A41D 19/01558 20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A41D 13/081
20130101; A41D 31/102 20190201; A41D 2400/52 20130101; A63B 71/141
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/20 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/08 20060101
A41D013/08 |
Claims
1. A disposable exercise glove, comprising; a stretchable
fingerless glove constructed to conform elastically over a user's
hand; said fingerless glove having an open lower portion, an inner
layer, and an outer layer having a palm surface and a backhand
surface; said palm surface having a padding thereon; said padding
having a high friction surface; a plurality of finger receiving
sections, each of said plurality of finger receiving sections
having an opening to insert a user's fingertip therethrough; said
inner layer comprising a flock lining.
2. The disposable exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said high
friction surface comprises a raised diamond pattern texture.
3. The disposable exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said
fingerless glove comprises a natural rubber latex material.
4. The disposable exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said
fingerless glove comprises a non-latex material.
5. The disposable exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said flock
lining comprises a cotton material adapted to wick moisture away
from a user's hand.
6. The disposable exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said padding
comprises a single layer of rubber material.
7. The disposable exercise glove of claim 1, wherein said inner
layer is coextensive with said outer layer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/870,611 filed on Aug. 27, 2013, entitled
"Disposable Workout Glove." The above identified patent application
is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide
continuity of disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to exercise gloves. More
specifically, the present invention pertains to improved disposable
exercise gloves that provide enhanced grip and padding suitable for
various types of exercises. The exercise gloves of the present
invention are designed for a single use or may be cleaned and
reused as desired.
[0004] Fitness or weightlifting gloves are used for protection and
support during a rigorous workout. They are designed to prevent the
blisters and calluses that can often result from repeatedly
grabbing and gripping certain exercise equipment such as dumbbells,
barbells, and pull-up bars. The exercise gloves act as a protective
barrier to prevent the hands from feeling sore and raw. They can
also protect the wrists from strain and provide cushioning for the
palms.
[0005] Traditional exercise gloves generally comprise leather or
stretchable fabric such as Lycra. These gloves tend to be thick and
bulky, and are offered in specific sizes. Many traditional exercise
gloves are initially uncomfortable to wear, and require a user to
break the gloves in to conform to the shape of the user's hand. The
thickness of traditional exercise gloves also makes it difficult
and uncomfortable for a user to properly grip thicker bars and
equipment because the gloves add to the thickness of the bar. This
decreases the user's grip strength on pulling exercises such as
deadlifts, rows, or pull-ups. Traditional exercise gloves also
prevent the user from developing a proper technique for various
types of exercises. For instance, the thickness of traditional
exercise gloves makes it more difficult to keep the bar close to
the user's wrists on the bench press. When the bar is not kept
close to the user's wrists, the user's wrists can roll backward and
cause a wrist injury.
[0006] The present invention provides a disposable exercise glove.
The device includes a latex glove with a flock lining and padding
in the palm area. The flock lining enables a user to easily don the
gloves, while the padding provides enhanced grip when grasping
various exercise equipment even when the hands perspire. In this
way, the present invention helps to prevent the formation of
calluses on hands and also provides a better grip for certain
weight lifting routines. The present invention provides a
convenient alternative to traditional exercise gloves that are
bulky and heavy. The present invention is designed to offer a
better fit for a variety of users and may be used for light to
intense workouts.
[0007] The present invention may be worn and preferably disposed of
after a single use. Alternatively, the gloves may be cleaned and
reused. The gloves prevent the user from directly touching various
exercise equipment used by many people, which can harbor germs and
bacteria. The present invention allows the user to use a new pair
of exercise gloves during each visit to the gym or clean the gloves
after each use, thereby facilitating practice of a good hygiene at
the gym.
[0008] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0009] Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to
disposable gloves for various uses, including athletic, medical,
and work uses. These include devices that have been patented and
published in patent application publications, and generally relate
to disposable gloves comprising resilient, flexible material. Some
of these devices describe a single use nitrile glove with a woven
or nonwoven material and grip protrusions on the palm of the glove.
Other devices describe a chemical handling latex glove with a
liquid-impervious shell and a flock lining having cut resistant
properties. These devices, however, do not disclose a disposable
fingerless glove having a breathable flock lining and a padded palm
adapted for use during exercise. The foregoing is a list of devices
deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein
described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the
unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting
the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
[0010] Specifically, U.S. Published Patent Application Number
2012/0030857 to Farago provides a disposable gym workout glove
having a palm section made of nitrile, a woven material, or a
nonwoven material. The glove further comprises grip protrusions
that are located on the palm section and finger receiving members
of the glove. The grip protrusions comprise grip stripes that are
located parallel to each other on the palm area. Additionally, each
grip stripe can be a series of bumps or a continuous stripe. While
Farago discloses a disposable gym workout glove, the Farago device
is limited in that it requires a user to insert an entire hand
therein. Accordingly, the finger receiving members of Farago cover
the entire length of the finger, enclosing the finger therein. This
may be uncomfortable for users with longer finger nails, and the
finger nails could pierce through the fingertip portion of the
glove. Additionally, the grip stripes of Farago differ from the
padding of the present invention. More specifically, the grip
stripes are spaced apart parallel to each other and can dig into
the palm of the user. In contrast, the padding of the present
invention has a surface that spans a portion of the palm area of
the glove.
[0011] U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2006/0041991 to Sim
discloses a unitary construction latex glove with a textured outer
surface. The textured surface is disposed on the areas of the glove
corresponding with the parts of fingers and palm used for gripping
and holding. The textured surface comprises a raised diamond
pattern texture that is integral to the glove surface. In this way,
the Sim device provides increased friction to improve gripping.
[0012] Similarly, U.S. Published Patent Application Number
2011/0030121 to Smalls discloses a slip-resistant medical grip
glove comprising a flexible, resilient material. The glove includes
finger enclosures with fingertips, a hand portion with a palm
surface and a backhand surface, and a wrist portion having an
opening through which a user's hand is inserted. The glove features
a variety of patterns of raised and/or textured section on the
exterior surface of the glove to provide enhanced gripping
capability to a wearer. The glove may also be sterilized and may be
color-coded to identify the specific material on which a glove is
fabricated.
[0013] The foregoing Sim and Smalls devices are directed toward
disposable gloves that include textured patterns that provide
enhanced gripping capability to the user. These devices, however,
do not comprise a fingerless portion and a padding that spans the
palm portion of the glove. The present invention comprises a
fingerless glove with a padding disposed on the palm portion of the
glove, wherein the padding includes a high friction surface. The
fingerless design of the present invention is advantageous where
dexterity is required during exercise that traditional full gloves
would restrict. The fingerless design of the present invention does
not interfere with sensation or gripping when using exercise
equipment. Additionally, the textured outer surfaces disclosed by
Sim and Smalls do not provide cushioning to the user when the
device is worn. The present invention provides padding in the palm
area to avoid formation of blisters and calluses that result from
repeatedly grabbing and gripping knurled handles of various
exercise equipment.
[0014] Another device, U.S. Published Patent Application Number
2009/0077713 to Saunders discloses a chemical resistant glove
having cut resistant properties. The glove comprises a cured,
liquid-impervious polymeric latex shell. A cut resistant liner is
slipped on the tacky adhesive coating and is infiltrated with a
polymeric latex coating and cured to integrally attach the cut
resistant liner with the cured polymeric coating. When a sharp edge
contacts the glove while the glove is worn, a crease is formed due
to slip at the tacky adhesive-cut resistant liner interface
creating a geometry that reduces cut stress intensity at the sharp
edge, thereby increasing the cut resistance of the glove. The
purpose and design of the Saunders device, however, differs from
the present invention. The primary purpose of the Saunders device
is to protect the hands from surgical chemicals or disease and
contamination during medical and surgical procedures. The present
invention provides disposable gloves that are suitable for use
during exercise. As such, the present invention includes padding
that provides an enhanced grip when grasping exercise equipment.
Additionally, the present invention includes a breathable flock
lining for pulling moisture from the hands to the exterior of the
gloves where it can evaporate more easily, thereby allowing users
to easily take the gloves on and off.
[0015] Finally, U.S. Published Patent Application Number
2009/0235430 to Williams discloses a glove with gripping dots,
wherein the dots are adapted to enhance the ability of the user to
grip and manipulate a variety of differently configured objects.
The gloves also allow a user to grip and manipulate objects between
the thumb and the index finger. The glove comprises a multiplicity
of elastomeric gripping dots on the palm side of the glove and on
both sides of the thumb portion of the glove to enable the user to
securely grip and manipulate various types of articles. The present
invention provides a padding comprising a high friction surface
that substantially spans the length of the palm area. The padding
of the present invention is designed to prevent the blisters and
calluses that result from repeatedly grabbing and gripping certain
exercise equipment such as resistance training equipment and free
weights. While the gripping dots of Williams may be slip-resistant,
the dots fail to provide cushioning to the user's hands.
[0016] The present invention provides a disposable fingerless
workout glove comprising a rubber latex or non-latex material
exterior and a light flock interior lining. The resilient and
flexible nature of the exterior material and the construction of
the glove allow the glove to conform to the contours of a user's
hand to provide a snug fit. The palm portion of the glove includes
a padded, high-friction surface that spans the length of the palm
area. The padding is adapted to increase comfort to a user when
gripping a weight or other exercise equipment. The device protects
the user's hands and prevents blisters and calluses from constantly
gripping the exercise equipment. The fingerless design of the glove
comprises individual openings for each digit of the hand. In this
way, the present invention does not interfere with sensation or
gripping when holding various exercise equipment.
[0017] It is submitted that the present invention is substantially
divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently
it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to
existing exercise gloves. In this regard, the instant invention
substantially fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of disposable exercise gloves now present in the prior art,
the present invention provides new and improved disposable exercise
gloves wherein the same can be utilized for protecting hands during
a workout, thereby providing comfort to the user and facilitating
the practice of a good personal hygiene.
[0019] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new
and improved disposable exercise glove that has all of the
advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved disposable exercise glove that has a fingerless
design to provide dexterity required during exercise.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a new
and improved disposable exercise glove that has a strategically
positioned padding on the palm area to guide exercise equipment
into a proper hand position and provide comfort to the user.
[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved disposable exercise glove that has a high friction
surface padding to provide an enhanced grip when grasping exercise
equipment.
[0023] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved disposable exercise glove that includes
a flock lining to increase the ease of donning the glove.
[0024] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved disposable exercise glove that conforms
to the contours of a user's hand for a snug fit.
[0025] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved disposable exercise glove that can
accommodate a wide variety of hand sizes.
[0026] A final object of the present invention is to provide a new
and improved disposable exercise glove that can be worn and
disposed of after a single use or can be reused as desired.
[0027] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows plan views of the front and back side of a pair
of disposable exercise gloves of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a view of the present invention as worn by a
user.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a view of the present invention as packaged
before use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] References is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the disposable exercise glove. For the
purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present
invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for
protecting hands during a workout. The figures are intended for
representative purposes only and should not be considered to be
limiting in any respect.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, there are shown perspective views
of the disposable exercise glove 20 of the present invention,
wherein the gloves 20 are provided for each hand. The exterior
surface 29 of the glove 20 preferably comprises a light, flexible,
and resilient material such as natural rubber latex or non-latex
material having a unitary construction. The glove 20 has an
interior volume adapted to receive a user's hand through a glove
opening 23. The glove 20 is designed to fit snugly to the user's
hand so that it does not shift on the user's hand while the user is
performing exercises that require lifting and pulling. Unlike
traditional exercise gloves, the gloves 20 of the present invention
do not require the user to break them because the resilient
material of the gloves accommodate various sizes and conform to the
hands of the user upon donning.
[0034] The glove 20 preferably comprises a fingerless glove
constructed to be worn on a user's hand so that the glove 20 spans
from the user's wrist to the proximal phalanx or the middle of the
fingers. The glove 20 includes an upper and a lower portion wherein
the lower portion includes a glove opening 23. The upper portion of
the glove 20 includes individual cylindrical sections 26 with
openings 24 adapted to receive fingers therethrough. Each finger is
slid through a separate opening 24 on the glove 20. The individual
sections 26 of the glove 20 keep the fingers separate. The
individual sections 26 are constructed to extend slightly above the
user's knuckles so as to avoid interfering with sensation of
gripping when using exercise equipment.
[0035] The glove 20 further includes a palm surface 21 and a
backhand surface 22. The palm surface 21 includes a padding 27,
wherein the padding 27 comprises a textured surface 28. The padding
27 may be rounded or may be shaped like a modified rectangle. The
padding 27 may comprise a flat layer of silicone, rubber, foam, or
gel padding adapted to provide cushioning. The padding 27 may
comprise a single piece or may comprise a cover with an interior
volume adapted to receive a padding material therein. The padding
27 may be sewn onto the palm surface 21 or mounted via epoxy
thereon. The textured surface 28 may comprise a variety of patterns
to provide traction for gripping. In the illustrated embodiment,
the textured surface 28 comprises a raised diamond pattern. In
other embodiments, however, the textured surface 28 may comprise
other raised patterns such as dots, ridges, or stripes. The padding
27 has a rough, non-slip surface to allow a user to firmly and
securely grip a barbell or other exercise equipment.
[0036] The padding 27 spans over the upper palm area of the hand,
and may be placed in strategic places on the palm surface 21. In
this way, the padding 27 may guide exercise equipment into a proper
hand position to help improve the user's grip strength. The
textured surface 28 allows for repeated repetitions of various
workout routines without the weights slipping and sliding around
the user's hands. Without the gloves 20 to protect the hands, sweat
can interfere with grip, making for an uncomfortable and possibly
dangerous situation as the weight can fall onto the user and cause
injury. The ability to hold weights firmly in place is essential to
proper execution of an exercise, which in turn prevents injuries
caused by incorrect form or loss of control of the weights.
[0037] The glove 20 further comprises an interior surface having a
flock lining 25, which facilitates taking the gloves on and off.
The flock lining 25 is substantially coextensive with the exterior
surface 29 of the glove 20. Accordingly, the flock lining 25 is
adapted to stretch and adjust with the exterior surface 29. The
flock lining 25 preferably comprises cotton or other suitable
material that absorbs moisture and keeps hands dry.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of the
present invention as worn by a user. The gloves 20 of the present
invention provide immediate comfort and the gloves do not need to
be broken in. During use, the gloves 20 act as a barrier against
knurled and rigid edges of various exercise equipment. The glove 20
fits relatively securely to the hand, and therefore, the glove 20
will not tend to move or will only move relatively minimally
against the hand as it is worn so that it will not excessively rub
against the user's hand or irritate the user.
[0039] The user inserts his or her hand through the glove opening
23 disposed along the lower portion of the glove 20 so that the
palm surface 21 coincides with the user's palm and the backhand
surface 22 coincides with the back of the user's hand. The opening
23 stretches to allow the user to insert his or her hand therein.
The flock lining disposed in the interior surface of the glove 20
also allow the user to easily slip his or her hand in and out of
the glove 20. Once the gloves 20 are placed on the user's hands,
the resilient nature of the glove material allows the glove 20 to
wrap around the user's wrist without additional securing means as
used for traditional exercise gloves.
[0040] Moreover, the user inserts his or her fingers through the
openings 24 disposed on the upper edge of each of the individual
section 26. Each of the individual sections 26 of the glove 20 is
constructed to tightly hug each of the user's fingers. The
individual sections 26 are dimensioned to extend up to
approximately the middle of each of the fingers. In this way, the
user's finger tips are exposed, allowing the user to move the
fingers freely. The fingerless design of the present invention
offers an improved air circulation and is more breathable than
traditional workout gloves. The flock lining of the present
invention also wicks moisture away from the hands, providing a cool
and comfortable experience for the duration of a workout.
[0041] When the gloves 20 are worn, the padding 27 is positioned on
the upper portion of the user's palm. The padding 27 may comprise
silicone, rubber, foam, or gel padding that may be attached to the
palm surface 21 via epoxy or reinforced stitching around the palm
area. The padding 27 may be positioned strategically to guide the
weight or bar into the proper hand position. The padding 27 is
adapted to absorb some of the pressure caused by holding a weight,
thereby protecting and cushioning the hands and wrists, helping to
make long or strenuous workouts more comfortable. The padding 27
also prevents blisters caused by contact with equipment, as it
provides additional padding for increased comfort. Moreover, the
textured surface 28 of the padding minimizes the exercise equipment
from slipping and sliding around the user's hands. It is further
submitted that while the present invention protects hands from many
types of resistance training equipment and free weights, the gloves
20 of the present invention is suitable for use with a variety of
other exercises or sports such as yoga, Pilates, racquetball,
tennis, golf, or the like.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of the
present invention as it is packaged. The gloves 20 of the present
invention may be bulk packaged in a box 30 or individually packaged
in an individual peel-open package 31. The gloves 20 are packaged
so that they are sterile and ready to use. The bulk package may be
suitable for use in a gym or a fitness center. In this way, the
present invention facilitates practicing good hygiene by reducing
the user's contact with germs and bacteria on exercise equipment
used by many people.
[0043] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however,
that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and
that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the
art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0044] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *