Patent Application
20240398052
The present invention relates generally to the field of gloves. More specifically, the present invention relates to a glove device with ring opening comprised of a glove that can be worn on a hand, wherein the glove is comprised of at least one ring opening, through which a ring worn on the finger can visibly protrude. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
When participating in an activity that requires or impels the participant to wear gloves, the presence of a wedding, engagement, or another such ring on a user's finger can create inconvenience. Traditional gloves are not conducive to the presence of a ring, and leaving the ring on while wearing the gloves can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, damaging, or even impossible. Furthermore, taking off the ring in an attempt to wear a traditional glove more comfortably can leave the ring susceptible to being lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved glove. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved workout glove. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a workout glove device with a ring opening that allows a user to wear a workout glove while also ensuring a ring of the user is visible through the glove.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a glove device with ring opening. The device is comprised of a body, finger channels and openings, at least one ring opening with at least one related fastener, and a wrist opening. The glove offers a comfortable fit for the hand, wrist, and fingers, with the additional benefit of a ring opening and fastener, between which a ring worn on the ring finger can comfortably sit. As a result, the ring can be seen while the device is worn and need not be removed.
In this manner, the glove device with ring opening of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device that improves upon the traditional exercise/functional glove model by providing accommodation for a ring worn by the user. More specifically, the glove device with a ring opening reduces the discomfort of wearing a ring with traditional gloves and eliminates the need for removal of the ring, an action that inheres to additional risk and inconvenience. Furthermore, the device can be used with any ring type or style.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a glove device with a ring opening comprised of a body, finger channels, and openings, at least one ring opening with at least one related fastener, and a wrist opening. In one embodiment, the device is designed to serve the purpose of a workout glove whilst providing additional comfort and convenience to users of the device who wear a ring. In other embodiments, the glove may also serve as equipment for weightlifting, cycling, rowing, gardening, or other such activities of the like.
The device is comprised of a body and fingers, both preferably made from a comfortable, flexible, breathable fabric, such as leather, neoprene, polyester, synthetic leather, or a combination of these or similar materials which buffer the hand from friction and discomfort while still allowing for free and natural movement. The fingers are each comprised of a channel that envelopes and protects a portion of the user's fingers. The fingers are also each comprised of an opening through which the unenclosed upper portion of the user's finger can exit. At least one finger of the glove, ideally the fourth (ring) finger, is comprised of a ring-opening located on the top of the device at the base of the finger channel, aligning with the area where a ring would traditionally extend upwards from the wearer's finger. Above the ring opening, ideally just below the middle knuckle area, lies a fastener that secures the glove to the finger and provides closure to the ring opening space. The fastener is ideally made from an adjustable and comfortable fastening agent, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, ties, magnets, zippers, hook-and-eye fasteners, or a similar mechanism.
The device is additionally comprised of a wrist opening, through which the user's hand and fingers are inserted into the glove device. The wrist area is also comprised of a fastener, which allows the user to comfortably secure the glove to their wrist at the desired fit. The wrist fastener is ideally made from an adjustable and comfortable fastening agent, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, ties, magnets, zippers, hook-and-eye fasteners, or a similar mechanism.
During use, the user inserts their hand into the glove device via the wrist opening, aligning each finger on the hand with a corresponding finger channel and finger opening of the glove device. The wrist fastener is then enclosed in the desired position around the wrist of the user. In the ideal embodiment, the user is wearing a ring on the fourth (ring) finger of the hand; however, the device can be used effectively for a variety of activities regardless of the presence of a ring on the finger. If a ring is present on the fourth (ring) finger, the ring should protrude from the ring opening once the glove is placed over the hand and all fingers are positioned in their corresponding finger channels. Then, the ring opening fastener is fastened at the desired position around the fourth (ring) finger, above the ring, and below the middle knuckle, securing the glove device into place on the hand and enclosing the ring inside the space of the ring opening.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, finger channels, finger openings, at least one ring opening with at least one related fastener, and a wrist opening. Then, the glove is placed on the hand of the user via the wrist opening, such that each finger of the user's hand aligns with the corresponding finger and finger opening of the glove device, wherein the fourth (ring) finger of the hand also aligns with the ring opening located on the top of the glove device. Then, the wrist fastener is secured at the desired position around the user's wrist, securing the body of the device into place on the hand. Lastly, the ring opening fastener, ideally located below the middle knuckle of the fourth (ring) finger and above the base of the finger and ring, is fastened into the desired place on the finger, which secures the finger of the glove into place and encloses the ring within the ring opening area.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. In this second method, a device is first provided comprised of a body, finger channels and finger openings, at least one ring opening, and a wrist opening. The ring opening in this embodiment is surrounded by glove material and presents as an open space located on the top area of the finger channel which aligns with the fourth (ring) finger of the hand, and it does not require or include a related fastener. Next, the glove is placed on the hand of the user via the wrist opening, such that each finger of the user's hand aligns with the corresponding finger and finger opening of the glove device, wherein the fourth (ring) finger of the hand also aligns with the ring opening located on the top of the glove device. When the hand is inserted into the glove and each finger inserted into its corresponding finger channel and opening, the ring on the fourth (ring) finger of the hand should align with the ring opening and protrude comfortably from the hand, residing in the space of the ring opening. In this embodiment, no fastener is necessary or included, rather, a strip of continuous material sits in the area above the ring and below the middle knuckle of the fourth (ring) finger which inherently provides additional stability and closure to the finger, glove, and ring opening. Lastly, the wrist fastener is secured at the desired position around the user's wrist, securing the body of the device into place on the hand.
Accordingly, the glove device with ring opening of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improvement upon the traditional model of a workout glove by providing new comfort and accommodation in the presence of a ring worn by the device's user. More specifically, the glove device with a ring opening reduces the discomfort of wearing a ring with traditional gloves. Additionally, the glove device with ring opening eliminates the necessity of removing one's ring, an action that inheres to additional risk and inconvenience. Furthermore, the device can be universally applied to virtually any user. In this manner, the glove device with ring opening provides a universal solution to discomfort and inconvenience as it relates to the use of workout/functional gloves while wearing a ring. Thus, the glove device with ring opening overcomes the limitations of existing gloves known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved glove. There especially exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved glove that can be applied to activities such as working out, exercising, weightlifting, cycling, gardening, and other such endeavors. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a glove device with ring opening which reduces the discomfort of wearing a ring with traditional gloves. Additionally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a glove device with ring opening which eliminates the necessity of removing one's ring while using workout gloves, thus eliminating the risk and inconvenience incurred when removal of one's ring is required. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a glove device with a ring opening that can be used to increase comfort and decrease risk and inconvenience as it relates to using a workout glove while wearing a ring, wherein the device can be universally applied to virtually any user wearing any ring.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a glove device with a ring opening. The device is comprised of a body, finger channels and openings, at least one ring opening with at least one related fastener, and a wrist opening. In the ideal embodiment, the device is designed to be worn on the hand during exercise-related activities, wherein the device allows a ring worn by the user to be comfortably worn and remain visible while using the device.
More specifically, the device is comprised of a body and fingers, both preferably made from a comfortable, flexible, breathable fabric, such as leather, neoprene, polyester, synthetic leather, or a combination of these or similar materials which buffer the hand from friction and discomfort while still allowing for free and natural movement. The fingers are each comprised of a channel that envelopes and protects a portion of the user's fingers. The fingers are also each comprised of an opening through which the unenclosed upper portion of the user's finger emerges. At least one finger of the glove, ideally the fourth (ring) finger, is comprised of a ring-opening located on the top of the device at the base of the finger channel, aligning with the area where a ring would traditionally protrude from the wearer's finger. Above the ring opening, ideally just below the middle knuckle area, lies a fastener that secures the glove to the finger and provides closure to the ring opening space. The fastener is ideally made from an adjustable and comfortable fastening agent, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, ties, magnets, zippers, hook-and-eye fasteners, or a similar mechanism.
The device is additionally comprised of a wrist opening, through which the user's hand and fingers are inserted into the glove device. The wrist area is also comprised of a fastener, which allows the user to comfortably secure the glove to their wrist at the desired fit. The wrist fastener is ideally made from an adjustable and comfortable fastening agent, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, ties, magnets, zippers, hook-and-eye fasteners, or a similar mechanism.
During use, the user inserts their hand into the glove device via the wrist opening, aligning each finger on the hand with a corresponding finger channel and finger opening of the glove device. The wrist fastener is then enclosed in the desired position around the wrist of the user. In the ideal embodiment, the user is wearing a ring on the fourth (ring) finger of the hand; however, the device can be used effectively for a variety of activities regardless of the presence of a ring on the finger. If a ring is present on the fourth (ring) finger, the ring should protrude from the ring opening once the glove is placed over the hand and all fingers are positioned in their corresponding finger channels. Then, the ring opening fastener is fastened at the desired position around the fourth (ring) finger, above the ring, and below the middle knuckle, securing the glove device into place on the hand and enclosing the ring inside the space of the ring opening.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, finger channels and finger openings, at least one ring opening with at least one related fastener, and a wrist opening. Then, the glove is placed on the hand of the user via the wrist opening, such that each finger of the user's hand aligns with the corresponding finger and finger opening of the glove device, wherein the fourth (ring) finger of the hand also aligns with the ring opening located on the top of the glove device. Then, the wrist fastener is secured at the desired position around the user's wrist, securing the body of the device into place on the hand. Lastly, the ring opening fastener, ideally located below the middle knuckle of the fourth (ring) finger and above the base of the finger and ring, is fastened into the desired place on the finger, which secures the finger of the glove into place and encloses the ring within the ring opening area.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. In this second method, a device is first provided comprised of a body, finger channels and finger openings, at least one ring opening, and a wrist opening. The ring opening in this embodiment is surrounded by glove material and presents as an open space located on the top area of the finger channel which aligns with the fourth (ring) finger of the hand, and it does not require or include a related fastener. Next, the glove is placed on the hand of the user via the wrist opening, such that each finger of the user's hand aligns with the corresponding finger and finger opening of the glove device, wherein the fourth (ring) finger of the hand also aligns with the ring opening located on the top of the glove device. When the hand is inserted into the glove and each finger inserted into its corresponding finger channel and opening, the ring on the fourth (ring) finger of the hand should align with the ring opening and protrude comfortably from the hand, residing in the space of the ring opening. In this embodiment, no fastener is necessary or included, rather, a strip of continuous material sits in the area above the ring and below the middle knuckle of the fourth (ring) finger which inherently provides additional stability and closure to the finger, glove, and ring opening. Lastly, the wrist fastener is secured at the desired position around the user's wrist, securing the body of the device into place on the hand.
Accordingly, the glove device with ring opening of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improvement upon the traditional model of a workout glove by providing new comfort and accommodation in the presence of a ring worn by the device's user. More specifically, the glove device with ring opening reduces the discomfort of wearing a ring with traditional gloves. Additionally, the glove device with ring opening eliminates the necessity of removing one's ring, an action which inheres additional risk and inconvenience. Furthermore, the device can be universally applied to virtually any user. In this manner, the glove device with ring opening provides a universal solution to discomfort and inconvenience as it relates to the use of workout/functional gloves while wearing a ring. Thus, the glove device with ring opening overcomes the limitations of existing gloves known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The area corresponding to the fourth (ring) finger of the wearer on the body 110 is comprised of at least one ring opening 124, a first member 125, a second member 126, and a fastener 127 in contrast to a standard finger 120 and finger opening 122. The device 100 is also comprised of a wrist opening 130, a wrist strap 140, and a fastener 142, all of which are located at the base of the body 110 of the device 100 near the user's wrist area. During use, the device 100 provides additional comfort and convenience to the user, especially as it pertains to a user wearing a ring while wearing the device 100.
The body 110 and fingers 120 of the device 100 are preferably made from a comfortable, flexible, breathable fabric, such as leather, neoprene, polyester, synthetic leather, or a combination of these or similar materials which buffer the hand of the user from friction and discomfort while still allowing for free and natural movement during exercise, working, playing a sport, etc. The device 100 may be any style of glove known in the art for any purpose in different embodiments.
At least one grip area 116 is located on the bottom surface 114 of the body 110 of the device 100, as shown in
The fastener 127 which relates to the ring opening 122 is preferably comprised of an adjustable and comfortable fastener 127 such as, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, ties, magnets, zippers, hook-and-eye fasteners, or similar mechanisms. The first member 125 and second member 126 are comprised of a material that matches the material comprising the top surface 112 of the body 110 of the device 100. The fastener 127 allows the first member 125 to attach to the second member 126 above a ring 10.
The wrist strap 140 is ideally comprised of a comfortable, breathable material which, in one embodiment, matches the material comprising the top surface 112 of the body 110 of the device 100. The wrist strap 140 is also comprised of at least one fastener 142, which is ideally a fastener such as, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, ties, magnets, zippers, hook-and-eye fasteners, or a similar mechanism. The fastener 142 allows the strap 140 to be tightened around the wrist of the user during use. In one embodiment, the wrist strap 140 is comprised of an elastic band with no fastener 142.
During use, the device 100 is placed on the hand of the user, wherein the hand is inserted into the device 100 via the wrist opening 130. As the hand is inserted into the device 100, each of the user's fingers are inserted into each corresponding finger 120 and finger opening 122 of the device 100, such that the top surface 112 rests on the upper surface of the hand, the bottom surface 114 and grip area 116 sit on the underside/palm of the user's hand, and each of the user's fingers are partially enclosed within the corresponding finger 120 of the device 100, with the unenclosed segment of the user's finger protruding from the device 100 via the finger opening 122. Furthermore, the fourth (ring) finger (or in a different embodiment, any finger) of the user aligns with the ring opening 124, the first member 125, the second member 126, and the related fastener 127. If present, a ring 10 on the user's fourth (ring) finger 12 is visible via the ring opening 124. The first member 125 and second member 126 are then secured around the fourth (ring) finger 12 of the user via the related fastener 127, thereby enclosing the ring 10 securely within the space created by the ring opening 124. The wrist strap 140 is adjusted to the desired fit around the wrist of the user and secured into position via the related fastener 142. It should be noted that different embodiments of the device 100 may feature a ring opening 124, members 125,126, and fastener 127 on any finger 120 of the device 100.
In one embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of a ring opening 124 which is enclosed by a first member 125, a second member 126, and a fastener 127. In a secondary embodiment, the device 100 does not require a first member 125, a second member 126, and a fastener 127 to enclose the ring opening. In this embodiment, the first member 125, second member 126, and fastener 127 are not present in the device 100. Instead, the finger 120 corresponding to the fourth (ring) finger of the user is comprised only of a ring opening 124, wherein the ring opening 124 is fully surrounded by the material of the finger 120, creating a space for the ring 10 which does not require any additional fastening or adjustment.
The present invention is also comprised of a first method of using 200 the device 100. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110, a top surface 112, a bottom surface 114, at least one grip area 116, at least one finger 120 with at least one finger opening 122, at least one ring opening 124 and a wrist opening 130 [Step 202]. Then, the device 100 is placed on the hand of the user via the user inserting their hand into the device 100 via the wrist opening 130 such that each finger of the user's hand aligns with the corresponding finger 120 and finger opening 122 of the device [Step 204]. The placement of the device 100 also ensures that the top surface 112 aligns with the top of the user's hand, and the bottom surface 114 and grip area 116 align with the bottom/palm of the user's hand. Additionally, the user's fourth (ring) finger 12 and at least one ring 10 of the user (if present) align with the ring opening 124 of the device 100. Then, the first member 125 and second member 126, located above the ring opening 124 and ring 10 on the user's fourth (ring) finger 12, are adjusted to the desired location surrounding the user's finger 12 and secured in place by the fastener 127, such that the ring opening 124 is secured and the ring 10 is fully enclosed within [Step 206]. Lastly, the wrist strap 140 is adjusted to the preferred position around the user's wrist and secured in the desired place via the fastener 142 [Step 208].
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using 300 the device 100. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110, a top surface 112, a bottom surface 114, at least one grip area 116, at least one finger 120 with at least one finger opening 122, at least one ring opening 124 and a wrist opening 130 [Step 302]. Then, the device 100 is placed on the hand of the user via the wrist opening 130, such that each finger of the user's hand aligns with the corresponding finger 120 and finger opening 122 of the device [Step 304]. Next, a ring 10 located on the fourth (ring) finger 12 of the user is positioned inside the ring opening 124, such that it is visibly and comfortably located within the ring opening 124 and surrounded by the material of the finger 120 [Step 306]. In this method of using 300 the device 100, no additional fasteners or members are present or required, rather, the ring opening 124 is fully enclosed by the material of the finger 120 corresponding with the fourth (ring) finger of the hand and does not require or allow for additional adjustment/enclosure. Lastly, the wrist strap 140 is adjusted to the preferred position around the user's wrist and secured in the desired place via the fastener 142 [Step 308].
It should be noted that in any method 200, 300 of the device 100, at least one ring 10 may be positioned on any finger of the user, and wherein at least one ring opening 124 (and associated structures 125,126,127) may be positioned on any finger 120 of the device 100.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons, may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “glove device with ring opening” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the glove device with ring opening 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the glove device with ring opening 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the glove device with ring opening 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the glove device with ring opening 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the glove device with ring opening 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the glove device with ring opening 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/469,903, which was filed on May 31, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63469903 | May 2023 | US |
