PICKLEBALL GLOVE APPARATUS

Abstract

A pickleball glove apparatus configured to reduce or prevent injury to a user is provided. The A pickleball glove apparatus can include a plurality of components such as a glove configured to cover a hand of a user. The glove can be formed from a plurality of materials including a breathable material and a padding material. A wrist strap can be provided to secure the glove to a hand of a user. A wrist guard can be provided to support a hand and wrist of a user in a neutral position during use. The wrist guard can be partially disposed within the glove and can also be secured utilizing the wrist strap. In use, a user can secure the apparatus on their hand such that the wrist guard is seated on a palmar aspect of the user's hand, utilizing the wrist guard.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sporting goods, and, more particularly, to a pickleball glove apparatus for preventing wrist fracture during pickleball.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide with numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, improved muscular strength, improved hand eye coordination, improved balance and coordination, etc. However, for all of the benefits Pickleball still poses dangers to players due to falls. Specifically, due to the rapid movement and change of direction, falls on outstretched arms can result in fractures. Traditional braces are bulky, non-breathable, and not meant for wear during play, which can interfere with the ability of a user to play, and/or reduce compliance in brace wearing.

As can be seen, there is a need for a pickleball glove apparatus wearable during sporting events, such as pickleball, that is light-weight, breathable, and is configured to prevent fractures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a pickleball glove apparatus is provided having a plurality of components. The apparatus can include a glove having a palm member configured to cover a palm and dorsum of a hand, a plurality of finger members affixed to the palm member configured to cover a plurality of fingers of the hand, and a thumb member affixed to the palm member configured to cover a thumb of the hand. A wrist strap configured to secure the glove to the hand can be disposed on the glove, and a wrist guard, at least partially disposed within the palm member and configured to provide support to the hand and a wrist.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of use is provided. In the present invention a user can place the apparatus over their hand such that the hand, including fingers, thumb, palm and dorsum, are within the apparatus. The user can install the wrist guard by placing it, at least partially within the glove of the apparatus, such that it is in contact with the palmar aspect of the user's hand. The wrist guard and apparatus can be secured utilizing the wrist strap by fastening said strap tightly around the users wrist. Advantageously, use of the apparatus can damped force associated with falling on an outstretched hand/wrist, thereby reducing chances of injury.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a pickleball glove apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a pickleball glove apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a pickleball glove apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a pickleball glove apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a pickleball glove apparatus configured to prevent factures. In the present invention, the pickleball glove apparatus can be shaped to fit a hand of a user, and can be made from a plurality of materials, such as breathable materials, rubber, padding materials, such as neoprene. In the present invention, the pickleball glove apparatus can include a plurality of supports disposed at least partially therein, and configured to prevent injury during falls. In the present invention, the plurality of supports can include at least a thumb support and a wrist support, which can be made of rigid materials, such as molded plastics. Additionally, a wrist support strap can be included and configured to secure the plurality of supports and the glove to a user's hand. Advantageously, the present invention can be a lightweight, breathable, and functional sports glove with a built-in ergonomic wrist brace for impact support and protection, designed to prevent injury to a player's wrist during falls while playing Pickleball, while not interfering with play.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, aspects of a pickleball glove apparatus 10 are illustrated. Glove apparatus 10 can include a glove 12 having a plurality of member, such as a palm member configured to cover a palm and dorsum of a user 11, a plurality of finger members configured to cover a plurality of fingers of user 11, and a thumb member configured to cover a thumb of user 11. In embodiments, glove and its constituent members can be made from a plurality of materials. In embodiments, a breathable material 18 can form the majority of material of glove 12, covering large portions of the palm member, the plurality of finger members, and the thumb member. In embodiments, breathable material 18 can include a porous material configured to increase airflow and prevent perspiration during activity. Additionally, breathable material 18 can be flexible allowing glove 12 to stretch and conform to the hand of user 11. In embodiments, breathable material 18 can be one of: cotton, linen, Lycocell, mesh, wool, polyester, polyurethane laminate, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other known breathable fabrics in the art. Advantageously, breathable material 18 allows for ventilation of the hand during strenuous activity, thereby preventing sweating, discomfort, and reduced control.

In embodiments, glove 12 can include a second material such as rubber, or neoprene configured to improve grip, and provide padding to user 11. In embodiments, the second material can be interwoven, connected, or coated, onto breathable material 18 at various locations. In embodiments, a first location of the second material can be on portions of the plurality of finger members, thereby creating finger pads 16. In embodiments, finger pads 16 provide for increased traction and padding for a user wearing glove 12. In embodiments, finger pads 16 can be located at the tip of finger members for the index finger and middle finger.

In embodiments, the second material can be provided continuously over the finger members for the middle and pinky finger, continuing to the palm side of the palm member. In embodiments, padding 20 can be provided as part of second material on the palmar aspect of the palm member. Advantageously, padding 20 can provide shock absorption during a fall to dissipate forces, and aid in preventing fracture, or injury to a hand, wrist, or arm of user 11. Additionally, a port can be formed by the interface of padding 20 and breathable material 12 and can be configured to accept a portion of a wrist guard 22.

In embodiments, wrist guard 22 can be formed, manufactured, or otherwise molded, or rigid material such as plastic, carbon fiber, etc. In embodiments, wrist guard 22 can be ergonomically shaped to conform to a neutral position of a hand and wrist of user 11, thereby holding the hand and wrist in a neutral position. In embodiments, wrist guard 22 can be removed from glove 12 such that it can be replaced in case of damage or destruction. Additionally, a wrist strap 14 can be provided on glove 12, such that wrist strap 14 is configured to secure apparatus 10, including glove 12 and wrist guard 22, to a hand of user 11. In embodiments, wrist strap 14 can include a fastener, such as hook and loop fasteners configured to secure a surface of wrist strap 14 to glove 12. Advantageously, wrist guard 22 absorbs shock associated with falls and can prevent injury to user 11.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A pickleball glove apparatus, comprising: a glove, comprising: a palm member configured to cover a palm and dorsum of a hand;a plurality of finger members affixed to the palm member configured to cover a plurality of fingers of the hand; anda thumb member affixed to the palm member configured to cover a thumb of the hand;a wrist strap configured to secure the glove to the hand;a wrist guard, at least partially disposed within the palm member and configured to provide support to the hand and a wrist.

2. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 1, wherein the glove is at least partially made from breathable material.

3. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of the plurality of finger members are coated in rubber.

4. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the palm member has padding.

5. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 4, wherein the padding is made from neoprene.

6. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a portion disposed on the palm member and configured to accept a portion of the wrist guard.

7. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wrist guard is made from a semi-rigid material.

8. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 7, wherein the semi-rigid material is one of: carbon fiber, or plastic.

9. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wrist strap includes a fastener disposed on a first surface thereof, and configured to secure the wrist strap to the glove.

10. The pickleball glove apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a hook and look fastener.