BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention provides hand protection and is designed for use in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) or Western Martial Arts (WMA).
2. Discussion of the State of the Art
Historically, gloves used in armored combat involving swords and other implements such as those used by Japanese samurai during the Heian period (years 794-1185 A.D.) or those used by the European knights of the late Middle Ages were constructed from tough hides or leather with overlapping metal scales or plates attached thereon using rivets or braided cords made of hide or silk. Wrist guards extended from the glove portions upwards toward the elbow. While these gloves were designed to protect the user during armed combat (such as wielding swords, mallets and other combat implements), they were also designed to allow the wearer to perform related tasks such as handling horses and themselves (such as handling buckles, straps, ladders, buckets and other non-combat tools). The costs and time associated with fabrication dictated a multi-use glove that in some ways compromised protection during combat to allow for diversification of use. Modern fighting gloves used for HEMA or WMA tournaments and competitions utilize modern materials such as braided nylon, durable plastics and other synthetics that are easier and less costly to work with. While these prior art modern fighting glove designs tend to follow historical design approaches in terms of contour and plating attachment in order to retain the look of the historical designs, they create similar compromises in terms of protective coverage of the wearer as their historical predecessors. They are similar to the protective fighting gloves of the past which in many ways compromised protection and comfort in order to allow for diversification of use when, in fact, modern combat tournaments do not require use of gloves for anything other than holding weapons. Other drawbacks of modern protective gloves is that there is no easy way to remove and replace worn undergloves without removing and reattaching each individual protective plate. Further, the protective plates of modern prior art gloves do not allow for mobility because they are connected individually and directly to the underlying glove. What is needed is a modern protective fighting glove that looks historical in character but which provides improved protection and comfort to those areas of the hand and wrist which may be exposed during combative practice or high intensity combat competition and which allows for easy replacement of the underlying glove and/or individual protective plates without having to remove and reattach the entire plate assembly piece by piece.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a modern fighting protective glove for use in historical type fighting competitions which utilizes modern materials to provide increased protection and comfort for the user during armed combat. Wrist mobility is increased by use of a flexible cuff having individual washers which protect against slicing blows and which dissipate energy away from the center of the blow. Fingertip protection is increased by utilizing soft but durable connection means which decreases the risk of smashing or pinching fingers. A contoured armored backplate with padded underlayment is utilized to provided back of the hand protection connecting with underlying material strips which extend along the fingers and thumb to allow for connection of protective plates thereto and minimal connections to underlying glove thus increasing mobility and ease of replacing the glove and individual plates without removing and reattaching the armor plates piece by piece. Use of pivot points at the wrist increases thumb, finger and wrist mobility. Contoured overlapping armor plates which flare at the knuckles and wrap those portions of the side of the hand and thumb areas which are exposed to injury during combat greatly increase the overall protective utility of the glove without detracting from its historically based design and appeal. Overall, the novel protective sport glove provides superior protection, comfort, and mobility over historical and modern designs, while allowing the user to easily remove and replace worn or broken elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a right side perspective view of an embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove consistent with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a left side perspective view of the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the protective plates and underlying attachment strip including attachment locations covering the index finger and pinky finger portions of the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-2.
FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the protective plates and underlying attachment strip including attachment locations covering the thumb portion of the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-2.
FIG. 5 shows an underside (palm side) perspective view of the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-4.
FIG. 6 shows a topside (back of the hand) perspective view of the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIG. 1-5.
FIG. 7 shows a left side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove.
FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the protective plates and underlying attachment strip including attachment locations covering the index finger portion of the alternative embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of the protective plates and underlying attachment strip including attachment locations covering the thumb portion of the alternative embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 shows top side perspective view of the underlying glove with material strips including attachment locations for the thumb and fingers plates for the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-6.
FIG. 11 shows a front side perspective view with fingers curled of the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-6.
FIG. 12 show a left top side perspective view of the Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-6 worn by a user holding a sword.
FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram of steps for attaching protective plates on the embodiment of the Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Various embodiments consistent with the principles of the invention will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the invention may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description of the various embodiments. The protective sport glove described herein is designed for combat sports utilizing a variety of weapon implements and their equivalents which are known in the combat arts.
The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this detailed description section.
Where context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list.
FIG. 1 is a right side (pinky side) perspective view of a right hand glove embodiment of the present invention showing A) a cuff section 21 for protection of the user's wrist and lower forearm adjacent the wrist and B) an armored glove section having a main body (or hand) portion protecting the palm, sides, and back of the user's hand. The hand portion is integral with four extending finger portions and a thumb portion, the finger and thumb portions extending away from the hand portion to a closed tip. Together, the hand and finger/thumb portions make up the underlying glove. It is noted that the figures described herein 1 depict a glove to be worn on the user's right hand. The left hand glove of the embodiments shown are mirror images.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cuff section 21 is open at one end to allow the user to insert his/her hand into the glove and is connected with the hand portion of the glove at the other end. The location of the connection between cuff and hand approximates the location of the user's wrist when worn. The cuff section has a smaller circumference at the connection with the hand portion of the glove than at the open end to accommodate protective materials and/or clothing worn over the forearm. As shown, the cuff section 21 has a multiplicity of rivets 19 interspaced in a regular pattern along and around the circumference of the cuff. The rivets 19 serve to hold fender washers 20 which are shown on the Figs. in dotted lines indicating they are not visible from the outside surface (as they are positioned between two cuff layers as described below) and these washers 20 function as additional protection dissipate the force and otherwise protect the wrist and forearm from slashing blows by a sword or other implement from cutting the cuff or otherwise bruising the user's wrist. In alternative embodiments, the washers may be positioned using alternative attachment means such as sewing and in some embodiments the washers are simply held in position by being sandwiched between the upper and lower layers of the cuff.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cuff section 21 is constructed of two layers of 4-6 ounce leather sewn together and having 1.0″ and 1.25″ steel fender washers 20 attached to the leather by rivets 19. The fender washers 20 serve to disperse impact of blows made to the user's wrist and/or forearm. The fender washers 20 are aligned in a loose “fish scale” pattern to allow the cuff to conform to an under jacket worn by the user and to provide additional protection. The fender washers 20 provide hardened protection against blows caused by steel practice weapons, and in the event of sharp edges both the leather and steel washers serve to minimize any abrasions to the user's forearm. In alternative embodiments, materials other than steel can be used to form the fender washers 20 (such as, for example, other types of metal, plastic, and composites) which materials are known in the industry and are also lightweight, durable, moldable and which can be placed on or between layers of the cuff to prevent slashing and disperse impact. Alternative embodiments may substitute other protective materials, such as vulcanized rubber, high density foam, or other semi-rigid materials for the fender washers 20 so long these alternative materials serve to diminishes impact or slashes to the cuff and wrist area of the wearer. As shown, the washers are of uniform size and shape but alternative embodiments may utilize washers of differing shape and sizes. Thicknesses of these materials will affect both protection and weight and, as such, larger lighter weight materials may be interspersed with smaller heavier but more durable materials to maximize comfort, protection and pliability. In the present embodiment, the cuff section is made of leather. In alternative embodiments, the cuff section may be made of other durable and pliable materials known in the art such as denim, heavy canvas, slash resistant cotton such as found in kitchen protective cutting gloves, Kevlar, and other nylon fabric materials.
Looking at FIG. 1, rivets 19 serve to attach the fender washers 20 to the cuff section as well as the protective plates to back of the hand, fingers and thumb of the glove section. These rivets 19 may be made of steel double cap rivets, solid copper and burrs, steel with burr rivets, or even sewing in place a “French” knot in the eye of the washer to connect the inner and outer cuff materials. Alternatively, the fender washers 20 and protective plates can be fastened with the cuff and armored glove sections by other methods known in the industry such as stitching, industrial strength glue, ultra-sonic welding two materials together.
The armored glove section is made up of an underlying leather glove 18 having hand, finger, and thumb portions as well as armored plates covering the dorsal sides of the hand, finger and thumb portions. In some instances, the plates contour and wrap around the sides of the hand. In a preferred embodiment, the underlying leather glove 18 is made of full grain leather but may alternatively be made of other strong, flexible, and light materials known in the art such as Kevlar and which are preferably slash proof rated materials. In a preferred embodiment, the underlying glove is made from deer tanned leather which is both supple and durable against abrasion caused by repeated abrasive movements caused by the handling of steel weapons and other weapons or implements regularly used in martial arts practice and competition.
As shown in FIG. 1, the underlying glove 18 has numerous protective plates (or plated armor) positioned at the dorsal side of the hand, finger and thumb portions of the of the glove section. In some instances, these plates wrap around the sides of the hand, fingers and thumbs. These plates include A) the shaped backplate 22 covering the dorsal side of the hand portion and protecting the metacarpal bones and metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of the user; B) the proximal phalange plates 12 serving to cover the proximal phalanges of the user which are located closest to the knuckle connecting the back of the hand to the fingers; C) the medial (middle) phalanges plates 13 and 16 serving to protect the medial phalanges and the 1st interphalangeal joints (IP) between proximal and medial phalanges of the user; and D) the finger-tip molded plates 14 serving to protect the distal phalanges and finger tips of the user.
In a preferred embodiment, a layer of ⅛″ closed cell foam (not shown) is included between the backplate 22 and the dorsal hand portion of the underlying glove 18 which serves to deaden any impact received from a blow to the backplate so that the full impact of a blow is not transferred directly to the back of the underlying leather glove and user's hand. In alternative embodiments, the additional or substitute materials may be used for this purpose such as several layers of Kevlar, natural wool or synthetic felt material, rubber padding or similar material known in the art. Again, FIG. 1 does not show the layer of closed cell foam which is covered by the backplate 22. In alternative embodiments, the undersurface of the back plate could be made of a rubber, silicone, cotton padding or other force dampening material known in the art.
Looking at FIG. 1, one will note that the backplate 22 is contoured to the back of the hand and flares upward where it extends approximately a quarter of an inch (V) over that portion of the cuff at the connection (seam) between the underlying glove and the cuff. This upward flaring portion of the backplate 22 allows increased range of motion at the wrist and causes blows implements moving in a direction from finger to cuff to glance away from the wrist section of the user. At the opposite (or front) end, the backplate 22 is molded to fit over the MCP joints of the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the backplate 22 is attached to the dorsal hand portion of the underlying glove 18 by three centrally spaced rivets 10. In alternative embodiments, attachment fasteners such as screws, stitching and nut/bolt combinations may be used as a substitute for rivets 10. At the front edge of the backplate 22 are four rivets 11 (three of which are visible on FIG. 1) centrally spaced adjacent the front edge of the backplate 22 covering the user's MCP joints. These four rivets 11 serve to connect four strips of material 17 each extending from the front edge bottom surface of the backplate to the tip of each finger and upon which are mounted the smaller overlapping protective plates including the phalange plates 12 serving to cover the proximal phalanges of the user, the knuckle phalanges plates 13 and 16 serving to protect the proximal phalanges and 1st interphalangeal joints between proximal and middle phalanges of the user and finger-tip molded plates 14 serving to protect the distal phalanges and finger tips of the user. Note that in alternative embodiments, alternative attachment fasteners known in the industry may be substituted for rivets 11. In alternative embodiments, more than one rivet 11 may be utilized for each finger.
The backplate 22 and phalanges plates (respectively 12, 13, 16 and 14) are preferably made from moldable ABS plastic (approximately ⅛″ thick) that may be vacuum formed or injected molded to a shape that both provides extended protection as well as aesthetic design reminiscent of historical armor. The compound curves of each of the phalange plates located at the knuckles (see 16 and 13 where they flare outward to a greater width) and near the wrist (see that portion of 22 marked as 8) provide structural strength to the form. The overhanging front edge portion 9 of the backplate 22 flares upward slightly to allow the finger attachments to better move as well as provide protection at the transition gap between the front edge of the backplate 22 and the top edge of phalangeal plates 12 that is helpful in allowing increased articulation of the fingers. One will note that an extended portion 8 of the backplate 22 provides additional protection to the side of the hand near the pinky finger by wrapping around from the back of the hand to the side of the palm. This extended portion 8 protects a vulnerable part of the hand extending from the dorsal side to the bottom of the palm at the pinky side of the hand from impacts and slashes from weapons and applicant believes this additional protection differentiates the present invention from the prior art. This extended portion 8 is designed so that it is long enough to protect the dorsal portion of the bottom of the hand closest to the pinky, but does not impede the movement of a user's hand having a pommel of the weapon held by the user when the hand is rotating and maneuvered during combat. The backplate 22 including extended portion 8 does not fully surround the palm near the pinky. If the extended portion 8 fully wrapped the bottom of the hand, a user's hand holding a pommel of a weapon would be pinched between the pommel of the weapon and the extended portion 8. In other words, extended portion 8 projects around a portion of the bottom of the hand to provide protection and alleviate a potential pinching hazard for the user.
As shown in FIG. 1, the phalanges plates 12, 13, 16, and 14 are a series of plates covering in overlapping fashion each finger and thumb from a position adjacent to the front edge 9 of the backplate 22 over the individual fingers to the finger-tips 14. The phalangeal plates 12 which are closest to the front edge 9 of the backplate 22 are positioned such that the top edge of plates 12 fit under the front edge 9 of backplate 22 and the bottom edge of plates 12 fit under the top edges of plates 13 and 16, 1st interphalangeal joints (IP), where the majority of the hand bends to close the hand.
With regard to attachment of the proximal phalange plates 12, each plate is attached by one rivet (see FIG. 3 item 35) to the underlying strip of material 17 for each finger assembly. A second rivet 36 in this plate 12, which is positioned above the first rivet in the plate (see FIG. 3), passes through the plate 12, through the underlying strip of material 17 and attaches with the finger portion of the underlying glove 18. This attachment secures the position of the entire finger assembly to the top of each finger portion of the underlying glove and providing sufficient protection to a closed hand.
With regard to the knuckle (medial) phalange plates 13 of the middle and third fingers, these two plates have less wrapping and are narrower than the knuckle phalanges plates 16 of the index and pinky fingers at the knuckle joint which allows for the proper spacing of both the fingers and the index and pinky fingers. Note that FIG. 1 shows knuckle phalanges plate 16 at the pinky and FIG. 3 shows knuckle phalanges plate 16 at the index Finger. This spacing allows for the fingers to fully close and stay relatively close to one another when the user's hand is in a fist grip, which spacing the applicant believes the prior art does not take into account. The applicant understands that some prior art embodiments have protective plate widths that force a larger spacing of all four fingers and thus prevent the user from forming and/or maintaining a tight, closed hand or fist. Too wide finger spacing caused by plates bumping against one another, as forced by the design of prior art, causes weakness to the user's grip. Alternatively, overly narrow plates create gaps allowing a weapon to strike between the fingers and cause injury. The knuckle plates 13 and 16 of the present invention allow for extended protection without inhibiting a tight hand or fist by providing protection to not only the main (first medial) knuckle on the finger but also extend toward the knuckle of the distal phalange.
With regard to the knuckle (medial) phalanges plates 16 at the index and pinky fingers, the outside top side edges extend and wrap approximately ½″ around the bottom outside edge of the first knuckle of the pinky finger (as shown in FIG. 1) and the top outside edge of the index finger thus protecting these vulnerable areas of the fingers while maintaining finger dexterity. Similarly, the top outside edge of the first knuckle portion of 16 at the pinky finger flares and wraps the inside portion of the knuckle and the bottom outside edge of the first knuckle portion 16 of the index finger wraps the inside portion of the knuckle creating a three quarters wrapping 40 (also clearly shown on FIG. 3) at these pinky and index knuckles. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the “three quarters wrapping” 40 on the knuckle portions of the pinky and index fingers protect the outside edges of the finger where vulnerable when the hand is both closed and slightly open, which can occur during sport fencing. These oversized knuckle wrappings need to have an extra rivet (or attachment) applied to the construction so that the knuckle gap is mitigated as much as possible. Thus, there is an extra rivet attaching plates 13 and 16 to the underlying strip material 17. One will note that FIG. 3 showing plate 16 and wrapping section 40 accommodates an extra rivet 34. By contrast, plates 12 and 14 are attached to the underlying material strip 17 by a single rivet. In alternative embodiments, additional attachments may be made at 12 and 14 but are not required. As previously stated, alternative attachment means known in the industry may be utilized in lieu of rivets.
With regard to the attachment of the distal phalanges plates 14 (the finger-tips), each of the four finger-tips are protected on the top, tip, and slightly on the descending sides of each finger. The distal phalange plates 14 can be manufactured by vacuum forming ABS although other methods for manufacture known in the industry, such as injection molding ABS, rotocasting with other polymers that might be more elastic to absorb impact, carbon fiber molded, or other forms of thermoplastic molding may be utilized. The distal phalange plates 14 are connected with underlying strip of material and to the underlying glove for each finger (see rivets 25 on FIG. 3) at the upper middle portion of the phalange plate 14. The tip (bottom) portion of each distal phalange plate 14 is also connected with the underlying glove. A preferred method for attachment of the tip portion to the glove is to sew the plate tip to the glove by utilizing small holes at the tip (see FIGS. 3 and 4, holes 15 and 23) allowing use of heavy upholstery waxed thread to attach at the tip edge portion of plate 14 and thread down through holes in the strip material (see FIGS. 3 and 4, holes 38) thus securing the tip portion of the plate to the underlying glove without having to use a harder glue or rivet attachment means. This use of threaded connection provides a softer connection at the finger and thumb tips. Use of a metal attachment or other hardened material attachment would create a hazardous condition during combat where a smashing or crushing blow could cause the finger-tip of the user to be smashed against a hardened connector or fastener. Also, the thread like material (whether it is synthetic sinew, cotton waxed thread, or other nylon cut-resistant threading) will be softer than having a metal attachment point jamming into the finger tips during normal use. This is a significant improvement over prior art gloves utilizing mechanical attaching methods, such as rivets, to attach plates directly to the underlying glove. Such mechanical connections as the finger-tips can easily allow transmission of impact shock through the glove to the highly sensitive finger-tips of the user. Us of a hard rivet (or other mechanical means) at the finger-tips is also likely to cause pinching at the closed ends of the finger tips portion of the glove.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the finger-tips portion of each distal phalange plate 14 is sewn to the underlying glove 18 utilizing holes 15 in plate 14 to anchor the thread to the plate 14. Attachment at this location insures proper placement of the finger protection. To rely on the rivet-to-material-strip or rivet-to-glove connection at the upper middle portion of plate 14 would allow the finger-tips portion of plate 14 to flap open and potentially catch on a held weapon or some other material. In a preferred method of making the glove embodiments as shown, the two holes 15 are drilled through the ABS plate 14 allowing the finger-tips portion to be connected to the underlying glove using upholstery heavy waxed thread or other similar means known in the art ensuring the integrity of the protection to the entire finger assembly.
FIG. 2 shows the left (or thumb) side view of the embodiment of the protective sport glove shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the protective plates of the thumb are uniquely contoured and shaped to provide for increased protection and mobility of the thumb. The thumb protection plates include a thumb plate 29, a proximal phalange plate 26, and a distal phalange plate 39. The top edge of the thumb plate 29 extends over the front edge of the cuff and the bottom edge of the thumb plate 29 extends over the top edge of the proximal phalange plate 26.
FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the protective plates of the index finger and underlying attachment strip. FIG. 4 shows the protective plates covering the thumb and underlying strip. The attachment strip is a piece of material that sits between the protective plates and the underlying glove. FIGS. 3 and 4 shown locations for rivets and attachments running to the strip and through the strip to the underlying glove. Looking at FIG. 3, the index finger protective plates (12, 16, and 14) and underlying material strip 17 are shown. One should note that the protective plates of the index finger are the same as those of the pinky finger. The proximal phalange plate 12 has two rivet attachments 35 and 36. The top rivet 36 extends through the underlying material strip 17 at hole 38 and attaches to the underlying glove as depicted by the dotted arrows extending through the underlying strip 17. The bottom rivet 35 attaches with the material strip 17 and does not extend to the underlying glove. The medial phalange plate 16 has three rivet attachments (including two at 34 and one at 33). The top two rivets 34 extend to and attach with the underlying material strip 17 as depicted by dotted arrows extending to but not through the strip 17. The bottom rivet 33 extends through the underlying strip and attaches with the underlying glove. The distal phalange plate has two rivet attachments 25 which extend to and attach with the underlying strip at positions 38. They do not attach directly with the underlying glove. The rivets that attach directly with the underlying glove are important for keeping the plates in position on the fingers as well as helping to control the movement of the plates relative to one another during use in that the fingers are allowed to bend normally while maintaining the correct position of the plates so gaps exposing the underlying glove is minimized.
FIG. 4 shows detail of the three thumb protection plates with corresponding underlying attachment material strip 37. Looking at FIG. 4, the thumb plate 29 is secured with the cuff by several stitches of thread tied with and extending through holes 32 located at the top edge portion. FIG. 4 shows the use of four holes 32 for anchoring thread stitches located at the top edge portion of 29. However, alternative embodiments could utilize fewer holes or use of differing strong but flexible attachment methods known in the industry. The stitched thread extends through the holes 32 and attaches with the cuff material 31 (depicted in FIG. 4 as a rectangle for purposes of illustration only). The stitching and holes 32 are not shown in FIG. 2. The upper rivet 30 of the thumb plate 29 attaches with the cuff material 31 while the lower rivet 30 attaches with the strip of material 37 extending down the length of the thumb between the protective plates and the underlying glove. As shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 4, the rivets 30 of the thumb plate 29 are preferably made of copper (depicted in FIG. 4 as double circles for purposes of distinguishing it from the other rivets) as this location is a high stress point in the assembly and requires a stronger rivet attachment. Copper rivets are generally more durable than steel rivets. Alternative materials may be used in place of the steel and copper rivets. The distinction between copper and steel is provided to indicate the importance of a durable connection at this location.
Again looking at FIG. 4, the distal phalange plate 39 which covers the distal phalanges at the front and also extends around the sides of the thumb to more fully protect that area. Similarly, the proximal phalanges plate 26 has (similar to plate 16) a distinctly shaped extended outer edge wrap 40 protecting the knuckle without inhibiting mobility. Plate 29 protects the metacarpal area of the thumb and partially extends across half the lower palm near the wrist. Plate 29 has a compound curve nearer to wrist area to allow for free range of motion of the thumb during use. As shown, plate 29 is attached to the backplate 22 with a single copper rivet 30 which attaches to the under material strip 31 connected to the backplate 22 and stitched to the base of the thumb portion of the underlying glove near the wrist effectively protecting the flexor polices brevis and abductor polices brevis muscles of the hand. This extended wrapped thumb plate 29 is also unique to the design of this glove as most gauntlet type prior art glove plates do not extend (i.e. wrap) far enough to provide maximum protection and/or are not a pivoted joint plate as presented in the present invention which maximizes thumb mobility. One will note that the stitching which connects the distal phalange plate to the underlying glove occurs in three places defined by holes 23 including the finger-tip, the top side (see FIG. 2 where this is shown) and the bottom side (see FIG. 4 where this is shown). In the preferred embodiment shown, the thread or similar attachment means is anchored to holes 23 and sewn directly to the underlying glove without passing through the underlying material strip 37 to the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, the sewing attachment extends through the underlying material strip 37. In alternative embodiments, attachment other than use of thread can be used. However, such alternative attachment means must be soft enough to prevent the finger from being smashed against it during use. In an alternative embodiment, the distal phalange plate extends entirely around the finger (in this case thumb) tip. The thumb flexes around during use such that having only one connection (sewn) point to the outside edge would create a situation where the plate could be easily ripped off of the underlying glove due to repeated stress. Three point connections at the outside edges of the finger distal phalange plates is not necessary. Only the tip needs to be attached. But, in alternative embodiments, the outside tip edges of the finger phalange plates are attached to the underlying glove at two or three points including tip and one or more sides.
Looking at FIG. 5, the thumb plate 29 has a unique design in that extends and contours covers the flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles of the user. FIG. 5 shows the thumb plate 29 extending toward the palm and contours to hug the flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles of the user towards the interior area of the palm of the hand. A second extension is located at the top edge portion of plate 29 which extends towards the wrist and partially overlaps the cuff where it is attached using stitching connected with the plate 29 at holes 32 allowing the contoured bend to flex outwards so that when the thumb flexes outwards and away from the palm. Plate 29 does not bind or inhibit movement nearest the wrist. The thumb plate 29 is attached both to the underlying glove by means of sewing points defined in this embodiment by four linearly aligned holes 32 at the top edge portion of plate 29 allowing a thread attachment of the plate 29 to the underlying glove. Two copper rivets 30 are shown (see also FIG. 4). The top rivet 30 attaches to the underlying strip of material 31 (shown on FIG. 4 as approximately 1″ long) which strip is also connecting with the backplate 22. The bottom rivet 30 attaches with the underlying glove 18. One will note that the presently described embodiment has three copper rivets located at the thumb area. Two copper rivets are shown on the thumb plate 29 in FIG. 4. Three are shown on FIG. 6—one being on the backplate 22 closest to the thumb.
In the preferred embodiment, the three copper rivets (see item 30 on FIGS. 2 and 6) ensure that the plates in high stress areas are kept attached. In the preferred embodiment, the other rivets are made of steel with nickel plating to deter corrosion. However, copper rivets are preferred in the thumb locations shown because they are generally stronger than standard double cap nickel plated rivets and have non-corrosive properties exceeding that of nickel plated rivets. Use of the copper rivet is integral part of the assembly of the thumb assemble as the thumb rivet location takes the most stress during repeated use and movement.
Looking again at FIG. 2, the medial phalange plate (Extended Middle) 26 of the thumb, is located between proximate thumb plate 29 and the distal thumb plate 39. The medial phalange plate 26 includes an extended wing portion 40 which serves to wrap the medial phalanges of the thumb towards the palm to increase protection to the thumb in the event of a strike to this area. The bottom edge of the medial phalange plate 26 extends under the top edge of the distal thumb plate 39 and the top edge of the medial phalange plate 26 extends under the bottom edge of the medial thumb plate 29 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, item 26 so that the thumb may bend properly without exposing the thumb joint (covered by the bottom edge portion of medial phalange plate 26 and the top edge portion of the distal phalange place 39) to possible damage cause by impact. The plate order and overlapping of plates is integral to the design and protection in the glove.
Looking at FIG. 4, plate 26 is secured to the underlying glove with one bottom rivet 27 passing thru the plate 26 and through the underlying material strip 37 and attaching with the underlying glove. A second rivet 28 attaches plate 26 directly with the underlying strip of material 37. The underlying strip 37 is attached to plate 29 at the bottom rivet 30 as shown. The strip 37 extends down the thumb to the distal phalange plate 39 where it is attached to phalange plate 39 and the underlying glove by the thread anchored from holes 23 and extending through the strip 37 to and attached with the underlying glove. Rivets 25 extend from the distal phalange plate 39 through the underlying material strip 37 to the underlying glove.
Also looking at FIG. 4 showing the thumb plate and strip assembly, the underlying material strip 31 attaches by copper rivet 30 to the underlying glove. As shown, rivet 30 extends from the underlying glove through hole 38 of the material strip and through the plate 29 where the rivet is peened and secured. The attachment of plate 29 with the underlying strip of material 31 allows the entire assembly to be able to pivot independent of the second pivot point located at the top hole of strip 31. A second copper rivet 30 extends from the backplate 22 near the wrist area to the strip 31 (See FIGS. 6 and 7). As previously stated, copper rivets are utilized in a preferred embodiment at the thumb plate 29 and backplate 22 attachments to the strip 31 because this is an area of stress and stronger rivet materials are most appropriate at this location. But alternative attachment means at these attachment locations may be utilized as known in the industry.
Looking back at FIG. 5, the medial (main) thumb plate 29 extends towards the palm to increase protection to the underside of the thumb. This plate has compound curves as shown in the FIG. 5 to allow the plate to wrap both towards the palm and also allow for mobility at the wrist. These compound curves allow free movement of the thumb of the user it's various potential positions. As previously described, thumb plate 29 attaches to the base of the backplate 22 at rivet 30 near the wrist by a separate underlying strip of material 31. In the embodiment shown, the medial (main) thumb plate is also attached by sewn upholstery thread attached to the thumb plate 29 through holes 32 located linearly along the top edge near the wrist area to the base of the thumb and palm area of the underlying material and glove as described above. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, four holes 32 are utilized for the attachment but alternative embodiments may have fewer.
FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that the thumb plate 29 has two copper rivets. The top copper rivet located nearest the wrist attaches to the underlying strip of material 31 extending from the thumb plate 29 to the underside of the backplate 22 where the material 31 is also attached to the backplate 22 by a single copper rivet 30. Also note that washers 20 are sandwiched between the top and bottom layers of the cuff 21 and are spaced in rows and run around the circumference of the cuff from the top edge of the backplate 22 to that portion of cuff extending from the wrist to the forearm. In alternative embodiments, the washers 20 may only be located at the top (dorsal) side of the cuff. The washers 20 are fastened with the cuff by use of fasteners which in this embodiment are rivets 19 but which could be other fastener types known in the art. The washers 20 as described above, may be made of metal or other hard, durable and not easily breakable material and may be of a variety of sizes and diameters. The washers are meant to provide additional protection to blows at the wrist area and to disperse energy laterally and away from the user's wrist. In alternative embodiments, the washers could be replaced with bands or other (non-circular) shaped materials. In alternative embodiments, the washers (or alternative protective materials) could extend the entire length of the cuff. In alternative embodiments, the washers could be fastened to the top surface of the cuff. The three rivets 10 located on the backplate 22 secure the backplate 22 to the underlying glove. As previously described, a cushioning material (such as a layer of ⅛″ closed cell foam) is positioned between the underside of the backplate 22 and the underlying glove and the rivets 10 would extend through such material to the underlying glove. In alternative embodiment, stitching or other attachment means known in the industry may be utilized to attach the backplate 22 to the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, the underlying glove may have padding underneath the top surface of the underlying glove and the backplate 22 would fasten directly to the top surface of the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, the backplate 22 is made part of the underlying glove in that no underlying glove material is positioned under the backplate and the backplate rests directly on the back of the user's hand or is otherwise secured to cushioning material that sits directly onto the back of the user's hand.
FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention utilizing alternative threaded attachment means for the protective plates for the four fingers as shown. In this embodiment, the protective plates that are attached by heavy waxed upholstery thread threaded through double holes in the plates to the underlying strip and underlying glove. FIG. 8 shows the locations of attachments which extend to (open holes) and through (darkened holes) holes 38 to the underlying glove at the index finger. Similar attachments are used for the remaining fingers. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the medial plates 16 of the index finger is attached to the plate just above it by thread. The two extra holes allow for thread attachment to the underlying strip material. This type of connection occurs at the index finger and the pinky finger as shown. These two extra attachment holes replace the rivet 34 shown on FIG. 3 which connects to the under material strip at that location.
FIGS. 7 and 9 show the alternative attachment means for the thumb plates. As shown in FIG. 9 the sewn attachment of the thumb plate 29 at the four holes 32 extend to the underlying strip 31 at location 38 as shown by the arrow. Fingertip sewn attachments extend through the four holes 23 directly to the fingertip portion of the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, fewer holes 23 may be utilized for attachment at the fingertip attachments. The purpose of the fingertip attachments is to insure attachment at the fingertip without use of hard materials that might transfer force (and thus injure or pinch) the user's finger tips during combat use.
FIG. 10 is a top side view of the underlying glove with extending cuff with the material strips 17 (fingers), 37 (thumb), and 31 (wrist) positioned thereon to demonstrate the locations of attachments extending from the plates to the strips which are depicted by open holes and the locations of attachment extending from the plates through the strips to the underlying gloves which are depicted by blackened holes. One will note that the attachment locations are consistent with the attachments locations depicted in FIGS. 1-4. The detailed description of the plating and underlying strip attachment locations for the index and pinky fingers are provided above with regard to FIG. 3. The detailed description of the plating and underlying strip attachment locations for the thumb are provided above with regard to FIG. 4. The middle and ring finger attachments are depicted in FIG. 10. One will note that the number of attachments which run from the plate through the strips to the underlying glove (blackened holes) are fewer in comparison to the number of attachments from the plates to the strips. This allows for increased mobility because the rivet attachments of the plates to the underlying glove can create unnecessary binding as well as ease of replacement of the underlying glove because the assembly of plates can be removed from the underlying glove by removing just a few attachments. Further, the plate assemblies including underlying strips can be positioned on the underlying glove and attached without having to attach the plates one by one onto the underlying glove. The wrist pivot point established by attaching the thumb plate 29 to strip 31 allows plate 29 to move freely.
FIG. 11 is a front side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-6 showing how the contours of the various plates 14, 16, 12, 39, and 22 serve to maximize the protection for the users fingers and hand while also allowing the fingers to curl into a fist or otherwise grasp a weapon. The outward flaring of the medial plates 16 at locations 40 allow for maximum protection of the knuckles without affecting the ability of the fingers to lay side by side in a curled or closed fist position.
FIG. 12 is a top side view of a user wearing an embodiment of the invention as depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and holding a sword. This shows how the protective plates as described above work to maximize the protection of the user's hand while allowing the user to grasp a weapon such as a sword.
FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram showing a method for making the invention embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6. Starting with the underlying glove, a double layered cuff extension is attached to the glove opening. Within the double layers of the cuff extension are fender washers that are riveted (or otherwise attached) in a pattern around the circumference of the cuff extension. The cuff extension is attached by sewing of alternative attachment means known in the art.
Beginning at step 1 of FIG. 13, the finger plates are attached to the underlying glove. Each of the protective plates of the fingers, thumb and backplate have attachment holes for rivets and sewn connections as previously described above which may be pre-drilled. Corresponding holes are drilled in the underlying strip 17 and underlying glove to accommodate rivets, the positions of which are described in detail in the previous figures. Beginning with the fingers, the protective plates may be attached to the corresponding underlying material strip 17 for each finger as well as the underlying glove beginning with the fingertip molded plates 14 serving to protect the distal phalanges and fingertips of the user. As shown in step 1, plates 14 are attached to the underlying material strip 17 using two rivets. Thereafter, the knuckle phalanges plates 13 (for the middle and ring fingers) and 16 (for the index and pinky fingers) are connected to the material strip and underlying glove using rivet attachments as describe above. The bottom edge of each of the knuckle phalange plates 13 and 16 tuck under the top edge of each of the fingertip plates 14. To ensure that a rivet extending from the under glove through the strip and to the plates does not pop out, a washer (example 0.50″) may be utilized. This extra attachment washer is akin to a leather patch or circular leather washer that helps keep the rivet from spreading the hole in the underlying glove and allow the rive to “pop” out of the glove. The leather washer or patch is positioned between the rivet and the inside of the underlying leather glove but is not shown in the Fig.
In step 2, each finger proximal phalange plate 12 is connected to the underlying strip and glove using rivets as previously described. The arrows on FIG. 13 indicate which rivets extent to the strip 17 and which go through the strip 17 to attach with the underlying glove. Once the plates have been attached by rivets, the fingertips of each plate 14 are sewn to the fingertips of the underlying glove using the holes as previously shown and described. At step 3, all of the finger plates have been attached to each of the four fingers of the underlying glove.
At step 4, the underlying material strips 37 and 32 for the thumb as well as the plates 39, 26 and 29 as shown on FIG. 4 protecting the thumb are gathered for assembly and the distal thumb phalange plate 39 is attached to the underlying strip 37 using rivets 25. At step 5, phalange plate 26 is attached to the underlying glove using rivet 27 and the strip 37 using rivet 28. Note that the bottom edge of plate 26 is positioned under the top edge of plate 39. Thereafter, the thumb plate 29 is attached to the strip and glove using bottom rivet 30 which extends to the strip 37 and top rivet 30 which extends through strip 31 to the underlying glove. Thereafter the fingertips of plate 39 are attached to the thumb fingertip portion of the underlying glove using thread positioned through holes 23 in plate 39. The top portion of the thumb plate 29 is attached to the underlying glove using thread extending from holes 32 to the glove. At step 6, the finger and thumb protective plates have been attached.
At step 7, the backplate 22 is attached to the glove as shown. The four rivets 11 (positioned as shown on FIG. 11 above the top knuckle of each finger) are attached and extend from the backplate 22 through the top hole 38 of each corresponding underlying strip 17 to attach the backplate 22 to each underlying strip 17. Rivets 10 located in the middle portion of the backplate (as shown in FIG. 6) are attached to extend to the underlying glove (and, in a preferred embodiment, through padding to the underlying glove). Rivet 30 located nearest the thumb is attached and extends through material strip 31 to the underlying glove. At step 8, construction of the protective glove is complete. This configuration allows for easy repair because the pivot point for the thumb is free from the underlying glove and is positioned close to the backplate for anchoring purposes. This way, if the underlying glove is worn out, the plating and strips can be easily removed from the underlying glove by detaching just a few rivets and the protective assembly can then be reattached to a new underlying glove with having to disassemble the entire protective assembly consisting of plating and underlying strips.
The present invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The foregoing detailed description and examples have been provided for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to assemblies described herein, but only by the assemblies and methods described by the language of the claims and their equivalents.
Patent Application
20180317578
