SECURING APPARATUS FOR A HAND PROTECTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a securing apparatus and method for securing a hand protective device about the wrist of the wearer. The apparatus provides a mechanism that allows a wearer to single-handedly secure a glove or hand protective device on their other hand, even when the wearer has taped hands for contact sports. The invention allows for the glove or hand protective device to be secured in a manner that eliminates gaps or twisting about the wearer's wrist.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Securing or tightening a glove or hand protective device onto one wrist with the other hand usually leads to a loose fitting glove or hand protective device. This problem is exacerbated when a person has their hands taped for a competition, and/or they are wearing a glove or hand protective device on the hand they are using to secure it to the other hand. The glove or hand protective device will not allow the wearer's taped hands to be inserted into the glove. And the glove or hand protective device being secured or tightened twists or gaps during this process. A poorly fitting or loose glove or hand protective device is a potential hazard for activities relying upon the glove or hand protective device to protect and support the hand and wrist of the wearer.

This problem becomes even greater when the gloves or hand protective devices are those that are used in contact sports, fighting, boxing, or martial arts. In these sports, it is common to find another person requiring to secure the glove or hand protective device to the wearer's hand and wrist over the taped hand. Due to the possibility for the glove or protective device to come off during use, the securing device is usually wrapped with several layers of athletic tape.

Numerous types of sporting gloves and hand protective devices exist. Almost all of them have the common features of a finger restraining element, a covering for the back of the hand, a place to receive the thumb, and a securing device. Additionally, these gloves or hand protective devices have an opening or area to receive the hand of the wearer. Because the sporting gloves unsuccessfully attempt to provide a good fit to the wearer, sliding the glove on when the wearer's hands are taped is nearly impossible for a proper fitting glove or hand protective device.

To address the fit issue, a large number of the existing gloves or hand protective devices have a single strap or strap-like device to secure the glove. Usually, the single strap is used to secure the glove or hand protective device to the hand and/or wrist of the wearer. In an effort to minimize twisting actions, some gloves or hand protective devices utilize a cinch type of strap to reverse the direction of movement of the glove or hand protective device. Regardless of the type of strap, none of the gloves or hand protective devices provides the ability to secure it to the hand or wrist of the wearer without creating a gap or inducing a twisting motion.

A need exists for glove or hand protective device having a securing system and a method that efficiently allows singled handed securing of a glove or hand protective device on the hand or wrist of a wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a system and method for securing a contact sports glove or hand protective device to a wearer's wrist.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an improved contact sports glove having a palm-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge, thereby forming an opening to receive a hand at a wrist-edge. A flap is defined by the palm-side panel and the opening. The flap carries a first portion of a two-part closure device that is positioned near the wrist-edge. A strap carrying a second portion of the two-part closure device is included. The strap is secured to the glove. A restraining device is secured to the glove, the restraining device being capable of contacting and covering the strap when the strap is attached to the flap.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an improved contact sports glove having a palm-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge, thereby forming an opening to receive a hand at a wrist-edge. A finger restraint is positioned on a front-side panel and opposite of the wrist-edge. A thumb receiver is positioned near the thumb-edge. A flap is defined by the palm-side panel and the opening. The flap carries a first portion of a hook and loop closure device, wherein the first portion of the closure device is positioned near said wrist edge. A strap carrying a second portion of the closure device is included. There is a first end and a second end of the strap. The first end is secured to the glove and the second end carries the second portion of the closure device. The strap is elastic. A restraining device is secured to the glove, the restraining device being capable of tightly covering the strap when the restraining device is secured into a closed position.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an improved hand protective device having a front-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge. The front-side panel has a finger restraint positioned near a finger-edge and opposite of a wrist-edge. A flap is secured to the thumb-edge. The flap carries a first portion of a two-part closure device, wherein the two-part closure device is positioned near the wrist-edge. A strap having a first end secured to the hand protective device and a second end carrying a second portion of the closure device is included. The first end of the strap is secured to the hand protective device at an edge opposite of the flap. A restraining device is secured to the hand protective device and is capable of contacting and covering the strap when the strap is attached to the flap.

In another embodiment, the invention provides for a method for securing a contact sports glove. The inventive method comprises the steps of:

a. inserting a first hand into the contact sports glove;

b. positioning a flap on a wrist of a first hand using a second hand, the flap being defined by a palm-side panel, the palm-side panel is secured to an edge of the contact sports glove;

c. grasping a strap using the second hand, the strap having a first end secured to an edge of the contact sports glove and a free second end;

d. attaching the second end of the strap to the flap, the attaching step using a two-part closure device, wherein a first portion of the two-part closure device is carried by the flap and a second portion is carried by the strap at the second end;

e. grasping a restraining device using the second hand, the restraining device connected to either of the edges;

f. wrapping the restraining device around the wrist, thereby contacting the strap with the restraining device; and

g. securing the restraining device on the contact sports glove along an edge near the wrist.

Numerous objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the drawings which illustrate such embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a sport glove.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a sport glove.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a sport glove in the process of being secured.

FIG. 4 depicts a back view of a sport glove.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment for the flap

FIG. 6A depicts a front view of a sport glove with the securing device being employed on a hand.

FIG. 6B depicts a view of a sport glove with the securing device being secured to a closure device.

FIG. 6C depicts a detail view of a sport glove with the securing device being secured to a closure device.

FIG. 7A depicts a front view of a sport glove with the restraint device being employed on a hand.

FIG. 7B depicts a side view of a sport glove with the restraint device being employed on a hand.

FIG. 7C depicts a back view of a sport glove with the restraint device being employed on a hand.

FIG. 8A depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of a sport glove.

FIG. 8B depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of a sport glove with the securing device locked into place.

FIG. 9A depicts a front view of a hand protective device.

FIG. 9B depicts a thumb side view of a hand protective device.

FIG. 9C depicts a outer side view of a hand protective device.

FIG. 9D depicts a front view of a hand protective device with the securing device locked into place.

FIG. 9E depicts a front view of a hand protective device with the restraint device covering the securing device.

FIG. 9F depicts a back view of a hand protective device with the restraint device covering the securing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, the inventive securing device is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 10. As shown by the drawings and understood by those skilled in the art, securing device 10 and components thereof are designed to be associated with sports glove 12 or hand protective device 14.

Glove 12 generally includes palm-side panel 16, front-side panel 17, back-side panel 18, thumb-edge 20, outer-edge 22, wrist-edge 24, finger-edge 25, palm pad restraint 26, finger restraint 28, and thumb receiver 30. Front-side panel 17 and back-side panel 18 are secured together along all edges and often have some padding secured therebetween. Palm-side panel 16 is positioned in front of front-side panel 17 and generally secured to back-side panel 18 at thumb-edge 20 and outer-edge 22. The preferred secured edges are made by stitching the components together; however, other methods for joining glove material together known to those skilled in the art will perform satisfactorily. An embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, shows a variation using palm-side panel 16 to surround an open palm area of hand 19. An embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 shows palm-side panel 16 covering more of palm area of hand 19.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, opening 32 is defined by gap 34 positioned between palm-side panel 16 and front-side panel 17 from outer-edge 22 along wrist-edge 24. In this embodiment, opening 32 extends from point 46 of outer-edge 22 and continues along wrist-edge 24. Opening 32 is capable of receiving the hand of the wearer, thereby providing greater accessibility for the wearer's hands.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 depict palm-panel side 16 with flap 42 defined therefrom. Flap 42 is positioned along opening 32 near wrist-edge 24. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, flap 42 of glove 12 is a portion of palm-side panel 16. As shown in FIG. 5, flap 42 of glove 12 corresponds to tab 43, a protrusion on palm-side panel 16.

In one preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-8B, glove 12 includes securing device 10. Securing device 10 includes strap 38, restraining device 40, flap 42, and two-part closure device 44. Strap element 38 of securing device 10 has first edge 39 that is secured to glove 12 at either outer-edge 22 or thumb-edge 20. Preferably, strap 38 is secured on the same edge where opening 32 and palm-side panel 16 join at point 46. Strap element 38 carries a first portion of two-part closure device 44 at second end 41. Flap 42 carries the second portion of two-part closure device 44. Two-part closure device 44 provides for removable attachment of strap 38 to flap 42.

Strap 38 of securing device 10 may be manufactured out of an elastic or inelastic material. When strap 38 is elastic, it preferably has a stretching capacity between about 25% to about 50% of its un-stretched length. Depending upon the desired configuration of glove 12, an elastic embodiment of strap 38 will generally have an un-stretched length of about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) to about 3 inches (8 centimeters). When strap 38 is substantially inelastic, it generally has a length between about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) to about 4 inches (10 centimeters).

Restraining device 40 is secured to glove 12 along thumb-edge 20 or outer-edge 22. Preferably, restraining device 40 is capable of wrapping around glove 12 near wrist-edge 24 to cover and protect strap 38 after strap 38 is attached flap 42.

The length of restraining device 40 is a design choice. In one embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2-7C, restraining device 40 covers strap 38, wraps around glove 12, secures itself to glove 12 on back-side panel 18 and wraps around again to be secured to itself on back-side panel 18 of glove 12. In this embodiment, restraining device 40 is capable of being wrapped around both thumb-edge 20 and outer edge 22 at least once. In another embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1, 5, 8A and 8B, restraining device 40 covers only strap 38 and is secured to back-side panel 18 after wrapping around either thumb-edge 20 or outer-edge 22. Either of the embodiments for restraining device 40 are combinable with any embodiment of glove 12.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-8B, palm pad restraint 26 and finger restraint 28 are generally integrated with palm-side panel 16, or attached to front-side panel 17, thumb-edge 20, outer-edge 22, or a combination thereof. Additionally, finger restraint 28 is generally positioned on glove 12 near finger-edge 25, which is positioned opposite from wrist-edge 24. Palm-pad restraint 26 is generally positioned closer to wrist-edge 24. Palm pad restraint 26 and finger restraint 28 are for receiving the palm pad and fingers of the wearer.

Strap 38 and flap 42 are designed to be attached to each other. Two-part closure device 44 is capable of attaching securing strap 38 to flap 42. In this embodiment, one-half of two-part closure device 44 is attached to strap 38, and one-half of two-part closure device 44 is attached to flap 42.

Two-part closure device 44 is any two-part closure device allowing two elements to be attached. Two-part closure device 44 may be selected from the group consisting of hook and loop, buttons, snaps, hooks, laces, and combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, two-part closure device 44 is a hook and loop closure device.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1, 8A and 8B, opening 33 extends from wrist-edge 24 and nearly parallels outer-edge 22. In this embodiment, opening 33 of glove 12 allows for a large thumb receiver 30 to be positioned in palm-side panel 16 near flap 42. As before, opening 33 provides greater accessibility and ease of use for the wearer's hands.

In operation, as depicted in FIGS. 6A-7C, a person inserts hand 19 into opening 32 and positions their fingers and thumb in finger restraints 28 and thumb receiver 30. The person's hand 19 may be taped while be inserted into opening 32. In this embodiment, strap 38 is designed to be attached to flap 42 using two-part closure device 44, thereby snuggly positioning wrist-edge 24 of glove 12 to the wrist of the wearer. Preferably, this action removes gaps along wrist-edge 24 while eliminating twisting of glove 12 about the wrist. Once strap 38 is attached, restraining device 40 is wrapped around the wrist of the wearer in a direction that will contact and tightly cover strap 38, thereby preventing any inadvertent disconnection between strap 38 and flap 42. The number of wraps that restraining device 40 is able to perform is based upon its selected length. Restraining device 40 is secured to the back of glove 12 and/or to itself along wrist-edge 24 using a similar two-part closure device 44. In the preferred embodiments, safety of the wearer dictates that restraining device not use any metal or hard plastic elements to assist in securing restraining device 40.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-F, hand protective device 14 is designed to protect the fingers and back of the hand. Hand protective device 14 generally includes front-side panel 17, back-side panel 18, thumb-edge 20, outer-edge 22, wrist-edge 24, palm pad restraint 26, and finger restraint 28. Hand protective device 14 is similarly configured to glove 12 except it does not have palm-side panel 16 and opening 32. Hand protective device 14 optionally carries thumb protector 36 secured along thumb-edge 20. Similar to glove 12, hand protective device 14 has front-side panel 17 and back-side panel 18 secured together along all edges with some padding secured therebetween.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9F, this embodiment of hand protective device 14 utilizes thumb protector 36. In this embodiment, thumb protector 36 defines flap 42, which is positioned near wrist-edge 24. Thumb protector 36 is an optional element. In an embodiment not depicted in the FIGS. where thumb protector 36 is not utilized, flap 42 is a tab that is secured to either thumb-edge 20 or outer-edge 22 to provide the connectivity point for first edge 39 of strap 38.

In this embodiment, thumb protector 36 is secured to hand protective device 14 along thumb-edge 20. Thumb protector 36 may be externally padded, wherein the external portion 50 of thumb protector 36 is positioned next to back-side panel 18.

In this embodiment, strap 38 of securing device 10 is also positioned opposite of flap 42. Securing device 10, which includes strap 38, flap 42, two-part closure devices 44 and restraining device 40, all function identically on hand protective device 14 as described for glove 12 above.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-7C, during operation of securing device 10 the wearer inserts their fingers into finger restraints 28, which positions the pads of their palm under palm pad restraint 26. In this embodiment, strap 38 attaches to flap 42 using two-part closure device 44, thereby snuggly positioning wrist-edge 24 of glove 12 to the wrist of the wearer. To attach strap 38 to flap 42, the wearer uses their fingers and thumb from opposing hand 48 to simultaneously attach strap 38 to flap 42 with two-part closure device 44. The wearer performs this action by grasping flap 42 and strap 38, and pulling both flap 42 and strap 38 until flap 42 is positioned under strap 38. Alternatively, the wearer uses their forefinger and thumb of opposing hand 48 to simultaneously attach strap 38 to flap 42 with two-part closure device 44. The wearer performs this action by grasping flap 42 and strap 38, and pulling both flap 42 under strap 38. Preferably, this action also removes gaps along wrist-edge 24.

During operation of glove 12, once strap 38 is attached, restraining device 40 is wrapped around the wrist of the wearer in a direction that it will contact and tightly cover strap 38, thereby preventing any inadvertent separation between strap 38 and flap 42. The number of wraps that restraining device 40 is able to do is based upon its length. Restraining device 40 is secured to the back of hand protective device 14 and/or to itself along wrist-edge 24.

Embodiments

Several different embodiments are shown in FIG. 1-9F as representative examples of the inventive securing device 10. FIGS. 1, 8A and 8B depict an example of an open palm, open thumb version where the wearer's thumb is positioned near thumb-edge 20 in the open palm area. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1, 8A and 8B, palm-side panel 16 surrounds the palm of the wearer, thereby creating an open palm area and an open thumb area. Securing device 10 is positioned near wrist-edge 24.

FIGS. 2-7C depict and example of a different version of a mesh covered palm and an open thumb version. In this embodiment, the wearer's thumb is positioned within thumb receiver 30, thereby creating an open thumb area. In one variation of this embodiment the mesh is removed to create an open palm, open thumb embodiment. In another variation of this embodiment, thumb receiver 30 is a sleeve creating an enclosed thumb area. Some variations of this embodiment include an open palm, open thumb embodiment; an open palm, enclosed thumb embodiment; an enclosed palm, open thumb embodiment; and an enclosed palm, enclosed thumb embodiment. In all of the variations of this embodiment, securing device 10 is positioned near wrist-edge 24.

FIGS. 9A-9F depict an open palm, protected thumb embodiment. In this embodiment, palm-side panel is not utilized and a protected thumb element is attached to provide additional protection to the wearer's thumb. One variation of this approach does not utilize thumb protector 36 and only provides for flap 42. In both variations of this embodiment, securing device 10 is positioned near wrist-edge 24.

Other embodiments of the current invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current invention with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An improved contact sports glove comprising: a palm-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge, thereby forming an opening to receive a hand at a wrist-edge;a flap defined by said palm-side panel and said opening, said flap carrying a first portion of a two-part closure device that is positioned near said wrist-edge;a strap secured to said glove at an edge opposite of said flap, said strap carrying a second portion of said two-part closure device, said strap removably attachable to said flap when said first portion of said two-part closure has been joined to said second portion of said two-part closure, the configuration of said flap and said strap requires movement of said flap under said strap to join said first and second portions of said two-part closure device; anda restraining device secured to said glove, said restraining device having a length sufficient to wrap around said glove thereby covering said strap when said strap is attached to said flap.

2. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said strap has elasticity.

3. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said strap has elasticity and is capable of stretching between about 25% and about 50% of its un-stretched length.

4. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said strap has an un-stretched length between about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) and about 3 inches (8 centimeters).

5. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said strap is substantially inelastic and has a length between about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) and about 4 inches (10 centimeters).

6. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said two-part closure device is a hook and loop closure device.

7. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said restraining device is capable of being secured to itself.

8. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said restraining device is attached to said glove near said outer-edge.

9. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said restraining device is attached to said glove near said thumb-edge.

10. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein said opening extends from said wrist-edge to a point along said outer-edge, said point positioned so that a portion of said palm-side panel remains secured to said outer edge.

11. An improved contact sports glove comprising: a palm-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge, thereby forming an opening to receive a hand at a wrist-edge;a finger restraint positioned on a front-side panel and opposite of said wrist-edge;a thumb receiver positioned near said thumb-edge;a flap defined by said palm-side panel and said opening, said flap carrying a first portion of a hook and loop closure device, wherein said first portion of said closure device is positioned near said wrist-edge;a strap carrying a second portion of said closure device, said strap is elastic;a first end and a second end of said strap, said first end is secured to said glove at an edge opposite of said flap, and said second end carrying said second portion of said closure device, said strap has sufficient elasticity to permit removable attachment of said strap to said flap when said first portion of said two-part closure has been joined to said second portion of said two-part closure, the configuration of said flap and said strap when attached to one another precludes movement of said flap; anda restraining device secured to said glove, said restraining device having a length sufficient to wrap around said glove thereby tightly covering said strap when said restraining device is secured into a closed position.

12. The improved contact sports glove of claim 11, wherein said strap has elasticity and is capable of stretching between about 25% and about 50% of its un-stretched length.

13. The improved contact sports glove of claim 11, wherein said strap has an un-stretched length between about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) and about 3 inches (8 centimeters).

14. The improved contact sports glove of claim 11, wherein said restraining device is capable of being secured to itself.

15. The improved contact sports glove of claim 11, wherein said restraining device is secured to said glove near said outer-edge.

16. The improved contact sports glove of claim 11, wherein said restraining device is secured to said glove near said thumb-edge.

17. An improved hand protective device for contact sports comprising: a front-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge, said front-side panel having a finger restraint positioned near a finger-edge and opposite of a wrist-edge;a flap secured to said thumb-edge, said flap carrying a first portion of a two-part closure device, wherein said two-part closure device is positioned near said wrist-edge;a strap having a first end secured to said hand protective device and a second end carrying a second portion of said two-part closure device, said first end of said strap is secured to said hand protective device at an edge opposite of said flap, said strap removably attachable to said flap when said first portion of said two-part closure has been joined to said second portion of said two-part closure, the configuration of said flap and said strap when attached to one another precludes movement of said flap; anda restraining device secured to said hand protective device, said restraining device having a length sufficient to wrap around said glove thereby capable of contacting and covering said strap when said strap is attached to said flap.

18. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, further comprising a thumb protector secured to said thumb-edge.

19. The improved hand protective device of claim 18, wherein said thumb protector is integrated with said flap.

20. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said strap has elasticity.

21. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said strap has elasticity and is capable of stretching between about 25% and about 50% of its un-stretched length.

22. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said strap has an un-stretched length between about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) and about 3 inches (8 centimeters).

23. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said strap is substantially inelastic and has a length between about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) and about 4 inches (10 centimeters).

24. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said closure device is a hook and loop closure device.

25. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said restraining device is capable of being secured to itself while covering said strap.

26. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said restraining device is secured to said hand protective device near said outer-edge.

27. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said restraining device is secured to said hand protective device near said thumb-edge.

28. The improved hand protective device of claim 17, wherein said restraining device is sufficiently long-enough to wrap around said hand protective device at least once.

29. A method of securing a contact sports glove to a hand comprising the steps of: inserting a first hand into said contact sports glove;positioning a flap on a wrist of a first hand using a second hand, said flap being defined by a palm-side panel, wherein said palm-side panel is secured to an edge of said contact sports glove;grasping a strap using said second hand, said strap having a first end and a free second end, said first end secured to an edge of said contact sports glove opposite of said flap wherein said flap carries a first portion of a two-part closure device and said strap carries a second portion of a two-part closure device;attaching said second end of said strap to said flap by applying a force to said strap thereby moving said flap and said strap towards one another until said flap is under said strap;joining said first portion of said two-part closure to said second portion of said two-part closure thereby precluding movement of said flap;grasping a restraining device using said second hand, said restraining device secured to either of said edges;wrapping said restraining device around said wrist, thereby contacting said strap with said restraining device; andsecuring said restraining device on said contact sports glove along an edge near said wrist.

30. The improved contact sports glove of claim 1, wherein the configuration of said flap and said strap requires movement of said strap and said flap towards one another to join said first and second portions of said two-part closure device.

31. The improved contact sports glove of claim 11, wherein the configuration of said flap and said strap requires movement of said strap and said flap towards one another to join said first and second portions of said two-part closure device.

32. The improved contact sports glove of claim 17, wherein the configuration of said flap and said strap requires movement of said strap and said flap towards one another to join said first and second portions of said two-part closure device.