Patent Application
20120317696
This application is based upon French patent application Ser. No. 11/01824, filed Jun. 14, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wearable article for covering a portion of a hand of a user and for supporting a container such as a bottle, a flexible bag, or a tube containing a fluid.
2. Background Information
Athletes engaged in certain endurance sports, such as running on pavement or on a trail, need to rehydrate regularly during the exercise. For covering long distances independently, some runners carry a bottle directly in their hand, an inconvenient and uncomfortable practice requiring the athlete to maintain a tight grip on the bottle between his/her fingers, which can lead to muscle pain over time. The hand remains clenched and does not relax. In addition, the bottle can be dropped at any time, in the event the fingers were to relax their grip.
To overcome this drawback, certain manufacturers have designed bottle-holders that attach directly to a rigid bottle and include a handle. Reference can be made, for example, to the “Quickdraw Elite” hand-held bottle carrier by Nathan. The athlete slips his/her hand between the bottle and the handle, the handle then covering the back of the hand. The handle can include an opening for passage of the thumb in order to improve the fit of the bottle-holder in the hand. This product is practical but nevertheless has some drawbacks. The hand is in direct contact with the bottle, which is not comfortable, as the material of the bottle is often not particularly pleasant to the touch. This direct contact also promotes heat exchange and the subsequent warming of the liquid in the bottle. Moreover, this accessory is provided to support the same bottle throughout the race. When empty, the bottle must be refilled; this can be time-consuming. Indeed, quickly replacing the bottle with another is difficult because of the design of the mechanism for fastening the bottle-holder to the bottle. This particular bottle-holder was not designed for flexible bottles or pouches, nor was it designed to be compatible with various container sizes.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,414,692 and 6,000,058 describe similar solutions, including a pocket adapted to receive a container, such pocket being fastened to a glove or mitt using loop-and-hook self-gripping fasteners, such as Velcro® fasteners. These container holders were not designed for use in sports, but rather to make it possible to handle a container of cold or hot liquid. Therefore, the objective was to thermally isolate the container from the hand. These gloves are therefore not adapted for the dynamic movements associated with a race or other activity, particularly a sports activity. The mechanisms for fastening the pocket housing the container to the glove do not make possible proper retention of the container against the glove during rapid hand movements. Moreover, the pockets are not adapted to receive flexible pouches or containers, nor to be compatible with various container sizes.
U.S. Design Pat. No. D633,215 discloses a glove comprising a strip sewn into the center of the palm area, the strip encircling a baby bottle. This accessory is adapted to prevent the baby's hand from releasing the bottle. It is not designed for use in sports and especially not to ensure proper retention of the container against the glove during rapid hand movements. Indeed, the strip can easily rotate about its anchoring point. In addition, the glove is not adapted for flexible pouches or containers.
Furthermore, all of the aforementioned documents propose the container to be held in a substantially vertical orientation, that is to say, perpendicular to the direction defining the natural extension of the hand corresponding substantially to the axis of the middle finger. Thus, the fingers can wrap around the container to grip the same. This configuration causes the container to overlap beneath the hand. This overlap can hinder movement, especially if the overlapping portion of the container becomes caught on a projection in the surroundings. Thus, an impact on the container during hand movement can cause a force in the area of the glove, which can damage the glove or injure the user. Furthermore, the container is not protected and it can also be damaged upon impact. Moreover, in this arrangement, the bottle is positioned so as to cover the palm of the hand completely. This zone would be thermogenic during a foot race, e.g., and, if such zone were not covered or properly ventilated, perspiration would increase, thereby adding to the discomfort.
The invention solves one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.
The invention provides an improved wearable article providing ease of use, particularly during practice of a sport.
The invention provides for better retention of a container on the wearable article.
Also, a wearable article according to the invention is compatible with various types of containers, including flexible pouches, bags, and containers of various sizes.
Additionally, a wearable article according to the invention supports a container that is easily replaceable while the article is being worn.
Still further, the article of the invention protects the container.
To these ends, the invention provides a wearable article covering at least a portion of a user's hand, such article including a first section partially surrounding the hand by connecting at least a portion of the palm to at least a portion of the back of the hand, the first section extending via a zone joining the thumb and the index finger, and via the edge of the hand; a second section connected to the first section so as to form an opening for passage of the thumb and at least one mechanism for fastening a container to the first section. The fastening mechanism includes a fastener connected to a section so as to be capable of partially surrounding the container in order to press a portion of the container against the first section, and the points of attachment of the fastener on the section are spaced from the palm of the hand.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:
In this illustrated embodiment, the envelope 1 includes a first section 11 surrounding a portion of the wearer's hand by connecting the palm 21 to the back 22 of the hand 2, the section 11 extending via a zone 23 joining the thumb 25 and index finger 26 of the hand, and via the edge 24 of the hand. The junction zone 23 extends on both sides of a line connecting the base of the thumb to the base of the index finger, on a portion of the back of the hand, on the radial side (toward the thumb) and on a portion of the palm of the hand, on the radial side. The edge 24 of the hand covers a zone extending on both sides of a line connecting the palm 21 to the back 22 of the hand, on the ulnar side (toward the little finger), on a portion of the back of the hand (on the ulnar side), and on a portion of the palm of the hand (on the ulnar side).
The first section 11 is formed of a plurality of constituent portions.
A first portion 111 partially covers the palm 21. This is the portion that forms the interface between the skin and the container when the container is carried against the palm. This portion 111 thus makes it possible to isolate the container from the skin. For example, it can be made of an elastic and honeycombed material in order to improve user comfort. This material is pleasant to the touch and adapts to the hand morphology. The cells provide better ventilation of the palm. A material meeting this need can be a mixture of polyester and spandex or polyamide. This portion 111 can also be made of any of other materials, such as neoprene, that generates little heat.
A second portion 112 covers the edge 24 of the hand. This portion 112 serves to protect the hypothenar eminence of the hand. By way of example, a low-stretch and honeycombed 3D fabric is suitable for this portion. This material allows for good ventilation while providing satisfactory support. An exemplary material that meets this need is polyester.
A third portion 113 covers much of the back 22 of the hand. This portion serves as an attachment zone for fastening mechanisms for a container, but also for attachment of an adjustment tab 13, or tongue, structured and arranged to adjust the envelope to the morphology of the user's hand. Therefore, this portion should be low-stretch, i.e., it should have a structure that is not elastic or not very elastic, in order to ensure proper anchoring, and it includes an outer surface 113a for attaching an inner surface 131 of the adjustment tab. These two surfaces are thus provided with additional self-fastening mechanisms that are described below. One solution for making this third portion, among others, involves superimposing a low-stretch fastening fabric with a honeycombed elastic fabric the same as or similar to that used for the first portion 111. The honeycombed fabric is comfortable and provides the same advantages as those described above. As an example, the structure of the fastening fabric used as a reinforcement includes textile loops. The material used for this fabric can be brushed polyester. This third portion is demarcated, on the ulnar side (toward the edge of the hand), by a seam 113b and, on the radial side (toward the thumb), by a seam 113c, such seams being stitched seams, for example.
A fourth portion 114 connects the first portion 111 to the third portion 113. A seam 115, such as stitching, marks the boundary between the first portion 111 and the fourth portion 114 in the junction zone 23, toward the palm. The fourth portion 114 serves to adjust the envelope to the morphology of the user's hand. It must be flexible so as to be capable of bending or folding, thereby making it possible to reduce the circumference of the first section 11. In this example, this fourth portion can be comprised of the same material or fabric as that used for the first portion 111.
The adjustment tab 13 is assembled at one 133 of its ends by or to the seam 115, such as stitching, and is oriented to extend on the side of the back of the hand. It widens toward the other end 134 in order to increase the surface for attachment to the third portion 113.
The adjustment tab 13 includes an inner side 131 made of a material that makes it possible for the tab to grip the outer surface 113a of the third portion 113. In this example, the material is brushed polyester having a structure with textile hooks or any equivalent structure. The inner surface 131 of the adjustment tab 13 and the outer surface 113a of the third portion 113 form the attachment mechanisms of the adjustment system of the envelope. The surfaces, comprising textile loops and hooks, whether knitted or woven, are pleasant to the touch and protect the environment. The textile loops and hooks do not catch on other garments, unlike conventional self-gripping fastening mechanisms made of injected plastic, such as Velcro®. However, these conventional self-gripping fastening mechanisms can also be used.
The adjustment tab 13 can also include an outer side 132 made of a material that is pleasant to the touch. As an example, the material of the outer surface 132 is capable of absorbing liquid so that perspiration can be dried or wiped from the face of the user, with a simple movement, during exercise.
To adjust the envelope to the morphology of the user's hand, the user pulls on the adjustment tab 13 toward the back 22 of the hand. When the first portion is satisfactorily tightened around the hand, the user brings the inner surface 131 of the end 134 of the adjustment tab against the third portion 113, so that the attachment mechanisms 131, 113a can cooperate. This action shortens the fourth portion 114 and therefore reduces the circumference of the section 11. The envelope is therefore adjusted to the morphology of the user's hand.
The envelope 1 includes a second section 12 connected to the first section 11 so as to form an opening 14 for passage of the thumb 25. A seam 141, such as stitching, demarcates the opening 14. Thus, the sections 11 and 12 surround the base of the thumb 25. The opening 14 for passage of the thumb is sized so that the base of the thumb is cleared. Advantageously, the opening extends toward the edge of the hand in order not to cover the thenar eminence. This zone is not biased; the movement of the thumb thus being facilitated, thereby providing ease of use of the article. By way of example, the opening 14 can form a “V” in this zone.
A seam 116, such as stitching, demarcates an edge of the envelope, toward the fingers. This seam 116 runs along the first section 11. Another such seam 126 demarcates the other edge of the envelope, toward the wrist. The seam 126 surrounds a portion of the first section 11 and a portion of the second section 12.
According to an alternative embodiment, the adjustment tab 13 is connected to the second section 12. In this case, tightening is adjusted around the hand behind the thumb 25, on the side of the wrist. The circumference is therefore slightly adjusted above the wrist, in the area of the second section 12.
The adjustment tab 13 is not required. The envelope can incorporate portions that are sufficiently resilient to permit adjustment of the envelope to the morphology of the user's hand.
From a constructional perspective, the first and second sections are not necessarily made as separate panels. For example, the first 111, third 113, and fourth 114 portions of the first section 11 and second section 12 form a single panel made of a flexible and honeycombed material. In this case, the third portion 113 is reinforced by the covering of another more rigid and adherent fabric, as described previously. Alternatively, the third portion 113 is a separate panel made entirely of a rigid fabric and is engageable with the adjustment tab 13.
According to another, more minimalist embodiment, the first section 11 includes an elastic band connecting a back panel corresponding to the portion 113, in the area of junction of the thumb and the index finger, and a panel covering the edge of the hand, corresponding to the portion 112. The second section 12 is also an elastic band connecting the back panel corresponding to the portion 113, in the area of the base of the thumb, on the side of the wrist, and the panel covering the edge of the hand, corresponding to the portion 112.
The invention encompasses other embodiments having a similar construction, that is to say, an envelope including a first section surrounding the hand by passing between the thumb and the index finger, and a second section connected to the first, passing via the base of the thumb, on the side of the wrist. The invention is not limited to the use of any particular material for making the sections.
The envelope 1 includes a first fastening mechanism 15 arranged in the area of the zone 23 joining the thumb 25 and index finger 26 of the hand.
In this example, the first fastening mechanism 15 includes an elastic string 150, each end 151 and 152 of which is assembled on the seam 113c of the third portion 113, in the area of the back 22 of the hand, toward the fingers. The elastic string 150 and a portion of the edge 113c of the third portion 113 forms a first tightening loop 153 constituting the first fastening mechanism 15.
The first fastening mechanism 15 is adapted to surround the upper portion 31a of a container 31. The upper end of the container is passed in the tightening loop 153 widened by the user, and the elastic string is then relaxed in the area of the upper portion 31a of the container. To make it easier to grip the elastic string 150, a strip 154 is attached thereto. The user can then easily grab and pull on the strip 154 in order to expand the elastic string.
When released, the elastic string 150 contracts, pressing the upper portion 31a of the container against the first section 11. The upper end of the container 31 is held in relation to the envelope 1. This end generally includes a cap 31e.
The two ends 151 and 152 of the elastic string 150, in an exemplary embodiment, are spaced apart by a distance between 1.5 and 3.0 cm. This spacing improves the stability of the container 31 by preventing it from pivoting about the anchor of the elastic string 150 on the edge 113c of the third portion 113. In addition, this spacing enables the adjustment tab 13 to pass through the tightening loop 153.
The envelope 1 includes a second fastening mechanism 16 adapted to surround the lower portion 31b of a container 31 in order to press a portion of the container against the first section 11.
In this example, the second fastening mechanism 16 includes an elastic band 160, forming a fastener, each end 161 and 162 of which is assembled on the third portion 113.
The first end 161 is attached to the edge 113c of the third portion 113, in the area of the back 22 of the hand, toward the wrist. This attachment point is therefore located in the area of an attachment zone of the second section 12, where a tendon of an extensor muscle of the thumb is located. The potential attachment zone extends on both sides of the interface, or junction, between the palm portion and the back of the hand portion, over three centimeters, for example, on each side. The effective attachment point is positioned, according to an exemplary embodiment, as close as possible to this interface located in the extension of the thumb.
The second end 162 is attached to the edge 113b of the third portion 113, in the area of the back 22 of the hand, toward the fingers. This attachment point is therefore located in the area of the edge 24 of the hand. The edge 24 of the hand, constituting the second potential attachment zone of the elastic band 160, extends on both sides of the interface, or junction, between the palm portion and the back of the hand portion, over three centimeters, for example, on each side.
The two points of attachment of the fastener 160 on the envelope 1 are thus spaced from the palm 21 of the hand.
The band 160 extends along a portion of the palm and partially covers the thenar eminence and hypothenar eminence. Consequently, the band 160 extends along a direction Y forming an angle α greater than 45° with respect the axis X defined by the edge 24 of the hand, along a plane passing through the palm of the hand. This orientation of the fastening mechanism is illustrated in
The elastic band 160, the fastener, and a dorsal or posterior portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, that is to say, arranged on the back of the hand, form a second tightening loop 163 constituting the second fastening mechanism 16. Thus, the tightening loop surrounds the hand equipped with the container, which provides excellent retention of the container against an inner or anterior portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, that is to say, arranged in the area of the palm of the hand. The force exerted by the tightening loop 163 is distributed around the hand, in the area of the back of the hand, by the dorsal portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, and in the area of the container by the elastic band 160. Thus, the container is better immobilized than a glove provided with a tightening mechanism located in the palm of the hand. The risk of swaying is reduced.
The use of this second fastening mechanism 16 is similar to that of the first fastening mechanism 15. One end of the container 31 is passed through the tightening loop 163 expanded by the user; the container is slipped through the tightening loop and the elastic band is released in the area of the lower portion 31b of the container.
When released, the elastic band 160 contracts, pressing the lower portion 31b of the container against the first section 11. The lower end of the container 31 is held in relation to the envelope 1.
The elastic band 160 includes an inner side 164 opposite the palm, and an outer surface 165. The inner side 164, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a coating made of non-slip material adapted to be in contact with at least a portion of the container. Consequently, such coating reduces any relative movement between the container walls and the elastic band. The container is then even better retained. The outer surface 165 can be used for decorative purposes.
The container is mainly retained by the second fastening mechanism 16.
The combination of the two fastening mechanisms 15 and 16 makes it possible to better immobilize the container.
For the immobilization to be effective, the two fastening mechanisms 15 and 16 must be spaced from one another. The distance d between the center of the two fastening mechanisms 15 and 16, in a particular embodiment, is between 4.0 and 10 cm. Due to this spacing, the fastening mechanisms prevent or considerably limit the rotation R of the container about an axis perpendicular to the palm of the hand.
Moreover, the translation T of the container along its longitudinal axis in relation to the envelope 1 is limited by the friction forces between the fastening mechanisms 15 and 16 and the walls of the container 11. In addition, the walls of the container 11 are not smooth or uniform. The cross section of the container is often variable. Accordingly, the tightening of the fastening mechanisms 15, 16 is generally located in recesses of the container, which contributes to the translational immobilization. Furthermore, the non-slip coating of the inner side 164 of the elastic band 160 improves the axial retention.
Finally, retention of the container against the palm is obtained by the two fastening mechanism 15 and 16. These fastening mechanism press the container against the first section 11 of the envelope 1, preventing the spacing E of the container from the hand.
The invention thus provides another way to carry a container. Unlike the prior art, in which the bottle is carried in a vertical orientation, that is to say, perpendicular to the direction defining the natural elongation of the hand, the container holder according to the invention positions the container along a direction that is more suitable for a race and other sports activities. The container is therefore inclined with respect to a “vertical” direction. The fastening mechanisms make it possible to orient the container so that its major axis corresponds to a direction Z inclined by an angle β, in a clockwise direction, with respect to the axis of the middle finger (at rest). The angle β is less than 60°. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle β is close to 45°, so as to position the top of the container in the area of junction between the thumb and the middle finger. Thus, the container is protected by the hand, the wrist, and possibly a portion of the forearm. Moreover, during a race, e.g., in which the athlete's hand is constantly swinging, this arrangement promotes the runner's balance. Indeed, the liquid inside the container moves along a direction corresponding substantially to the hand/forearm alignment. This inertia only slightly penalizes the movement of the arms, which is not the case when the fluid moves along a direction perpendicular to the hand/forearm alignment, as is the case with the known container holders.
Alternatively, as shown in
In this example, the elastic band 190 constitutes the fastener as well as the fastening mechanism within the context of the invention. The points of attachment of the elastic band 190 on the envelope 1 are spaced from the palm of the hand and are substantially in the same location, i.e., as close as possible to the palm/back of the hand interface, located in the extension of the thumb. The orientation of the elastic band 190 is similar to the first embodiment; it extends along a direction Y forming an angle α greater than 45° with respect to the axis X defined by the edge 24 of the hand, along a plane passing through the palm of the hand.
The first embodiment illustrated in
Alternatively, an envelope can be designed and provided to only press the container against the back of the hand. In this case, in a particular exemplary embodiment, the first fastening mechanism is assembled on or by the seam 115, such as stitching. Furthermore, the attachment points of the second fastening mechanism can be offset toward the palm 21 of the hand. This embodiment is advantageous because it frees the palm, and thus makes it possible, to use poles that can help pushing forward when racing on mountainous terrain. The envelope could also be structured and arranged to incorporate means for removable connection to the pole, as is known in the prior art.
Another possibility involves adding fastening mechanisms in order to support two containers, one on each side of the hand.
Advantageously, one or more fastening mechanisms can include a structural device or mechanism 171 to adjust the length of the tightening loop 173. This adjustment makes it possible to adapt to various container sizes and to adjust the force pressing and holding the container against the hand. This also makes it possible to envision non-elastic fastening mechanisms, the tightening then being made by the adjustment mechanism.
In clever constructions, the envelope can incorporate pockets or nets, which can be positioned in the third portion 113 of the first section 11 or on the adjustment tab 13. They can be closed by a zipper or by an elastic band. They can be used to house a key, coins or paper money, or a tube filled with an energy gel.
A first end 501 of the panel 500 is attached to the first section 11 in the area of an attachment zone of the edge 24 of the hand. The edge 24 of the hand, constituting the first potential attachment zone of the panel 500, extends on both sides of the interface, or junction, between the palm portion and the back of the hand portion, over three centimeters on each side. In this example, the attachment of the end 501 extends substantially over the entire width of the first section 11. Alternatively, the attachment can cover only part of the width of the first section 11.
A second end 502 of the panel 500 is attached in the area of an attachment zone of the second section 12, in which a tendon of an extensor muscle of the thumb of the hand is located. This second potential attachment zone extends on both sides of the interface, or junction, between the palm portion and the back of the hand portion, over three centimeters on each side. In a particular embodiment, the effective attachment point is positioned as close as possible to this interface located in the extension of the thumb. In this example, the attachment of this end 502 extends substantially over the entire width of the second section 12. Alternatively, the attachment can cover only part of the width of the second section 12.
Thus, the two points of attachment of the fastening mechanism 50 on the envelope 1 are thus spaced from the palm 21 of the hand.
This construction therefore forms an open pocket in which the container 31 to be carried is inserted. The container 35 is thus pressed against an inner or anterior portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, that is to say, arranged in the area of the palm of the hand. This retention is achieved by a tightening loop 503 formed by the panel 500 and by a dorsal, or posterior, portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, that is to say, arranged on the back of the hand. Thus, the tightening loop 503 constitutes the fastening mechanism 50 whose panel 500 is an element thereof.
The panel 500 is made of an elastic material in order to able to deform for passage of the container and to exert sufficient pressure to maintain the container against the section 11 of the envelope 1.
The orientation of the panel 500 is similar to that of the previous embodiments, insofar as it extends along a direction Y forming an angle α greater than 45° with respect to the axis X defined by the edge 24 of the hand, along a plane passing via the palm of the hand.
As previously, the fastening mechanism 50, once positioned, makes it possible to orient the container 35 so that its major axis corresponds to a direction Z inclined by an angle β in a clockwise direction, with respect to the axis of the middle finger (at rest). According to the illustrated embodiment, the angle β is less than 30°.
These various embodiments enable containers of various sizes to be retained. Because the fastening mechanisms are simple and practical, it is very easy to replace an empty container with another, full container, the latter being capable of having other dimensions than the empty container. Furthermore, the fastening mechanisms constantly press the container against the hand, which provides carrying stability. The container does not move, or moves only slightly. These fastening mechanisms are also adapted to various container structures, whether they are rigid or flexible. Thus, irrespective of the size and structure of the container, the container is retained (no swaying).
The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and encompasses all possible combinations of the previous examples. Similarly, the structure and constituent materials of the portions of the envelope can be different. The envelope can more or less cover the hand and cover part of the fingers, thus forming a mitt, or can cover them completely, thus forming a glove. In any case, the envelope provides additional protection for the hand, including in the absence of a container.
Advantageously, the envelope is designed to be versatile, in the sense that it is suited for both right hand and left hand. This can be achieved, for example, by positioning the attachment points of the fastener of the second fastening mechanism close to the interface/junction between the inner/palm portion and the outer/back portion of the sections 11, 12 of the envelope 1. Thus, it suffices to position the fastener on the correct side to configure the fastening mechanism: right hand/left hand. Another possibility involves designing an envelope that is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the palm of the hand and/or with respect to a plane perpendicular to the palm of the hand and passing substantially via the axis of the middle finger, and/or with respect to a plane perpendicular to the palm of the hand and passing substantially via a “vertical” axis.
In an alternative embodiment, the attachment points of the fastener of the second fastening mechanism are located on the back of the hand, on the portion 113 of the section 11 of the envelope 1.
The invention disclosed herein by way of exemplary embodiments suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or structure which is not specifically disclosed herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/01824 | Jun 2011 | FR | national |
