WEARABLE PALM PROTECTING BAND

Abstract

Described is a wearable palm protecting band that encircles the hand to provide protection and grip to the palmer aspect of the hand. The band allows a user to quickly position the band into a “use-position” to provide protection and grip during physical activity and then just as quickly position the band back into a “non-use-position” such as over the wrist. In some embodiments, the band may also double as a sweat absorber (e.g. similar to wrist band) when in the non-use-position. The materials used in the band may not be uniform and different parts of the band may have specific materials for providing grip/protection and sweat absorption.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to a wearable band, and more particularly, a palm protecting wearable band.

BACKGROUND

During various exercises, a person is often required to grab exercise equipment such as dumbbells and/or a workout machine. To provide grip and to prevent callouses from developing on the hand, workout gloves are often used. Traditional workout gloves, however, are often cumbersome to take on and off especially during circuit training where there is often a quick transition between different types of exercises. Moreover, when not in use, there is usually no convenient way to store the gloves. For example, workout attire typically does not include pockets, and even when such pockets exist, workout gloves are typically too bulky to store comfortably in such pockets during a workout. Moreover, merely placing the gloves on workout equipment or on the floor is also not suitable as it may pose a safety risk such as interfering with the workout equipment or presenting a tripping hazard. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a more convenient method of providing grip and protection to a hand during workouts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wearable palm protecting band according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wearable palm protecting band in a use position according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wearable palm protecting band in a non-use or storage position according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wearable palm protecting band including a third portion according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wearable palm protecting band including a third and fourth portion according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

According to some embodiments, described is a wearable palm protecting band that provides protection and grip to a palmer aspect of the hand. The band allows a user to quickly position the band into a “use-position” to provide protection and grip during physical activity, and then just as quickly position the band back into a “non-use-position” such as over the wrist. In some embodiments, the band may also double as a sweat absorber (e.g. similar to wrist band) when in the non-use-position. Accordingly, the wearable band ameliorates the inconvenience of putting on and taking off an entire glove during a workout as is the case with traditional workout gloves. Thus, a convenient mechanism to provide protection and grip to a palm of a hand is obtained by using the wearable palm protecting band as further described herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wearable palm protecting band according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the wearable palm protecting band (or wearable palm protector) may be in the form of a band 100. In some embodiments, the band 100 may be a resilient band. As referred to herein, resilient includes allowing the band 100 to stretch (e.g. elastic) to secure the band 100 in various positions on the user. For example, the band 100 may be resilient to fittingly encircle a hand of user when in a use-position as well as a portion of the arm (e.g. wrist) of a user when in a non-use position. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the band 100 is configured to have a resiliency suitable for both positions.

In some embodiments, the band 100 may be formed from a first portion 110 and a second portion 120. The first and second portions may be composed of any suitable material. For example, the materials for the first or second portions may include a fabric (natural or non-natural fabrics) such as cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, etc., silicon, neoprene, rubber, leather, any other type of suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, portions of the band may include moisture wicking materials. In one embodiment, the first portion 110 may be formed from a first material, which may include a single material or a combination of materials. As further described, the first portion 110 may include a gripping or protective surface.

The second portion 120 may be formed from a second material, which may include a single material or a combination of materials. The second material may be different than the first material. As further described, the second portion 120 may include a moisture absorbing material. For example, at least a portion of the band 100 (e.g. first and/or second portion) may be composed of a resilient material such that the band is stretchable or elastic. As one example, the second portion 120 may include a stretchable material to provide resiliency for the band 100 and the first portion 110 may include a gripping material to provide protection and grip to the palm of the hand. As another example, the first portion 110 may include a stretchable material to provide resiliency for the band 100 and the second portion 120 may include an absorption material to provide a sweating wiping surface. Additional configurations of the band 100 are described further herein.

As shown, the band 100 may include an exterior surface 130 and an interior surface 140. The exterior surface 130 may include the outside surface that comes in contact with, for example, the exercise equipment and the interior surface 140 may contact the skin of the user. In some embodiments, the inner and exterior surface may include different materials. For example, the interior surface may include a comfortable material to the skin (e.g. fleece). In some embodiments, the exterior surface 130 and the interior surface 140 of each of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 may be a single (e.g. uniform) material. Alternatively, the first and second portions 110/120 may include various layers with different materials. For example, the first and second portion 110/120 may include one or more base layers and include an additional layer that provides a gripping or absorption surface as further described herein.

In some embodiments, the band 100 may be comprised of materials that provide an efficient and low cost means for manufacture. For example, in one embodiment, the first portion 110 may include a single material that provides a gripping surface and the second portion 120 may include a single material that provides absorption properties. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the band may be manufactured from only two materials to provide a low cost of manufacturing.

As described above, the band 100 may be moved between multiple positions.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show views of the wearable palm protecting band in a use position 200 and a non-use position 300 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As referred to herein “use” and “non-use” positions are used for simplicity purposes with respect to the band acting as a protector or gripper (e.g. fingerless workout glove). It should be noted that in some embodiments the band may also be “used” (e.g. as a sweat absorber) when in the non-use-position such as over the wrist. As described, the band (e.g. band 100) may be moved between a use-position 200 (e.g. as shown in FIG. 2) and a non-use 300 or storage position (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3). For example, during a workout class (e.g. circuit training), the user may position (or store) the band in the non-use position 300. Accordingly, when the workout involves an exercise requiring use of the band (e.g. dumbbell or weight machine circuit) the user can quickly slide the band (using the opposing hand) over the thumb and into the use-position 200. The user may also further position the band by rotating the band such that a gripping surface 112 is positioned over the palm portion of the hand as shown in FIG. 2. Similar, when a particular exercise is completed, the user may quickly and easily slide the band back into the non-use position 300. Again, the user may further position the band by rotating the band such that an absorption surface 122 is positioned over at least a dorsal portion of the wrist to provide a sweat wiping surface for the user as shown in FIG. 3. It should be noted that FIG. 3 shows the non-use position being substantially over the wrist of the user, but other positions may also be used such as over the forearm, and above the elbow such as over the bicep or upper arm. Accordingly, the resiliency of the band may be configured to fittingly secure the band in one or more of such positions.

As described, the band may fittingly encircle a hand or arm of a user. For example, the band may be resilient to fittingly encircle a hand of a user when in a use-position 200 as well as a portion of the arm (e.g. wrist) of a user when in a non-use position 300. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the band is configured to have a resiliency suitable for both positions. Fittingly encircle may include a certain degree of resiliency or elasticity such that the band fits securely on the hand (or arm) and is sufficiently tight or snug to hold the band in position when in use (or non-use). For instance, the band may be configured to stay secure when grabbing a dumbbell or other exercise equipment (pull-down bar, pull-up bar, etc.). At the same time, the band may provide a certain degree of flexibility such that it may conform and adapt to various movements of the hand such as a gripping or first position. In addition, the band may fittingly encircle a portion of an arm (e.g. wrist, forearm, bicep, etc.) when in a non-use position. Accordingly, the band may have also have a resiliency to secure the band to the arm such that the band may stay relatively snug and not loose. For example, a loose fitting band may interfere with workout movements or pose a hazard in the event it snags (or catches, hooks, etc.) an unintended apparatus (e.g. exercise equipment). It should be noted that in some embodiments, the band may be configured to be a one-size fits all band, or alternatively, the band may be configured to be manufactured in various sizes (e.g. small, medium, large, etc.). The band width and thickness may also vary based on the particular configuration as described herein.

The band may include one or more specialized surfaces that may be part of, or a layer of, the first or second portions 110/120. In some embodiments, the first portion 110 may include a gripping and/or protective surface. Such a surface may be composed of any suitable material to provide additional friction when gripping an apparatus. In addition, the surface or additional layers may provide padding or shock absorption as well as protection for the palm of the hand. In some embodiments, the first portion 110 may include a single material that provides such grip and protection. Accordingly, such embodiments may benefit from a more efficient and cost effective manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the first portion 110 may include additional material for a gripping and/or protective surface. For example, the first portion may include a leather portion or surface to provide grip and protection.

In some embodiments, the band may include the ability to act as a sweat absorber (e.g. sweat band). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the second portion 120 may include an absorption surface to provide a sweat wiping surface to the user. Such a surface may be composed of any suitable material to provide additional absorption properties. For example, the absorption surface may include any suitable fabric such as cotton (e.g. towel like material), or any other material with additional absorption properties. In one embodiment, the absorption surface may be an opposing surface to the gripping/protective surface. For example, a first side of the band may include a gripping/protective material (e.g. to cover a palm of the hand) and a second side of the band may include an absorption surface (e.g. to cover a dorsal side of the hand). Accordingly, when the band is in a non-use position, for example, over the wrist, the user may use the band to wipe the sweat off the user's face (or brow) in a similar manner as with a traditional wrist band. It should be noted that the user may also be able to wipe sweat when the band is in a use-position as well. The absorption surface may include additional material or layers. In some embodiments, the second portion 110 may include a single material that provides such absorption properties. Accordingly, such embodiments may benefit from a more efficient and cost effective manufacturing process. For example, in one embodiment, the band may be composed of essentially two materials: a first material for the first portion 110 that provides grip and/or protection to the palm; and a second, different, material for the second portion 120 that provides absorption properties.

In some embodiments, the resiliency of the band may be provided by one or more portions being resilient. For example, the resiliency may be provided by at least one of a first, second, third, or fourth, or a combination thereof, portions being resilient. In one embodiment, the resilient band may be formed from a first attachment means between a first end of the first portion and a first end of the second portion, and a second attachment means between a second end of the first portion and a second end of the second portion.

In some embodiments, the band may include additional portions. For example, these additional portions may provide the resiliency for the band.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wearable palm protecting band including a third portion according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in this embodiment 400, a third portion 140 may be provided between first ends of the first portion 100 and the second portion 120. For example, in one embodiment, the band may have a first portion (e.g. first portion 110), which may include a gripping material (e.g. leather), a second portion (e.g. second portion 120), which may include an absorption material (e.g. cotton), and a third portion 140 (e.g. elastic material) between first ends of the first and second portion. In one embodiment, only the third portion 140 of the band may be resilient. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, despite the gripping material and absorption material not necessary being elastic, the third portion 140 may be an elastic material to provide the resiliency for the band as described above (e.g. to provide the ability for the band to fitting encircle a hand and wrist/arm as described above).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wearable palm protecting band including a third and fourth portion according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in this embodiment 500, a third portion 140 and a fourth portion 150 may be provided between first and second ends, respectively, of the first portion 110 and the second portion 110. For example, in one embodiment, the band may have a first portion (e.g. first portion 110), which may include a gripping material (e.g. leather), a second portion (e.g. second portion 120), which may include an absorption material (e.g. cotton), a third portion 140 between first ends of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120, and a fourth portion 150 between second ends of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. In one embodiment, only the third portion 140 and the fourth portion 150 of the band may be resilient. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, despite the gripping material and absorption material not necessary being elastic, the third portion 140 and the fourth portion 150 may be an elastic material to provide the resiliency for the band as described above.

As described above, the band may include multiple portions and the portions may be attached (or joined, secured, affixed, etc.) using any suitable technique. For example, in one embodiment, the portions may be stitched together using any suitable techniques as known in the art.

In an additional embodiment (not shown), the wearable palm protecting band may also include a mechanism for securing the band when in a use position (e.g. use position 200). For example, the band may include an opening (or aperture, hole, slit, etc.) to allow the thumb to be placed through the wearable band. Such an opening may allow the wearable band to be correctly positioned within the palm of the hand as well as properly aligned with respect to the gripping and absorption surfaces.

In an additional embodiment (not shown), the wearable palm protecting band may be comprised of an elastic (or resilient) band that includes one or more of the first portion 110 encircling (or surrounding) the elastic band and/or the second portion 120 encircling (or surrounding) the elastic band. For example, each of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 may wrap around the elastic band via a stitching (e.g. a lengthwise stitching). Such an embodiment may provide an easier form of manufacture by allowing an absorption surface to be of a first material and a gripping surface to be of the second material.

Accordingly, the embodiments described herein may provide a wearable palm protecting band that may be efficiently positioned based on a particular activity performed by a user. In addition, such embodiments may be manufactured in an cost effective manner.

It should be noted that the term “approximately” or “substantially” may be used herein and may be interpreted as “as nearly as practicable,” “within technical limitations,” and the like. In addition, the use of the term “or” indicates an inclusive or (e.g. and/or) unless otherwise specified.

In the foregoing specification, example implementations of the disclosure have been described. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A palm protector, comprising: a resilient band having a first portion and a second portion, the resilient band movable between a first wearable position that fittingly encircles a wrist of a user, and a second wearable position that fittingly encircles a palm of a hand of the user;the first portion having a gripping surface on an exterior of the resilient band, the gripping surface positionable over at least a portion the palm and providing protection and grip for the palm; andthe second portion having an absorption surface on the exterior of the resilient band, the absorption surface positionable over at least a dorsal portion of the wrist and providing a sweat wiping surface for the user.

2. The palm protector of claim 1, wherein the resilient band is formed from a first attachment means between a first end of the first portion and a first end of the second portion, and a second attachment means between a second end of the first portion and a second end of the second portion.

3. The palm protector of claim 1, wherein the first and the second attachment means includes stitching.

4. The palm protector of claim 1, wherein the resiliency of the band is provided by at least one of the first portion and the second portion being an elastic material.

5. The palm protector of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the resilient band is formed from a single material.

6. The palm protector of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the resilient band is formed from a single material.

7. The palm protector of claim 1, wherein the resilient band further includes a third portion between a first end of the first portion and a first end of the second portion.

8. The palm protector of claim 7, wherein the resiliency of the band is provided by the third portion being an elastic material.

9. The palm protector of claim 8, wherein the first portion and the second portion are formed from a substantially inelastic material.

10. The palm protector of claim 7, wherein the resilient band further includes a forth portion between a second end of the first portion and a second end of the second portion.

11. The palm protector of claim 10, wherein the resiliency of the band is provided by one of the third portion and the fourth portion being an elastic material.

12. The palm protector of claim 11, wherein the first portion and the second portion are formed from a substantially inelastic material.

13. The palm protector of claim 1, wherein the resilient band further includes a padding layer within the first portion.

14. The palm protector of claim 1, the first portion comprising at least a base layer and a surface layer, the surface layer providing the gripping surface on the exterior of the resilient band.

15. The palm protector of claim 1, the second portion comprising at least a base layer and a surface layer, the surface layer providing the absorption surface on the exterior of the resilient band.

16. A palm protector, comprising: a resilient band having a first portion and a second portion, the resilient band movable between a first wearable position that fittingly encircles a wrist of a user, and a second wearable position that fittingly encircles a palm of a hand of the user;the first portion comprising a gripping material, the gripping material positionable over at least a portion the palm; andthe second portion comprising an absorption material, the absorption material positionable over at least a dorsal portion of the wrist.

17. The palm protector of claim 16, wherein the resilient band is formed by stitching a first end of the first portion to a first end of the second portion, and a second end of the first portion to a second end of the second portion.

18. The palm protector of claim 16, wherein the resiliency of the band is provided by at least one of the first portion and the second portion being elastic.

19. The palm protector of claim 16, wherein the resilient band further includes a third portion between a first end of the first portion and a first end of the second portion.

20. The palm protector of claim 19, wherein the resiliency of the band is provided by the third portion being elastic, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are substantially inelastic.