Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SPORTS GLOVE HAVING IMPROVED WRIST STRAP
AND DORSAL SPLINT SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a combat sports glove designed
for improved fit and function. More specifically, the
invention relates to a combat sports glove having an
adjustable dual system wrist support system and/or a dorsal
splint system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Combat athletes, especially mixed martial arts (MMA)
practitioners, use gloves on the hand that, generally, are
cumbersome, thick, non form-fitting and lack in adequate wrist
and hand support. As well, these gloves, with repetitive use,
quickly lose the ability to maintain proper fit and function.
This can lead to a decrease in force generation and related
hand and fist functioning and can also lead to injury. Another
shortcoming of these conventional combat gloves is that, when
the glove strikes a target or opponent, the hand can be loose
and the wrist can be unstable. It can therefore be
appreciated that force loss and injury can be experienced by
the athlete during training and during a competitive event.
Maintaining maximal force transmission in relation to striking
force and grip strength are key factors to support performance
during stand up or ground combat. Injury prevention is also
of great importance to these athletes, especially in relation
to protection for the hands and fists. In particular, through
repeated use and wear, the glove fit may become loose to such
an extent that the glove fit is inadequate for the glove to
function properly.
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SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention provides systems and devices
relating to a protective sports glove. The glove may be used
during training or in combat events that may require striking
an opponent with the hand or with parts of the hand. The
glove is used to protect against injury and as well as to
increase performance. The present invention provides for a
glove that uses a dorsal splint system, which may be used in
combination with an adjustable dual strap wrist securement
system to secure the glove to the contour of the hand and of
the wrist. The splint system provides support for the wrist
by preventing the wrist from excessive bending when the glove
is securely worn.
[0004] The further combination of the dorsal splint system with
a dual strap wrist securement system ensures that the glove
remains tightly fitted and fixed. The use of the dual strap
system with the dorsal splint system also provides increased
wrist and hand rigidity that mirrors the tightness of hand
wrapped bandages for maximal bone and tendon support of the
hands and wrists. This system also advantageously increases
the transfer of force to the point of impact.
[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a
protective glove comprising:
a body having:
a dorsal side;
a volar side;
a finger portion for fingers, the finger portion
having a finger dorsal side and a finger volar side;
a wrist portion for a wrist, the wrist portion
having a wrist dorsal side and a wrist volar side;
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a splint portion for supporting said wrist, said
splint portion being adjacent to said wrist portion;
a gap closure system for securing said wrist portion
to said wrist;
wherein the finger portion has a first section for
enclosing at least one finger and a second section for
encircling a thumb; and
wherein wrist volar side of said wrist portion has a gap
for adjustably securing the glove to accommodate the
wrist, said gap closure system also being for closing
said gap.
[0006] In another aspect, the present invention provides a
protective glove for use by a user, the glove comprising:
- a dorsal side;
- a volar side;
- a finger portion for fingers, the finger portion
being for enclosing at least one finger of said
user;
- a wrist portion for a wrist of said user, the wrist
portion having a wrist dorsal side and a wrist
volar side;
- a splint portion for supporting said wrist, said
splint portion being adjacent said wrist portion,
said splint portion being resistant to a bending of
said wrist;
- a gap closure system for securing said wrist
portion to said wrist;
wherein wrist volar side of said wrist portion has a gap
for adjustably securing the glove to accommodate the
wrist, said gap closure system also being for closing
said gap.
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[0007] Yet a further aspect of the invention provides glove
comprising:
- a finger portion for fingers, the finger portion
being for enclosing at least one finger;
- a wrist portion for a wrist, the wrist portion
having a wrist dorsal side and a wrist volar side;
- a splint portion for supporting said wrist, said
splint portion being adjacent said wrist portion,
said splint portion being resistant to a bending of
said wrist, said splint portion being positioned on
a dorsal side of said glove;
- a gap closure system for tightly securing said
wrist portion to said wrist;
wherein said wrist volar side of said wrist portion has
a gap for adjustably securing the glove to accommodate
the wrist, said gap closure system also being for closing
said gap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Embodiments of the invention have been chosen for
purposes of illustration and description and are not intended
to be limiting. Throughout the drawings, like elements are
referred to by like numerals.
FIG. 1A is a palm view of a glove having both straps in an
unsecured or unfastened open position according to one
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1B is a palm view of a glove having both straps secured
in a closed configuration according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
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FIG. 2A is a dorsal view of the glove in FIG. 1A showing the
straps in an unsecured or opened position;
FIG. 2B is a dorsal view of the glove shown in FIG. 1B having
both straps in an unsecured or unfastened opened position
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 3A and 4A illustrate dorsal views of the glove in FIG.
1A showing the steps for securing the straps to the user's
wrist to secure the glove;
FIGS. 3B and 4B illustrate dorsal views of the glove in FIG.
1B showing the steps for securing the straps to the user's
wrist to secure the glove;
FIG. 5 is a cross-section sequence view along line A-A of
FIGS. 2B through 4B showing the sequence of securing the
primary and secondary straps according to another embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 6A is a palm view of an alternative embodiment of the
glove illustrated in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 6B is a dorsal view of an embodiment of the glove
illustrated in FIG. 1B showing multiple support elements for
the splint portion;
FIG. 6C is a palm view of an alternative embodiment of the
glove illustrated in FIG. 1A.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are dorsal and palm views of an alternative
embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1B featuring a lace-based gap
closure system and using multiple support elements for the
splint portion;
FIGS. 9 and 10 are dorsal and palm views of another
alternative embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1B featuring a
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lace and strap-based gap closure system and using multiple
support elements for the splint portion;
FIGS. 11 and 12 are dorsal and palm views of another
alternative embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1B featuring a
reel-base gap closure system and using multiple support
elements for the splint portion;
FIGS. 13 and 14 are dorsal and palm views of another
alternative embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1B featuring a
single strap-based gap closure system and using multiple
support elements for the splint portion;
FIGS. 15 and 16 are dorsal and palm views of another
alternative embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1B featuring a
dual strap-based gap closure system and using multiple support
elements for the splint portion;
FIGS. 17 and 18 are dorsal and palm views of an alternative
embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1A featuring a single strap-
based gap closure system and using multiple support elements
for the splint portion;
FIGS. 19 and 20 are dorsal and palm views of another
alternative embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1A featuring a
dual strap-based gap closure system and using multiple support
elements for the splint portion;
FIGS. 21 and 22 are dorsal and palm views of another
alternative embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1A featuring a
reel -based gap closure system and using multiple support
elements for the splint portion;
FIG. 23 illustrates a dorsal view of another alternative
embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1A featuring a single strap
gap closure system and multiple support elements for the
splint portion;
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FIG. 24 illustrates a dorsal view of another alternative
embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1A featuring a dual strap gap
closure system and multiple support elements for the splint
portion;
FIG. 25 illustrates a dorsal view of another alternative
embodiment of the glove in FIG. 1A featuring multiple support
elements for the splint portion;
FIG. 26 illustrates a dorsal view of an alternative embodiment
of the glove in FIG. 1B featuring a single strap-based gap
closure system and a single support element for the splint
portion; and
FIG. 27 illustrates a dorsal view of an alternative embodiment
of the glove in FIG. 1B featuring a single support element for
the splint portion and a gap closure system which does not use
a strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] While the various embodiments of the present invention
are herein described with specific examples, those examples
are not intended to be limiting, and those of skill in the art
will appreciate and recognize other embodiments and advantages
of the present invention.
[00010] Referring now to the figures, in which like parts are
identified by like numerals throughout all figures, a glove
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be
described in detail.
[00011] It should be noted that commonly accepted anatomical
names are used throughout this document to refer to parts of
the hand and corresponding parts of the gloves according to
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various embodiments of the present invention. The term dorsal
refers to the back or top of the hand. The term volar refers
to the bottom or palm-side of the hand. The thumb is
understood to be considered the first finger but is most
commonly herein referred to as the thumb. The remaining
fingers, proceeding from the first or index finger, are herein
referred to as the second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers.
[00012] Referring to Figure 1A, a protective glove for use in
combat sports such as mixed martial arts is illustrated. In
Figure 1B, a boxing glove that may be used in similar
activities is illustrated. The following description applies
to both Figures 1A and 1B with similar features being referred
to by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that
Figures 1A-4A illustrate a right handed glove while Figures
1B-4B illustrate a left-handed glove. Referring to FIGS. lA
and 1B, a glove 10 is shown in palm view, i.e. viewed from the
side of the palm and not the dorsal side. Glove 10 has a
dorsal portion (not visible in this view) having a splint
portion 22, a volar portion 30, a thumb portion 32, a finger
portion 40, and a wrist portion 50. Wrist portion 50, in the
embodiment shown, is formed with a gap 52, having a thumb-side
edge 52A and an opposing-side edge 52B. A primary support
strap 54 is attached to the thumb-side edge 52A (not visible
in FIG. 1B) and a secondary support strap 56 is attached to
the opposing-side edge 52B at 56A. The opposing-side edge 52B
has a slot 57 through which primary support strap 54 passes
through.
[00013] In use, an individual places their hand inside glove
10. When the primary support 5trap54 and the secondary support
strap 56 are unsecured, the gap 52 allows for the wrist
portion 50 and the volar portion 30 to open and accommodate
the hand, the hand being larger in circumference in some
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regions than the wrist. The individual's thumb passes into the
thumb portion 32 and their second, third, fourth, and fifth
fingers pass into finger portion 40. Primary support strap 54
is passed through the slot 57. FIG. 2A shows the opposite side
(dorsal) of the glove 10 shown in FIG. 1A while FIG. 23 shows
the dorsal side of the glove in Figure 1B. In FIGS. 2A and
2B, the primary support strap 54 is passed through the slot 57
(not shown in FIG 2B). FIGS 2A and 2B also show that the
dorsal portion 20 has both straps in the open position. As
shown in the drawings, the dorsal portion 20 contains two
individual support elements that make up the splint portion
22. The support elements together form the splint portion 22
that extends from the finger portion 40 down to the wrist
portion 50 such that the support straps overlay a portion of
the splint portion 22.
[00014] Once the primary strap 54 has been passed though the
slot 57, the wrist portion 50 can now be tightly secured to
the wrist, thereby ensuring a secure fit for the glove. In
Figures 3A-4A and 3B-4B, this process is illustrated for the
two types of gloves shown. Primary strap 54 is pulled tightly
in the direction of the block arrow shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B
as the primary strap 54 wraps around the wrist portion of the
glove. In one aspect of the preferred embodiment, the primary
support strap 54 has an elastic portion, preferably near the
thumb-side attachment 54A (not shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B). As the
primary support strap 54 is pulled, it narrows or closes the
gap 52 tightly to thereby conform the glove to the wearer's
hand and wrist, thereby producing a tight, supportive fit. The
dorsal side of wrist portion 50 may include a region 58 having
means to accommodate reversible fastening of the gap closure
system, in particular the primary support strap 54, which in
turn also contains a means to facilitate reversible fastening
(of the secondary support strap 56). In one implementation,
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the means to facilitate reversible fastening are preferably of
the hook-and-loop type of fastening, such as that marketed
under the name Velcro . Other methods or means for reversible
fastening are, of course, possible. Snaps, buttons, hooks,
and other closure and/or attachment means and methods may be
used.
[00015] Next, now referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the secondary
support strap 56 is pulled tightly in the direction of the
block arrow shown back in the opposite direction relative to
the direction by which the primary strap wraps around the
wrist portion, across over the dorsal side of wrist portion 50
and securely fastens over the primary support strap 54 at
region 58 (not shown in FIG. 4).
[00016] Regarding FIG 4A, it should be noted that in FIGS. 1A,
2A, and 3A, the splint portion 22 has two individual support
elements. However, in FIG 4A, the splint portion 22 has an
array of individual support elements. This illustrates that
the splint portion 22 may have multiple support elements or
may have a single support element.
[00017] For a better understanding of the relationship between
the primary and secondary support straps 54 and 56, FIG. 5 is
provided. Referring now to FIG. 5, a sequence of cross-
sections (I, II, and III) of the glove 10 are taken from
configurations shown in FIGS. 2B, 3B, and 4B along line A-A
through the wrist portion 50 showing the region where the
primary support strap 54 and secondary support strap 56
overlap a portion of the two individual support elements
forming the splint portion 22. The block arrows of FIG. 5 I,
II, and III correspond to the block arrows of FIGS. 2B, 3B,
and 48, respectively, and show the direction of strap
movement. To facilitate reversible fastening, secondary
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support strap 56 has means to facilitate fastening. To secure
secondary support strap 56, it is, from the unsecured position
(shown in FIGS. 2B, 51, and 511), first pulled tightly in the
direction of the block arrow shown across the volar side of
wrist portion 50, then around to the dorsal side of wrist
portion 50 and then across the dorsal side of wrist portion 50
and fastened overtop the secured primary support strap 54 -
the primary support strap 54 already being secured to region
58. In one aspect, the primary support strap 54 has
reversible fastening means on both sides to facilitate
fastening to region 58 and to facilitate fastening of the
secondary support strap 56. In another aspect, the secondary
support strap 56 contains at least a portion of a non-stretch
material. Preferably, the non-stretch material is nylon. Most
preferably, the non-stretch nylon is 420D nylon. Thus, the
glove 10, in a secured and/or closed configuration as shown in
FIGS. 1B, 4B, and 5111, provides wrist support through the
interaction of the dorsal splint system, and the individual
support elements of the splint portion 22, thereof,
interacting with the primary 54 and the secondary 56 support
straps, which, when secured at wrist portion 50, function as a
single reinforcing structure 25 shown in FIG. 5111. It should
be noted that for the embodiment in FIGS 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, the
same system is applicable as the secondary support straps are
secured overtop the primary support straps once the primary
support straps have been secured to the wrist portion atop the
overlaid splint portion. As with the glove in FIGS. 1B 2B,
3B, 4B, the glove in FIGS 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, provides a suitable
support system for both the hand and the wrist once the straps
have been properly secured to the wrist portion.
[00018] Gloves in accordance with the present invention provide
improved wrist closure and support for improved fit and
function by providing a dual cross directional strap system
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for use in conjunction with a volar and/or dorsal splint
system to provide protection for the front and/or back of the
hand and the wrist. It has been found that gloves not made in
accordance with the various embodiments of the Invention would
become loose due to stretching of the wrist closure within
about two months of regular use. Advantageously, gloves in
accordance with the various embodiments of the present
invention seek to avoid this rapid loosening and maintain
proper fit and function for longer time.
[00019] Referring to FIG. 6A, a palm view of the glove in FIGS.
1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A is illustrated with the dual support straps
deployed. FIG. 6B illustrates a dorsal view of the glove in
FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B with the dual support straps
deployed. The splint portion 22 with two support elements
being overlaid by the two support straps can clearly be seen
in the dorsal side of the glove. As can be seen, the splint
portion 22 runs longitudinally from approximately where the
finger portion 40 begins to the edge of the wrist portion 50.
The splint portion is longitudinally perpendicular to the axis
of bending X of the wrist parallel to the longitudinal axis of
a user's forearm. Referring to FIG. 6C, a palm view of
another embodiment of a glove for use in martial arts is
illustrated. As can be seen, this embodiment in FIG. 6C
corresponds to the view in FIG. 1A, the main difference being
the configuration of the finger portion 40 and the thumb
portion 32. In FIG. 1A, the finger portion has individual
sleeves into which each finger is inserted while in FIG. 6C,
the finger portion 40 is comprised of loops 42, 43, 44, 45 for
individually accepting the second, third, fourth, and fifth
proximal phalanges. As well, in FIG. 1A, the thumb portion
32 is an opening which encircles the base of the user's thumb.
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[00020] In the configuration of FIG. 6C, the thumb portion has
a sleeve which encloses at least a portion of the user's
thumb. It should be clear that, in some embodiments, the
dorsal side 20 contains padding material to protect the dorsal
part of the hand and the proximal phalanges portions of the
second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers.
[00021]Again referring to both FIG. 6A and 6B, the splint
portion 22, according to one aspect of the present invention,
is comprised of multiple sections of support material
incorporated into the dorsal side of the glove. The dual
straps of the gap closure system secures over part of the
splint portion, this part being overlaid by the dual straps
being the part distal to the fingers. The splint portion
comprises multiple separate elements, preferably two. The
gloves according to this embodiment limit movement of the
wrist and are therefore intended to be used primarily for
striking activities. When the glove is not being worn and the
dual straps of the gap closure system are loose, the multiple
elements of the splint portion are free to move and bend
relative to one another, and the multiple elements allow the
user's hands to be inserted into the gloves and allow wrist
movement. Once the gap closure system has been secured, the
straps encircle at least part of the wrist portion and at
least part of the splint portion. Once secured, the gap
closure system allows the elements of the splint portion to
engage and support one another, thereby providing support for
the wrist as well as protection for the back of the hand. It
should be noted that the use of multiple support elements in
the splint portion allows for greater support and protection
than what would result from the use of a single support
element.
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[00022] It should also be noted that the splint portion
provides support for the wrist by being resistant to wrist
bending. When a user strikes an opponent or an object, a
more solid strike is achieved if the wrist is less liable to
bend. While completely preventing wrist bending is not
preferable as this may constrain the user's options when it
comes to fighting moves (e.g., some grappling holds and heel
of palm strikes are difficult if not impossible if the wrist
is completely prevented from bending), wrist support by
wearing a glove that is resistant to wrist bending helps
deliver a more powerful blow as more of the force is directed
at the target and less force is diverted by the bending of the
wrist. In addition to this, the tight fit between the glove
and the user's hand (and especially to the user's wrist)
provided by the gap closure system provides advantages as
well. By providing a tight compressive fit to the user's
wrist, the gap closure system gives advantages similar to that
provided by the user taping his or her wrist. Wrist support
due to the splint portion and the gap closure system allows
for improvements in total force transference, striking force
and speed, muscular endurance, grip strength and time to
contraction.
[00023] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, illustrated is an
alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a
dorsal view of this alternative embodiment while FIG. 8 is a
palm side view of the glove. As can be seen, the glove 110
has a dorsal portion 120, a volar portion 130, a finger
portion 140, a wrist portion 150, and a splint portion 122.
Finger portion 140 has two separate compartments: one for
receiving the thumb and one for receiving the second, third,
fourth, and fifth fingers. FIG. 7 shows the glove 110 in
dorsal view showing the splint portion 122 with two splint
support elements. FIG. 8 shows glove 110 in from a palm side
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view showing the wrist portion 150 and a gap 152. The wrist
portion 150 has a thumb-side edge 152A and an opposing-side
edge 152B, both edges being adjacent to the gap 152. The gap
152 allows for the wrist portion 150 and volar portion 130 to
open and accommodate the hand. A gap closure system
facilitates the closure of the gap 152. In this embodiment,
the gap closure system takes the form of at least one lace
threaded through a number of corresponding eyes, one set of
eyes being located on the thumb-side edge 152A and another set
of eyes being located on the opposing-side edge 152B. The
lace 170 is threaded through the eyes and across the gap 152.
The gap 152 is closed (and the glove tightened on the wrist)
by pulling the lace 170 and this pulls the thumb-side edge
152A and the opposing-side edge 152B closer to one another.
By further pulling the lace 170 until the two edges are as
close to each other as possible, this forms a tight fit of the
wrist portion 150 to the wrist.
[00024] As with some embodiments described above, the splint
support elements on the splint portion 122 attached to the
dorsal portion 120 of glove 110 extends from the wrist portion
150 to approximately the starting point of the finger portion
140. In another alternative, the splint portion is located on
the volar side 130 of glove 110 and longitudinally extends
from the wrist portion 150 to a point prior to the finger
portion 140.
[00025] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, yet another alternative
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this
alternative embodiment, the gap closure system used is a
combination of a strap and a lace and eyes subsystem as shown
in FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the glove 110 has a
single primary strap system. FIG. 9 shows a glove 110 having a
dorsal portion 120, a finger portion 140, a wrist portion 150,
a primary support strap 154, and a splint portion 122 having
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two splint support elements. A finger portion 140 is
comprised of two separate compartments: one for receiving the
thumb and one for receiving the second, third, fourth, and
fifth fingers. The primary support strap 154 is shown in a
fastened position across the dorsal side of wrist portion 150.
FIG 10 shows the volar portion 130 of glove 110 with a gap
closure system which uses lace and eyes, similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 8, along with a single primary strap 154.
The primary support strap 154 is shown in a fastened position
across the volar portion 130 of wrist portion 150 and
extending around wrist portion 150 to the dorsal portion 120
(not shown in this view). The strap 154 partially wraps
around the wrist portion 150 and is secured to the dorsal side
of the wrist portion 150.
[00026] Referring to FIGS 11 and 12, illustrated is an
embodiment of the invention which uses another gap closure
system. In this embodiment, the gap closure system uses one
or more laces which are threaded across the gap and through
multiple eyes on the glove. Tightening the laces involves
rotating a ratcheted wheel or reel that winds the laces around
a spindle. FIG. 11 is a dorsal view of glove 110
corresponding to FIG. 7. FIG. 12 shows glove 110 having a
volar portion 130, a finger portion 140, a wrist portion 150,
a lace 170, and the gap closure system using a reel or wheel,
rotation of which tightens the wrist portion 150 to the wrist.
Similar to some of the previous embodiments, finger portion
140 is comprised of two separate compartments: one for
receiving the thumb and one for receiving the second, third,
fourth, and fifth fingers. FIG. 12 shows glove 110 in a palm
side view, illustrating the wrist portion 150 being formed
with a gap 152. The wrist portion 150 has a thumb-side edge
152A and an opposing-side edge 152B. The gap 152 allows for
the wrist portion 150 and volar portion 130 to open and
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accommodate the hand. For this embodiment, the gap closure
system uses a reel or wheel 180. In one implementation,
tightening the wrist portion 150 to the wrist is done by
rotating the reel or wheel 180. Such a lace tightening system
as that explained in US Patent 8,277,401 or similar such
systems, such that those marketed under the trade name Boa
Closure System, may be used. In FIG. 12, lace 170 is
attached across the gap 152 to the thumb-side edge 152A and
the opposing-side edge 152B and to the reel 180. The reel-
based system facilitates the closure of the gap 152 by pulling
the lace 170 that is attached across the gap 152 to form a
tight fit of the wrist portion 150 to the wrist.
[00027] Referring to FIGS 13 and 14, illustrated is another
embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gap
closure system is a single strap which wraps around the wrist
and is secured to the dorsal side of the wrist portion. In
one implementation, the single strap is secured using hooks
and loops such as that marketed under the trade name Velcro .
FIGS. 13 and 14 show a glove 110 using a single strap system.
These illustrations correspond to FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively
and, for ease of reference, like parts are identified by the
same reference numerals.
[00028] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, illustrated is an
embodiment of the invention using a multiple support elements
for the splint portion and dual straps and a slot for the gap
closure system. The multiple support elements for splint
portion 122 can be seen in FIG. 15 while the slot 157 and the
primary support strap 154 and the secondary support strap 156
can be seen in FIG. 16. The dual straps and the slot are
similar to those described and illustrated in FIGS. 113-48.
[00029] Referring to FIGS 17 and 18, illustrated is an
alternative embodiment of the glove described and illustrated
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in FIG 6C. In this alternative, the glove has multiple
support elements in the splint portion 122 and uses a single
strap for the gap closure system.
[00030] Referring to FIGS 19 and 20, an alternative embodiment
of the glove illustrated and described for FIGS 17 and 18 is
illustrated. In the embodiment in FIGS 19 and 20, the gap
closure system uses dual support straps and a slot such as
those explained with reference to FIGS. 1A-4A and FIGS. 15 and
16.
[00031] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, pictured is yet another
alternative embodiment of the glove illustrated in FIGS. 17
and 18. In this alternative embodiment, two support elements
are used for the splint portion and the gap closure system
uses the reel and lace based system Illustrated and explained
with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. For ease of reference,
similar features on the different embodiments are indicated by
similar reference numerals.
[00032] Referring to FIGS. 23, 24, and 25, illustrated are
alternative embodiments of the glove illustrated in FIGS. 1A-
4A. Only the dorsal views of these alternatives are
illustrated. In FIG 23, the glove 110 has two support
elements for the splint portion 122 and, for the gap closure
system, a single support strap 154 is used. For the
alternative in FIG. 24, again two support elements are used
for the splint portion 122 and two support straps 154, 156 are
used for the gap closure system. For the alternative in FIG.
25, the reel and lace based gap closure system is used along
with two support elements for the splint portion 122.
[00033] It should be clear that while the embodiments of the
invention Illustrated so far use two or three support elements
in the splint portion of the glove, a single support element
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may also be used. Referring
to FIGS. 26 and 27, dorsal views
of an alternative glove using a single support element for the
splint portion are illustrated. While the gloves in FIGS. 26
and 27 are boxing gloves, alternative mixed martial arts
gloves would have a similar configuration for the splint
portion.
[00034] In one embodiment, the present invention provides
gloves with improved wrist closure and wrist support for
improved fit and function by providing a dual cross
directional strap system with the combination of a primary
support strap having an elastic, stretchable portion and a
non-stretchable secondary support strap and a splint portion
which uses one or more splint support elements.
Advantageously, gloves in accordance with the various
embodiments of the present invention prevent rapid loosening
and maintain proper fit and function for longer periods of
time than those of the prior art.
[00035] Further improvements in fit and function are provided,
in certain embodiments of the invention, by inclusion of a
volar Y-shaped structure. Here, the glove includes a
contouring hand/fist Y-shaped structure to generate a bare-
knuckle like contour glove to support maximal force production
during striking, while providing a proper fit during open-hand
grabbing and repeated transitions between opened and closed
hand. This Y-shaped structure is particularly well-suited to
mixed martial arts gloves.
[00036] The gloves according to various embodiments may be
constructed of material commonly used to manufacture combat
sport gloves. Such materials include leather, cotton, vinyl,
polyester, and combinations of different materials. Synthetic
leather such as poly urethane may be used. Materials such as,
acrylic and poly vinyl chloride, and microfiber, cellulose,
19
Date recue/Received Date 2020-04-07
including rayon, modal, lyocell, polyamide nylon, petroleum
(PET) or polybutylene Terephthalate (PET) polyester, phenol-
formaldehyde (PF), polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PV0H), polyvinyl
chloride fiber (PVC), polyolefins (PP and PE), or acrylic
polymers, acrylic fiber, carbon fibers and PF fibers,
aromatic nylons, such as Kevlarm and Nomex'TM. Fibers that have
strong bonding between polymer chains (e.g., aramids), or
extremely long chains (e.g., Dyneemalm or SpectraT1).
Elastomers may also be used, e.g., spandex. The padding,
including the pads of the splint portion may be constructed of
commonly known material such as nylon, cotton, foam, rubber,
plastic, silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene,
polyborosiloxine, ethylvinylacetate and polyvinylchloride. The
padding may also be constructed as composites or layers of
different materials. The specific material and thickness will
depend on the amount of impact protection and the desired
rigidity to resist unwanted bending of the wrist. Semi-rigid
materials may be used as backing for the splint portion
support elements to provide resistance to wrist bending.
[00037] The specific features herein described may be used in a
variety of specific glove types. For example the features may
be incorporated into gloves commonly worn in specific combat
sports such as boxing, kick-boxing, and mixed martial arts.
Such gloves may be of different weights including, but not
limited to, 4oz, 60z, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, 180z, and
20oz. However, it has been found that these features are
best-suited to 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, and 180z gloves.
[00038]A person understanding this invention may now conceive
of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the
above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of
the invention as defined in the claims that follow.
Date recue/Received Date 2020-04-07
