Abstract:
An article of apparel is disclosed that includes a base portion for contacting a hand and a protective portion for providing cushioning for the hand. Seams that join the various elements of the base portion are located away from the portion of the apparel that contacts the palmar surface of the hand, thereby enhancing comfort. In addition, the base portion forms a pocket between the first and second digits that receives a portion of the protective portion, thereby decreasing peak compressive loads on the hand and between the first and second digits.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to athletic apparel. The invention concerns, more particularly, a protective glove for use by individuals engaged in activities such as weightlifting. 
   2. Description of Background Art 
   The primary purpose of many glove designs is to protect and support the hand. In this regard, protective gloves often include insulation to protect the hand from temperature extremes, padding to protect the hand from compressive forces, or durable materials to protect the hand from shear forces or abrasion. In addition, protective gloves may include features such as wrist straps and elastic materials to ensure that the gloves remain securely positioned on the hands during use. 
   Factors that govern glove design include the activities during which the glove will be worn and the conditions and environment in which the glove is intended to be worn. Accordingly, the design of a glove may incorporate multiple protective features and elements that combine to form a glove with a specialized purpose. Weightlifting gloves, for example, often include foam or other padding to protect the hand from the compressive action of barbells, dumbbells, or other weightlifting equipment. When gasping heavy exercise equipment with a bare hand, the exercise equipment may compress localized areas of the hand. Padding serves the purpose of distributing compressive forces over a greater area of the hand, thereby minimising compressive forces in any particular area of the hand. Weightlifting gloves may also include a durable covering, such as leather, on the palm and fingers to ensure that the hand is adequately protected from abrasive forces during exercise. In addition, weightlifting gloves may include breathable, water permeable materials that wick perspiration away from the surface of the hand and permit air to envelop and cool the hand. 
   Heavy weightlifting equipment has the potential to distort the natural structure of the hand when gasped by the hand. Accordingly, some weightlifting gloves include structures that purport to align the bones of the hand. An example of this type of glove is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,495 to Castillo, which includes a tapered wedge located on the palmar surface of the hand. U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,694 to Fabry discloses a glove with an elongated strap that may be wrapped tightly around the hand during weightlifting activities. 
   A weightlifting glove may also be designed in consideration of the potential effects that the glove itself may have upon the hand. As discussed above, exercise equipment may compress localized areas of the hand. Such compressions may merely cause discomfort, but may also result in the formation of calluses or blisters. Seams located on the interior of the glove and adjacent to the hand may also compress localized areas of the hand, particularly when the seams are located in contact with the hand. Accordingly, seams may also cause discomfort or result in the formation of calluses or blisters. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is an article of apparel for covering and protecting at least a portion of a hand. The apparel includes a base portion and a protective portion. The base portion is formed from a primary element and a secondary element. The primary element is configured to cover at least a portion of a palmar surface of the hand and at least a portion of an opposite dorsal surface of the hand. The secondary element includes a first digit region that is configured to cover at least a portion of a first digit of the hand. The secondary element also includes a pocket region that is formed integral with the first digit region and extends between the hand and a portion of the primary element. The pocket region forms a pocket between the pocket region and the primary element. The protective portion is attached to the base portion, and at least a section of the protective portion is located adjacent to the pocket. 
   During weightlifting, for example, compressive loads are often greater on the portion of the hand between the first and second digits than in other portions of the hand. Accordingly, the pocket for receiving the section of the protective portion may be formed between the first digit and the second digit to provide additional protection in this area. Furthermore, the protective portion within the pocket provides additional protection without adding seams to the area of compression. The protective portion located within the pocket may be a foam material, for example, that decreases localized compressive loads on the hand in the area of the pocket. 
   The base portion may be configured to limit the number of seams that contact the palmar surface of the hand. Weightlifting activities, particularly those that concentrate on the arms or upper body, involve grasping weights, which acts to compress the palmar surface of the hand. Seams located adjacent to the palmar surface may cause discomfort. In order to limit the presence of seams adjacent to the palmar surface, the primary element may be formed of a single piece of material that extends over the palmar surface. In combination with the pocket, which also limits the number of seams on the palmar surface, the base portion of the present invention provides an article of apparel that is both comfortable and protective. 
   The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a dorsal plan view of a first glove in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a palmar plan view of the first glove. 
       FIG. 3  is a medial side elevational view of the first glove. 
       FIG. 4  is a dorsal plan view of a base portion of the first glove. 
       FIG. 5  is a medial side elevational view of the base portion. 
       FIG. 6  is a palmar plan view of the base portion. 
       FIG. 7  is a medial side elevational view of the base portion in an inside-out configuration that shows the internal structure of the base portion. 
       FIG. 8  is a palmar plan view of the base portion in the inside-out configuration. 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view of a pattern for a primary element of the base portion. 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of a pattern for a secondary element of the base portion. 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of patterns for gusset elements of the base portion. 
       FIG. 12  is a dorsal plan view of a second glove in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of a web structure of the second glove. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a protective glove  100  in accordance with the present invention. Glove  100  is described and depicted as a glove that is suitable for weightlifting activities. The concepts disclosed below, however, are not intended to be limited solely to weightlifting gloves. Rather, the concepts may be applied to gloves with a variety of intended uses, particularly where the intended uses involve lifting, carrying, or otherwise grasping objects. 
   In the following discussion the various portions of glove  100  will be discussed with reference to adjacent portions of the hand and wrist, including a palmar side of the hand, an opposite dorsal side of the hand, various digits or phalangeal bones, metacarpal bones, wrist bones, and joints between the various bones. The digits, which include first digit  10 , second digit  20 , third digit  30 , fourth digit  40 , and fifth digit  50 , are identified for reference in the figures. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that hands have a multiplicity of shapes and sizes. Accordingly, references to the various portions of the hand are only meant to provide a general understanding regarding the location of the various elements of glove  100 . 
   Glove  100  is depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  and includes a base portion  110 , a protective portion  120 , and a wrist strap  130  that combine to form a comfortable and protective weightlifting glove for receiving a hand of a wearer. During weightlifting activities, the hand is repetitively used to securely grip relatively heavy objects, such as weights, barbells, dumbbells, and other exercise equipment. Seams that are located in contact with the hand and between the hand and a gripped object have the potential to cause discomfort. That is, glove seams that are compressed into the surface of the hand when grasping heavy objects may cause the wearer discomfort, and repetitive contact between the seams and the hand may also cause chafing, blistering, or the formation of calluses on the hand. As will be discussed in greater detail below, base portion  110  decreases the adverse impact of seams by minimizing the presence of seams in areas of glove  100  that contact the hand and are commonly compressed between the hand and gripped objects. Protective portion  120  is attached to base portion  110  and is primarily located on the palmar surface of base portion  110 , thereby providing an additional layer of protective material that is positioned between the hand and gripped objects. Wrist strap  130  may be a conventional wrist strap that serves to secure glove  100  to the hand. 
   Base portion  110  is depicted individually in  FIGS. 4-8 , with  FIGS. 7 and 8  depicting base portion  110  in an inside-out configuration that shows the internal structure of base portion  110 . The principal seams on base portion  110  are a longitudinal seam  112 , a pair of wrist seams  114 , a first digit seam  116 , and a plurality of gusset seams  118 . Longitudinal seam  112  extends along the second digit, across a dorsal portion of the second metacarpal, and onto the wrist. Accordingly, longitudinal seam  112  is located primarily on the dorsal surface of the hand, which rarely experiences the compressive forces that cause discomfort when gripping objects. As best seen in  FIG. 3 , wrist seams  114   a  and  114   b  extend from the base of the of the first digit on the palmar and dorsal sides of the hand to the wrist. First digit seam  116  is located at the base of the first digit. Finally, gusset seams  118  are located between the second through fifth digits. This design, therefore, substantially limits the presence of seams on the palmar surface of the hand, thereby limiting discomfort, chafing, or blistering, for example. 
   Seams  112 ,  116 , and  118  join the primary components of base portion  110 , which include a primary element  200 , a secondary element  300 , and three gusset elements  400   a - 400   c.    
   Primary element  200  covers a majority of a palmar surface and an opposite dorsal surface of the hand, including a portion of the second through fifth digits, and a portion of the wrist. Unlike many conventional gloves that utilize multiple, joined elements to cover these areas, a single section of material is utilized as primary element  200 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , the pattern for primary element  200  is disclosed. 
   Primary element  200  includes a palmar region  210  and a dorsal region  230  that are generally separated by a line  250 . The various regions of primary element  200 , including palmar region  210  and dorsal region  230 , discussed herein are not intended to be precisely defined areas. Instead, the regions are intended to aid in discussion by representing general regions of primary element  200 . Palmar region  210  further includes four palmar digit regions  220   a  to  220   d  that correspond with the second through fifth digits, respectively, a palmar edge  212 , and an aperture  214 . Palmar digit regions  220  include ends  222 , lateral edges  224 , and medial edges  226 . Similarly, dorsal region  230  includes four digital regions  240   a - 240   d  that correspond with the second through fifth digits, respectively, and a dorsal edge  232 . Dorsal digital regions  240  include ends  242 , lateral edges  244 , and medial edges  246 . Note that palmar digit region  220   d  is formed integral with dorsal digit region  240   d . Accordingly, palmar digit region  220   d  does not include a lateral edge  224  and dorsal digit region  230   d  does not include a lateral edge  244 . 
   Secondary element  300 , depicted in  FIG. 10 , is a generally T-shaped element that includes a pocket region  310  and a first digit region  320  generally separated by a line  330 . As with primary element  200 , the various regions of secondary element  300 , including pocket region  310  and first digit region  320 , are not intended to be precisely defined regions. Instead, the regions are intended to aid in discussion by representing general areas of secondary element  300 . Pocket region  310  further includes an end  312 , a lateral edge  314 , and a medial edge  316 . First digit region  320  includes a lateral edge  322 , a medial edge  324 , a pair of base edges  326   a  and  326   b , and an end  328 . Gusset element  400   a , depicted in  FIG. 11 , includes a palmar edge  410   a , a dorsal edge  420   a , a first end portion  430   a , and a second end portion  440   a . Gusset elements  400   b  and  400   c  include palmar edges  410   b  and  410   c , dorsal edges  420   b  and  420   c , first end portions  430   b  and  430   c , and second end portions  440   b  and  440   c , respectively. 
   With respect to base portion  110 , pocket region  310  of secondary element  300  extends from the base of the first digit, along the side of the hand between the first and second digit and along portions of the second digit, as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Accordingly, the position of pocket region  310  corresponds with the area of the hand between the first and second digits. The purpose of pocket region  310  is to form a pocket between primary element  200  and secondary element  300  for receiving an additional element of protective portion  120 , thereby providing additional protection in the area between the first and second digits and along the second digit. That is, pocket region  310  forms a pocket that receives additional protective material. Alternately, pocket region  310  may form an element to which a section of protective portion  120  may be attached. Accordingly, the section of protective portion  120  may be located within the pocket formed between primary element  200  and secondary element  300 , or the section of protective portion  120  may be attached to the side of pocket region  310  that contacts the hand. 
   First digit region  320  protrudes through aperture  214  and forms a generally cylindrical structure for receiving the first digit. The cylindrical structure is formed by attaching lateral edge  322  and medial edge  324  of first digit region  320  to each other. Secondary element  300  may also be attached to primary element  200  by sewing line  330  to edge  215  of aperture  214  to form seam  116 . IN this configuration, secondary element  300  is attached to only a portion of edge  215 , thereby forming an articulated connection that facilitates flexing of the first digit. 
   A method of attaching elements  200 ,  300 , and  400  to form base portion  110  will now be discussed in order to provide further understanding regarding the structure of base portion  110  and the interrelationships of the various components that form base portion  110 . Depending upon the specific manufacturing technique employed or equipment utilized, the steps for forming base portion  110  may be performed in an order that varies from the order discussed below. For purposes of the present discussion, however, a method that provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the structure of base portion  110  will be discussed. 
   In a first step, primary element  200  is generally folded such that dorsal region  230  overlaps palmar region  210 , palmar digit regions  220  are generally aligned with dorsal digit regions  240 , and palmar edge  212  lies adjacent to dorsal edge  232 . Longitudinal seam  112  may then be partially formed by attaching palmar edge  212  to dorsal edge  232 . As will become apparent in the discussion below, the portion of longitudinal seam  112  adjacent to palmar digit region  220   a  and dorsal digit region  240   a  should be formed in a subsequent step. Note that longitudinal seam  112 , as well as the other seams discussed herein, may be formed through a variety of attachment techniques, including sewing or adhesive bonding, for example. The partial formation of longitudinal seam  112  provides primary element  200  with a configuration wherein edges  212  and  232  are partially attached to each other, but the remaining portions of palmar region  210  and dorsal region  230  remain unattached, thereby forming an enclosed area between palmar region  210  and dorsal region  230  for receiving the hand. 
   In a second step, pocket region  310  of secondary element  300  is inserted through aperture  214  and located within the enclosed area between palmar region  210  and dorsal region  230 . Note that first digit region  320  remains outside primary element  200 . Pocket region  310  is then positioned such that end  312  is substantially aligned between end  222   a  of palmar region  210  and end  242   a  of dorsal region  230 ; lateral edge  314  is aligned between lateral edge  224   a  and lateral edge  244   a ; and medial edge  316  is aligned between medial edge  226   a  and medial edge  246   a . The unattached portion of longitudinal seam  112  from the first step may now be completed by simultaneously attaching medial edge  226   a  and medial edge  246   a  to at least a portion of medial edge  316 . At this stage, secondary element  300  is partially incorporated into base portion  110  and longitudinal seam  112  is complete. 
   In a third step, the area of glove  100  that receives the first digit is formed from first digit region  320  by folding first digit region along line  340  and attaching lateral edge  322  to medial edge  324 . In this manner, first digit region  320  is configured to form a generally cylindrical structure that aligns with aperture  214 . The portion of secondary element  300  represented by line  330  is then sewn to aperture edge  215  to form first digit seam  116 . Accordingly, a first digit of a wearer that extends through aperture  214  is directed within first digit region  320 . Note that first digit flexibility and the ventilation properties of glove  100  may be enhanced by leaving base edges  326   a  and  326   b  unattached to aperture edge  215  such that first digit seam  116  extends only partially around aperture  214 , as depicted in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  6 , for example. In alternate embodiments, base edges  326   a  and  326   b  may be fully attached to aperture edge  215 . 
   In a fourth step, gusset elements  400  are attached to the areas between the second through fifth digits. With respect to gusset element  400   a , palmar edge  410   a  is attached to both lateral edge  224   a  and medial edge  226   b  to form a first gusset seam  118   a  (see FIG.  6 ). Note that lateral edge  314  is positioned between palmar edge  410   a  and lateral edge  224   a  and is also attached with first gusset seam  118   a  (see FIG.  8 ). In addition, dorsal edge  420   a  is attached to both lateral edge  244   a  and medial edge  246   b  to form a second gusset seam  118   a ′ (see FIG.  4 ). In this configuration end  430   a  is aligned with ends  222   a  and  242   a , and end  440   a  is aligned with ends  222   b  and  242   b . Gusset element  400   b , which is located between the third and fourth digits, and gusset element  400   c , which is located between the fourth and fifth digits, may also be attached to remaining edges  224  and  226  of palmar region  210  and the remaining edges  244  and  246  of dorsal region  230 , thereby forming gusset seams  118   b ,  118   b ′,  118   c , and  118   c′.    
   With regard to pocket region  310 , lateral edge  314  and medial edge  316  are effectively attached to edges  224   a  and  226   a  of palmar digit region  220   a  such that pocket region  310  lies adjacent to palmar digit region  220   a  and extends to aperture  214 . In the area between palmar digit region  220   a  and aperture  214 , pocket region  310  is unattached to primary element  200 . As discussed above, therefore, this configuration forms a pocket in which a portion of the protective material from protective portion  120  may be positioned. With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , protective portion  120  is depicted. Although  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate base portion  110 , the location of protective portion  126  is depicted. 
   In a fifth step, wrist seams  114  are formed by folding portions of palmar region  210  and forming a seam at the base of the fold. That is, the circumference of base portion  110  in the wrist area is reduced by darting palmar region  210  in two locations, as depicted by lines  260  and  270  in  FIG. 9 , thereby forming wrist seams  114 . Wrist seams  114  decrease the cross-sectional area of base portion  110 , thereby fitting base portion  110  to the wrist area of the wearer. Base portion  110  may also be finished by adding trim or overlocking to prevent the material forming base portion  110  from unraveling or to increase aesthetic appeal. 
   The material selected for base portion  110  may have a variety of properties depending upon the conditions under which glove  100  is intended to be used. When intended for athletic activities, such as weightlifting for example, a durable material may be selected that wicks moisture away from the hand and permits air to cool the hand. The material may also possess ample stretch characteristics to allow the glove to be comfortably placed upon the hand and removed from the hand. In this regard, suitable materials for base portion  110  may include single or double knit textiles, and the textiles may incorporate an elastic fiber to enhance stretch, such as elastane, which is sold under the LYCRA trademark by E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company. Primary element  200  and secondary element  300  may be formed of differing materials. For example, primary element  200  may be formed of synthetic suede and secondary element  300  may be formed of a supple leather. This configuration provides base portion  110  with additional durability in the area between the first and second digits. 
   Following completion of base portion  110 , as described above, protective portion  120  may be added. In general, protective portion  120  includes one or more elements that are strategically placed on the exterior of base portion  110  to absorb shock and distribute loads. Consequently, the precise configuration of the elements may be varied to suit the demands of the activity for which glove  100  is designed. With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , glove  100  is depicted as including three protective elements  122 ,  124 , and  126 . Protective element  122  is attached to the exterior of base portion  110  and on the lateral side, and protective element  124  is attached to the exterior of base portion  110  and on the medial side. Suitable materials for protective elements  122  and  124  include a combination of leather and a foam material, for example. More specifically, protective elements  122  and  124  may be formed from suede, leather, durable textiles, or synthetic materials having similar characteristics. 
   In addition to protective elements  122  and  124 , glove  100  also includes protective element  126 , which is located on the interior of base portion  110 . As described above, a pocket is formed between primary element  200  and secondary element  300  in which protective material may be positioned. That is, pocket region  310  forms a pocket within glove  100 . Protective element  126 , which is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , has dimensions approximately corresponding with pocket region  310  and may be positioned between pocket region  310  and primary element  200 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , glove  100  is depicted as including a supportive web  500  positioned on the dorsal surface of base portion  110 . Web  500  is an interconnected structure that provides support for the fingers, hand, wrist, and lower arm when carrying, lifting, or otherwise grasping heavy objects, such as weights, barbells, or dumbbells. In addition, web  500  may be utilized to provide feedback concerning the posture of the hand when grasping heavy objects. For example, web  500  may provide pressure to portions of the hand that are not properly aligned when grasping an object, thereby alerting the individual to alter the posture of the hand. In general, web  500  is formed from a multiplicity of segments  510  that are interconnected at junctions  520  to form a web-type structure with a plurality of openings  530  formed between segments  510 , thereby forming a structure resembling a web. In addition, web  500  includes a plurality of extensions  540  that extend onto the dorsal surfaces of the fingers and extend downward onto the wrist. 
   Segments  510  and extensions  540  may be arranged to form a plurality of web configurations. As depicted in the figures, segments  510  are positioned adjacent the metacarpal bones of the hand, thereby forming a plurality of openings  530  on the back of the hand. Extensions  540  extend from the plurality of segments  510  onto the dorsal surfaces of the fingers and the wrist. 
   One consideration in the design of web  500  is the resulting rigidity and flexibility of glove  100 . As discussed above, web  500  may be utilized to provide support and proper hand posture. Web  500  should, therefore, have sufficient rigidity to achieve these purposes. Web  500  should also have sufficient flexibility to permit the wearer to flex the hand when carrying or lifting heavy objects. Accordingly, the specific design of web  500  should balance the competing issues of rigidity and flexibility, which may be accomplished through the specific structure of web  500  and the materials utilized to form web  500   
   The structure of web  500 , as depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , includes six openings  530  located on the back of the hand and adjacent to the metacarpal bones of the wearer. Web  500  includes, therefore, a plurality of segments  510  and junctions  520  that are located on the back of the hand, thereby providing both lateral and longitudinal rigidity in this area Extensions  540  run onto the fingers and wrist from peripheral portions, thereby providing longitudinal rigidity on the fingers and on the wrist. Accordingly, the entire structure of web  500  resists a stretching in the longitudinal direction. Extensions  540 , however, permit the fingers and wrist to be freely bent, thereby promoting flexibility, which is desirable when grasping objects. 
   The overall rigidity and flexibility of the web  500  may also be controlled through material selection. Suitable materials for web  500  will have properties that include flexibility, durability, and resilience, for example. Specific materials that are suitable for web  500  include a plurality of elastomeric materials such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, polysulfide rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, neoprene, butyl, latex, balata, ELASTOLLAN, which is a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer that is produced by BASF Corporation, or PEBAX, which is a polyether block amide that is produced by Atofina Chemicals. Accordingly, for purposes of the present invention, the terms elastomer or elastomeric materials are intended to encompass a wide range of materials that are elastic and resilient, in addition to rubber. Other suitable materials for web  500  include materials that are not generally considered elastomers, but have properties that provide flexibility and strength that is sufficient for use with web  500 , including chains formed of metals, synthetic leather, or natural leather, for example. 
   Materials having different densities may also be utilized to impart different properties to the various areas of web  500 . For example, a thermoplastic polyurethane having a hardness of 80 on the Shore A scale, which is relatively soft, may be utilized for extensions  540  that extend over dorsal surfaces of the fingers and junctions  520  located over the knuckles. Another thermoplastic polyurethane having a hardness of  98  on the Shore A scale, which is relatively hard, may be utilized to form segments  510 , junctions  520 , and extensions  530  that correspond with the dorsal surface of the hand and wrist to provide additional support in these areas. 
   Segments  510  may be integrally-formed with each other to form a unitary structure, or each segment  510  may be individually formed and subsequently attached together at junctions  520 . In addition, the shapes of segments  510  may vary. In cross-section, each segment  510  may have a flat surface adjacent to base portion  110  and a curved upper surface that faces outward. Alternatively, segments  510  may be square, round, or triangular, for example, in cross-section. 
   The various segments  510  and extensions  540  may have differing thicknesses or cross-sectional areas to accommodate varying stresses in different areas of glove  100 . Similarly, junctions  520  may have varying sizes. As depicted in the figures, the junctions  520  adjacent to extensions  540  that extend onto the finger regions have greater sizes than other junctions  520 . Varying the sizes of the elements of web  500  may also be utilized to reinforce high-wear areas. 
   The manner in which web  500  is attached to glove  100  may vary within the scope of the present invention. For example, an adhesive may be utilized to bond web  500  to base portion  110 . Stitching that extends over segments  510  and extensions  540 , and extends through base portion  110  may also be utilized. In addition, various welding or bonding processes may be utilized to melt the material forming web  500  and secure web  500  to the material forming glove  100 . Another manner of attaching web  500  to glove  100  involves injecting a polymer material that forms web  500  directly onto the surface of glove  100 . A portion of the polymer will then bond with the structure of the material, thereby attaching web  500  to glove  100 . When a textile material is utilized to form the exterior of glove  100 , the polymer may infiltrate the structure of the textile and surround individual fibers or filaments that comprise the textile. Upon cooling, the polymer material of web  500  will be effectively bonded to glove  100 . As discussed above, polymer materials having dual hardnesses may be utilized for web  500 . Polymer materials having dual hardnesses may be simultaneously injected onto the surface of glove  100  to provide an appearance of a single, uniform material. 
   The placement of web  500  may also vary. As depicted, the junctions  520  adjacent to extensions  540  that extend onto the finger regions are placed over the joints between the phalanges and the metacarpal bones (i.e., over the knuckles). In further embodiments, for example, web  500  may, be designed to have four openings  530  that are positioned over the knuckles such that segments  510  extend between the knuckles. 
   The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.