Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a finger protector embodied in a single article prepared from two fabric sections sewn together for application in sporting activities. Specifically, the finger protector provides a user engaged in the sporting activity with protection by preventing blistering and other skin injury after prolonged gripping of a sporting device such as a golf club, tennis racket or other similar device. The finger protector is prepared from two sections of fabric sewn together, the first fabric section being made of cabretta leather, or other similar fabric, the second fabric section being made of elastic or other similar fabric. The invention also provides the user comfort and an enhanced ability at performing physical tasks in everyday tasks.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/117,614 filed Nov. 25, 2008, the substance of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to an article of clothing designed to be worn on a single finger or multiple fingers to provide a wearer protection to the skin and an enhanced ability at performing physical tasks. More specifically, the invention provides an article to be worn on the finger or fingers so to prevent blistering or other skin injury during extended physical activity of a user engaged in a sporting or other physical activity which requires gripping of a device such as for example, a golf club, tennis racket or the like. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    The use of gloves in the sporting activities is not a recent practice. Gloves or other clothing articles used in sporting events offer a number of advantages to athletes. In the case of gloves, such articles prevent the onset of blistering when gripping offer various advantages. 
         [0004]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,795 to Landis, et al., discloses a golf glove that purportedly assists in positioning and gripping a golf club in a preferred and secured manner. More specifically, the glove possesses a number of tactile surfaces position along the glove&#39;s fingers and palm section that when in contact with the golf club positions the club in the golfer&#39;s hand in a proper grip alignment and purportedly provides an enhanced gripping ability for the user on the club by a fabric component of which the surface inserts are made. By contrast, the present invention is not a glove but rather is an article that is worn specifically on the area of the finger of a user that is more susceptible to blistering during physical or sporting activities. 
         [0005]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,877 to Chong describes a sports glove for use in a game such as racquetball, having a front portion made from a substantially inextensible material such as leather and a rear portion made from a perspiration absorbing material such as terry cloth. The glove is also described to possess a wrist portion made of the same perspiration absorbing material. Reinforcing pads are also placed on the front portion of the glove to provide extended lifetime use for areas of the glove more susceptible to wear. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,565 to Odom discloses a pair of golf gloves each having a loop and pile fastener strips attached to the outer ends of the last three fingers and a loop and pile fastener strip attached to the palm of the golf glove running diagonal across the palm of the hand so that when the golfer assumes the grip, the cooperating fastener strips engage each other and firmly lock each contact point in each hand of the grip to the corresponding contact point of the opposite hand. Like the &#39;795 patent and &#39;877 patents, the &#39;565 patent does not provide a user the freedom of protecting only the areas that are more susceptible to skin blistering. In addition, the gloves cited necessarily cover the entire hand and in doing so, create a hot and perspiration environment for the hand, potentially leading to slippage of the hand against the glove when the user swings a golf club or tennis racket. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,447 to Fleischmann teaches a finger protector for embodied in two pieces for application in sports gloves, such as for example goal keeper&#39;s gloves. In its assembled state, features of the finger protectors are movable in one direction for bending the finger such as for making a fist and locking in the opposite direction, in order to prevent excessive stretching of the finger in the direction towards the back of the hand. 
         [0008]    Although the device arguably provides protection against strain injuries, the invention fails to address the deficiency of the prior art in providing the ability to focus protection on particular areas of the fingers that are more susceptible to blistering and other similar injuries. In addition, the &#39;447 patent describes a finger protector which must be used in conjunction with sports gloves, such as a pair of goal keeper&#39;s gloves, a necessity not encompassed in the present invention. 
         [0009]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,692 to Wunderlich-Kehm discloses a set of digit or thumb protectors that provide a manicurist with protection against chafing irritation or injury from repeated contact with a nail file, emery board or the like. The invention includes a thumb protector and an index-finger protector for the hand opposite the hand that holds the file or other tool. These protectors guard against accidental filing or rasping of the skin by an errant stroke. By contrast, the present invention is worn to prevent blistering of the skin while a user is engaged in physical or sporting activities and provides for flexible material so that the finger protector fits snugly on the finger or fingers of the user, a feature not disclosed by this reference. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention provides a finger protector worn by a user on a single finger or plurality of fingers prepared from a first section made of a substantially non-flexible, durable material, and a second section made of elastic material, wherein the first section and second sections are sewn together along two opposite sides, wherein the protector creates a snug fit on the finger and the first section substantially covers the bottom part of the inside of the finger, thereby providing protection to the finger or plurality of fingers. 
         [0011]    The present invention also provides an article of clothing worn on a single finger or multiple fingers of a user and methods for providing the user protection against blistering or other injury while participating in sporting activities such as golf, tennis, skiing or other similar activities in which the user holds an athletic device such as a golf club, tennis racket or ski pole. The finger protector is prepared from two sections of fabric sewn together, the first section being made of cabretta leather or other similar material and the second section being made of an elastic material such as spandex or other similar material. 
         [0012]    The two fabrics of the protector are sewn together with triple seams and fitted on the finger or fingers of a user with the protector fitting snugly so not to slip off and sufficiently loose as to not impede blood flow to the finger or fingers. For effective protection the invention is fitted with the first fabric section of cabretta leather covering the bottom part of the finger which comes in contact with the athletic device thereby preventing direct contact between the athletic device and the skin of the user and impeding the formation of blisters and other skin injuries. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  depicts the basic configuration of the finger protector shown at an angle in which the two fabric sections are shown. The entire finger protector will encompass dimensions of a “one-size-fits-all” or will be prepared in different sizes depending on the flexibility of the fabrics used to prepare the finger protector and the size of the user. Ideally, the finger protector will cover from the crease of the finger just below the knuckle to the crease at the bottom of the finger. In other embodiments, the protector will extend from the crease of the finger just below the knuckle to the crease of the finger nearest the bottom of the finger but variations of the degree of skin coverage are within the scope of the invention. The Figure also illustrates the triple seam that runs the length of the invention which allows the user to cut the protector to a better fit if necessary. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  depicts the basic configuration of the finger protector shown at a front angle in which the two fabric sections are shown. The entire finger protector will encompass dimensions of a “one-size-fits-all” or will be prepared in different sizes depending on the flexibility of the fabrics used to prepare the finger protector. Ideally, the finger protector will cover at least from the crease of the finger just below the knuckle to the crease at the bottom of the finger. In other embodiments, the protector will extend from the crease of the finger just below the knuckle to the crease of the finger nearest the bottom of the finger but variations of the degree of skin coverage are within the scope of the invention. The Figure also illustrates the triple seam that runs the length of the invention which allows the user to cut the protector to a better fit if necessary. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  depicts the basic configuration of the finger protector. More specifically, the Figure shows how the two fabric sections are placed and sewn together to produce the finger protector. The Figure depicts a short length of protection however, the present invention contemplates the ability to vary the degree of skin coverage and thus, the length of fabric may be either increased or decreased depending on the needs of the sporting device employed by the user. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The invention relates to an article of clothing and method of providing skin protection, specifically to the finger or fingers of a user engaging in a sporting activity wherein the activity employs use of a sporting device such as a golf club, tennis racket or other similar device. The article is designed according to the specific needs of the user and the length of the invention will be variable depending on those needs. For example, when used by a golfer, a single finger protector may be employed by a user. 
         [0017]    Specifically, the present invention provides finger protection to a user when engaged in a sporting activity and when grasping sporting devices for an extended period of time that may result in blistering of the skin or other skin related injuries. In one preferred embodiment, because the invention is prepared with elastic on one side the invention, the invention will be prepared in a “one-size fits all” configuration. In yet another embodiment, depending on the sporting activity, the length of the finger protector may be varied to provide the user with a more snug fit so to provide the user with greater gripping ability and prevention of blisters over an extended period of time of activity. 
         [0018]    To prepare a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first section of cabretta or synthetic leather is cut ¾ inch high×1¾ inch wide. Other materials can be employed to prepare the first section of material including vinyl, cow leather, or any other similar material used to make athletic gloves. A second section of elastic material is cut  3 / 4  inch high×¾ inch wide and is sewn together with the first section in triple seams. The second section can be made from, for example, spandex or any other stretchable material or fabric. Other sizes for the first and second sections are encompassed depending on the degree of finger coverage that is desired. Accordingly, varying degrees of coverage of the finger are encompassed and within the scope of the invention however, such coverage as contemplated, excludes coverage of the tip of the finger. 
         [0019]    To assemble the finger protector, the two sections are sewn together on each end with triple seams for strength. In sewing the two sections, the smooth side of the leather section will face away from the inside of the invention, with the rougher side of the leather facing toward the finger and in direct contact with the skin when worn by a user. Preparing the leather section in this way prevents slippage of the finger protector during physical activity by the user. The elastic section provides the ability to stretch around a user&#39;s finger to keep a snug fit without being too tight or too loose. Multiple sizes can be prepared to accommodate for different sized fingers. 
         [0020]    For example, the first and second sections will cover any area of the finger however as contemplated, the invention excludes coverage of the tip of the finger and is prepared to protect portions of the finger for which protection is desired other than the tip. The finger protector of the invention will also cover the finger of a user with the first and second sections substantially providing protection from the crease below the user&#39;s knuckle to the crease nearest the tip of the finger or any areas in between. The finger protector conceived herein will also have the first and second sections providing coverage and protection to the finger or plurality of fingers substantially from the crease below the user&#39;s knuckle to the crease nearest the middle of the finger or any areas in between. 
         [0021]    To employ use of the finger protector, the invention is pulled over the finger similar to how a ring is pulled over a finger. The invention is to be placed on any finger that requires protection from continuous and extended activity, such as for example, continuous swinging of a golf club. The cabretta leather employed in preparing the invention is similar to the leather from which most golf gloves are prepared. When worn, the cabretta leather will cover the bottom part of the inside of the finger and the elastic section will be situated on the back of the finger to keep it comfortably tight on the user&#39;s finger. 
         [0022]    The finger protector is worn like a ring on the finger, with the leather section on the inside of the hand (i.e., the palm side). With the leather section in this configuration, protection is provided to areas of the skin that typically become blistered during, for example, swinging a golf club or other similar activity. A preferred embodiment of the invention may be used by any sporting activity that requires use of the hands such as baseball, basketball, golf or football, etc. 
         [0023]    The term “non-flexible material”, “inflexible material” or the like as used herein refers to the quality of a fabric or other material in which the material will retain essentially the same dimensions whether under stress or not. Examples of non-flexible material include natural or synthetic leather or other similar materials used in sport gloves, which act by tearing or breaking under pressure rather flexing and conforming to a different dimension and shape under pressure. Specific examples of non-flexible materials include vinyl, cow leather or any material used to make athletic gloves. 
         [0024]    The term “first section” as used herein refers to the section of the invention that is prepared from cabretta or synthetic leather, or other substantially non-flexible, durable fabrics typically used in preparing sporting gloves. The term “second section” as used herein refers to the section of the invention prepared from elastic material. An example of an elastic material includes spandex. 
         [0025]    The term “durable” as used herein refers to the quality of a fabric or other material in which the material will retain a significant degree of its strength over an extended period of time and use. Durable materials may include either flexible or non-flexible materials such as natural or synthetic leather or elastic materials that possess significant resistance to breaking under pressure and extended use. Specific examples of durable materials include vinyl, cow leather or any material used to make athletic gloves. 
         [0026]    The term “elastic” as used herein refers to the quality of a fabric or other material to flex or change conformation in shape while under external physical pressure. Examples of elastic material include spandex, cotton and other natural and synthetic fabrics with similar character. 
         [0027]    The term “snug” as used herein refers to a protective article that is worn by a user on a finger or numerous fingers in which the article fits comfortably without either cutting off blood supply to the finger and also without slipping off the finger or fingers on which the article is worn, while the user is engaged in physical activity. 
         [0028]    Turning now to the substance of  FIGS. 1 to 3  and the preferred embodiments of the invention.  FIGS. 1 through 3  demonstrate how the finger protector is configured and prepared from two sections of fabric material.  FIG. 1  illustrates the finger protector shown at a side angle to depict how the protector fits over the finger of a user similar to a ring. The finger protector  10  is prepared from a first section of material  14 , made from a durable, non-flexible material such as natural or synthetic leather, and a second section of material  12 , made from an elastic material, the two sections being sewn together to form a loop, similar to a ring that is worn on the finger. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates the finger protector  10 , from a frontal perspective and depicts how the first section  12  and second section  14  are sewn together to form the invention.  FIG. 3  shows the finger protector  10  as it is to be assembled from the first section  12  and second section  14  to prepare the finger protector. 
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment, the finger protector may be utilized by a user to cover only half the finger or one which essentially protects the entire finger excluding the tip of the finger. The preferred embodiment of the invention also allows a user to use multiple finger protectors on several fingers depending on the type of sporting or physical activity in which the user is engaged. 
         [0031]    Advantages of the present invention over that known in the art include the ability to protect the fingers without the necessity of the user wearing an entire glove which can cause the wearer to get hot and uncomfortable. Other advantages include the ability for a user to easily choose how many fingers in which to provide protection. For example, in the course of playing golf, a user may choose to use a single finger protector. Alternatively, an individual playing tennis may choose to wear the finger protector on each of four fingers for added protection against blisters and the like. 
         [0032]    Another advantage of the present invention over the prior art is realized in allowing the user to adjust the level of protection to each finger by either employing use of a finger protector which covers only half the finger or one which covers nearly the entire finger, excluding coverage of the tip of the finger, depending on the activity in which the user is engaged. Another advantage of the invention is realized in allowing a user to wear the invention on the specific portion of the finger that requires protection, which in turn, allows for a better feel and more comfort with each stage of the physical or sporting activity. For example, the finger protector allows a user playing golf more comfort with each tee shot and eliminates the necessity of wearing an entire glove or taping the fingers. 
         [0033]    Although the invention has been described with reference to the above description, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims.