Abstract:
A pair of massaging gloves is provided for therapeutically massaging a horse. The gloves have a hand member, a plurality of finger members, a thumb member and a plurality of massaging projections. The finger members are secured to an upper portion of the hand member, and the thumb member is secured to a side portion thereof. Massaging projections protrude from the inner hand surface of the gloves along the end of the fingers and thumbs. Another grouping of projections is centrally secured along an area corresponding to a user&#39;s palm. The gloves may be used to provide a variety of massage therapies to a horse or similar animal, thereby building trust between the handler and the animal. The gloves are also adapted to permit a user to perform manual labor tasks such as shoveling hay, moving horse tack, and training the horse without removal of the gloves between activities.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/433,573 filed on Jan. 18, 2011, entitled “Massage Therapeutic Glove.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to hand implements, gloves and therapeutic massage devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pair of gloves with raised projections along the finger and palm region for providing therapeutic massage to a horse. 
         [0004]    Horse trainers and stable personnel have to perform a variety of tasks during the course of a workday. Some tasks are associated with the care and training of a horse such as feeding, brushing, and cleaning of hooves. Many of these duties require proximity to or touching of a horse. Horses, like many animals, are usually uncomfortable with strangers being close to them or touching parts of their body. To increase trust and build a bond between a staff member and a horse, staff members use light touching that is gradually increased in intensity and duration. Patting and rubbing a horse can be a good way of calming the animal and building trust. Therapeutic massage may be used to calm a horse, provide physical therapy, and strengthen the relationship between a horse and a trainer. 
         [0005]    Similar stable duties for horse trainers and stable workers include shoveling of hay, cleaning stalls, moving feed and hauling horse tack. These tasks can wear on a user&#39;s hands due to friction, causing blisters to develop. Work gloves may be worn to reduce the risk of injury to the hands while performing manual labor tasks, however, these gloves are often made of rough or thick material that may result in unpleasant sensations if used to contact or rub a horse. To prevent work gloves from abrading the coat or skin of the animal, staff members must remove the gloves prior to physically interacting with the horse. A dual purpose glove is therefore needed that permits a horse handler to provide pleasing physical interaction with a horse and still perform manual labor tasks in a barn or horse stable environment without removal or replacement of a single pair of gloves. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0007]    The prior art contains a variety of massage glove devices for massaging people or animals. These devices have familiar design and structural elements for the purposes of massaging the skin of a person; however they are not adapted for multiple tasks, in particular the tasks of massaging a horse or performing manual labor in a horse stable environment. 
         [0008]    Dean, U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,252 discloses a massage glove having a glove portion, a plurality of balls, and a vibration assembly. The glove has a hand portion, a plurality of finger portions and a thumb portion. The plurality of balls is movably disposed along the inner surfaces of said finger and thumb portions. A vibrating assembly is operably secured to the glove so that when the vibration assembly is activated the plurality of balls vibrates. This vibration of the movable balls may relax tense muscles and produce pleasing sensations when rubbed on a person&#39;s skin. The user may turn the vibration assembly on and then proceed to massage another person in an effort to relax the second person. The movably disposed balls and vibration assembly are not adapted for use with lifting, hauling, and other strenuous activities. These elements of Dean are likely to be delicate and are therefore not suitable for use during manual labor tasks in a barn. Furthermore, the gloves of Dean do not disclose massaging nodules disposed on the palm area of a glove. 
         [0009]    Spence, U.S. Pat. No. 7,707,654 discloses a massage glove having a glove member and a plurality of pads disposed thereon. The glove member has a plurality of finger portions and a thumb portion. Pads are disposed along the ends of the finger and thumb portions and along the palm of the glove member. The pads comprise a pocket filled with beads and a resilient contoured member disposed on the top surface of each pad. When a user dons the glove device and rubs the skin of another person, the resilient contoured members move as the beads beneath it shift around. This shifting motion can result in a variety of sensations on the skin of a person being massaged. The sensation may help a person relax and become less tense. If exposed to harsh environments or strenuous use, the bead pockets could become damaged or rupture, this makes the gloves of Spence unsuitable for working with horses or performing manual labor in a barn or stable. Additionally, Spence does not disclose therapeutic nubs secured directly to the surface of a glove, like those of the present invention. 
         [0010]    Norton et al, U.S. Pat. No. 1,161,719 discloses a massage glove having a glove portion and a plurality of contoured pads. The glove portion has a hand portion, a plurality of finger portions and a thumb portion. A contoured pad is disposed at the end of each finger portion and the thumb portion. The contoured pads consist of a pad having a plurality of small soft nubs disposed about its surface. When rubbed on the skin, these nubs stimulate the skin surface and may provide tension relief. Norton does not disclose individual nodules secured to the surface of the gloves. The pads of Norton are not disposed along the surface of the inner palm of the glove, like those of the present invention. 
         [0011]    Ongwela, U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,657 discloses a hand covering such as a mitten or glove. The device has a hand portion, a plurality of finger portions, and a thumb portion. Friction areas are disposed at the ends of the fingers and along the base of the lower palm. The friction areas are smooth hemispherical projections secured to the surface of the glove. Additional friction areas are disposed on the back of the finger portions. The large projections on the lower palm would make it difficult to grasp and hold objects using a natural grip because the shape and size of the projections prevents the fingers from curling into the palm area. This limitation would make it difficult to hold a horse bridle, a broom or any other thin object. The projections of the present invention are disposed on an inner portion of the palm to allow natural grip by the fingers and thumb and therefore make the device useable for manual labor in a barn or stable environment. 
         [0012]    The devices disclosed by the prior art do not address the need for providing a massaging glove device that may be worn and used as work gloves. The current invention relates to a dual purpose device for massaging horses and performing manual labor in a barnyard or horse stable environment. It substantially diverges in structural elements from the prior art; consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to the existing massage gloves. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of massage gloves now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new massage and work glove having a plurality of durable projections thereon, wherein the projects can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when massaging a horse, and the gloves is designed for performing manual labor. The device comprises a hand member, a plurality of finger members, a thumb member, and a plurality of massaging projections on the interior region of the device. The finger members are secured to an upper portion of the hand member and the thumb member is secured to a side portion of said hand member such that the combination results in a glove hand covering. 
         [0014]    Disposed on the palm and finger underside surface of the glove are a plurality of massaging projections. At least one projection is disposed at the end of each finger member and the thumb member. Additional projections are disposed along a central portion of the hand member, corresponding to the placement of a user&#39;s palm. These projections are circular, upstanding nubs for creating relaxing sensations when rubbed against or along the body of a horse. The nubs may be constructed from a variety of materials to suit the needs of individual horses and provide a glove having projections that is suited for manual labor. Some horses may prefer to be massaged by soft gel filled projections while other horses may like the deeper stimulation resulting from a solid, smooth projection. In an alternative embodiment, the projections on the palm region may be substituted for textured areas. In either embodiment, the user should have full range of motion and be able to curl the fingers into the palm area to assume a natural grip. 
         [0015]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved animal massaging glove having all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal massaging glove having projections disposed on the fingers and palm to stimulate the skin and muscle tissue of an animal, and in particular a horse. 
         [0017]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal massage glove that provides a user with the ability to massage a horse and perform manual labor with the same appliance. 
         [0018]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal massaging glove allowing a user to curl the fingers into the palm and thereby assume a natural grip on objects. 
         [0019]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animal massage glove having resilient and durable construction to provide wear resistance and prevent blister development during manual labor activities. 
         [0020]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The above invention will be better understood and the objects set forth above as well as other objects not stated above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes use of the annexed drawings wherein like numeral references are utilized throughout. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a pair of animal massaging gloves of the present invention, as shown from an upper and lower side. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the present animal massaging gloves while being used to massage a horse. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the animal massaging glove device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for massaging a horse or for performing manual work in a barnyard or horse stable. This is for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a pair of animal massaging gloves for stimulating the skin and muscles of a horse. The device has a hand member  11 , a plurality of finger members  12 , a thumb member  13 , and a plurality of massaging projections  14 . The hand member has upper and lower surfaces corresponding to the back and palm of a user&#39;s hand. Along an upper portion of the hand member  11  is secured the plurality of finger members  12 . The thumb member  13  is secured to a side portion of said hand member  11 . The securement of the thumb  13  and finger members  12  to the hand member  11  results in a glove adapted to receive and retain a user&#39;s hand and act as a glove hand covering that form-fits the user&#39;s hands. This glove may be constructed of any durable material such as rubber, a tough cloth, or a resilient synthetic fabric that is adapted to be comfortable to the touch, both from the inside and exterior of the glove, while also allowing manual labor activities and preventing injury to the user engaged in the same. The glove may further be lined with a soft material to increase the comfort to a user. 
         [0026]    A plurality of massaging projections  14  is disposed along lower surface of the glove, wherein these lower portions correspond to the underside of a user&#39;s fingers and a central portion of the user&#39;s palm. The end of each finger member  12  and the thumb member  13  has a massaging projection  14  secured to the glove surface. A user may move the finger projections along a horse&#39;s skin to exert focused pressure on specific areas. Along a central region of the palm area a grouping of massaging projections  14  are secured to the glove surface. The palm projections are provided for applying gentle, general pressure to a horse. Palm projections should be positioned and sized to permit a user to curl the fingers into the palm and make a fist. This allows a user to assume a natural grip on objects such as a horse bridle, stable equipment or parts of a horse. Natural grip is essential for ensuring that the hands do not slip if a horse attempts to pull away. The device therefore permits a user to perform essential stable and barn tasks while the gloves are being worn. Any geometrical shape may be used for forming the projections such as circular, hemispherical, conical or the like. 
         [0027]    The layout of the projections is preferably at the distal end of each finger and thumb along the underside of the user&#39;s hand, and also grouped within the interior portion of the user&#39;s palm. This layout allows a user to grasp items, such as rakes, horse reigns and other tools without having the projections modify their grip or create contact discontinuities between the item and the user&#39;s hand. The gloves are adapted to allow the user to securely grasp and apply uniform pressure onto a tool or article without interference from the projections. The underside area of each finger and thumb, up to the distal phalanx (distal tip portion), is free of any projections, allowing unencumbered grip and pressure application on an grasped article, wherein the surface of the fingers and thumb may be firmly pressed thereagainst for improved ability to grasp and manipulate implements. This is particularly critical when operating tools in a manually laborious environment. The ends of the finger allow pressing of buttons, while the gripping area of the hand is not drastically changed when gripping articles, tools or instruments. At the same time, the projections at the distal ends of each finger and thumb, along the inner portion of the hand and along palm, allow the user to gently stimulate, massage and calm an animal being handled. The ability to calm the animal and develop a bond is necessary for the user to control and direct the animal to perform certain tasks or remain at ease when required. In this way, the glove functions as a work glove having therapeutic features that facilitate the handling of animals, and in particular horses. Farmhands, horse handlers and veterinarians would all benefit from the use of such a glove. The protection afforded the hands improves its utility, while the projections provide a specific function for the purposes of calming or soothing an animal. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of the animal massaging gloves being used to massage a horse. The gloves are worn on the hands of a user, wherein the gloves conform to the user&#39;s hand features in a snug and comfortable, yet protective and functional manner. The user rubs the hand member  11  and finger members  12  along the body surface of a horse. The pressure exerted by a user&#39;s fingers, and therefore the stimulation input from the raised projections, may be varied based on the user&#39;s input. A user may choose to use rhythmic, swirling, tapping, undulating or any other type of therapeutic motions that relate to a soothing sensation or provide a calming nature to the target animal. The palm area may be rubbed in circles or otherwise manipulated to provide gentle pressure on the surface of the skin. Different techniques may be displayed along different areas of a horse, wherein the horse will respond to different types of massage therapy applied. Over time the practice of massaging the horse builds confidence in the horse that strengthens the relationship between the animal and trainer or handler. In this manner, the animal massaging gloves are useful not just for physical therapy for a horse, but also for facilitating bonding of an animal and trainer. 
         [0029]    The preferred embodiment of the device includes massaging projections that are circular and gel-filled. The gel filling results in a soft, distortable nodule that provides gentle pressure when rubbed against a horse&#39;s skin. As the nodules are compressed, they deform slightly, applying a pressure that is easily felt by the animal without causing discomfort or pain. In an alternative embodiment, the massaging projections may be made of a firmer material such as thick rubber. These firmer projections can facilitate penetration of the massaging sensations into deeper layers of the horse&#39;s skin and muscle tissue. Some horses may prefer the soft projections while other horses may find the firm projectiles more soothing. Racing horses or those animals that are particular active may require deep tissue massaging to remove knots within the muscle tissue, which may facilitate the need for firmer projections and increased application pressure. In another alternative embodiment, the projections may be substituted with contoured areas. The contoured areas may comprise patches of thin rubber ridges, small groupings of nodules, or any other texture that might provide pleasant stimulation to a horse. 
         [0030]    In use an individual dons the animal massaging gloves and places his or her hands on the body surface of an animal, and in an example case, a horse. The user then begins to rub the hands gently in a circular or stroking pattern. The fingers may be wiggled, undulated or otherwise pressed into the skin and muscles of the horse to apply pressure and tactile therapy. In areas of tension, such as shoulder and hip joints, it may be desirable to press the fingers firmly against the skin of the horse to affect tension relief in deeper layers of skin and muscle. The speed and type of motion used to massage the horse will depend on the animal. As a trainer bonds with the horse, he or she will have a better understanding of what therapy techniques are pleasing to the same. Once the massage therapy is complete, the user may return to performing routine tasks around the barn or stable without having to change his or her gloves. The placement of the projections allow the user to grasp tools without interference, wherein indiscriminate placement of the projections would interfere with the user&#39;s grip and detract from his or her ability to perform tasks with tools or similar objects. Their strategic placement is a key component to providing a glove that provides both massaging and work-ready elements, without compromising either function. The construction of the glove is ideally one that is comfortable to the user and the target animal, while preventing the buildup of friction that leads to blisters or sores on the hands of the user. The gloves should be form-fitting, with little slack. This provides improved tactile feedback for the user and the animal, and allows improved handling of work objects. The exact material and texture is not limited to a specific material family or construction, it is alternately desired to disclose the utility of the glove while contemplating glove material that suits its intended function. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art of gloves what material may be particularly suited for the present invention purposes. 
         [0031]    With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0032]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.