Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for protecting and improving the grip of hands are disclosed. According to the invention, an abrasion-resistant material having an adhesive on one side is affixed to a hand of a user, such that the palm of the hand is protected. Tabs may be provided for protecting the sides of the hand and the thumb, and for securing the device to the hand. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device is asymmetrical, and is supplied in left and right hand versions. The device may be constructed from cloth having an adhesive backing. The present invention protects the hands from abrasion, while promoting grip and avoiding overheating and bunching. In addition, the device of the present invention is inexpensive, and therefore a device in accordance with the invention may be discarded after use.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to protecting and improving the grip of human hands. In particular, the present invention relates to the protection of hands from abrasion, such as may be encountering during weightlifting or other such activities, and for improving grip during such activities. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In many types of activities, the human hand is used to grasp and lift a bar, ring or handle. Although the human hand is well adapted for such activities, the skin covering the palm of the hand and the thumb is prone to developing blisters or calluses as a result of such use. In addition, sweating during such activities can make grasping objects difficult and less secure. 
     In order to protect hands and enhance grip, gloves are commonly used. However, gloves are hot, because they cover all or a substantial portion of the hand. In addition, gloves may suffer from bunching of the material from which the glove is constructed between the hand and the object being grasped, causing discomfort. Gloves can also impair circulation. Additionally, gloves are prone to deterioration, and can be unhygienic when used repeatedly. 
     In order to enhance grip, weight lifters and other athletes may apply powdered chalk to their hands. However, powdered chalk is messy and must be repeatedly applied. In addition, chalk is not particularly effective in reducing the development of blisters and calluses. 
     As still another method of protecting hands, tape may be applied to the affected surfaces of the hand. However, tape is typically applied by wrapping it about the hand, including the areas to be protected, multiple times. As a result, the tape covers portions of the hand not requiring protection. Accordingly, tape is wasted and areas of the hand that would otherwise be cooled by the ambient air are covered. Furthermore, tape can be time consuming and difficult to apply, and can limit the hand&#39;s range of motion. 
     It would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus by which the palms of a person&#39;s hands could be protected when grasping objects. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for protecting a person&#39;s hands during weight lifting and other repetitive activities that was effective in reducing or eliminating blisters and calluses. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide such a method and apparatus that allowed those portions of the hand not requiring protection to be exposed to the ambient air, that did not bunch uncomfortably between the hand and the object being grasped, and that did not impair circulation. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a method and apparatus for enhancing grip. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide such a method and apparatus that was easy to use, inexpensive and hygienic. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a method and an apparatus for protecting hands and improving grip are provided. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide an abrasion resistant material that is adhered to the palm of the hand to protect the hand from blistering and calluses and to improve grip. The method and apparatus of the present invention are particularly useful in connection with repetitive, high exertion activities, such as weight lifting. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a device for protecting hands and improving grip is provided. The device includes a sheet of abrasion resistant material, one side of which is substantially covered by an adhesive. The material is shaped to conform to a hand. In particular, the material may be shaped to form a body portion that is curved to follow the arc described by the top of the hand where the palm joins the base of the fingers, and may be dimensioned to cover the upper portion of a palm from the ulnar side to the radial side of the hand. A tab may be provided at a first end of the body for wrapping about the ulnar side of the hand, protecting that portion of the hand, and extending to the back of the hand, to ensure the secure attachment of the material to the hand. A second tab may be provided at a second end of the body for wrapping about the radial side of the hand and attachment across at least a portion of the back of the hand. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a third tab may be provided at the second end of the body for wrapping about the thumb to further secure the device and to provide protection to surfaces on the thumb. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the device is asymmetrical, with a device adapted for use on a right hand being the mirror image of a device adapted for use on the left hand. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive material is applied to all or a substantial portion of one side of the abrasion resistant material. A film may be used to protect the adhesive material prior to use. The film is then removed to allow the device to be adhered to the hand. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for protecting hands and improving grip is disclosed. According to the method, an abrasion resistant material is adhered to at least a portion of the palm of a hand. A first tab of the abrasion resistant material is wrapped about an ulnar side of the hand and adhered to the back of the hand. A second tab is extended between the fore finger and thumb of the hand, and is wrapped about a radial side of the hand and adhered to the back of the hand. According to a further embodiment, a third tab is wrapped about the thumb of the hand, to protect the thumb and to further secure the abrasion resistant material to the hand. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the device is formed from cloth tape. According to a further embodiment, the material is breathable. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the abrasion resistant material incorporates or is associated with padding or additional layers of material where protection against impacts or added abrasion resistance is desired. The abrasion resistant material may also be treated with an antibacterial compound. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the material is treated with a compound to further improve grip. 
     Based on the foregoing summary, a number of salient features provided by the present invention may be discerned. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for protecting hands and improving grip. In particular, the method and apparatus of the present invention protects hands from abrasion and improves grip, while eliminating or avoiding bunching of the protective material between the hand and the object being grasped. In addition, the method and apparatus of the present invention allows large portions of the hand to remain uncovered, promoting cooling. In addition to protecting hands from blistering, inhibiting the formation of calluses and enhancing grip, the present invention may be disposed of after each use, thereby enhancing cleanliness. Furthermore, the device is adaptable to a wide range of hand shapes. 
     Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of a device in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a palmar view of a hand, showing a device in accordance with the present invention being attached; 
     FIG. 3 is a palmar view of a hand with a device in accordance with the present invention attached; and 
     FIG. 4 shows the back of the hand illustrated in FIG. 3, with a device in accordance with the present invention attached. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of a device  100  for protecting hands in accordance with the present invention. In general, the device  100  includes a body  104 , a first tab  108 , a second tab  112 , and a third tab  116 . 
     The body portion  104  includes a curved upper extent  120 . In general, the curve of the upper extent  120  is adapted to follow the curve described by the intersection of the base of the fingers and the palm of a human hand. The body portion  104  also includes a curved lower extent  124 . The curve of the lower extent  124  is adapted to allow the body  104  to adhere to the palm of a hand without gapping or bunching. The distance between the upper portion  120  and the lower portion  124  is adapted to cover at least the upper portion of a palm of a hand. In particular, the body portion  104  is adapted to cover the area of the palm from the base of the fingers to about the mid-section of the palm, so that the area of the palm adjacent to the joints between the proximal phalanges of the fingers and the metacarpal (i.e., the metacarpophalangeal joints) associated with each of the fingers is covered. This configuration is particular advantageous when a bar, such as a barbell, is grasped. For use in connection with other activities, the distance between the upper extent  120  and the lower extent  124  may be extended. For example, the upper extent  120  may be extended to cover a portion of the fingers, and the lower extent  124  may be extended to cover lower portions of the palm. Furthermore, the upper extent  120  may itself be divided into one or more fingers for extending along the fingers of the hand without inhibiting their movement. In addition, the curve of the lower extent  124  may be opposite the curve illustrated in FIG.  1 . For example, in order to protect the lower portions of the palm, the lower portion  124  may describe a convex curve so that the body  104  of the device  100  extends to those lower portions of the palm. 
     The first tab  108  may extend from the body  104  a sufficient length to wrap around the ulnar side of the hand, to protect that portion of the hand. Smaller hands may be accommodated by wrapping the first tab  108  across a greater portion of the back of the hand. The first tab  108  may additionally be long enough to extend around at least a portion of the back of the hand, to ensure a secure attachment of the device  100  to the hand. The first tab  108  may be rounded to help prevent unintentional peeling of the device  100  from the hand. 
     The second tab  112  extends from a second end of the base portion  104 . The second tab  112  may include distal  128  and proximal  132  portions. The distal portion  128  may be of sufficient length to extend between the thumb and forefinger of the hand, and to wrap around to the back of the hand, to ensure a secure attachment of the device  100 . Alternatively, the second tab  112  may be wrapped about the forefinger. The proximal portion  132  may be wider than the distal portion  128  to provide protection of the radial side of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. 
     The device  100  may also include a third tab  116 . The third tab may generally include a distal portion  136  and a proximal portion  140  that are substantially parallel to one another, and that are substantially parallel to the second tab  112 . The distal portion  136  may be offset from the proximal portion  140  by offset  144 . In general, the offset  144  positions the distal portion  136  of the third tab  116  such that it can be wrapped about the proximal phalanx of the thumb, thereby providing protection to that portion of the thumb. In addition, the proximal portion  140  of the third tab  116  may be positioned to protect the area adjacent to the joint between the metacarpal associated with the thumb and the proximal phalanx of the thumb. 
     The device  100  may additionally be configured such that an aperture  148  is formed between the second tab  112  and the third tab  116 . The aperture  148  facilitates placement of the device  100  on the hand, as will be described further below. 
     The device  100 , in accordance with one embodiment, is constructed from an abrasion resistant material that is flexible and to which an adhesive backing is or may be applied. The adhesive backing may cover all or substantial portions of the device  100  on one side of the device  100 . In particular, the adhesive may be placed on the side of the device  100  that will be adjacent to the surface of the hand when it is in place. A protective film may be applied to the adhesive to protect the adhesive prior to use of the device  100 . The device  100  may thus be formed by cutting a flat piece of adhesive backed cloth material in the shape illustrated in FIG.  1 . Alternatively, the device  100  illustrated in FIG. 1 may be formed from smaller pieces of material, such as tape, lapp-jointed together to form a larger piece. Such jointing techniques may also be applied where, for instance, it is determined that in plan view, certain of the features (e.g., tabs  112  and  116 ) should overlap to obtain the desired fit when affixed to a hand. In addition to cloth of various weaves and compositions, the device  100  may be formed using materials such as rubber, leather, plastic or laminates. 
     It should be appreciated that the device illustrated in FIG. 1 is adapted for use on a right hand when an adhesive is applied to the side of the device opposite the viewer. Alternatively, the device  100  illustrated in FIG. 1 is suited for use on a left hand if the adhesive is placed on the side of the device  100  facing the viewer. Accordingly, the device  100  is asymrnmetrical, and may be provided in pairs. 
     With reference now to FIG. 2, the device  100  of FIG. 1 is illustrated being affixed to the right hand  200  of a user. As mentioned above, the upper extent  120  of the body  104  is curved to follow the curve described by the base of the fingers. The lower extent  124  of the body  104  is spaced from the upper extent  120  to provide protection for the upper surface of the palm  208 . In general, the body  104  of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 covers at least the area of the palm adjacent to the metacarpophalangeal joints  204  between the metacarpals  205  and proximal phalanges  206  of the fingers. The first tab  108  can be seen to extend beyond the ulnar side  212  of the hand  200  to allow the device  100  to protect the ulnar side  212  of the hand  200 , and to permit the first tab  108  to be affixed to the back of the hand  200 . 
     The second tab  112  can be seen to extend beyond the radial side  216  of the hand, such that the proximal portion  132  can provide protection to the area between the thumb  220  and forefinger  224 , and such that the distal portion  128  can be affixed to the back of the hand  200 . 
     The proximal portion  140  of the third tab  116  extends from the body  104  to cover an area of the hand  200  adjacent to the joint  228  between the metacarpal of the thumb  232  and the proximal phalanx of the thumb  236 . The offset  144  positions the distal portion  136  of the third tab  116  such that it can be wrapped about the thumb  220 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 3, a palmar view of the hand  200 , with the device  100  affixed, is illustrated. It can be appreciated that the device  100  follows the contours of the hand  200 , such that there is substantially no material standing proud from the surface of the hand  200 . Furthermore, it can be appreciated that the device  100  protects the area of the hand  200  used to grasp objects such as barbells, without covering large portions of the hand  200  not used for such grasping. That is, the device  100  protects those portions of the hand  200  vulnerable to abrasion from a bar grasped by the hand  200 , without covering substantial portions of the rest of the hand  200 . 
     The first tab  108  (see, e.g., FIG. 2) extends about the ulnar side  212  of the hand, to protect that area of the hand  200 . The proximal portion  132  of the second tab  112  extends about the radial side  216  of the hand  200  between the forefinger  224  and thumb  220 , thereby protecting that area of the hand  200 . The proximal portion  140  of the third tab  116  extends from the palm  208  to the base of the thumb  220 . In addition, the distal portion  136  of the third tab  116  is wrapped about the thumb  220 , providing protection to the thumb  220  and helping to secure the device  100  to the hand  200 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 4, the back of the hand  200  illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the device  100  attached, is illustrated. The first tab  108  can be seen in its position affixed to the back  300  of the hand  200 . As mentioned above, it can be appreciated that the width of the first tab  108  allows the device  100  to protect the ulnar side  212  of the hand  200 . 
     The second tab  112  can be seen extending about the radial side  216  of the hand  200 , protecting the area between the thumb  220  and forefinger  224  as mentioned above, and further securing the device  100  to the hand  200 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the second tab  112  is of sufficient length to extend across three knuckles of the hand  200 . Although the relatively long second tab  112  illustrated in FIG. 4 increases the security of the attachment of the device  100  to the hand  200 , it is not required. For example, the second tab  112  can be shorter so that it extends across only a portion of one knuckle of the hand  200 . The offset  144  and the distal portion  136  of the third tab  116  can be seen in their position on the thumb  220 , protecting the thumb  220  and further securing the device  100  to the hand  200 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the entire surface of the device  100  to be positioned adjacent to the hand  200  is provided with an adhesive. Providing the entire surface of the device  100  with an adhesive prevents shifting of the device  100  relative to the surface of the hand  200 . This in turn prevents a potential source of friction, and thus blistering. In addition, providing adhesive over the entire surface prevents bunching of the device  100  between the object being grasped and the hand  200 . In particular, providing an adhesive over the entire surface of the device  100  adjacent to the surface of the hand  200  allows the device  100  to move with the skin on the hand  200 , to maximize comfort and protection. According to alternative embodiment of the present invention, adhesive may be applied to less than all of the surface of the device  100  adjacent to the surface of the hand  200 . In general, enough adhesive should be applied to ensure that the device  100  is maintained in the desired position during use. 
     The adhesive may be of the type commonly used in connection with tapes used for securing bandages and providing support to joints, such as may be used by sports trainers in connection with athletes. In particular, the adhesive may be resistant to separation from the hand due to moisture, such as sweat. Accordingly, the material from which the device  100  is formed may comprise an abrasion resistant material with an adhesive backing, or to which an adhesive backing may be applied. For example, the device  100  may be formed from material such as is used in the above-described tapes. 
     In addition to being abrasion resistant, the material used to form the device  100  may, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, be breathable. To further promote cooling, the device  100  may be provided with perforations, or with cut outs in areas where coverage of the hand  200  is not desired. 
     In use, any protective film or other material provided to maintain the adhesion of the adhesive backing is first removed. Alternatively, the pair of devices may be adhered together, in which case the individual devices of the pair must be removed from one another. The device  100  is then positioned with respect to the appropriate hand  200 . For example, in connection with the device  100  configured for use on the right hand, the device  100  is positioned with respect to the hand  200  as illustrated in FIG.  2 . In particular, the body  104  of the device  100  is positioned along the top of the palm  208  of the hand  200 , to protect the area of the hand  200  adjacent the joints  204  between the base of the fingers and the hand  200 , with the thumb  220  extending through the aperture  148  (see FIG. 1) formed between the second  112  and third  116  tabs. The body  104  may then be pressed against the palm  208  of the hand  200  to secure the device  100  to the hand  200 . 
     Next, the first tab  108  may be wrapped about the ulnar side  212  of the hand  200 , and affixed to the back  300  of the hand  200  (see FIG.  4 ). The second tab  112  may then be brought around the radial side  216  of the hand  200 , between the thumb  220  and forefinger  224 , and secured to the back  300  of the hand  200 . The proximal portion  140  of the third tab  116  is positioned so that it is adjacent the joint between the palm and the base of the thumb  220 . The distal portion  136  may then be wrapped about the thumb  220 , completing the affixation of the device  100  to the hand  200 . 
     In general, the device  100  should be affixed to the hand  200  such that the device  100  follows the contours of the hand  200  as closely as possible. This allows the device  100  to move with the surface of the hand  200 , eliminating friction and preventing bunching. Furthermore, the amount by which the first  108  and second  112  tabs extend across the back  300  of the hand  200 , and their position on the hand  200 , will vary, depending on the size and shape of the hand  200  to which the device  100  is applied. That is, for a given size of device  100 , the tabs  108  and  112  will extend a greater distance across the back of a relatively small hand  200 , and a lesser distance across the back of a relatively large hand  200 . 
     The device  100  is typically adapted for disposal after use. Disposing the device  100  after use promotes hygiene. In particular, the problems often associated with reusable devices, including the build-up of dirt and odor, are obviated by disposing of the device after use. Furthermore, because the device  100  can be produced at low cost, use of the device may be economical even when the device  100  is disposed of after each use. For convenience, the device  100  may be sold in packages containing multiple pairs of the device  100 . For example, the devices may be packaged in pad form, with each leaf in the pad containing a pair of the devices  100 . Alternatively, the devices  100  may be packaged in dispensers that are similar to tissue boxes. As a further alternative, the devices  100  may be packaged in roll form. 
     Where impact protection or additional resistance to abrasion is desired, additional layers of material and/or padding may be provided. In addition, antibacterial compounds may be incorporated into the device to further enhance the hygienic nature of the device. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive used may be capable of reapplication to a hand  200 , allowing for multiple uses of the device  100 . For uses in which increasing grip is of particular concern, a tacky substance or layer may be applied. For example, the adhesive may be applied to both sides of the device. The material of the device may also be selected for desired grip enhancing qualities. 
     As mentioned above, the device  100 , as illustrated, is asymmetrical, and therefore is provided in left and right hand versions. In addition, the device  100  may be provided in a variety of sizes, to ensure a good fit in connection with hands  200  of different sizes. 
     Although the figures and description above are generally directed to a particular embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that other configurations are possible. For instance, the length of the tabs  108 ,  112  and  116  may be shortened, for instance when the device  100  is to be used for shorter time periods. Furthermore, portions of the illustrated device  100  may be extended, or various appendages added, to provide protection to other areas of the hand  200 . As a further alternative, the device  100  may be provided in a symmetrical configuration, by eliminating the third tab  116  and modifying the shape of the first and/or second tabs  108  and  112 , so that left and right hand versions are not required. 
     The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or in other embodiments and with various modifications required by their particular application or use of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include the alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.