Abstract:
A glove employable for both striking and grappling incorporates an articulation hinge for enabling the glove to transition between a clinched fist position for striking and an unclenched open position for grappling. The glove additional incorporates a removable absorbent liner that may be worn over the user&#39;s hand for absorbing sweat. The liner may be removed after use and laundered.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of the priority dates of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/433,841 (filed Jan. 18, 2011), incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to boxing gloves. More particularly, the invention relates to boxing gloves that can also be employed for gripping and grappling. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Military combatives and law enforcement defensive tactics are taught by tactical instructors. Tactical instructors have long needed a specialized training glove which could allow them to train striking like a boxer or kick-boxer without completely sacrificing their grip. Additionally, in institutional settings, tactical training gloves are often shared by students in order to save on cost. This sharing of gloves, when combined with the large quantities of sweat that accumulates in gloves during training, creates both odor and potential health concerns. 
         [0004]    What is needed is purpose designed military and law enforcement boxing style gloves designed to be employed both for striking and for gripping and grappling typical of scenario simulations. What is needed is multi directional flexibility in a boxing style glove shape, with ventilation as well as a removable glove insert to prevent the smell and spread of disease associated with a shared training glove. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A first aspect of the invention is directed to a glove employable for both striking and grappling. One embodiment of this first aspect is directed to a glove that comprises an exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) and a dorsal pad ( 2 ) incorporated within said exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) for affording strike and shock protection to the dorsal surfaces of the user&#39;s hand, fingers, and wrist. The exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) includes a mitten sheath ( 3 ) for housing the user&#39;s palm and fingers. The exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) also includes a wrist band ( 4 ) for securing the glove to the user&#39;s hand. The mitten sheath ( 3 ) is connected to the wrist band ( 4 ). The mitten sheath ( 3 ) has shape adaptable for transitioning between a clinched fist position for striking and an unclenched open position for grappling. The mitten sheath ( 3 ) has a dorsal side ( 5 ) and a palm side ( 6 ). The dorsal pad ( 2 ) includes a layer of high density foam ( 7 ) sandwiched between two layers of low density foam ( 8 ). The high density foam ( 7 ) has less flexibility than the low density foam ( 8 ). The dorsal pad ( 2 ) is configured with a bent shape ( 9 ) to conform to fingers positioned in a clenched fist position for striking. However, the dorsal pad ( 2 ) also includes an articulation hinge ( 10 ) for facilitating bending and unbending rotational motion by the dorsal pad ( 2 ) for transitioning to and from the clinched fist position and the unclenched open position. The bending and unbending rotational motion is achieved by clenching and unclenching of the user&#39;s fingers. The articulation hinge ( 10 ) of the dorsal pad ( 2 ) is positioned within the dorsal pad ( 2 ) and the dorsal pad ( 2 ) is positioned within the exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) to afford proximity to the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints ( 11 ) when the glove is worn by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the articulation hinge ( 10 ) is formed by a partial cut into the layer of high density foam. More particularly, the partial cut extends more than half way through the layer of high density foam. More particularly still, the partial cut is positioned on the surface of layer of high density foam ( 7 ) closest to the user&#39;s hand when the glove is worn by the user. 
         [0006]    A second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention incorporates the first embodiment, as described above, and further comprises a palm pad ( 12 ) and a palm mesh ( 13 ). The palm pad ( 12 ) is incorporated within the exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) for affording strike and shock protection to the anterior surface of the users carpal/metacarpal joint ( 14 ). The palm pad ( 12 ) is positioned within the exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) to afford proximity the user&#39;s carpal/metacarpal joint ( 14 ) when the glove is worn by the user. The palm mesh ( 13 ) is embedded in an opening within said exterior flexible shell ( 1 ). The palm mesh ( 13 ) is positioned within the exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) to afford proximity the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints ( 11 ) when the glove is worn by the user. The palm mesh ( 13 ) affords ventilation through the exterior flexible shell ( 1 ). The palm mesh ( 13 ) further facilitates bending and unbending rotational motion about the articulation hinge ( 10 ) of the dorsal pad ( 2 ). 
         [0007]    A third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention incorporates the first and/or second embodiments, as described above, but is further distinguished by the exterior flexible shell ( 1 ) further including an articulated thumb sheath ( 15 ) for housing the user&#39;s thumb, including the tip of the user&#39;s thumb. The articulated thumb sheath ( 15 ) is attached to the mitten sheath ( 3 ) in conformance with the user&#39;s carpometacarpal joint ( 14 ) for facilitating extension of the user&#39;s thumb during grappling. The thumb sheath ( 15 ) has a dorsal side ( 16 ) and a palm side ( 17 ). The glove further comprises a thumb pad ( 18 ) and a reinforcement strip ( 19 ). The thumb pad ( 18 ) extends from the dorsal side ( 15 ) of the thumb sheath ( 15 ) over the tip of the thumb sheath ( 18 ) and down the palm side ( 17 ) of the thumb sheath ( 15 ) to the mitten sheath ( 3 ) adjacent to the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange join ( 11 ). The thumb pad ( 18 ) has a bent shape ( 19 ) for imparting curvature in an inwardly direction, angling the user&#39;s thumb toward the user&#39;s fingers so as to reduce accidental gouging. The reinforcement strip ( 19 ) is attached to and extends from the tip of the articulated thumb sheath ( 15 ) to the palm side ( 6 ) of the mitten sheath ( 3 ) for protecting the user&#39;s thumb against hyperextension. In a further embodiment, the glove further compromises an anti-microbial applied to a glove element selected from the group consisting of the exterior flexible shell ( 1 ), the dorsal pad ( 2 ), the palm pad ( 12 ), the palm mesh ( 13 ), and the thumb pad ( 18 ). 
         [0008]    A fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention incorporates the first and/or second and/or third embodiments, as described above, but further compromises a removable absorbent liner ( 20 ) for absorbing the user&#39;s sweat. The liner has a mitten shape and is insertable within the glove while being worn on the user&#39;s hand. In a further embodiment, the glove further compromises an anti-microbial applied to the exterior flexible shell ( 1 ), the dorsal pad ( 2 ), the palm pad ( 12 ), the palm mesh ( 13 ), the thumb pad ( 18 ), and the liner ( 20 ). 
         [0009]    A second aspect of the invention is directed to an improved method for manufacturing a glove according to the first aspect of the invention. The improvement comprises the additional step of imparting an articulated hinge ( 10 ) to a high density layer of a dorsal pad ( 2 ) by partially cutting into the high density layer for forming a score line. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tactical glove of the present invention illustrating the mesh on the palm side of the glove and the articulated thumb sheath. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the removable absorbent liner ( 20 ), poised for insertion into the tactical glove or  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the tactical glove of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the dorsal and its internal structure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a phantom view of the anatomy of the human hand within a prior art mixed martial arts glove, illustrating the carpals ( 11 ), the carpal/metacarpal joint ( 14 ), the metacarpals ( 13 ), the metacarpal/proximal phalanges joint ( 11 ), the proximal phalanges ( 15 ), the intermediate phalanges ( 16 ), and the distal phalanges ( 17 ). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The glove includes a flexible palm to allow the user&#39;s hand to open and close more easily. Boxing gloves are typically flexible in one direction, viz., closing the grip. One or more cuts in the dense layer of the impact foam, allows reduction of the normal constriction of external materials that impede movement. The cut serves as an articulation hinge ( 10 ). The foam structure guides he hand to rest in a curved position for boxing style strikes. These changes are counterintuitive as boxing gloves are used typically for punching not palm strikes, gripping and grappling. 
         [0015]    Thumb padding ( 18 ) covering the tip of the thumb helps to protect against accidental gouging. At least one centimeter of foam extends over the tip of the thumb and down the inside of the thumb to the first joint. The thumb curvature and positioning reduces accidental gouging. A gentle inward angling of the thumb toward the other four fingers supporting the safety concept of the glove as well as encouraging proper form. The thumb sheath ( 15 ) is attached to main body of glove in a manner that provides maximal freedom of movement and proper gripping for self defense and tactical simulations. Strips of reinforcement ( 19 ) to protect the thumb against hyperextension run up the inner palm to the tip of the thumb. A palm pad ( 12 ) is provided for hand protection and partner impact dispersal. A removable liner ( 20 ) serves to protect against the spread of disease, smell, sweat etc. inside the glove. Alternatively, the liner ( 20 ) may be a multi-layer insert with satin and absorbent quick drying material. Anti-microbial materials are employed to reduce the spread of disease. External seams are employed to minimize friction on the hand for self defense and tactical simulations. Mesh ( 13 ) at the palm above the padded striking surface ( 12 ) provides maximum ventilation. 
         [0016]    The textile or surface layer may be treated with an antimicrobial agent to reduce odor-causing and/or pathogenic microorganisms. Examples of such antimicrobial agents include: silane functionalized quaternary amines such as Microbe Shield™ available from AEGIS Environments; colloidal silver solutions such as Silpure™ available from Thompson Research Associates, Canada, silver chelated polymer solutions such as SilvaDur™ available from Rohm &amp; Haas; biguanides such as polyhexamethylene biguanide sold under the trade names Vantocil™ and Cosmocil™ available from Arch Chemicals; and a formulation sold under the name of GermPro™ available from Germ Patrol LLC, Largo, Fla. 
         [0017]    The wrist band ( 4 ) may incorporate a hook and loop fastening mechanism or may be easily modified to employ elastic, laces, buckles etc. Incorporating a weight shift from 16 oz to 14 oz is desirable, but this can be varied as far as target weight and base size (EG 12 oz to 10 oz) and expanded to a greater gap between the weights (EG 16 oz to 12 oz) to an extreme level like 16 oz to 6 oz sizes. 
         [0018]    A preferred embodiment incorporates a palm mesh ( 13 ) in the palm, but an open palm boxing glove, without palm mesh ( 13 ), may also be employed. The liner insert ( 20 ) is illustrated as not being attached to the glove in the present embodiment. However, as an alternative embodiment, the liner insert ( 20 ) could easily be attached at the wrist with hook and loop fastener, stitching or bonding. Also, the mitten shape of the liner insert ( 20 ) could be varied to have individual fingers. 
       EXAMPLES 
     First Example 
       [0019]    Example No. 1 illustrates a specialized training glove that allows the user to strike like a boxer or kickboxer without sacrificing the ability to grip. Conventional boxing gloves do not permit normal gripping. Example No. 1 has the same weight and protective cushioning as a regular size 16 ounce glove, but in the smaller, more realistic form factor of a 14 oz glove. This glove encourages better defensive habits, and fits comfortably on most hands. Each pair of Example No. 1 boxing gloves also includes one pair of machine-washable removable glove inserts ( 20 ), to help keep gloves clean and sanitary, and fight the spread of skin diseases. 
         [0020]    Key features for Example No. 1 include the following:
       1. A flexible dorsal pad ( 2 ), having jointed foam inside glove with an articulation hinge ( 10 ) allows for ease of opening hand for grabbing;   2. The structure and curvature of glove incorporates a bent shape ( 9 ) that provides the user&#39;s hand a natural form for safe striking;   3. A padded palm ( 12 ) allows for safer palm strikes;   4. Removable inserts ( 20 ) encourage cleanliness and prevents spread of skin diseases;   5. An unlocked opposable thumb sheath ( 15 ) allows full gripping and tactical simulations;   6. Reinforcement strips ( 19 ) protect the thumb from hyperextension;   7. Padding ( 18 ) on both sides of the thumb protects against incidental contact with the eyes;   8. Stiff wrist cuff ( 4 ) and secure Velcro strap secure the wrist while striking;   9. Multi-layer, multi-density foam and sponge materials ( 7  &amp;  8 ) provide for optimal safety during sparring;   10. Air flows into this glove through a special mesh ventilation point ( 13 ) located in the grip;   11. Ventilation mesh ( 13 ) also provides enhanced gripping capability;   12. 16 oz weight and protection in the compacted size of a 14 oz glove;   13. Double-stitching is used as needed to protect seams;   14. Interior and exterior materials are treated with a unique combination of germ killing agents proven effective against infectious microorganisms—including several that are of great concern to the medical community and governments including Staph, MRSA, Ringworm, and others. The formula is applied to the materials at the factory producing a long-term bond that strengthens material and defeats the colonization of microbes seeking attachment and growth on surfaces.       
 
         [0035]    Preferred materials and alternate materials for Example No. 1 are as follows: The glove is constructed using an advanced, man-made leather (herein referred to as MML), composed of a non-woven fabric. It consists of ultra-fine fibers, as fine as 0.05 micron to imitate collagen fiber bundles. The bundles are impregnated with polyurethane to improve flexibility and conformability. The fabric is three times stronger than leather, requiring only a third of real leather&#39;s weight to achieve equal tear strength. More durable and consistent than real leather, the material resists abrasion better, will not dry out or become brittle, and does not wear down after years of use. If man-made leather matching these specifications is not available, then to ensure quality, the glove can be made from Grade A natural leather. 
         [0036]    Multiple shock-absorbent cushioning materials are used in this design, including a polymer composite containing a chemically engineered dilatant to function as an energy absorber. This advanced material, used to absorb the heaviest impacts, is lightweight, soft and flexible but on shock locks together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to its flexible state. If this advanced material is not available, a thicker layer of dense, closed cell foam can be employed in its place to ensure user safety and product longevity. 
         [0037]    Measurements for Example No. 1 are as follows:
       From bottom to top of glove: 11″;   Left to right: 7″; and   Front to back: 5″.       
 
         [0041]    Gray MML material palm with breathable mesh panel:
       Double-stitched connection between thumb and palm covered by folded and stitched MML material strip;   Palm padding: 0.25″ thick foam;   Palm measurements: 3.5″ at end of fingers, 6″ across palm, 5″ from outer side of hand to thumb base 11″ From Bottom of Wrist to end of Fingers (when palm is stretched open);   Length of split in wrist: 5″; and   Mesh Panel: 6″ across upper palm, 0.875″ at edges, 2.5″ at center.       
 
         [0047]    The wrist cuff dimensions are as follows:
       Securely attached to wrist strap, main padding area, palm and interior lining with double stitching;   Soft piping circles the outer edges of the wrist cuff, including the split in the wrist;   Single layer closed cell foam: 0.375″ thick×3.5″×10″;   Exterior MML material Panel: 4″×11″;   Interior MML material Panel: 3.5″×5.5″; and   Soft Piping: 21″.       
 
         [0054]    Specifications for velcro wrist strap:
       Securely attached to wrist cuff with double stitching;   MML material strap dimensions: 10.5″×3.25″ (width narrows to 2.75″ at strap base);   Velcro Strip on underside: 8.25″×2.75″;   MML material Panel on underside near base of strap: 2″×2.5″; and   Soft piping: 23″.       
 
         [0060]    Specification for the main padding area:
       fist and thumb padding made from multilayer foam;   Padded thumb-tip;   fist and thumb covered with single piece of MML material;   Wrist cuff made from a single piece of dense, closed cell foam; and   Wrist cuff covered on top with a single piece of black MML material and a Velcro loop strip. The Velcro loop strip is secured by double stitching. The wrist cuff and fist/thumb panels are joined with double stitching.   165° curve from top of knuckles to fingers;   110° curve from thumb-base to thumb-tip.       
 
         [0068]    The 3 layers of padding are composed as follows:
       Outer layer: sponge foam;   Middle layer: dense, closed cell foam;   Inner layer: sponge foam;   2″ thick at knuckles;   1.25″ thick at fingers and above wrist; and   1″ thick at thumb-tip.       
 
         [0075]    Dimensions of the glove are as follows:
       Wrist Cuff: 0.5″ thick foam reinforcement: 4.25″×5.5″   Covering (top side): 4.25″×5.5″   From top of wrist cuff to top of knuckles: 5″   From top of knuckles to fingers: 5″   From top of wrist cuff to fingers: 13″ (curved surface)   Across knuckles; 6″   Across fingers: 4″   At top of wrist cuff: 5″       
 
         [0084]    Thumb dimensions are as follows:
       5″ from wrist to thumb-tip;   3″ from thumb-base to thumb-tip; and   3″ across thumb, 8″ around thumb.       
 
         [0088]    Inner liner ( 20 ) is composed of satin material. One pair of removable liner inserts ( 20 ) is included with each glove pair 
       Example No. 2 
       [0089]    Key features for Example No. 2 are as follows:
       1. Inner-anti-microbial satin liner keeps sweat and bacteria away from other glove users;   2. Outer material is absorbent keeping gloves dry and sanitary;   3. Proper use reduces spread of skin infections such as Staph, MRSA, Ringworm, etc.;   4. Machine washable;   5. Fits most boxing gloves; and   6. Interior and exterior materials are treated with a unique combination of germ killing agents proven effective against infectious microorganisms—including several that are of great concern to the medical community and governments including Staph, MRSA, Ringworm, and others. The formula is applied to the materials at the factory producing a long-term bond that strengthens material and defeats the colonization of microbes seeking attachment and growth on surfaces.       
 
         [0096]    Measurements for Example No. 2 are as follows:
       180° curve around fingers;   180° curve around thumb;   From opening of glove to end of fingers: 13.5″;   Across fingers: 8″;   Across wrist: 6.25″;   Across thumb: 3″;   Length of thumb: 3.25″;   From wrist to outside thumb-base: 4.25″;   From inside thumb-base to fingers: 5″; and   Soft piping: 38″.       
 
         [0107]    Each glove pair includes one pair of removable inserts ( 20 ).