Protective Sport Glove

An armored protective sport glove for use in historical-type armed combat having an underlying durable flexible glove with extending cuff having rivets and washers. A contoured armored backplate with padded underlayment is attached to the underlying glove, the backplate connecting with underlying material strips which over and along the back of the fingers and thumb providing connections for overlapping finger and thumb plates which flare at the knuckles and wrap exposed portions of the hand and thumb. The contoured overlapping plates and underlying material connection strips connected with one another and to the underlying glove at specific positions allowing for increased mobility and ease of replacement of worn or broken materials. Fingertip protection is increased by use of soft durable connection means decreasing the risk of smashed or pinched fingertips. Pivot points at the wrist increase mobility at the wrist and thumb.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention provides hand protection and is designed for use in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) or Western Martial Arts (WMA).

2. Discussion of the State of the Art

Historically, gloves used in armored combat involving swords and other implements such as those used by Japanese samurai during the Heian period (years 794-1185 A.D.) or those used by the European knights of the late Middle Ages were constructed from tough hides or leather with overlapping metal scales or plates attached thereon using rivets or braided cords made of hide or silk. Wrist guards extended from the glove portions upwards toward the elbow. While these gloves were designed to protect the user during armed combat (such as wielding swords, mallets and other combat implements), they were also designed to allow the wearer to perform related tasks such as handling horses and themselves (such as handling buckles, straps, ladders, buckets and other non-combat tools). The costs and time associated with fabrication dictated a multi-use glove that in some ways compromised protection during combat to allow for diversification of use. Modern fighting gloves used for HEMA or WMA tournaments and competitions utilize modern materials such as braided nylon, durable plastics and other synthetics that are easier and less costly to work with. While these prior art modern fighting glove designs tend to follow historical design approaches in terms of contour and plating attachment in order to retain the look of the historical designs, they create similar compromises in terms of protective coverage of the wearer as their historical predecessors. They are similar to the protective fighting gloves of the past which in many ways compromised protection and comfort in order to allow for diversification of use when, in fact, modern combat tournaments do not require use of gloves for anything other than holding weapons. Other drawbacks of modern protective gloves is that there is no easy way to remove and replace worn undergloves without removing and reattaching each individual protective plate. Further, the protective plates of modern prior art gloves do not allow for mobility because they are connected individually and directly to the underlying glove. What is needed is a modern protective fighting glove that looks historical in character but which provides improved protection and comfort to those areas of the hand and wrist which may be exposed during combative practice or high intensity combat competition and which allows for easy replacement of the underlying glove and/or individual protective plates without having to remove and reattach the entire plate assembly piece by piece.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modern fighting protective glove for use in historical type fighting competitions which utilizes modern materials to provide increased protection and comfort for the user during armed combat. Wrist mobility is increased by use of a flexible cuff having individual washers which protect against slicing blows and which dissipate energy away from the center of the blow. Fingertip protection is increased by utilizing soft but durable connection means which decreases the risk of smashing or pinching fingers. A contoured armored backplate with padded underlayment is utilized to provided back of the hand protection connecting with underlying material strips which extend along the fingers and thumb to allow for connection of protective plates thereto and minimal connections to underlying glove thus increasing mobility and ease of replacing the glove and individual plates without removing and reattaching the armor plates piece by piece. Use of pivot points at the wrist increases thumb, finger and wrist mobility. Contoured overlapping armor plates which flare at the knuckles and wrap those portions of the side of the hand and thumb areas which are exposed to injury during combat greatly increase the overall protective utility of the glove without detracting from its historically based design and appeal. Overall, the novel protective sport glove provides superior protection, comfort, and mobility over historical and modern designs, while allowing the user to easily remove and replace worn or broken elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments consistent with the principles of the invention will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the invention may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description of the various embodiments. The protective sport glove described herein is designed for combat sports utilizing a variety of weapon implements and their equivalents which are known in the combat arts.

Where context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list.

FIG. 1is a right side (pinky side) perspective view of a right hand glove embodiment of the present invention showing A) a cuff section21for protection of the user's wrist and lower forearm adjacent the wrist and B) an armored glove section having a main body (or hand) portion protecting the palm, sides, and back of the user's hand. The hand portion is integral with four extending finger portions and a thumb portion, the finger and thumb portions extending away from the hand portion to a closed tip. Together, the hand and finger/thumb portions make up the underlying glove. It is noted that the figures described herein1depict a glove to be worn on the user's right hand. The left hand glove of the embodiments shown are mirror images.

As shown inFIG. 1, the cuff section21is open at one end to allow the user to insert his/her hand into the glove and is connected with the hand portion of the glove at the other end. The location of the connection between cuff and hand approximates the location of the user's wrist when worn. The cuff section has a smaller circumference at the connection with the hand portion of the glove than at the open end to accommodate protective materials and/or clothing worn over the forearm. As shown, the cuff section21has a multiplicity of rivets19interspaced in a regular pattern along and around the circumference of the cuff. The rivets19serve to hold fender washers20which are shown on the Figs. in dotted lines indicating they are not visible from the outside surface (as they are positioned between two cuff layers as described below) and these washers20function as additional protection dissipate the force and otherwise protect the wrist and forearm from slashing blows by a sword or other implement from cutting the cuff or otherwise bruising the user's wrist. In alternative embodiments, the washers may be positioned using alternative attachment means such as sewing and in some embodiments the washers are simply held in position by being sandwiched between the upper and lower layers of the cuff.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the cuff section21is constructed of two layers of 4-6 ounce leather sewn together and having 1.0″ and 1.25″ steel fender washers20attached to the leather by rivets19. The fender washers20serve to disperse impact of blows made to the user's wrist and/or forearm. The fender washers20are aligned in a loose “fish scale” pattern to allow the cuff to conform to an under jacket worn by the user and to provide additional protection. The fender washers20provide hardened protection against blows caused by steel practice weapons, and in the event of sharp edges both the leather and steel washers serve to minimize any abrasions to the user's forearm. In alternative embodiments, materials other than steel can be used to form the fender washers20(such as, for example, other types of metal, plastic, and composites) which materials are known in the industry and are also lightweight, durable, moldable and which can be placed on or between layers of the cuff to prevent slashing and disperse impact. Alternative embodiments may substitute other protective materials, such as vulcanized rubber, high density foam, or other semi-rigid materials for the fender washers20so long these alternative materials serve to diminishes impact or slashes to the cuff and wrist area of the wearer. As shown, the washers are of uniform size and shape but alternative embodiments may utilize washers of differing shape and sizes. Thicknesses of these materials will affect both protection and weight and, as such, larger lighter weight materials may be interspersed with smaller heavier but more durable materials to maximize comfort, protection and pliability. In the present embodiment, the cuff section is made of leather. In alternative embodiments, the cuff section may be made of other durable and pliable materials known in the art such as denim, heavy canvas, slash resistant cotton such as found in kitchen protective cutting gloves, Kevlar, and other nylon fabric materials.

Looking atFIG. 1, rivets19serve to attach the fender washers20to the cuff section as well as the protective plates to back of the hand, fingers and thumb of the glove section. These rivets19may be made of steel double cap rivets, solid copper and burrs, steel with burr rivets, or even sewing in place a “French” knot in the eye of the washer to connect the inner and outer cuff materials. Alternatively, the fender washers20and protective plates can be fastened with the cuff and armored glove sections by other methods known in the industry such as stitching, industrial strength glue, ultra-sonic welding two materials together.

The armored glove section is made up of an underlying leather glove18having hand, finger, and thumb portions as well as armored plates covering the dorsal sides of the hand, finger and thumb portions. In some instances, the plates contour and wrap around the sides of the hand. In a preferred embodiment, the underlying leather glove18is made of full grain leather but may alternatively be made of other strong, flexible, and light materials known in the art such as Kevlar and which are preferably slash proof rated materials. In a preferred embodiment, the underlying glove is made from deer tanned leather which is both supple and durable against abrasion caused by repeated abrasive movements caused by the handling of steel weapons and other weapons or implements regularly used in martial arts practice and competition.

As shown inFIG. 1, the underlying glove18has numerous protective plates (or plated armor) positioned at the dorsal side of the hand, finger and thumb portions of the of the glove section. In some instances, these plates wrap around the sides of the hand, fingers and thumbs. These plates include A) the shaped backplate22covering the dorsal side of the hand portion and protecting the metacarpal bones and metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of the user; B) the proximal phalange plates12serving to cover the proximal phalanges of the user which are located closest to the knuckle connecting the back of the hand to the fingers; C) the medial (middle) phalanges plates13and16serving to protect the medial phalanges and the 1stinterphalangeal joints (IP) between proximal and medial phalanges of the user; and D) the finger-tip molded plates14serving to protect the distal phalanges and finger tips of the user.

In a preferred embodiment, a layer of ⅛″ closed cell foam (not shown) is included between the backplate22and the dorsal hand portion of the underlying glove18which serves to deaden any impact received from a blow to the backplate so that the full impact of a blow is not transferred directly to the back of the underlying leather glove and user's hand. In alternative embodiments, the additional or substitute materials may be used for this purpose such as several layers of Kevlar, natural wool or synthetic felt material, rubber padding or similar material known in the art. Again,FIG. 1does not show the layer of closed cell foam which is covered by the backplate22. In alternative embodiments, the undersurface of the back plate could be made of a rubber, silicone, cotton padding or other force dampening material known in the art.

Looking atFIG. 1, one will note that the backplate22is contoured to the back of the hand and flares upward where it extends approximately a quarter of an inch (V) over that portion of the cuff at the connection (seam) between the underlying glove and the cuff. This upward flaring portion of the backplate22allows increased range of motion at the wrist and causes blows implements moving in a direction from finger to cuff to glance away from the wrist section of the user. At the opposite (or front) end, the backplate22is molded to fit over the MCP joints of the user. As shown inFIG. 1, the backplate22is attached to the dorsal hand portion of the underlying glove18by three centrally spaced rivets10. In alternative embodiments, attachment fasteners such as screws, stitching and nut/bolt combinations may be used as a substitute for rivets10. At the front edge of the backplate22are four rivets11(three of which are visible onFIG. 1) centrally spaced adjacent the front edge of the backplate22covering the user's MCP joints. These four rivets11serve to connect four strips of material17each extending from the front edge bottom surface of the backplate to the tip of each finger and upon which are mounted the smaller overlapping protective plates including the phalange plates12serving to cover the proximal phalanges of the user, the knuckle phalanges plates13and16serving to protect the proximal phalanges and 1stinterphalangeal joints between proximal and middle phalanges of the user and finger-tip molded plates14serving to protect the distal phalanges and finger tips of the user. Note that in alternative embodiments, alternative attachment fasteners known in the industry may be substituted for rivets11. In alternative embodiments, more than one rivet11may be utilized for each finger.

The backplate22and phalanges plates (respectively12,13,16and14) are preferably made from moldable ABS plastic (approximately ⅛″ thick) that may be vacuum formed or injected molded to a shape that both provides extended protection as well as aesthetic design reminiscent of historical armor. The compound curves of each of the phalange plates located at the knuckles (see16and13where they flare outward to a greater width) and near the wrist (see that portion of22marked as8) provide structural strength to the form. The overhanging front edge portion9of the backplate22flares upward slightly to allow the finger attachments to better move as well as provide protection at the transition gap between the front edge of the backplate22and the top edge of phalangeal plates12that is helpful in allowing increased articulation of the fingers. One will note that an extended portion8of the backplate22provides additional protection to the side of the hand near the pinky finger by wrapping around from the back of the hand to the side of the palm. This extended portion8protects a vulnerable part of the hand extending from the dorsal side to the bottom of the palm at the pinky side of the hand from impacts and slashes from weapons and applicant believes this additional protection differentiates the present invention from the prior art. This extended portion8is designed so that it is long enough to protect the dorsal portion of the bottom of the hand closest to the pinky, but does not impede the movement of a user's hand having a pommel of the weapon held by the user when the hand is rotating and maneuvered during combat. The backplate22including extended portion8does not fully surround the palm near the pinky. If the extended portion8fully wrapped the bottom of the hand, a user's hand holding a pommel of a weapon would be pinched between the pommel of the weapon and the extended portion8. In other words, extended portion8projects around a portion of the bottom of the hand to provide protection and alleviate a potential pinching hazard for the user.

As shown inFIG. 1, the phalanges plates12,13,16, and14are a series of plates covering in overlapping fashion each finger and thumb from a position adjacent to the front edge9of the backplate22over the individual fingers to the finger-tips14. The phalangeal plates12which are closest to the front edge9of the backplate22are positioned such that the top edge of plates12fit under the front edge9of backplate22and the bottom edge of plates12fit under the top edges of plates13and16, 1stinterphalangeal joints (IP), where the majority of the hand bends to close the hand.

With regard to attachment of the proximal phalange plates12, each plate is attached by one rivet (seeFIG. 3item35) to the underlying strip of material17for each finger assembly. A second rivet36in this plate12, which is positioned above the first rivet in the plate (seeFIG. 3), passes through the plate12, through the underlying strip of material17and attaches with the finger portion of the underlying glove18. This attachment secures the position of the entire finger assembly to the top of each finger portion of the underlying glove and providing sufficient protection to a closed hand.

With regard to the knuckle (medial) phalange plates13of the middle and third fingers, these two plates have less wrapping and are narrower than the knuckle phalanges plates16of the index and pinky fingers at the knuckle joint which allows for the proper spacing of both the fingers and the index and pinky fingers. Note thatFIG. 1shows knuckle phalanges plate16at the pinky andFIG. 3shows knuckle phalanges plate16at the index Finger. This spacing allows for the fingers to fully close and stay relatively close to one another when the user's hand is in a fist grip, which spacing the applicant believes the prior art does not take into account. The applicant understands that some prior art embodiments have protective plate widths that force a larger spacing of all four fingers and thus prevent the user from forming and/or maintaining a tight, closed hand or fist. Too wide finger spacing caused by plates bumping against one another, as forced by the design of prior art, causes weakness to the user's grip. Alternatively, overly narrow plates create gaps allowing a weapon to strike between the fingers and cause injury. The knuckle plates13and16of the present invention allow for extended protection without inhibiting a tight hand or fist by providing protection to not only the main (first medial) knuckle on the finger but also extend toward the knuckle of the distal phalange.

With regard to the knuckle (medial) phalanges plates16at the index and pinky fingers, the outside top side edges extend and wrap approximately ½″ around the bottom outside edge of the first knuckle of the pinky finger (as shown inFIG. 1) and the top outside edge of the index finger thus protecting these vulnerable areas of the fingers while maintaining finger dexterity. Similarly, the top outside edge of the first knuckle portion of16at the pinky finger flares and wraps the inside portion of the knuckle and the bottom outside edge of the first knuckle portion16of the index finger wraps the inside portion of the knuckle creating a three quarters wrapping40(also clearly shown onFIG. 3) at these pinky and index knuckles. As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the “three quarters wrapping”40on the knuckle portions of the pinky and index fingers protect the outside edges of the finger where vulnerable when the hand is both closed and slightly open, which can occur during sport fencing. These oversized knuckle wrappings need to have an extra rivet (or attachment) applied to the construction so that the knuckle gap is mitigated as much as possible. Thus, there is an extra rivet attaching plates13and16to the underlying strip material17. One will note thatFIG. 3showing plate16and wrapping section40accommodates an extra rivet34. By contrast, plates12and14are attached to the underlying material strip17by a single rivet. In alternative embodiments, additional attachments may be made at12and14but are not required. As previously stated, alternative attachment means known in the industry may be utilized in lieu of rivets.

With regard to the attachment of the distal phalanges plates14(the finger-tips), each of the four finger-tips are protected on the top, tip, and slightly on the descending sides of each finger. The distal phalange plates14can be manufactured by vacuum forming ABS although other methods for manufacture known in the industry, such as injection molding ABS, rotocasting with other polymers that might be more elastic to absorb impact, carbon fiber molded, or other forms of thermoplastic molding may be utilized. The distal phalange plates14are connected with underlying strip of material and to the underlying glove for each finger (see rivets25onFIG. 3) at the upper middle portion of the phalange plate14. The tip (bottom) portion of each distal phalange plate14is also connected with the underlying glove. A preferred method for attachment of the tip portion to the glove is to sew the plate tip to the glove by utilizing small holes at the tip (seeFIGS. 3 and 4, holes15and23) allowing use of heavy upholstery waxed thread to attach at the tip edge portion of plate14and thread down through holes in the strip material (seeFIGS. 3 and 4, holes38) thus securing the tip portion of the plate to the underlying glove without having to use a harder glue or rivet attachment means. This use of threaded connection provides a softer connection at the finger and thumb tips. Use of a metal attachment or other hardened material attachment would create a hazardous condition during combat where a smashing or crushing blow could cause the finger-tip of the user to be smashed against a hardened connector or fastener. Also, the thread like material (whether it is synthetic sinew, cotton waxed thread, or other nylon cut-resistant threading) will be softer than having a metal attachment point jamming into the finger tips during normal use. This is a significant improvement over prior art gloves utilizing mechanical attaching methods, such as rivets, to attach plates directly to the underlying glove. Such mechanical connections as the finger-tips can easily allow transmission of impact shock through the glove to the highly sensitive finger-tips of the user. Us of a hard rivet (or other mechanical means) at the finger-tips is also likely to cause pinching at the closed ends of the finger tips portion of the glove.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the finger-tips portion of each distal phalange plate14is sewn to the underlying glove18utilizing holes15in plate14to anchor the thread to the plate14. Attachment at this location insures proper placement of the finger protection. To rely on the rivet-to-material-strip or rivet-to-glove connection at the upper middle portion of plate14would allow the finger-tips portion of plate14to flap open and potentially catch on a held weapon or some other material. In a preferred method of making the glove embodiments as shown, the two holes15are drilled through the ABS plate14allowing the finger-tips portion to be connected to the underlying glove using upholstery heavy waxed thread or other similar means known in the art ensuring the integrity of the protection to the entire finger assembly.

FIG. 2shows the left (or thumb) side view of the embodiment of the protective sport glove shown inFIG. 1. As shown, the protective plates of the thumb are uniquely contoured and shaped to provide for increased protection and mobility of the thumb. The thumb protection plates include a thumb plate29, a proximal phalange plate26, and a distal phalange plate39. The top edge of the thumb plate29extends over the front edge of the cuff and the bottom edge of the thumb plate29extends over the top edge of the proximal phalange plate26.

FIG. 3shows a detailed view of the protective plates of the index finger and underlying attachment strip.FIG. 4shows the protective plates covering the thumb and underlying strip. The attachment strip is a piece of material that sits between the protective plates and the underlying glove.FIGS. 3 and 4shown locations for rivets and attachments running to the strip and through the strip to the underlying glove. Looking atFIG. 3, the index finger protective plates (12,16, and14) and underlying material strip17are shown. One should note that the protective plates of the index finger are the same as those of the pinky finger. The proximal phalange plate12has two rivet attachments35and36. The top rivet36extends through the underlying material strip17at hole38and attaches to the underlying glove as depicted by the dotted arrows extending through the underlying strip17. The bottom rivet35attaches with the material strip17and does not extend to the underlying glove. The medial phalange plate16has three rivet attachments (including two at34and one at33). The top two rivets34extend to and attach with the underlying material strip17as depicted by dotted arrows extending to but not through the strip17. The bottom rivet33extends through the underlying strip and attaches with the underlying glove. The distal phalange plate has two rivet attachments25which extend to and attach with the underlying strip at positions38. They do not attach directly with the underlying glove. The rivets that attach directly with the underlying glove are important for keeping the plates in position on the fingers as well as helping to control the movement of the plates relative to one another during use in that the fingers are allowed to bend normally while maintaining the correct position of the plates so gaps exposing the underlying glove is minimized.

FIG. 4shows detail of the three thumb protection plates with corresponding underlying attachment material strip37. Looking atFIG. 4, the thumb plate29is secured with the cuff by several stitches of thread tied with and extending through holes32located at the top edge portion.FIG. 4shows the use of four holes32for anchoring thread stitches located at the top edge portion of29. However, alternative embodiments could utilize fewer holes or use of differing strong but flexible attachment methods known in the industry. The stitched thread extends through the holes32and attaches with the cuff material31(depicted inFIG. 4as a rectangle for purposes of illustration only). The stitching and holes32are not shown inFIG. 2. The upper rivet30of the thumb plate29attaches with the cuff material31while the lower rivet30attaches with the strip of material37extending down the length of the thumb between the protective plates and the underlying glove. As shown inFIG. 2and inFIG. 4, the rivets30of the thumb plate29are preferably made of copper (depicted inFIG. 4as double circles for purposes of distinguishing it from the other rivets) as this location is a high stress point in the assembly and requires a stronger rivet attachment. Copper rivets are generally more durable than steel rivets. Alternative materials may be used in place of the steel and copper rivets. The distinction between copper and steel is provided to indicate the importance of a durable connection at this location.

Again looking atFIG. 4, the distal phalange plate39which covers the distal phalanges at the front and also extends around the sides of the thumb to more fully protect that area. Similarly, the proximal phalanges plate26has (similar to plate16) a distinctly shaped extended outer edge wrap40protecting the knuckle without inhibiting mobility. Plate29protects the metacarpal area of the thumb and partially extends across half the lower palm near the wrist. Plate29has a compound curve nearer to wrist area to allow for free range of motion of the thumb during use. As shown, plate29is attached to the backplate22with a single copper rivet30which attaches to the under material strip31connected to the backplate22and stitched to the base of the thumb portion of the underlying glove near the wrist effectively protecting the flexor polices brevis and abductor polices brevis muscles of the hand. This extended wrapped thumb plate29is also unique to the design of this glove as most gauntlet type prior art glove plates do not extend (i.e. wrap) far enough to provide maximum protection and/or are not a pivoted joint plate as presented in the present invention which maximizes thumb mobility. One will note that the stitching which connects the distal phalange plate to the underlying glove occurs in three places defined by holes23including the finger-tip, the top side (seeFIG. 2where this is shown) and the bottom side (seeFIG. 4where this is shown). In the preferred embodiment shown, the thread or similar attachment means is anchored to holes23and sewn directly to the underlying glove without passing through the underlying material strip37to the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, the sewing attachment extends through the underlying material strip37. In alternative embodiments, attachment other than use of thread can be used. However, such alternative attachment means must be soft enough to prevent the finger from being smashed against it during use. In an alternative embodiment, the distal phalange plate extends entirely around the finger (in this case thumb) tip. The thumb flexes around during use such that having only one connection (sewn) point to the outside edge would create a situation where the plate could be easily ripped off of the underlying glove due to repeated stress. Three point connections at the outside edges of the finger distal phalange plates is not necessary. Only the tip needs to be attached. But, in alternative embodiments, the outside tip edges of the finger phalange plates are attached to the underlying glove at two or three points including tip and one or more sides.

Looking atFIG. 5, the thumb plate29has a unique design in that extends and contours covers the flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles of the user.FIG. 5shows the thumb plate29extending toward the palm and contours to hug the flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles of the user towards the interior area of the palm of the hand. A second extension is located at the top edge portion of plate29which extends towards the wrist and partially overlaps the cuff where it is attached using stitching connected with the plate29at holes32allowing the contoured bend to flex outwards so that when the thumb flexes outwards and away from the palm. Plate29does not bind or inhibit movement nearest the wrist. The thumb plate29is attached both to the underlying glove by means of sewing points defined in this embodiment by four linearly aligned holes32at the top edge portion of plate29allowing a thread attachment of the plate29to the underlying glove. Two copper rivets30are shown (see alsoFIG. 4). The top rivet30attaches to the underlying strip of material31(shown onFIG. 4as approximately 1″ long) which strip is also connecting with the backplate22. The bottom rivet30attaches with the underlying glove18. One will note that the presently described embodiment has three copper rivets located at the thumb area. Two copper rivets are shown on the thumb plate29inFIG. 4. Three are shown onFIG. 6—one being on the backplate22closest to the thumb.

In the preferred embodiment, the three copper rivets (see item30onFIGS. 2 and 6) ensure that the plates in high stress areas are kept attached. In the preferred embodiment, the other rivets are made of steel with nickel plating to deter corrosion. However, copper rivets are preferred in the thumb locations shown because they are generally stronger than standard double cap nickel plated rivets and have non-corrosive properties exceeding that of nickel plated rivets. Use of the copper rivet is integral part of the assembly of the thumb assemble as the thumb rivet location takes the most stress during repeated use and movement.

Looking again atFIG. 2, the medial phalange plate (Extended Middle)26of the thumb, is located between proximate thumb plate29and the distal thumb plate39. The medial phalange plate26includes an extended wing portion40which serves to wrap the medial phalanges of the thumb towards the palm to increase protection to the thumb in the event of a strike to this area. The bottom edge of the medial phalange plate26extends under the top edge of the distal thumb plate39and the top edge of the medial phalange plate26extends under the bottom edge of the medial thumb plate29as shown inFIGS. 2 and 6, item26so that the thumb may bend properly without exposing the thumb joint (covered by the bottom edge portion of medial phalange plate26and the top edge portion of the distal phalange place39) to possible damage cause by impact. The plate order and overlapping of plates is integral to the design and protection in the glove.

Looking atFIG. 4, plate26is secured to the underlying glove with one bottom rivet27passing thru the plate26and through the underlying material strip37and attaching with the underlying glove. A second rivet28attaches plate26directly with the underlying strip of material37. The underlying strip37is attached to plate29at the bottom rivet30as shown. The strip37extends down the thumb to the distal phalange plate39where it is attached to phalange plate39and the underlying glove by the thread anchored from holes23and extending through the strip37to and attached with the underlying glove. Rivets25extend from the distal phalange plate39through the underlying material strip37to the underlying glove.

Also looking atFIG. 4showing the thumb plate and strip assembly, the underlying material strip31attaches by copper rivet30to the underlying glove. As shown, rivet30extends from the underlying glove through hole38of the material strip and through the plate29where the rivet is peened and secured. The attachment of plate29with the underlying strip of material31allows the entire assembly to be able to pivot independent of the second pivot point located at the top hole of strip31. A second copper rivet30extends from the backplate22near the wrist area to the strip31(SeeFIGS. 6 and 7). As previously stated, copper rivets are utilized in a preferred embodiment at the thumb plate29and backplate22attachments to the strip31because this is an area of stress and stronger rivet materials are most appropriate at this location. But alternative attachment means at these attachment locations may be utilized as known in the industry.

Looking back atFIG. 5, the medial (main) thumb plate29extends towards the palm to increase protection to the underside of the thumb. This plate has compound curves as shown in theFIG. 5to allow the plate to wrap both towards the palm and also allow for mobility at the wrist. These compound curves allow free movement of the thumb of the user it's various potential positions. As previously described, thumb plate29attaches to the base of the backplate22at rivet30near the wrist by a separate underlying strip of material31. In the embodiment shown, the medial (main) thumb plate is also attached by sewn upholstery thread attached to the thumb plate29through holes32located linearly along the top edge near the wrist area to the base of the thumb and palm area of the underlying material and glove as described above. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, four holes32are utilized for the attachment but alternative embodiments may have fewer.

FIG. 6shows a top perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Note that the thumb plate29has two copper rivets. The top copper rivet located nearest the wrist attaches to the underlying strip of material31extending from the thumb plate29to the underside of the backplate22where the material31is also attached to the backplate22by a single copper rivet30. Also note that washers20are sandwiched between the top and bottom layers of the cuff21and are spaced in rows and run around the circumference of the cuff from the top edge of the backplate22to that portion of cuff extending from the wrist to the forearm. In alternative embodiments, the washers20may only be located at the top (dorsal) side of the cuff. The washers20are fastened with the cuff by use of fasteners which in this embodiment are rivets19but which could be other fastener types known in the art. The washers20as described above, may be made of metal or other hard, durable and not easily breakable material and may be of a variety of sizes and diameters. The washers are meant to provide additional protection to blows at the wrist area and to disperse energy laterally and away from the user's wrist. In alternative embodiments, the washers could be replaced with bands or other (non-circular) shaped materials. In alternative embodiments, the washers (or alternative protective materials) could extend the entire length of the cuff. In alternative embodiments, the washers could be fastened to the top surface of the cuff. The three rivets10located on the backplate22secure the backplate22to the underlying glove. As previously described, a cushioning material (such as a layer of ⅛″ closed cell foam) is positioned between the underside of the backplate22and the underlying glove and the rivets10would extend through such material to the underlying glove. In alternative embodiment, stitching or other attachment means known in the industry may be utilized to attach the backplate22to the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, the underlying glove may have padding underneath the top surface of the underlying glove and the backplate22would fasten directly to the top surface of the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, the backplate22is made part of the underlying glove in that no underlying glove material is positioned under the backplate and the backplate rests directly on the back of the user's hand or is otherwise secured to cushioning material that sits directly onto the back of the user's hand.

FIG. 7shows an alternative embodiment of the invention utilizing alternative threaded attachment means for the protective plates for the four fingers as shown. In this embodiment, the protective plates that are attached by heavy waxed upholstery thread threaded through double holes in the plates to the underlying strip and underlying glove.FIG. 8shows the locations of attachments which extend to (open holes) and through (darkened holes) holes38to the underlying glove at the index finger. Similar attachments are used for the remaining fingers. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the medial plates16of the index finger is attached to the plate just above it by thread. The two extra holes allow for thread attachment to the underlying strip material. This type of connection occurs at the index finger and the pinky finger as shown. These two extra attachment holes replace the rivet34shown onFIG. 3which connects to the under material strip at that location.

FIGS. 7 and 9show the alternative attachment means for the thumb plates. As shown inFIG. 9the sewn attachment of the thumb plate29at the four holes32extend to the underlying strip31at location38as shown by the arrow. Fingertip sewn attachments extend through the four holes23directly to the fingertip portion of the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, fewer holes23may be utilized for attachment at the fingertip attachments. The purpose of the fingertip attachments is to insure attachment at the fingertip without use of hard materials that might transfer force (and thus injure or pinch) the user's finger tips during combat use.

FIG. 10is a top side view of the underlying glove with extending cuff with the material strips17(fingers),37(thumb), and31(wrist) positioned thereon to demonstrate the locations of attachments extending from the plates to the strips which are depicted by open holes and the locations of attachment extending from the plates through the strips to the underlying gloves which are depicted by blackened holes. One will note that the attachment locations are consistent with the attachments locations depicted inFIGS. 1-4. The detailed description of the plating and underlying strip attachment locations for the index and pinky fingers are provided above with regard toFIG. 3. The detailed description of the plating and underlying strip attachment locations for the thumb are provided above with regard toFIG. 4. The middle and ring finger attachments are depicted inFIG. 10. One will note that the number of attachments which run from the plate through the strips to the underlying glove (blackened holes) are fewer in comparison to the number of attachments from the plates to the strips. This allows for increased mobility because the rivet attachments of the plates to the underlying glove can create unnecessary binding as well as ease of replacement of the underlying glove because the assembly of plates can be removed from the underlying glove by removing just a few attachments. Further, the plate assemblies including underlying strips can be positioned on the underlying glove and attached without having to attach the plates one by one onto the underlying glove. The wrist pivot point established by attaching the thumb plate29to strip31allows plate29to move freely.

FIG. 11is a front side view of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 1-6showing how the contours of the various plates14,16,12,39, and22serve to maximize the protection for the users fingers and hand while also allowing the fingers to curl into a fist or otherwise grasp a weapon. The outward flaring of the medial plates16at locations40allow for maximum protection of the knuckles without affecting the ability of the fingers to lay side by side in a curled or closed fist position.

FIG. 12is a top side view of a user wearing an embodiment of the invention as depicted inFIGS. 1-6and holding a sword. This shows how the protective plates as described above work to maximize the protection of the user's hand while allowing the user to grasp a weapon such as a sword.

FIG. 13is a process flow diagram showing a method for making the invention embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-6. Starting with the underlying glove, a double layered cuff extension is attached to the glove opening. Within the double layers of the cuff extension are fender washers that are riveted (or otherwise attached) in a pattern around the circumference of the cuff extension. The cuff extension is attached by sewing of alternative attachment means known in the art.

Beginning at step1ofFIG. 13, the finger plates are attached to the underlying glove. Each of the protective plates of the fingers, thumb and backplate have attachment holes for rivets and sewn connections as previously described above which may be pre-drilled. Corresponding holes are drilled in the underlying strip17and underlying glove to accommodate rivets, the positions of which are described in detail in the previous figures. Beginning with the fingers, the protective plates may be attached to the corresponding underlying material strip17for each finger as well as the underlying glove beginning with the fingertip molded plates14serving to protect the distal phalanges and fingertips of the user. As shown in step1, plates14are attached to the underlying material strip17using two rivets. Thereafter, the knuckle phalanges plates13(for the middle and ring fingers) and16(for the index and pinky fingers) are connected to the material strip and underlying glove using rivet attachments as describe above. The bottom edge of each of the knuckle phalange plates13and16tuck under the top edge of each of the fingertip plates14. To ensure that a rivet extending from the under glove through the strip and to the plates does not pop out, a washer (example 0.50″) may be utilized. This extra attachment washer is akin to a leather patch or circular leather washer that helps keep the rivet from spreading the hole in the underlying glove and allow the rive to “pop” out of the glove. The leather washer or patch is positioned between the rivet and the inside of the underlying leather glove but is not shown in the Fig.

In step2, each finger proximal phalange plate12is connected to the underlying strip and glove using rivets as previously described. The arrows onFIG. 13indicate which rivets extent to the strip17and which go through the strip17to attach with the underlying glove. Once the plates have been attached by rivets, the fingertips of each plate14are sewn to the fingertips of the underlying glove using the holes as previously shown and described. At step3, all of the finger plates have been attached to each of the four fingers of the underlying glove.

At step4, the underlying material strips37and32for the thumb as well as the plates39,26and29as shown onFIG. 4protecting the thumb are gathered for assembly and the distal thumb phalange plate39is attached to the underlying strip37using rivets25. At step5, phalange plate26is attached to the underlying glove using rivet27and the strip37using rivet28. Note that the bottom edge of plate26is positioned under the top edge of plate39. Thereafter, the thumb plate29is attached to the strip and glove using bottom rivet30which extends to the strip37and top rivet30which extends through strip31to the underlying glove. Thereafter the fingertips of plate39are attached to the thumb fingertip portion of the underlying glove using thread positioned through holes23in plate39. The top portion of the thumb plate29is attached to the underlying glove using thread extending from holes32to the glove. At step6, the finger and thumb protective plates have been attached.

At step7, the backplate22is attached to the glove as shown. The four rivets11(positioned as shown onFIG. 11above the top knuckle of each finger) are attached and extend from the backplate22through the top hole38of each corresponding underlying strip17to attach the backplate22to each underlying strip17. Rivets10located in the middle portion of the backplate (as shown inFIG. 6) are attached to extend to the underlying glove (and, in a preferred embodiment, through padding to the underlying glove). Rivet30located nearest the thumb is attached and extends through material strip31to the underlying glove. At step8, construction of the protective glove is complete. This configuration allows for easy repair because the pivot point for the thumb is free from the underlying glove and is positioned close to the backplate for anchoring purposes. This way, if the underlying glove is worn out, the plating and strips can be easily removed from the underlying glove by detaching just a few rivets and the protective assembly can then be reattached to a new underlying glove with having to disassemble the entire protective assembly consisting of plating and underlying strips.

The present invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The foregoing detailed description and examples have been provided for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to assemblies described herein, but only by the assemblies and methods described by the language of the claims and their equivalents.