Abstract:
The present invention relates to a securing apparatus and method for securing a hand protective device about the wrist of the wearer. The apparatus provides a mechanism that allows a wearer to single-handedly secure a glove or hand protective device on their other hand, even when the wearer has taped hands for contact sports. The invention allows for the glove or hand protective device to be secured in a manner that eliminates gaps or twisting about the wearer&#39;s wrist.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/224,768, entitled “SECURING APPARATUS FOR A HAND PROTECTIVE DEVICE” filed Jul. 10, 2009, contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Securing or tightening a glove or hand protective device onto one wrist with the other hand usually leads to a loose fitting glove or hand protective device. This problem is exacerbated when a person has their hands taped for a competition, and/or they are wearing a glove or hand protective device on the hand they are using to secure it to the other hand. The glove or hand protective device will not allow the wearer&#39;s taped hands to be inserted into the glove. And the glove or hand protective device being secured or tightened twists or gaps during this process. A poorly fitting or loose glove or hand protective device is a potential hazard for activities relying upon the glove or hand protective device to protect and support the hand and wrist of the wearer. 
         [0003]    This problem becomes even greater when the gloves or hand protective devices are those that are used in contact sports, fighting, boxing, or martial arts. In these sports, it is common to find another person requiring to secure the glove or hand protective device to the wearer&#39;s hand and wrist over the taped hand. Due to the possibility for the glove or protective device to come off during use, the securing device is usually wrapped with several layers of athletic tape. 
         [0004]    Numerous types of sporting gloves and hand protective devices exist. Almost all of them have the common features of a finger restraining element, a covering for the back of the hand, a place to receive the thumb, and a securing device. Additionally, these gloves or hand protective devices have an opening or area to receive the hand of the wearer. Because the sporting gloves unsuccessfully attempt to provide a good fit to the wearer, sliding the glove on when the wearer&#39;s hands are taped is nearly impossible for a proper fitting glove or hand protective device. 
         [0005]    To address the fit issue, a large number of the existing gloves or hand protective devices have a single strap or strap-like device to secure the glove. Usually, the single strap is used to secure the glove or hand protective device to the hand and/or wrist of the wearer. In an effort to minimize twisting actions, some gloves or hand protective devices utilize a cinch type of strap to reverse the direction of movement of the glove or hand protective device. Regardless of the type of strap, none of the gloves or hand protective devices provides the ability to secure it to the hand or wrist of the wearer without creating a gap or inducing a twisting motion. 
         [0006]    A need exists for glove or hand protective device having a securing system and a method that efficiently allows singled handed securing of a glove or hand protective device on the hand or wrist of a wearer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention provides a system and method for securing a contact sports glove or hand protective device to a wearer&#39;s wrist. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the invention provides an improved contact sports glove having a palm-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge, thereby forming an opening to receive a hand at a wrist-edge. A flap is defined by the palm-side panel and the opening. The flap carries a first portion of a two-part closure device that is positioned near the wrist-edge. A strap carrying a second portion of the two-part closure device is included. The strap is secured to the glove. A restraining device is secured to the glove, the restraining device being capable of contacting and covering the strap when the strap is attached to the flap. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the invention provides an improved contact sports glove having a palm-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge, thereby forming an opening to receive a hand at a wrist-edge. A finger restraint is positioned on a front-side panel and opposite of the wrist-edge. A thumb receiver is positioned near the thumb-edge. A flap is defined by the palm-side panel and the opening. The flap carries a first portion of a hook and loop closure device, wherein the first portion of the closure device is positioned near said wrist edge. A strap carrying a second portion of the closure device is included. There is a first end and a second end of the strap. The first end is secured to the glove and the second end carries the second portion of the closure device. The strap is elastic. A restraining device is secured to the glove, the restraining device being capable of tightly covering the strap when the restraining device is secured into a closed position. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the invention provides an improved hand protective device having a front-side panel and a back-side panel secured to each other at a thumb-edge and an outer-edge. The front-side panel has a finger restraint positioned near a finger-edge and opposite of a wrist-edge. A flap is secured to the thumb-edge. The flap carries a first portion of a two-part closure device, wherein the two-part closure device is positioned near the wrist-edge. A strap having a first end secured to the hand protective device and a second end carrying a second portion of the closure device is included. The first end of the strap is secured to the hand protective device at an edge opposite of the flap. A restraining device is secured to the hand protective device and is capable of contacting and covering the strap when the strap is attached to the flap. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the invention provides for a method for securing a contact sports glove. The inventive method comprises the steps of: 
         [0012]    a. inserting a first hand into the contact sports glove; 
         [0013]    b. positioning a flap on a wrist of a first hand using a second hand, the flap being defined by a palm-side panel, the palm-side panel is secured to an edge of the contact sports glove; 
         [0014]    c. grasping a strap using the second hand, the strap having a first end secured to an edge of the contact sports glove and a free second end; 
         [0015]    d. attaching the second end of the strap to the flap, the attaching step using a two-part closure device, wherein a first portion of the two-part closure device is carried by the flap and a second portion is carried by the strap at the second end; 
         [0016]    e. grasping a restraining device using the second hand, the restraining device connected to either of the edges; 
         [0017]    f. wrapping the restraining device around the wrist, thereby contacting the strap with the restraining device; and 
         [0018]    g. securing the restraining device on the contact sports glove along an edge near the wrist. 
         [0019]    Numerous objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the drawings which illustrate such embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a sport glove. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  depicts a front view of a sport glove. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  depicts a front view of a sport glove in the process of being secured. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  depicts a back view of a sport glove. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  depicts an alternative embodiment for the flap 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A  depicts a front view of a sport glove with the securing device being employed on a hand. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6B  depicts a view of a sport glove with the securing device being secured to a closure device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6C  depicts a detail view of a sport glove with the securing device being secured to a closure device. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7A  depicts a front view of a sport glove with the restraint device being employed on a hand. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7B  depicts a side view of a sport glove with the restraint device being employed on a hand. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7C  depicts a back view of a sport glove with the restraint device being employed on a hand. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8A  depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of a sport glove. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8B  depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of a sport glove with the securing device locked into place. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9A  depicts a front view of a hand protective device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9B  depicts a thumb side view of a hand protective device. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9C  depicts a outer side view of a hand protective device. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9D  depicts a front view of a hand protective device with the securing device locked into place. 
           [0037]      FIG. 9E  depicts a front view of a hand protective device with the restraint device covering the securing device. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9F  depicts a back view of a hand protective device with the restraint device covering the securing device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    Referring to the drawings, the inventive securing device is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  10 . As shown by the drawings and understood by those skilled in the art, securing device  10  and components thereof are designed to be associated with sports glove  12  or hand protective device  14 . 
         [0040]    Glove  12  generally includes palm-side panel  16 , front-side panel  17 , back-side panel  18 , thumb-edge  20 , outer-edge  22 , wrist-edge  24 , finger-edge  25 , palm pad restraint  26 , finger restraint  28 , and thumb receiver  30 . Front-side panel  17  and back-side panel  18  are secured together along all edges and often have some padding secured therebetween. Palm-side panel  16  is positioned in front of front-side panel  17  and generally secured to back-side panel  18  at thumb-edge  20  and outer-edge  22 . The preferred secured edges are made by stitching the components together; however, other methods for joining glove material together known to those skilled in the art will perform satisfactorily. An embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , shows a variation using palm-side panel  16  to surround an open palm area of hand  19 . An embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2  shows palm-side panel  16  covering more of palm area of hand  19 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , opening  32  is defined by gap  34  positioned between palm-side panel  16  and front-side panel  17  from outer-edge  22  along wrist-edge  24 . In this embodiment, opening  32  extends from point  46  of outer-edge  22  and continues along wrist-edge  24 . Opening  32  is capable of receiving the hand of the wearer, thereby providing greater accessibility for the wearer&#39;s hands. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  5  depict palm-panel side  16  with flap  42  defined therefrom. Flap  42  is positioned along opening  32  near wrist-edge  24 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , flap  42  of glove  12  is a portion of palm-side panel  16 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , flap  42  of glove  12  corresponds to tab  43 , a protrusion on palm-side panel  16 . 
         [0043]    In one preferred embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-8B , glove  12  includes securing device  10 . Securing device  10  includes strap  38 , restraining device  40 , flap  42 , and two-part closure device  44 . Strap element  38  of securing device  10  has first edge  39  that is secured to glove  12  at either outer-edge  22  or thumb-edge  20 . Preferably, strap  38  is secured on the same edge where opening  32  and palm-side panel  16  join at point  46 . Strap element  38  carries a first portion of two-part closure device  44  at second end  41 . Flap  42  carries the second portion of two-part closure device  44 . Two-part closure device  44  provides for removable attachment of strap  38  to flap  42 . 
         [0044]    Strap  38  of securing device  10  may be manufactured out of an elastic or inelastic material. When strap  38  is elastic, it preferably has a stretching capacity between about 25% to about 50% of its un-stretched length. Depending upon the desired configuration of glove  12 , an elastic embodiment of strap  38  will generally have an un-stretched length of about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) to about 3 inches (8 centimeters). When strap  38  is substantially inelastic, it generally has a length between about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) to about 4 inches (10 centimeters). 
         [0045]    Restraining device  40  is secured to glove  12  along thumb-edge  20  or outer-edge  22 . Preferably, restraining device  40  is capable of wrapping around glove  12  near wrist-edge  24  to cover and protect strap  38  after strap  38  is attached flap  42 . 
         [0046]    The length of restraining device  40  is a design choice. In one embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2-7C , restraining device  40  covers strap  38 , wraps around glove  12 , secures itself to glove  12  on back-side panel  18  and wraps around again to be secured to itself on back-side panel  18  of glove  12 . In this embodiment, restraining device  40  is capable of being wrapped around both thumb-edge  20  and outer edge  22  at least once. In another embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  8 A and  8 B, restraining device  40  covers only strap  38  and is secured to back-side panel  18  after wrapping around either thumb-edge  20  or outer-edge  22 . Either of the embodiments for restraining device  40  are combinable with any embodiment of glove  12 . 
         [0047]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1-8B , palm pad restraint  26  and finger restraint  28  are generally integrated with palm-side panel  16 , or attached to front-side panel  17 , thumb-edge  20 , outer-edge  22 , or a combination thereof. Additionally, finger restraint  28  is generally positioned on glove  12  near finger-edge  25 , which is positioned opposite from wrist-edge  24 . Palm-pad restraint  26  is generally positioned closer to wrist-edge  24 . Palm pad restraint  26  and finger restraint  28  are for receiving the palm pad and fingers of the wearer. 
         [0048]    Strap  38  and flap  42  are designed to be attached to each other. Two-part closure device  44  is capable of attaching securing strap  38  to flap  42 . In this embodiment, one-half of two-part closure device  44  is attached to strap  38 , and one-half of two-part closure device  44  is attached to flap  42 . 
         [0049]    Two-part closure device  44  is any two-part closure device allowing two elements to be attached. Two-part closure device  44  may be selected from the group consisting of hook and loop, buttons, snaps, hooks, laces, and combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, two-part closure device  44  is a hook and loop closure device. 
         [0050]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  8 A and  8 B, opening  33  extends from wrist-edge  24  and nearly parallels outer-edge  22 . In this embodiment, opening  33  of glove  12  allows for a large thumb receiver  30  to be positioned in palm-side panel  16  near flap  42 . As before, opening  33  provides greater accessibility and ease of use for the wearer&#39;s hands. 
         [0051]    In operation, as depicted in  FIGS. 6A-7C , a person inserts hand  19  into opening  32  and positions their fingers and thumb in finger restraints  28  and thumb receiver  30 . The person&#39;s hand  19  may be taped while be inserted into opening  32 . In this embodiment, strap  38  is designed to be attached to flap  42  using two-part closure device  44 , thereby snuggly positioning wrist-edge  24  of glove  12  to the wrist of the wearer. Preferably, this action removes gaps along wrist-edge  24  while eliminating twisting of glove  12  about the wrist. Once strap  38  is attached, restraining device  40  is wrapped around the wrist of the wearer in a direction that will contact and tightly cover strap  38 , thereby preventing any inadvertent disconnection between strap  38  and flap  42 . The number of wraps that restraining device  40  is able to perform is based upon its selected length. Restraining device  40  is secured to the back of glove  12  and/or to itself along wrist-edge  24  using a similar two-part closure device  44 . In the preferred embodiments, safety of the wearer dictates that restraining device not use any metal or hard plastic elements to assist in securing restraining device  40 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A-F , hand protective device  14  is designed to protect the fingers and back of the hand. Hand protective device  14  generally includes front-side panel  17 , back-side panel  18 , thumb-edge  20 , outer-edge  22 , wrist-edge  24 , palm pad restraint  26 , and finger restraint  28 . Hand protective device  14  is similarly configured to glove  12  except it does not have palm-side panel  16  and opening  32 . Hand protective device  14  optionally carries thumb protector  36  secured along thumb-edge  20 . Similar to glove  12 , hand protective device  14  has front-side panel  17  and back-side panel  18  secured together along all edges with some padding secured therebetween. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9F , this embodiment of hand protective device  14  utilizes thumb protector  36 . In this embodiment, thumb protector  36  defines flap  42 , which is positioned near wrist-edge  24 . Thumb protector  36  is an optional element. In an embodiment not depicted in the FIGS. where thumb protector  36  is not utilized, flap  42  is a tab that is secured to either thumb-edge  20  or outer-edge  22  to provide the connectivity point for first edge  39  of strap  38 . 
         [0054]    In this embodiment, thumb protector  36  is secured to hand protective device  14  along thumb-edge  20 . Thumb protector  36  may be externally padded, wherein the external portion  50  of thumb protector  36  is positioned next to back-side panel  18 . 
         [0055]    In this embodiment, strap  38  of securing device  10  is also positioned opposite of flap  42 . Securing device  10 , which includes strap  38 , flap  42 , two-part closure devices  44  and restraining device  40 , all function identically on hand protective device  14  as described for glove  12  above. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 6A-7C , during operation of securing device  10  the wearer inserts their fingers into finger restraints  28 , which positions the pads of their palm under palm pad restraint  26 . In this embodiment, strap  38  attaches to flap  42  using two-part closure device  44 , thereby snuggly positioning wrist-edge  24  of glove  12  to the wrist of the wearer. To attach strap  38  to flap  42 , the wearer uses their fingers and thumb from opposing hand  48  to simultaneously attach strap  38  to flap  42  with two-part closure device  44 . The wearer performs this action by grasping flap  42  and strap  38 , and pulling both flap  42  and strap  38  until flap  42  is positioned under strap  38 . Alternatively, the wearer uses their forefinger and thumb of opposing hand  48  to simultaneously attach strap  38  to flap  42  with two-part closure device  44 . The wearer performs this action by grasping flap  42  and strap  38 , and pulling both flap  42  under strap  38 . Preferably, this action also removes gaps along wrist-edge  24 . 
         [0057]    During operation of glove  12 , once strap  38  is attached, restraining device  40  is wrapped around the wrist of the wearer in a direction that it will contact and tightly cover strap  38 , thereby preventing any inadvertent separation between strap  38  and flap  42 . The number of wraps that restraining device  40  is able to do is based upon its length. Restraining device  40  is secured to the back of hand protective device  14  and/or to itself along wrist-edge  24 . 
       Embodiments 
       [0058]    Several different embodiments are shown in  FIG. 1-9F  as representative examples of the inventive securing device  10 .  FIGS. 1 ,  8 A and  8 B depict an example of an open palm, open thumb version where the wearer&#39;s thumb is positioned near thumb-edge  20  in the open palm area. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  8 A and  8 B, palm-side panel  16  surrounds the palm of the wearer, thereby creating an open palm area and an open thumb area. Securing device  10  is positioned near wrist-edge  24 . 
         [0059]      FIGS. 2-7C  depict and example of a different version of a mesh covered palm and an open thumb version. In this embodiment, the wearer&#39;s thumb is positioned within thumb receiver  30 , thereby creating an open thumb area. In one variation of this embodiment the mesh is removed to create an open palm, open thumb embodiment. In another variation of this embodiment, thumb receiver  30  is a sleeve creating an enclosed thumb area. Some variations of this embodiment include an open palm, open thumb embodiment; an open palm, enclosed thumb embodiment; an enclosed palm, open thumb embodiment; and an enclosed palm, enclosed thumb embodiment. In all of the variations of this embodiment, securing device  10  is positioned near wrist-edge  24 . 
         [0060]      FIGS. 9A-9F  depict an open palm, protected thumb embodiment. In this embodiment, palm-side panel is not utilized and a protected thumb element is attached to provide additional protection to the wearer&#39;s thumb. One variation of this approach does not utilize thumb protector  36  and only provides for flap  42 . In both variations of this embodiment, securing device  10  is positioned near wrist-edge  24 . 
         [0061]    Other embodiments of the current invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current invention with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims.