Abstract:
A protective glove system is disclosed wherein each glove has an articulated thumb skeleton disposed in the thumb member. The thumb skeleton comprises a plurality of sections pivotably joined together to enable the thumb to articulate between open and closed positions. At least one pivot axis is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second section of the skeleton. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing the thumb skeleton sections from bending backwards, thereby preventing hyperextension of the wearer&#39;s thumb.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to the field of protective outer gear, and more particularly to protective sports gloves. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Hockey is a fast-moving, competitive game involving extensive contact between players and implements. Thus, hockey players wear padding and protective gloves while playing. Because of the padding required to absorb repeated impact with sticks, players and walls, hockey gloves tend to be bulky and cumbersome and can restrict desired finger and hand movement. 
         [0005]    For example, a hockey player&#39;s thumb tends to receive physical contact from opposing players, sticks, boards, etc. Accordingly, the thumb of a hockey glove is heavily padded. Also, during play, impact may tend to hyperextend the player&#39;s thumb. Accordingly, hockey gloves usually have a stiffened member provided in the thumb padding in order to prevent such hyperextension. However, the stiffened member usually substantially restricts normal articulated movement of the player&#39;s thumb. Thus, the thumb tends to have awkward and uncomfortable movement during play because of the glove. In particular, such gloves prevent the player from being able to tightly grasp objects in the player&#39;s hands, such as a hockey stick. The inability to articulate the player&#39;s thumbs to tightly grasp the hockey stick may significantly affect a player&#39;s performance. 
         [0006]    To facilitate thumb movement, some gloves have a loop formed on the palm side to create a thumb pocket for alternative placement of the wearer&#39;s thumb in the glove. This thumb pocket allows the thumb to move with more freedom, being less connected to the padding and the stiffened member. However, such an arrangement provides less complete padding protection and exposes the thumb to dangerous impact from sticks, etc. Also, since the thumb pocket is still joined to the thumb padding, the stiffened member still restricts movement of the thumb even when the wearer&#39;s thumb is in the pocket. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for protective sports gloves, such as hockey gloves, that facilitate articulated movement of the thumb. Therefore, some embodiments described herein provide a hockey glove having an articulated thumb which is less restrictive to natural movement of the wearer&#39;s thumb, but still protects the wearer&#39;s thumb from impact and hyperextension. 
         [0008]    Some embodiments provide a protective sports glove, comprising a plurality of finger gussets adapted to accommodate a wearer&#39;s fingers and a thumb member adapted to accommodate a wearer&#39;s thumb, the thumb member comprising an articulating skeleton having a first section and a second section that are pivotably connected about a pivot axis, the second section defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the pivot axis is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, an acute angle exists between the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the skeleton further comprises a stopping mechanism to prevent the skeleton from rotating in an open direction beyond a predetermined position. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the articulating skeleton further comprises a third section pivotably connected to the second section about a second pivot axis, the second and third sections being adapted to be rotatable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, and a stopping mechanism to prevent rotation in the open direction of the third section relative to the second section beyond a predetermined position. 
         [0010]    Some embodiments provide a protective sports glove, comprising a plurality of finger gussets adapted to accommodate a wearer&#39;s fingers, a thumb member adapted to accommodate a wearer&#39;s thumb, the thumb member comprising an articulating skeleton having a first section connected to a second section along a pivot axis, the second section having a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and opposing first and second edges, wherein a distance along the longitudinal axis between the distal end and a point at which the pivot axis cross the first side edge is greater than the distance along the longitudinal axis between the distal end and a point at which the pivot axis crosses the second edge. In some embodiments, the first and second sections of the articulating skeleton are adapted to be rotatable relative to each other to allow the skeleton to rotate between a closed position and an open position, the articulating skeleton further comprising a stopping mechanism to prevent rotation in an open direction beyond a predetermined position. In some embodiments, the articulating skeleton further comprises a third section rotatably connected to the second section along a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second section, wherein the articulating skeleton is adapted to prevent the third section from rotating in an open direction relative to the second section beyond a predetermined position. 
         [0011]    Some embodiments provide a pair of protective sports gloves comprising a first glove adapted to be worn over an athlete&#39;s left hand and a second glove adapted to be worn over an athlete&#39;s right hand, each glove comprising a plurality of finger gussets adapted to accommodate a wearer&#39;s fingers and a thumb member adapted to accommodate a wearer&#39;s thumb, the thumb member comprising an articulating skeleton having a first section and a second section, the first section and second sections being pivotably connected about a pivot axis, a longitudinal axis defined by the second section, and an acute angle defined by the intersection of the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis, wherein the acute angle defined by the articulating skeleton of the left hand glove is substantially equal to an acute angle defined by the articulating skeleton of the right hand glove. In some embodiments, the first section and the second section of each articulating skeleton is adapted to prevent rotation in an open direction of the second section relative to the first section beyond a predetermined position. In some embodiments, each articulating skeleton further comprises a third section pivotably connected to the second section along a pivot axis, wherein each pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second section of each articulating skeleton. 
         [0012]    For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that one embodiment may achieve or optimize one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the claims not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hockey glove disclosed herein. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hockey glove disclosed herein. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of a finger portion of a hockey glove disclosed herein. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an articulated thumb skeleton disposed about a wearer&#39;s thumb. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a schematic top view of an articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a schematic side view of an articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a schematic top view of an articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are exploded top and side views, respectively, of one embodiment of an articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a joint between the first member and the second member of an articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an exploded top view of one embodiment of an articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is an exploded side view of one embodiment of an articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a schematic side view of an articulating thumb skeleton as disclosed herein. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are exploded top views of a pair of articulating thumb skeletons as disclosed herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate one embodiment of the sports glove disclosed herein. A hockey glove  10  comprises a body  12  and a cuff  14 . The body  12  has a palm portion  16 , fingers  20 , a thumb  30 , and a back  40 . Finger gussets  22  are formed in the fingers  20  for receiving the wearer&#39;s fingers therein. 
         [0027]    The palm portion  16  of the body  12  extends to cover the fronts of the thumb and fingers of the wearer&#39;s hand. The palm  16  is preferably formed of split leather or a synthetic material selected for durability and comfort. Preferably, reinforcing gripping sections  18  of material, such as textured synthetic leather, are provided on the palm to improve gripping ability and provide reinforcement. 
         [0028]    A reinforcing strip  17  of material is preferably provided in the locations of the palm  16  which may wear more rapidly. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , reinforcing material extends generally diagonally across the palm from about the index finger to the heel of the palm  16  on the pinky finger side of the glove. The orientation and positioning of the reinforcing member  17  may be customized for the typical positioning of the wearer&#39;s hand on the hockey stick. During play, the hand typically grasps the stick at an angle. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member  17  is oriented to run generally parallel to the stick during this angular grasping. This orientation aids grip and reduces fatigue by reducing the glove&#39;s resistance to grasping the stick at such an angle. In other embodiments, the reinforcing member can be shaped or directed differently. 
         [0029]    The thumb member  30  of the glove  10  may have a loop  32  formed at the palm-facing side. The loop  32  creates a pocket for alternative placement of the wearer&#39;s thumb. However, one preferred embodiment employs no such loop. 
         [0030]    The padded cuff  14  of the glove  10  preferably has back, side, and palm portions  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c . The back and side portions  14   a ,  14   b  may be wider than the palm portion  14   c . Thus, bending of the wearer&#39;s wrist forwardly, at the palm portion  14   c  of the cuff, is less restricted than bending of the wearer&#39;s wrist backwardly. 
         [0031]    A padded cuff roll  15  may be disposed about the cuff  14 . The cuff roll  15  may be wider along the back  40  of the glove  10  than on the palm side. Preferably, the cuff roll  15  along the back  40  of the glove  10  has a rigid insert disposed therein, such as a polyethylene plate or another suitable material. 
         [0032]    The above-described padding arrangement focuses padding on areas of the hand most likely to be exposed to impacts during hockey play. However, forming the cuff smaller on the palm side facilitates the forward wrist pivoting action required by the wearer&#39;s hand during play. It is to be understood that padding may be added to this glove  10  in other areas made vulnerable by its position when gripping a hockey stick. For example, extra padding may be desirably added to the side portion of the pinky finger of the glove  10 . Further, it is to be understood that many padding configurations may be employed, as desired. 
         [0033]    The finger gussets  22  are preferably formed of leather or another natural or synthetic material selected for softness and durability and may also include holes for ventilation. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,506, titled HOCKEY GLOVE WITH VENTILATION HOLES, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  FIG. 3  presents a cross sectional view of one of the fingers  20  of the glove  10  of  FIG. 1 . As shown, tabs  24  of flexible material are preferably provided over the tips of the finger gussets  22  and may be adapted for abrasion resistance, improved gripping ability, and extended wear of the glove  10 . Alternatively, the material of the finger gussets  22  may extend about the finger tips. 
         [0034]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 3 , the fingers  20  include foam segments  42  formed of foam or other suitable material, which may be sandwiched between an inner liner  44  and an outer cover  46 . These segments  42  preferably comprise an expanded foam material. The foam segments  42  are preferably of sufficient thickness to provide adequate protection of the hand. Preferably, the outer cover  46  is leather, or a suitable synthetic material such as woven nylon cordura. 
         [0035]    The foam segments  42  are formed and grouped to substantially conform to the shape of the back of the hand and fingers of a wearer. The segments  42  on the fingers  20  are preferably formed to curve slightly to imitate a relaxed position of the wearer&#39;s hand. The segments  42 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , may pivot with respect to each other, such that the fingers  20  of the glove  10  more closely approximate the shape of the wearer&#39;s fingers when the wearer&#39;s fingers are bent. Thus, the foam segments  42  are pivotably connected by a joint  43 . 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the thumb member of the glove preferably comprises a substantially rigid articulated skeleton  50 . As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,781, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, the articulated skeleton  50  is arranged within the glove and adapted to fit over the wearer&#39;s thumb to protect the thumb from impacts and/or hyperextension. In order to follow the natural anatomy of the user&#39;s hand, the thumb skeleton  50  may be oriented at an angle θ relative to the wearer&#39;s palm. In some embodiments, the angle θ is about 30-40°. In a preferred embodiment, angle θ is about 35°. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an embodiment of an articulated thumb skeleton, wherein the articulated thumb skeleton  50  is in its “open” state. The illustrated skeleton  50  is intended for a left-handed glove. The skeleton comprises a first section  60  having a proximal end  62  and a distal end  64 , and a second section  70  having a proximal end  72  and a distal end  74 . The first section  60  is pivotably connected to the second section  70  at a joint  80 . Therefore, the first section  60  can pivot in relation to the second section  70  about a pivot axis  82 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The second section  70  further comprises a first side edge  76  and a second side edge  78 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments a joint  80  may exist at each side  76 ,  78 . In such embodiments, the pivot axis  82  will be the axis that extends between the two joints  80 , and about which the first and second sections  60 ,  70  are pivotably connected. 
         [0038]    The first section  60  defines a first longitudinal axis  69 , and the second section  70  defines a second longitudinal axis  79 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In the open state, the first longitudinal axis  69  and second longitudinal axis  79  are generally collinear. As can be seen, the longitudinal axes  69 ,  79  are not perpendicular to the pivot axis  82 . In preferred embodiments, the pivot axis  82  forms an acute angle α with the second longitudinal axis  79 . Preferably, the acute angle α between the pivot axis  82  and the second longitudinal axis  79  is between about 70 and about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the acute angle α is about 75 degrees. 
         [0039]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it can be seen that a distance (d 1 ) along the longitudinal axis from the distal end  74  to the point at which the pivot axis  82  crosses the first side edge  76  is greater than the distance (d 2 ) along the longitudinal axis from the distal end  74  to the point at which the pivot axis  82  crosses the second side edge  78 . The difference between d 1  and d 2  is represented in  FIG. 5  by the symbol A. In some embodiments, A is between about 15 mm and about 20 mm. In some embodiments, A is about 18 mm. 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the distal end  74  of the second section  70  may be curved to generally correspond to the tip of the wearer&#39;s thumb. Also, the skeleton  50  may comprise numerous holes or cut-outs, thereby reducing the weight of the skeleton while maintaining its rigid structure. In addition, other ridges, grooves, and the like may be included as a part of the skeleton  50  to reinforce the structure, provide shape, etc. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  illustrates the articulating skeleton  50  of  FIG. 5  in the partially “closed” state. As can be seen, the second longitudinal axis  79  is no longer collinear to the first longitudinal axis  69 , and the second skeleton  70  is tilted relative the first skeleton  60  in a direction generally away from the fingers of the glove. 
         [0042]    Providing an articulating skeleton  50  in the thumb of a sports glove allows the padded, rigid thumb portion of the glove to more closely approximate the natural movement of the thumb. An articulating skeleton having the angular articulation of the embodiments as described herein more closely approximates how the thumb moves when grasping certain objects, such as a hockey stick, and thus reduces the glove&#39;s resistance to a wearer&#39;s thumb when grasping, holding, or adjusting grip on such objects. Thus, the illustrated configuration helps a wearer to more easily hold such objects, especially in a dynamic sporting environment. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the articulating skeleton  50  may extend beyond a horizontal axis  84  as viewed from the side when the skeleton  50  is in the open position. Such a configuration allows the wearer to experience an increased range of natural thumb motion while using the protective glove. In other embodiments, the range of thumb motion in the open position may be limited to such that the skeleton is prevented from extending beyond the horizontal axis, or another predetermined position. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the articulating skeleton  50  may be configured to prevent the wearer&#39;s thumb from hyperextending.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  provide exploded top and side views of the embodiment of the articulating skeleton  50  and provide examples of how the skeleton  50  may be configured to prevent the first and second sections  60 ,  70  from rotating in an open direction beyond a predetermined position. As illustrated, the proximal end  72  of the second section  70  may be pivotably connected to the distal end  64  of the first section  60 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the joint  80  is created by overlapping holes  81 , through which pins, rods, rivets, or the like may be placed. Any of a number of various pivoting mechanisms may be utilized to allow the first section  60  and the second section  70  to pivot with respect to each other. 
         [0045]    To prevent the skeleton  50  from rotating in the open direction beyond a predetermined position, a portion of the proximal end  72  of the second section  70  and a portion of the distal end  64  of the first section  60  overlap. The overlapping of these rigid structures acts as a stopping mechanism, and prevents the skeleton from hyperextending. It is to be understood that other methods of preventing hyperextension are known in the art depending on the type of pivot mechanism utilized. Any appropriate pivot mechanism, and corresponding stopping mechanism to prevent hyperextension, are intended to be encompassed within this disclosure, including the mechanisms described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,781. In addition, one of skill in the art will recognize that the entire distal portion of the first section need not overlap with the entire proximal portion of the second section. For example, in some embodiments, only a small portion of the two sections might overlap. 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the skeleton  50  in accordance with one embodiment. In some embodiments, the skeleton  50  has an arcuate cross section, allowing the skeleton  50  to more closely fit at least partially around the wearer&#39;s thumb to provide protection. Optionally, the first section  60  has less of an arc than does the second section  70 . In some embodiments, the skeleton  50  may have no arc, providing protection only to the top of the thumb. In some embodiments where the skeleton  50  is used primarily to prevent hyperextension, the width of the skeleton  50  may be narrower than the thumb itself when viewed from above. As illustrated, a distal portion  64  of the first section may overlap a proximal portion  72  of the second section. 
         [0047]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of the articulating skeleton disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the skeleton  50  comprises a third section  90  having a proximal end  92  and a distal end  94 . The third section  90  may be pivotably connected to the second section  70  about a second pivot axis  86 ; however, in the illustrated embodiment the second pivot axis  86  is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis  79 . Having a third section  90  that is pivotably connected to second section  70  allows the skeleton  50  to even more closely approximate the natural movement of the wearer&#39;s thumb when gripping an object, such as a hockey stick. The second pivot axis  86  allows the skeleton to pivot as the wearer&#39;s knuckle closest to the finger tip is rotated. As described above, the distal end may be rounded to more closely approximate the shape of the wearer&#39;s thumb, and the skeleton  50  may include holes to reduce its weight and/or provide ventilation. 
         [0048]      FIG. 11  provides a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . As can be seen, while the pivot joints  80  on the proximal end  72  of the second section  70  are offset, the pivot joints  96  near the distal end  74  of the second section  70  are not. Thus, the longitudinal axis  99  of the third section  90  and the second longitudinal axis  79  are substantially parallel or collinear, so that the pivot axis  86  between the pivot joints  96  is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes  79 ,  99 . In another embodiment, the second pivot axis  86  may also be angled at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis  99 . In a still further embodiment, the second pivot axis  86  is angled, but the first pivot axis  82  is perpendicular to axis  79 . 
         [0049]    Although the second section  70  and third section  90  are rotatable with respect to each other, a stopping mechanism may be utilized to prevent these sections from extending beyond a predetermined position. Thus, the skeleton  50  preferably has a stopping mechanism to prevent hyperextension of the wearer&#39;s thumb, as described previously in connection with the pivot mechanism joining the first section  60  and the second section  70 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the stop may be provided by an overlap of the distal portion  74  of the second section  70  with the proximal portion  92  of the third section  90 . However, the stop may be provided by any of a number of mechanisms known in the art. For example, a post, wall, or ridge near the distal end of each section may prevent rotation beyond the desired open position. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, one or more of the sections  60 ,  70 ,  90  may comprise a bend, to allow the skeleton  50  to more closely approximate the normal position of the wearer&#39;s thumb within the glove in a relaxed position. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the second section  70  has a bend  75  formed therein. The bend  75  may be located at any point along the second section  70 . However, as with other features disclosed herein, the bend  75  is not necessarily employed in all embodiments. 
         [0051]    The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12  utilizes notches to prevent the skeleton&#39;s components from rotating beyond a predetermined point, thereby preventing the wearer&#39;s thumb from hyperextending. As illustrated, a notch  66  is located at the distal end  64  of the first section  60 . This notch prevents the first section  60  from rotating in an “open” direction beyond a predetermined position. As illustrated, the rotation of the first section  60  in the “open” direction will be prevented when the distal edge of the first section  60  (i.e. where the notch is located) contacts the proximal end  72  of second section  70 . In a similar manner, the third section is rotatably connected to the second section, but a notch  77  prevents rotation beyond a predetermined point in the “open” direction. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate one embodiment of a pair of articulating skeletons as disclosed herein.  FIG. 13A  illustrates an embodiment of the articulating skeleton disclosed herein, adapted to provide protection to the wearer&#39;s left thumb.  FIG. 13B  illustrates an embodiment of the articulating skeleton disclosed herein, adapted to provide protection to the wearer&#39;s right thumb. The skeletons of  FIGS. 13A and 13B  are adapted to be used in left and right gloves, respectively, of a pair of protective gloves. As can be seen, for both articulating skeletons, the first pivot axis is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second section. In the illustrated embodiment, the articulating skeleton of the right thumb is a mirror image of the articulating skeleton for the left thumb. 
         [0053]    As illustrated in  FIG. 13A , which represents the articulating skeleton for the left thumb, the intersection of the first pivot axis and the second longitudinal axis  79  defines an acute angle A. B represents the corresponding angle in  FIG. 13B , which is the articulating skeleton that protects the right thumb of the wearer. As can be seen, in this embodiment, A and B are the same. In some embodiments, a pair of gloves comprising the rigid articulating skeletons illustrated in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  would have a value of A of between about 70 and about 80, and a value of B of between about 70 and about 80. 
         [0054]    However, in some embodiments the value of B may not be equal to A. For example, when a right handed hockey player is in a typical hockey position, the player&#39;s right hand grasps the hockey stick in the middle of the shaft of the stick, whereas the left hand grasps the top (also referred to as the “butt-end”) of the hockey stick. Therefore, the stick is often grasped at different angles by each hand. As a result, the thumbs of the player&#39;s hand may close around the hockey stick in a different manner for each hand. In such a situation, some players may prefer to have angle B be greater (or less) than A. 
         [0055]    Although particular embodiments are described above in connection with a hockey glove or pair of hockey gloves, these embodiments are intended for illustrative purposes only. The features and designs disclosed herein apply equally to other sports in which it is important to protect the player&#39;s thumb, either from impact or from hyperextension. For example, a baseball player may use a glove comprising a rigid articulating skeleton as disclosed herein in order to protect the player&#39;s thumb from impact with a baseball. The use of a rigid articulating skeleton as disclosed herein would provide protection to the baseball player&#39;s hand while allowing the player&#39;s thumb to grasp the baseball bat in a more natural manner. 
         [0056]    Similarly, the articulating rigid skeleton disclosed herein may be used in sports gloves for which the prevention of hyperextension of the thumb is the primary consideration. For example, a glove comprising an articulating skeleton as disclosed herein may be used in a thinly padded glove for skateboarding or rollerblading. Such embodiments may have little, or no, soft padding. Similarly, placement of a rigid articulating skeleton as disclosed herein in a baseball catching glove, such as a catcher&#39;s glove, would help prevent hyperextension of the player&#39;s thumb when catching the ball. 
         [0057]    In various embodiments disclosed herein, the articulating skeleton may be rigid or substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the sports gloves may be padded, but not rigid. In such embodiments, the sections of the articulating skeletons described above may be replaced by padding and/or non-rigid structures. In such embodiments, any of the first, second, and/or third sections  60 ,  70 ,  90  may comprise padded portions that are not rigid. The padded portions may be pivotably connected to each other through various means, including but not limited to material connections, similar to those described in connection with the joint  43  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In such embodiments, the first pivot axis, which is the axis at the joint of the first and second sections, will not be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second section. 
         [0058]    All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material. 
         [0059]    The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. 
         [0060]    All numbers expressing sizes used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches. 
         [0061]    Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.