Abstract:
A tubular fistband, having a stretchy absorbent cloth which connects to an elastic mesh band body. The absorbent cloth can be repeatedly compressed by closing the hand of the wearer without losing shape, dispensing accumulated moisture wiped off wearer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/337,418, filed 2010 Feb. 4 by the present inventor. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    1. Field 
         [0005]    This application relates to sweat absorption, bands, and gloves. 
         [0006]    2. Prior Art 
         [0007]    Athletic stores and sporting good companies commonly supply consumers with sweat absorption products such as, sweatbands and wristbands. These traditional sweatbands absorb moisture, but can&#39;t be dried quickly, often remaining saturated for hours. They do not typically allow moisture to dispense; they are cumbersome, not attractive, retain heat in warm weather, soak easily (adding weight), leave tan lines, and aren&#39;t accurate at wiping. These products are not preferred by runners because of these negative factors. Most runners in humid and rainy climates have a variety of home-made solutions—towels, hats, sponges, and their own shirts—to remove perspiration. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,366 Inventor Michael J. Pratt Granted Mar. 7, 1989, discloses a towel attached to the back of a wristband, addressing the need for an accurate wipe as well as a desire to dry off sweat. This item does not deliver, as it is a complicated massive accessory. The towel may drape to the side, missing the face all together. The towel may snag or get caught. The jarring motion of a joggers head leaning to wipe while searching for the towel or wristband can also interfere with performance. 
         [0009]    U.S. patent 2008/0168593 Inventor Val Parker Granted Jul. 17, 2008, shows a glove and/or glove insert that absorbs moisture in the hand. This does not provide moisture relief to other parts of the body and gloves typically leave the wearer hotter than desired. Gloves also lessen the ease of dexterity for hands and fingers. This product is difficult to put on as well. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,652 Inventor Mark E. Kuwahara Granted Jul. 4, 1989, teaches of a glove that absorbs but traps moisture in the hand and eventually contributes to a very hot, wet hand if worn during exercise. It is bulky and dexterity is lost once again. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,521 Inventor Lee Haney Granted Jan. 13, 1998, reveals a glove that contains absorbent pads for gathering perspiration yet is only effective for minimal perspiration gathering, does not dispose moisture and is difficult to put on as well. This bulky item is not preferred for endurance sports and is designed more for wrist protection. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,470 Inventor William D McKay Granted Apr. 26, 1994, shows a wristband with optional ice and heat inserts. This device continues the trend of wrist focused sweat wipe relief yet fails again to advance the effort of better sweat management. 
         [0013]    All of these suffer a number of disadvantages:
       (a) These items are inaccurate and haphazard in their attempt to remove perspiration/moisture/debris. In a general way they accomplish their goal, however they provide only an inferior, incomplete solution. They are un-attractive for athletes and the general public.   (b) They become increasingly heavy as they accumulate moisture. This causes a significant disadvantage for highly competitive athletes where every ounce of weight is critical. Commonly used sweatbands also absorb moisture that can weigh several ounces, negatively impacting an athlete attempting to be as light and quick as possible.   (c) They can cause constriction of blood flow. Blood flow constriction is a major flaw and drawback during a competitive race. Most would-be wearers simply don&#39;t like the lack of blood flow they feel from wearing wrist or head style sweat absorption devices or sweatbands.   (d) They are cumbersome. Head type sweat absorption systems are cumbersome, not easy to put on and once in place, the user simply hopes moisture is found by the headband.   (e) They do not deal effectively with removal of dirt or debris. Sweatbands and wristbands cannot be easily used to remove dirt or debris which may strike the users face.   (f) They are not easily marked. The ability to add embroidery, iron-on, heat transfers, messages, communication numbers, identifiers, transmitters, and electronics is limited and is often awkward in appearance and usage.       
 
         [0020]    Most sweat absorbing solutions have been designed for use on the wrist and forehead. My own patent No. 61/337,418, describes a band which is made of moisture drying material on the exterior or knuckle portion of the band and absorbent cloth combined to pull moisture away from the user. A simple fist squeeze dispenses built-up moisture one brief motion. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    In accordance with one embodiment a sweatband comprised of a tube shaped band, combining a soft absorbent cloth and a comfort mesh band body, herein referred to as a fistband, worn with the mesh body covering the users&#39; knuckles and the absorbent cloth covering their palms. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  shows the front view of one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  shows the back view. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  shows the band looking through the center. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  shows liquid being dispensed from one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  sectional view with sponge exposed. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  view of band looking through center, having protrusion. in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  view of band back view with tacky pads attached. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  shows the front view with open pocket in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  shows a similar embodiment wherein the band is smaller to fit around users&#39; finger(s). 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  view of band from the back wherein inner portion of band body has opening pocket for fingertips. 
         REFERENCE NUMERALS 
         [0000]    
         
           
             
                 10  band body 
                 12  color piping 
                 14  absorbent cloth 
                 16  sponge insert 
                 18  protrusion 
                 20  cushion pads 
                 30  interior of pocket 
                 40  outer pocket flap 
                 50  opening pocket slot 
                 60  insertable device(s) 
             
           
         
       
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG.  1  to FIG.  5   
     FIRST EMBODIMENT 
       [0042]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0043]    One embodiment of the band is illustrated in  FIG. 1  (front view),  FIG. 2  (back view), and  FIG. 3  (side view). The thin band consisting of a flexible sheet of mesh material  10  which can be repeatedly stretched and relaxed without weakening. A connecting sheet of stretch absorbent terry cloth type material  14  is fastened to the band body. In the preferred embodiment  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the absorbent material  14  has an absorbent foam insert  16  sewn inside. This preferred embodiment may have two  12  color piping strands sewn in the seam of the top and bottom of outer band body. 
       Operation 
     FIG.  4   
       [0044]    User having accumulated moisture in the absorbent area may form fist  FIG. 4  thus dispensing water. 
       FIGS.  6 - 10   
     Additional Embodiments 
       [0045]    Additional embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10 . In  FIG. 6  a securely attached protrusion  18  has various possibilities as it may be filled with liquid, air, or a rubbery gel.  FIG. 7  shows pads  20  attached to inner band body that is protective, sticky, tacky or even slippery. In  FIG. 8  the band has a pocket  30  and optional reclosing flap  40  to secure any number of items that may be placed inside.  FIG. 9  shows a smaller version of the embodiment which may be configured to slide on users thumb and/or fingers.  FIG. 10  shows the back of the band body  14  with an opening tri-fold pocket  50  which sandwiches the inserted finger tips of the wearer.  FIG. 10  may also easily be adapted to place a removable penalty flag, flexible ice pack, flexible heat pack, leash, or wearers&#39; supplementary items. 
       ADVANTAGES 
       [0046]    From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my fistband become evident.
       (a) The motion of wiping sweat from the brow clears the face of debris, moisture and perspiration in one effort.   (b) Accuracy of wiping the necessary area on the wearers&#39; body is improved.   (c) The fistband can quickly and efficiently be put onto the hand.   (d) Wearers will preserve dexterity and have free finger and hand movement.   (e) A much lighter sweatband is found in this embodiment after exercise since sweat may be expelled by simply forming a fist.   (f) Users head will not have to lean awkwardly sideways in search of moving wristband, the head can stay steady, looking straight ahead as the hand naturally comes to wipe the brow.   (g) Embroidery and Heat transfer for safety or advertising will gain easier adherence.   (h) Reflective materials are readily applied to the band body enabling higher visibility for wearers.   (i) Streamlined aerodynamic band body is always an athletes&#39; favorite.   (j) Wearers that experience a fall will have greater palm protection as their hands strike the ground.   (k) Air flow to allow faster drying is punctuated on this band.   (l) The multiple accessories that can be placed inside will greatly benefit the wearer yet will be a huge revenue source for licensed manufacturers.