Abstract:
A glove with a support system is disclosed. The support system comprises a number of individual support sections, each of which is comprised of a number of arcuate support segments that encircle a portion of a finger and allow forward flexural movement while helping to reduce hyperextension of the finger. The support system is also designed to help reduce the possibility of the finger jamming.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. ______, currently U.S. application Ser. No. 11/368,995, entitled “Glove with Support System”, filed on Sep. 4, 2007, and allowed on Apr. 14, 2009, which application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to protective athletic apparel and more particularly to a glove with a support system. 
         [0003]    Gloves are traditionally worn to protect the hands and to improve gripping ability. Depending on the application, gloves may insulate the hands from temperature extremes, they may protect against harsh or hazardous environments, and they may protect the hands mechanically by diffusing or absorbing applied forces that would otherwise cause damage. 
         [0004]    Protective gloves are particularly common in athletics. Most athletic gloves seek to increase gripping ability and to diffuse or absorb applied forces without interfering with the hand range of motion that is necessary for athletic tasks. Some athletic gloves seek to provide adequate hand range of motion while preventing potentially damaging movements of the hand. 
         [0005]    One potentially damaging movement of the hand is hyperextension of the fingers. Flexion of the fingers enables the wearer to grip an object. However, if the fingers are hyperextended, i.e., straightened and pushed posteriorly, quickly or with great force, they can fracture or sustain other types of damage. Hyperextension of the fingers is a particular concern when the wearer seeks to catch an object moving at relatively high velocity. 
         [0006]    In order to address the issue of hyperextension of the fingers, some athletic gloves include support systems that mechanically block hyperextension of the fingers. However, these athletic gloves typically inhibit flexion of the fingers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one aspect, the invention provides a glove including a support system, that comprises at least one support structure including a first segment and an adjacent second segment; the first segment including a first mechanical connector including at least one hole, and a second mechanical connector including at least one post; the second segment including a first mechanical connector including at least one hole, and a second mechanical connector including at least one post; where the hole of the first mechanical connector of the first segment receives the post of the second mechanical connector of the second segment thereby connecting the first segment with the second segment; where the post pivots within the hole allowing the first segment to pivot with respect to the second segment; and where the post is integrally formed on the second connector. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, the first segment is substantially similar to the second segment. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, the first mechanical connector of the first segment includes a pair of holes disposed on first and second end portions. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, a central portion extends between the first and second end portions. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, the central portion includes a first edge disposed proximal to the first mechanical connector. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the invention provides a glove including a support system that comprises a support structure including a first segment and an adjacent second segment; the first segment including a first mechanical connector including at least one hole, and a second mechanical connector including at least one post; the second segment including a first mechanical connector including at least one hole, and a second mechanical connector including at least one post; where the first segment is connected to the second segment and where the first and second segments present a substantially smooth outer surface when connected. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, the first and second segments present a substantially smooth inner surface when connected. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the first mechanical connector of the first segment includes an outer recessed portion, the outer recessed portion including a hole. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the second mechanical connector of the second segment includes an inner recessed portion, the inner recessed portion including a post. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, the outer recessed portion of the first segment generally corresponds with the inner recessed portion of the second segment. 
         [0017]    In another aspect, the post of the second mechanical connector of the second segment is received in the hole of the first mechanical connector of the first segment thereby connecting the first segment with the second segment. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, the post pivots within the hole allowing the first segment to pivot with respect to the second segment. 
         [0019]    In another aspect, the post is integrally formed on the second connector. 
         [0020]    In another aspect, the invention provides a glove comprising a first layer configured to contact a wearer&#39;s hand; a support system associated with the inner layer comprising: a support structure including a plurality of segments; the support structure having a first segment configured to pivot with respect to at least one adjacent segment; an endcap support segment including a top portion configured to protect a fingertip of the wearer&#39;s hand; and wherein the endcap support segment is attached to the first segment and can pivot with respect to the first segment. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, the endcap includes a mechanical connector that engages a corresponding mechanical connector of the first segment. 
         [0022]    In another aspect, the endcap includes a mechanical connector that engages a corresponding mechanical connector of the first segment. 
         [0023]    In another aspect, the glove includes a knuckle support segment configured to protect a knuckle of the wearer, wherein the knuckle support segment is configured to associate with at least one of the plurality of segments. 
         [0024]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a glove with a support system; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a support segment of the support system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the support segment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the support segment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the support segment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a back elevational view of the support segment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the support segment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the support segment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of several support segments, illustrating their interconnection; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the support segments, similar to the view of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a distal cap support segment of the support system; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a proximal knuckle guard support segment of the support system; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a glove with a support system according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the glove of  FIG. 13 , taken in the axial plane through one of the fingers; 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of one intermediate support segment of the glove of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  is another perspective view of the intermediate support segment of the glove of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an intermediate support segment of the glove of  FIG. 13  with another intermediate support segment shown in phantom, illustrating the extent of contact area between the two segments; 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of two connected intermediate support segments of the glove of  FIG. 13 , illustrating the pivoting of one with respect to the other; 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  is a side elevational sectional view of one finger of the glove of  FIG. 13 , illustrating a support structure in the extended position; 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  is a side elevational sectional view similar to the view of  FIG. 19 , illustrating the support structure in a flexed position; 
           [0046]      FIG. 21  is a side elevational sectional view similar to the view of  FIG. 19 , illustrating the support structure in a partially flexed position with a finger flexed and extending anteriorly of the support structure; 
           [0047]      FIG. 22  is a schematic perspective view of a support structure, illustrating its resistance to torsional forces; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 23  is a side elevational view of a support structure, illustrating its resistance to compressive axial forces. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0049]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a glove, generally indicated at  10 , with a support system, generally indicated at  12 . Glove  10  comprises at least two layers of a compliant, flexible material formed to the shape of a human hand. A first layer  14  of glove  10  is adapted to fit proximate to the anterior surface of the hand; a second layer  16  of glove  10  is adapted to fit proximate to the posterior surface of the hand. In  FIG. 1 , a right-handed glove is illustrated; a left-handed glove may be the mirror image of the right-handed glove. 
         [0050]    In the description that follows, directional terms such as proximal, distal, anterior, and posterior will be used. These terms describe the orientation of glove  10  and the location of its components when glove  10  is worn on a hand, and are defined based on the standard anatomical position of the human hand. 
         [0051]    In preferred embodiments, glove  10  is adapted for use as an athletic glove. In one particular preferred embodiment, glove  10  is adapted for use as a soccer goalie glove. Preferably, at least first layer  14  of glove  10  is adapted to increase tactility and gripping ability. Both first and second layers  14 ,  16  of glove  10  may, for example, be made of leather, synthetic leather, soft PVC, or nylon. First and second layers  14 ,  16  may also include pockets of foam or other cushioning material that absorb force and increase gripping ability. Depending on the embodiment, the materials of first layer  14  and second layer  16  may be the same or different. Additionally, in some embodiments, the layers and features of a left-handed glove may be different than the layers and features of a right-handed glove, depending on the application. 
         [0052]    Support system  12  is disposed between first and second layers  14 ,  16  of glove  10 , and may be secured between first and second layers  14 ,  16  in any desired manner. For example, support system  14  may be sewn into place between first and second layers  14 ,  16 . Moreover, although not shown in  FIG. 1 , additional layers of fabric or other material may be sewn, fused to, or otherwise mounted on or between first and second layers  14 ,  16  in order to define pockets for support system  12 . 
         [0053]    Support system  12  comprises a plurality of support structures  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 , one for each of the four fingers on the hand. In the illustrated embodiment, no support structure is provided for the thumb, although a support structure could be included in other embodiments. Support structures  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are positioned within glove  10  such that when glove  10  is worn, each support structure  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  extends from a proximal location adjacent the first knuckle to a distal location adjacent the tip of the finger. 
         [0054]    Each support structure  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  is sized for the particular finger that it is to support, and each comprises the following optional components: a proximal knuckle support segment  26 , at least one middle support segment, preferably a plurality of middle support segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  connected to each other, and a distal endcap support segment  44 . In order to accommodate longer finger length, those support structures  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  that are adapted for longer fingers may have more middle support segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 . The interconnection and manner of operation of support structures  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  will be described in more detail below. Preferably, support segments  26 ,  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  are made of a material having sufficient rigidity for the application. In some preferred embodiments, support segments  26 ,  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  are made of a plastic, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). In other embodiments, support segments  26 ,  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  may be made of metal. 
         [0055]    In general, support structures  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  of glove  10  are adapted to prevent hyperextension of the fingers while allowing a full range of motion in flexture. As the term hyperextension is used here, it refers generally to any unwanted posterior (i.e., rearward) movement or position of any portion or joint of a finger, as well as specific positions that may be clinically described as hyperextended. It should be understood that one joint of a finger may be hyperextended even though other joints of that same finger are flexed. 
         [0056]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of one of middle support segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  in isolation, and  FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view. Although the middle support segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  may differ slightly in size or shape so as to be adapted for the various fingers or for a particular position along the finger, preferably, they are of substantially the same shape and size; therefore, for clarity, details of support segment  28  illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are disclosed, keeping in mind that the teachings of support segment  28  can be applied to the other support segments  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 . 
         [0057]    Support segment  28  has a generally arcuate shape, and is adapted to curve laterally around the finger that it is to support. In the illustrated embodiment, support segment  28  has curving first and second end portions  46 ,  48  connected by a relatively flat central portion  50 . When glove  10  is worn, one of end portions  46 ,  48  extends around the medial aspect of the finger and the other end portion  46 ,  48  curves around the lateral aspect of the finger. In a preferred embodiment, support segment  28  extends over approximately 180° of the circumference of the finger, although greater and lesser extents are possible. 
         [0058]    Each of the first and second end portions  46 ,  48  has a first mechanical connector  52  and a second mechanical connector  54 . With respect to the anatomical coordinate system of the fingers, first mechanical connector  52  is configured to associate support segment  28  with a more distal support segment  29 ; second mechanical connector  54  is configured to associate support segment  28  with a more proximal support segment  26 . 
         [0059]    First mechanical connector  52  comprises first and second holes  56 ,  58  defined opposite one another in respective outwardly extending first and second connecting portions  60 ,  62 . First and second connecting portions  60 ,  62  project distally from support segment  28  and arise as first and second end portions  46 ,  48  merges into central portion  50 . As is shown in the figures, first and second connecting portions  60 ,  62  are slightly recessed so as to lie inwardly of a first edge  64  of support segment  28 . First edge  64  of support segment  28  acts as the outermost edge of support segment  28  distally; its contours will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0060]    Second mechanical connector  54  comprises first and second posts  66 ,  68  positioned opposite one another on opposite inwardly oriented faces of first and second end portions  46 ,  48 . First and second posts  66 ,  68  are sized to fit within and cooperate with the respective first and second holes  56 ,  58  of an adjacent support segment and to extend inwardly so as to be flush with the respective first and second connecting portions  60 ,  62  when engaged in first and second holes  56 ,  58 . Adjacent first and second posts  66 ,  68  is a second edge  70 , which acts as the proximal outermost edge of support segment  28 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the support segment  28 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , with respect to the coordinate system of the hand, central portion  50  and its first edge  64  extend farther in a distal direction than first and second posts  66 ,  68 . The overall curvature of central portion  50  and the extent of its first and second edges  64 ,  70  can also be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , which are, respectively, top and bottom plan views of support segment  28 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  are, respectively, front and back elevational views showing the overall arcuate curvature of support segment  26 . 
         [0062]    The connection of one support segment  30  with proximal support segments  28 ,  29  and a distal support segment  31  are shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  which are, respectively, a side elevational view and a sectional view of several assembled support segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 . As shown, first posts  66  engage with first holes  56  and second posts  68  engage with second holes  58  to connect support segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 . Because of the position of first and second mechanical connectors  52 ,  54 , support segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31  are partially nested within one another once connected, with first and second mechanical connectors  52 ,  54  positioned on the interior. 
         [0063]    As was described above, support structures  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  may have distal endcap support segments  44 .  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an endcap support segment  44  in isolation. Endcap support segment  44  has a generally cup-like structure and includes a surrounding portion  72  and a top portion  74 . Surrounding portion  72  is contoured to match the contours of middle segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  to which it is attached and with which it cooperates. An endcap mechanical connector  76  comprises a first endcap post  78  and a second endcap post (not shown in the view of  FIG. 11 ). First endcap post  78  and second endcap post are slightly recessed with respect to the interior surface of endcap support segment  44  and are sized to engage and cooperate with corresponding first and second holes  56 ,  58  of support segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  such that the tops of first post  78  and second post are flush with the interior surface of endcap support segment  44  when engaged with another segment  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 . Top portion  74  is adapted to protect the fingertip and includes an anterior edge  80  that extends proximally from top portion  74  and helps to retain the fingertip within endcap support segment  44 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of proximal knuckle support segment  26 . The knuckle support segment  26  includes a broad portion  82  that terminates distally in a distal edge  84 . Broad portion  82  and distal edge  84  are sized and contoured to cooperate and engage with distal segments  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 . Broad portion  82  also includes a knuckle support segment mechanical connector  86  which comprises first and second holes  88 ,  90  defined in first and second projecting portions  92 ,  94  that extend relatively inwardly from the outermost edge of broad portion  82  and are positioned so as to engage first and second posts  66 ,  68 . 
         [0065]    Broad portion  82  narrows proximally from distal edge  84  and curves arcuately inwardly, giving knuckle support segment  26  the overall shape of a “fish tail,” as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The curvature allows knuckle support segment  26  to protect the knuckle without obstructing flextural movement or interfering with other nearby knuckle support segments  26  from other fingers. 
         [0066]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a glove, generally indicated at  100 , with a support system  108  according to another embodiment of the invention. Glove  100  is similar in many respects to glove  10 , and thus, those aspects of glove  100  that are not described in specific detail may be assumed to be similar to those of glove  10 . Glove  100  is a right-handed glove; left handed gloves would typically be mirror images of glove  100 . 
         [0067]    Glove  100  includes three layers of fabric, a first layer  102 , a second layer  104 , and a third layer  106  intermediate the first and second layers  102 ,  104 . As with glove  10 , first layer  102  of glove  100  is adapted to fit proximate to the anterior of the hand, and in this embodiment may be relatively thickened with respect to second layer  104 . First layer  102  may include any features that increase gripping or tactiliy, including rubberized or studded portions or foams. Third layer  106  of glove  100  is preferably relatively thin compared to first and second layers  102 ,  104  and is adapted to be sewn, fused, or otherwise attached between first and second layers  102 ,  104  to form a series of pockets. Support system  108  is adapted to rest within the pockets. Support system  108 , which is similar in many respects to support system  12  of glove  10 , includes four support structures  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , one for each of the fingers. Correspondingly, third layer  106  is shaped so as to create four pockets for the four support structures  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 . Each support structure  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  includes a knuckle support segment  118 , a plurality of intermediate support segments  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and an endcap support segment  146 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of glove  100  taken in the axial plane, illustrating a finger  149  in phantom as it would appear in place inside glove  100 . First, second, and third layers  102 ,  104 ,  106  meet at a stitch line  146  that extends around the circumference of glove  100 . Support structures  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  are disposed between second layer  104  and third layer  106 . Specifically,  FIG. 14  illustrates one intermediate support segment, generically indicated at  128  and representative of the features of all of the intermediate support segments, in section, disposed between second layer  104  and third layer  106  and encircling approximately 180° of the circumference of finger  149 . 
         [0069]    As is also shown  FIG. 14 , support segment  128  is disposed between second and third layers  104 ,  106  but, preferably, neither support segment  128  nor any other portion of support structures  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  is secured in place between those two layers  104 ,  106 . Thus, support structures  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  are free to move along a proximal-distal line of motion within the pocket created by second layer  104  and third layer  106 . In other embodiments, support structures  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  may be secured in place between second layer  104  and third layer  106 . However, leaving support structures  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  free to move has certain advantages that will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 15 and 16  are perspectives view of the generic intermediate support segment  128 , which is representative of the features of the other intermediate support segments  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 . Support segment  128  has a general shape and features similar to those of support segment  28 , including first and second end portions  148 ,  150  connected by a relatively flat central portion  152 . When glove  100  is worn, one of end portions  148 ,  150  extends around the medial aspect of finger  149  and the other end portion  148 ,  150  curves around the lateral aspect of finger  149 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . One difference between support segment  28  and support segment  128  is that support segment  128  is thicker than support segment  28 , which provides more rigidity in the assembled support structures  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  118 . 
         [0071]    Each of the first and second end portions  148 ,  150  has a first mechanical connector  154  and a second mechanical connector  156 . With respect to the anatomical coordinate system of the fingers, first mechanical connector  154  is configured to associate support segment  128  with a more distal support segment  130 ; second mechanical connector  156  is configured to associate support segment  128  with a more proximal support segment  126 . 
         [0072]    First mechanical connector  154  comprises first and second openings  158 ,  160  defined opposite one another in respective outwardly extending first and second connecting portions  162 ,  164 . Compared with holes  58 ,  60  of support segment  28 , openings  158 ,  160  are keyed, having shapes that are not fully radially symmetric. 
         [0073]    First and second connecting portions  162 ,  164  project distally from support segment  128  and arise as central portion  152  merges into first and second end portions  148 ,  150 . As is shown in the figures, first and second connecting portions  162 ,  164  are slightly recessed so as to lie inwardly of a first edge  166  of support segment  28 . First edge  166  of support segment  128  acts as the outermost edge of support segment  128  distally; its contours will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0074]    Second mechanical connector  156  comprises first and second posts  167 ,  168  positioned opposite one another on opposite, inwardly oriented faces of first and second end portions  148 ,  150 . First and second posts  167 ,  168  are sized to fit within and cooperate with respective first and second holes  158 ,  160  of another support segment  128  Adjacent first and second posts  167 ,  168  is a second edge  170 , which acts as the outermost edge of support segment  128  proximally. 
         [0075]    Compared with first and second posts  66 ,  68  of support segment  28 , first and second posts  167 ,  168  of support segment  128  are longer than first and second posts  66 ,  68  and include a set of keyed projections  172  that arise from their lateral surfaces and correspond to the shape of first and second openings  158 ,  160 . The corresponding shapes of openings  158 ,  160  and first  168  and second posts with keyed projections  172  allow first  168  and second posts and openings  158 ,  160  to remain in engagement, and prevent the respective components from accidental disengagement. 
         [0076]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of support segment  128  with a second interconnected support segment shown in phantom, illustrating the extent of contact area between the two at first edge  166 . As shown, the contact between the two segments is in several planes, and is increased relative to the contact areas provided by the support structures  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  of glove  10  due to the increased thickness of support segment  128 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of support segment  128  and a more distal support segment  130  in engagement, showing the engaged relationship of the first and second posts  167 ,  168  and the first and second openings  158 ,  160 . As shown, the position and extent of keyed projections  172  on first and second posts  167 ,  168  allow free rotation between adjacent support segments  128 ,  130 , but restrict medial-lateral movement of the support segments  128 ,  130 . 
         [0078]      FIGS. 19-23  illustrate the functions and positions of a support structure, generically illustrated as support structure  110 , inside glove  100 . Specifically,  FIG. 19  is a schematic side elevational sectional view of a portion of glove  100  with finger  149  inside. The view of  FIG. 19  depicts the position of support structure  110  with finger  149  in the fully extended position. The tip of finger  149  is behind proximally-extending anterior edge  180  of endcap support segment  146 . 
         [0079]    As will be appreciated from  FIG. 19 , support structure  110  prevents hyperextension of finger  149  because, in the illustrated position, the various segments  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  abut and will thus not permit any additional extension or posterior movement. 
         [0080]      FIG. 20  is a schematic side elevational sectional view similar to the view of  FIG. 19 , but with finger  149 , glove  100 , and support structure  110  in flexion. Support structure  110  continues to protect the anterior aspect of finger  149 . In the view of  FIG. 19 , the tip of finger  149  remains behind anterior edge  180  of endcap support segment  146 , which causes support segment  110  to move in one-to-one or nearly one-to-one correspondence with finger  149 . 
         [0081]    In the description above, it was noted that support structure  110  is not secured in place, but rather, is free to slide along the pocket defined by second and third layers  104 ,  106 . One advantage of this can be seen in  FIG. 20 . When finger  149  is in the fully extended position illustrated in  FIG. 19 , support structure  110  is in a first position, which is indicated in phantom at  990  in  FIG. 20 . As finger  149  flexes with the tip of finger  149  behind anterior edge  180  of endcap support segment  146 , support structure  110  slides distally, so that the proximal edge of knuckle support segment  118  is in a position indicated at  992  in  FIG. 20 . This allows for a better fit of glove  100  and for more adaptable support from support structure  110 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 21  is a schematic side elevational sectional view similar to the views of  FIGS. 19 and 20 .  FIG. 21  illustrates a variation on the movement in  FIG. 19 . In  FIG. 21 , finger  149  is not behind anterior edge  180  of endcap support segment  146 . Specifically, as finger  149  flexes in the position shown in  FIG. 21 , it pushes first layer  102 . Eventually, since first layer  102  is connected to second and third layers  104 ,  106 , support structure  110  will be pulled into partial flexion by forces exerted on it through first, second, and third layers  102 ,  104 ,  106  of glove  100 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 21 , finger  149  is more flexed than support structure  110 , and there is only an indirect correspondence between the degree of flexion of finger  149  and the degree of flexion of support structure  110 . 
         [0083]    The position of  FIG. 21  may be helpful in some applications in which the wearer is attempting to catch or grip an object. In essence, the position of  FIG. 21  allows finger  149  to move relatively freely while support structure  110  remains behind to act as a backstopping support within glove  100 . 
         [0084]      FIGS. 22 and 23  are, respectively, a schematic perspective and side elevational view of support structure  110 , illustrating the result with applied torsional and axial forces. As shown in  FIG. 22 , support structure  110  resists twisting upon the application of torsional forces because of the shape and close engagement of the support segments  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 23  illustrates the application of a compressive axial force to support structure  110 . The overall shape of support structure  110  tends to reduce the likelihood of failure by column buckling. Therefore, support structure  110  protects finger  149  against, for example, sudden axial compressive loads that might cause a finger jamb or a crush injury along the finger. 
         [0086]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.