Patent Abstract:
This invention, gripping mitt with single flap for water sports, incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The mitt has a single flap that has a hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the single flap. The palm side of the mitt has an opposite “hook and loop” material that holds the single flap in a fastened position. When the gripping mitt with single flap is in use, the single flap of the mitt surrounds a paddle handle and holds the paddle so that the user can make paddle strokes. The hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the single flap provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. The gripping mitt with flap has additional innovative features.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/880,363 filed on Jul. 19, 2007. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    This invention relates generally to the field of devices that assist physically disabled people to achieve superior results in spite of their physical disability. The instant invention generally relates to sports devices that aid individuals having physical disabilities to participate in sports activities in a superior fashion in spite of their physical disability. This invention more specifically relates to a gripping mitt with a single flap to be utilized in conjunction with paddles for water sports. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Some individuals have impaired hand gripping abilities. The impaired hand gripping ability may be the result of an accident, or nerve damage, or muscle damage or sickness, or arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, or a stroke, or Parkinson&#39;s disease, or multiple sclerosis, or overuse of a hand, or other reasons or combinations thereof, etc. 
         [0006]    Many individuals that have impaired hand grips are unable to fully participate in sports related activities because they are unable to adequately grasp handles of sports related devices. Examples of such sports related handles include canoe and/or kayak paddles. 
         [0007]    Often a person with an impaired hand grip may be able to participate in a sports related activity if it were not for the impaired hand grip. The problem of impaired hand grip may be tho only reason a person can not enjoy sports related activities such as paddling a canoe or paddling a kayak. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    This invention, gripping mitt with flap for water sports, incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The mitt has a single flap that has a Hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the flap. The palm side of the mitt has an opposite “hook and loop” material that holds the single flap in a fastened position. When the gripping mitt with flap is in use, the single flap of the mitt surrounds a paddle handle and holds the paddle so that the user can make paddle strokes. The hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the single flap provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. 
         [0010]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists someone with impaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. 
         [0011]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user. 
         [0012]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is relatively easy to manufacture. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would be rugged and reusable. 
         [0014]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would not be affected by getting wet and drying out repeatedly. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite the gripping impairment. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is ergonomically designed to assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that could be easily made to fit many different hand sizes. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that can be used on a right hand or a left hand. Separate right hand versions and separate left hand versions are not necessary. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is would enable the user to easily let go of the handle of a sports related device, if so desired. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would enable a variety sports related handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired gripping abilities. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    In order that the manner in which the above and other objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying annexed drawings wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The to dorsal side of the mitt is shown and the user&#39;s fingers surround the handle. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The dorsal side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tightening strap is in the closed position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The dorsal side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tightening strap is in the open position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The palm side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tightening strap is in the open position. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the drawings are studied in conjunction with reading the following description and also reading the claims. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    In keeping with the requirements of Patent Laws there is described herein below the best mode of the invention that is currently known to the applicant. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0030]    With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to  FIGS. 1-5  thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The preferred design embodies the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number  10  will be described. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  shown generally at  10  is a side view of the sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle to of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt  12  fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt  12  is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The neoprene could have a nylon covering on the outside of the mitt as well as the inside of the mitt. Mitt has a dorsal side  13  and a palm side  14  that has hook material  15 . The mitt has a single flap  16  that has loop material  17 . Mitt has a wrist opening  20  for the wrist of a user  21 . The gripping mitt has side stitching  22 . The handle  28  of a paddle is shown with sports gripping mitt  12  with the single flap  16  surrounding the handle  28 . Palm side  14  of mitt  12  has gripping section  29 . When the paddle is in use the hook material  15  on the palm  14  of the gripping mitt  12  and the loop material  17  on the single flap  16  provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. A wrist tightening strap  30  has hook and loop material  32  and release tab  34 . Mitt  12  has hook and loop material  36  for engaging hook and loop material  32  on tightening strap  30 . Single flap  16  has a quick release tab  16 A. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shown generally at  40  is a top side view of the sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt  12  fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt  12  has a dorsal side  13  and a palm side  14  that has hook material  15 . The mitt has a single flap  16  that has loop material  17 . Mitt has a wrist opening  20  for the wrist of a user  21 . The gripping mitt has side stitching  22 . The handle  28  of a paddle is shown with sports gripping mitt with flap  12  surrounding the handle  28 . Palm side  14  of mitt  12  has gripping section  29 . When the paddle is in use the hook material  15  on the palm  14  of the gripping mitt  12  and the loop material  17  on the single flap  16  provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. A wrist tightening strap  30  has hook and loop material  32  and release tab  34 . Mitt  12  has hook material  36  for engaging loop material  32  on tightening strap  30 . Wrist tightening strap  30  is in a tightened position. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shown generally at  50  is a top view of the dorsal the sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt  12  fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt  12  is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neoprene and has a dorsal side  13  and a palm side (not shown) Mitt has a wrist opening  20  for the wrist of a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching  22  and side stitching  23 . A wrist tightening strap  30  has hook and loop material  32  (not shown) and release tab  34 . Mitt  12  has hook and loop material  36  for engaging hook and loop material  32  (not shown) on tightening strap  30 . Wrist tightening strap  30  is in a tightened position. This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cut from a single piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge  39  and stitched edges  22  and  23 . Single flap  16  has quick release tab  16 A. Gripping mitt has a single pocket that enclosed the entire hand  51  of a user. The same mitt can be used for a right hand or a left hand. This simplifies the design and manufacturing process. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  shown generally at  60  is a top view of the dorsal surface  13  of the sports gripping mitt  12  that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt  12  fits over the hand of a user who has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt  12  is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neoprene and has a dorsal side  13  and a palm side (not shown.) Mitt has a wrist opening  20  for the wrist of a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching  22  and side stitching  23 . A wrist tightening strap  30  has hook and loop material  32  and release tab  34 . Mitt  12  has hook and loop material  36  for engaging hook and loop material  32  tightening strap  30 . Wrist tightening strap  30  is in an unfastened position. Mitt  12  has a slit  35  down the side of the wrist opening  20  to allow greater ease of donning the mitt  12 . This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cut from a single piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge  39  to and stitched edges  22 . Product names could be printed or stitched on to various parts of the mitt. An example might be WaterSport GripMitt  61 . Company names could be printed or stitched on to various parts of the mitt also. An example might be Island Outfitters  62 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  shown generally at  70  is a top view of the palm side of the sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt  12  fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt  12  is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neoprene and has a dorsal side  13  (not shown) and a palm side  14  that has hook and loop material  15 . The mitt has flap  16  that has hook and loop material  17 . Mitt has a wrist opening  20  for the wrist of a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching  22 . When the paddle is in use the hook and loop material  15  on the palm  14  of the gripping mitt  12  and the hook and loop material  17  on the flap  16  provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. A wrist tightening strap  30  has hook and loop material  32  (not shown) and release tab  34 . Wrist tightening strap is in an unfastened position. Palm side  14  of mitt  12  has gripping section  29  and an access aperture  71 . Access aperture  71  is located on the gripping section  29  of palm side  14  of mitt  12 . The gripping section  29  is made of a tacky or gripping material on the surface to prevent the paddle shaft from slipping or rotating while being gripped. Gripping section  29  can be made of a separate material and fastened to the palm area by adhesives or by stitching. Gripping section could be made from various materials such as “Dycem” or an non-covered neoprene. Access aperture  17  enables a user to get into the inside of the mitt  12  if so desired. A palm side access opening is important because often someone that has impaired use of a hand has no muscular control of the fingers. Therefore when a gripping mitt is pulled over an impaired hand the fingers will be folded over toward that persons wrist. If the users fingers are folded over, the mitt cannot function properly. A person with one impaired hand can use their other hand and fingers to reach through the palm side access opening, into the inside of the palm side of the mitt to straighten out the bent over fingers so that those fingers are in the proper straightened out position inside the mitt. Alternately, another person could use their hand and fingers to reach through the palm side access opening, into the inside of the palm side of the mitt to straighten out the bent over fingers of a user so that a users fingers are in the proper straightened out position inside the mitt. Access opening could be different lengths for different applications. A three inch long slit would Mitt  12  has a slit  35  down the side of the wrist opening  20  to allow greater ease of donning the mitt  12 . This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cut from a single piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge  39  and stitched edges  22 . Mitt  12  has an opening finger tip end drain opening  72  to allow water to drain out of the mitt finger tip end of the mitt. Finger tip drain opening  72  could be different sizes. Finger tip drain opening  72  could be as long as the width of said single flap  16  which is 2 and ¼ inches wide. Single flap  16  has a quick release tab  16 A thereon. There could be numerous sizes for mitts with single flaps. A mitt length could be approximately 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. Single flap could be 2 and ¼ wide and 6 inches long. Gripping section could be 5 inches wide and 3 and ½ inches tall. Access opening could be many lengths. A length of 3 inches for an access opening would seem to be a minimum length. However, and access opening could be less than 3 inches if so desired. 
         [0036]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap is unique and clearly provides a simple solution to an impaired grip problem. 
         [0037]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. 
         [0038]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists someone with impaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. 
         [0039]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user. 
         [0040]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is relatively easy to manufacture. 
         [0041]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would be rugged and reusable. 
         [0042]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would not be affected by getting wet and drying out repeatedly. 
         [0043]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
         [0044]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite the gripping impairment. 
         [0045]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap is ergonomically designed to assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit. 
         [0046]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap could be easily made to fit many different hand sizes. 
         [0047]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that can be used on a right hand or a left hand. Separate right hand versions and separate left hand versions are not necessary. 
         [0048]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would enable the user to easily let go of the handle of a sports related device if so desired. 
         [0049]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would enable many sports related handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired gripping abilities. 
         [0050]    This invention having been described in its presently contemplated best mode, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous, variations, modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention. 
         [0051]    Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. It should be understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5