Abstract:
A glove employable for mixed martial arts, including striking and grappling, employs a dorsal pad having distal and lateral extensions with an integral bend for covering both the dorsal and lateral sides of the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints. The integral bend conforms with the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints with the user&#39;s hand in the clinched fist position. The glove affords protection to the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints while striking. On the other hand, the integral bend is capable of easily unbending to an open position for grappling. The integral bend is unbent by unclenching the user&#39;s fingers by flexion from the clinched fist position to the open position. The glove also includes a wrist pad for protecting the wrist against heavy strikes.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of the priority dates of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/433,841 (filed Jan. 18, 2011), 61/473,378 (filed Apr. 8, 2011), and 61/526,999 (filed Aug. 24, 2011), incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to mixed martial arts gloves. More particularly, the invention relates to mixed martial arts gloves that have both grappling and striking capability. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Competitive and tactical martial arts training often features injuries with open finger gloves and heavy contact because of powerful strikes. Even while making a proper fist, accidents or injuries frequently occur when a striker hits with an unorthodox angle. 
         [0004]    What was needed was a mixed martial arts glove capable of reducing a combatant&#39;s injuries of a type that occurs during training when a combatant strikes while failing to make a proper fist or strikes with heavy contact or is struck on the wrist with heavy force during competition or tactical simulations scenarios. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The glove of the present invention reduces injuries of the type that occur during training. More particularly, the glove of the present invention includes a 90 degree bent striking surface made from molded foam or layered foam for reducing injuries of the type that occur when a combatant does not make a proper fist while striking. Additionally, the glove of the present invention includes padded hammerfist and sloppy hook punch coverage. Additionally, the glove of the present invention includes wrist coverage for protection in the event a combatant is struck on the wrist during competition or tactical simulations scenarios while striking and grappling. 
         [0006]    A first aspect of the invention is directed to an improved glove employable by a user for mixed martial arts. The glove is an open fingered type and is of a type having a dorsal pad ( 1 ) for protecting the dorsal side of the metacarpals of a user&#39;s hand against shock. Furthermore, the glove is of a type capable of assuming an open position for grappling and a clinched fist position for striking. The improvement to which a first embodiment of this first aspect of the invention is directed includes the dorsal pad ( 1 ) having a distal extension ( 2 ) with an integral bend ( 3 ) for covering the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints ( 14 ). The integral bend ( 3 ) conforms with the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints ( 14 ) with the user&#39;s hand in the clinched fist position. The integral bend ( 3 ) affords protection to the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints ( 14 ) while striking. The integral bend ( 3 ) is capable of unbending by unclenching the user&#39;s fingers by flexion from the clinched fist position to the open position. In a preferred mode, the improvement further includes the dorsal pad ( 1 ) having a composition of molded foam ( 5 ), with the integral bend ( 3 ) being formed by the molded foam ( 5 ). In another preferred mode, the improvement further includes the dorsal pad ( 1 ) having a composition including a first layer of low density foam ( 6 ) and a second layer of high density foam ( 7 ). The first and second layers ( 6  &amp;  7 ) are glued to one another for forming the integral bend ( 3 ). In another preferred mode, the improvement further includes the distal extension ( 2 ) extending sufficiently for covering and protecting the user&#39;s intermediate phalanges. In another preferred mode, the improvement further includes the dorsal pad ( 1 ) extending distally for covering and protecting the user&#39;s distal phalanges. 
         [0007]    A second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention incorporates the first embodiment, as described above and the improvement further includes the dorsal pad ( 1 ) and the integral bend ( 3 ) having an extension ( 10 ) extending laterally beyond the metacarpal/proximal phalange joint ( 14 ) of the user&#39;s index finger for affording impact protection to the lateral side of the metacarpal/proximal phalanges joint of the user&#39;s index finger against a sloop hook punch. 
         [0008]    A third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention incorporates the first and/or second embodiment, as described above and the improvement further comprises a wrist pad ( 8 ) covering the user&#39;s wrist and affording protection to the user&#39;s carpals against shock. The wrist pad ( 8 ) has a composition including foam. The wrist pad ( 8 ) is distinct from the dorsal pad ( 1 ) and is flexibly connected thereto for affording flexibility between the wrist and hand. 
         [0009]    A second aspect of the invention is also directed to an improved glove employable by a user for mixed martial arts. The glove is an open fingered type and is of a type having a dorsal pad ( 1 ) for protecting the dorsal side of the metacarpals of a user&#39;s hand against shock. The improvement to which a first embodiment of this second aspect of the invention is directed comprises a lateral pad ( 9 ) for providing hammer strike protection. The lateral pad ( 9 ) covers and protects the lateral side of the metacarpal/proximal phalanges joint of the user&#39;s little finger. The lateral pad ( 9 ) is flexible connected to the dorsal pad ( 1 ) and is oriented orthogonally thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral strike pad has a composition that includes foam. 
         [0010]    A third aspect of the invention is also directed to an improved glove employable by a user for mixed martial arts. The glove is an open fingered type having a dorsal pad ( 1 ) for protecting the dorsal side of the metacarpals of a user&#39;s hand against shock. The improvement to which a first embodiment of this third aspect of the invention is directed includes the dorsal pad ( 1 ) having a distal extension ( 2 ) and an integral bend ( 3 ) for covering the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints ( 14 ). The integral bend ( 3 ) conforms with the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints ( 14 ) with the user&#39;s hand in the clinched fist position for affording protection to the user&#39;s metacarpal/proximal phalange joints ( 14 ) while striking. The integral bend ( 3 ) is capable of unbending by unclenching the user&#39;s fingers by flexion from the clinched fist position to the open position. The distal extension ( 2 ) extends sufficiently for covering and protecting the user&#39;s Intermediate phalanges. The dorsal pad ( 1 ) and the integral bend ( 3 ) includes a lateral extension extending laterally beyond the metacarpal/proximal phalange joint ( 14 ) of the user&#39;s index finger for affording impact protection to the lateral side of the metacarpal/proximal phalanges joint of the user&#39;s index finger against a sloop hook punch. The improvement further comprises a wrist pad ( 8 ) and a lateral pad ( 9 ). The wrist pad ( 8 ) covers the user&#39;s wrist and affords protection to the user&#39;s carpals against shock. The wrist pad ( 8 ) has a composition including foam. The wrist pad ( 8 ) is distinct from the dorsal pad ( 1 ) and is flexibly connected to the dorsal pad ( 1 ) for affording flexibility to the wrist. The lateral pad ( 9 ) provides hammer strike protection. The lateral pad ( 9 ) covers and protects the lateral side of the metacarpal/proximal phalanges joint of the user&#39;s little finger. The lateral pad ( 9 ) is orthogonally connected to the dorsal pad ( 1 ). 
         [0011]    A second embodiment of the third aspect of the invention incorporates the first embodiment, as described above and the improvement further includes the dorsal pad ( 1 ), including its integral bend ( 3 ), having a composition selected from the group consisting of molded foam ( 5 ) and layered foam. 
         [0012]    A third embodiment of the third aspect of the invention incorporates the first and/or second embodiments, as described above, and the improvement further includes the dorsal pad ( 1 ) extending distally for covering and protecting the user&#39;s distal phalanges against shock. 
         [0013]    A fourth embodiment of the third aspect of the invention incorporates the first and/or second and/or third embodiments, as described above, and the improvement further compromising an anti-microbial applied to at least one element of the glove. 
         [0014]    A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to an improved method for manufacturing a glove employable for mixed martial arts. The improvement comprises the step of making a dorsal pad ( 1 ) having an integral bend ( 3 ) by means of a molding process, according to claim  2 . 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the palm side of a prior art mixed martial arts glove. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the dorsal side of a prior art mixed martial arts glove. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the dorsal side of a prior art mixed martial arts glove. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a phantom view of the anatomy of the human hand within the prior art mixed martial arts glove of  FIG. 1 , including the carpals ( 11 ), the carpal/metacarpal joint ( 12 ), the metacarpals ( 13 ), the metacarpal/proximal phalanges joint ( 14 ), the proximal phalanges ( 15 ), the intermediate phalanges ( 16 ), and the distal phalanges ( 17 ). 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the dorsal side of a tactical mixed martial arts glove of the present invention, illustrating a distal extension ( 2 ) of the dorsal pad for protecting the intermediate phalanges, a lateral extension of the dorsal pad for protecting the metacarpal/intermediate phalange joint of the index finger ( 9 ). 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the dorsal side of the tactical mixed martial arts glove of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of the glove of  FIG. 5 , illustrating molded padding in the dorsal pad and the wrist pad. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  illustrates the same sectional view as  FIG. 6 , but illustrates layered padding in the dorsal pad. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the dorsal side an alternative tactical mixed martial arts glove lacking a thumb sheath, but including a lateral pad ( 9 ), separate from the dorsal pad ( 1 ), for protecting the metacarpal of the user&#39;s little finger and the metacarpal intermediate phalange joint of the little finger. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the palm side the alternative tactical mixed martial arts glove of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The glove of the present application is intended for use in mixed martial arts competitions. The key advancements made with this design relate to the shape of the glove and to the structure of the wrist. The shape of the foam may be reproduced in at least two ways, viz., (a) by bending the foam, or (b) by producing the foam inside a mold. 
         [0026]    The glove of the present application provides superior hand protection by cupping the sides of the fist with padding, and by creating a bent-hand design. Prior art MMA gloves are built to cover the front of the knuckles when the hand is drawn into a fist, but do not provide adequate protection for unorthodox strikes such as the hammer fist (which strikes with the side of the fist) or the wide hook punch (which often impacts on the inside corner of the fist, near the base of the pointer finger). Using such strikes when wearing common MMA gloves can lead to serious injuries for both the striker and the person being struck. Additionally, the design of prior art MMA gloves presumes that the hand at rest should be open flat, or slightly bent. Such gloves require the wearer to draw their hand into fist before punching. The glove of the present application is designed on the premise that at rest the fighter&#39;s hand should be bent significantly, so that making a fist is easy and extending the fingers requires more effort. This bent-hand design reduces the risk of accidental finger-related injuries such as finger dislocation and eye-gouging. 
         [0027]    The glove of the present application  1  has three preferred embodiments. In each of the preferred embodiments, the hand design is similar. The variation occurs in the wrist structure. 
       Example No. 1 
       [0028]    Key features of the glove of Example No. 1 include:
       1. The dorsal pad ( 1 ) incorporates bent multilayer foam that focuses the striker&#39;s impact zone on the glove. An integral bend ( 3 ) employs a layer of high density foam ( 7 ) sandwiched between two layers of low density foam ( 6 ). The integral bend ( 3 ) is achieved by gluing these layers to one another while oriented in the desired bent position.   2. Combination of layers of high density foam and soft foam increases the shock absorption of the gloves padding immensely.
           a. Prior art open finger gloves have featured a “clinch your hand into a fist” design style. The glove of the present application naturally bends the user&#39;s hand into a fist position and thus the effort is not to close the hand but to open it.   
           3. Cupping the sides of the fist with padding is another departure from prior designs as martial arts and boxing gloves typically have padding on top of the hand not on the sides.
           a. Training and fighting “accidents” are reduced by the new concepts of specially formed padding on either side of the gloves covering the sides of the fist.   
           4. While training against striking techniques, wrists are frequently injured by the opponent&#39;s larger bones. With the incorporation of dense foam and leather into the wrist pad ( 8 ) of the wrist strap, proper flexibility is maintained in specific angles while guarding against shock.
           a. Prior art designs have incorporated wrist support but never strong padding for the wrist that was intended to be shock resistant.   
               
 
         [0036]    Dorsal face of the gloves may be either fiat or may include split fingers. Embodiments may employ hook and loop fastening mechanism, elastic, laces, or buckles and equivalents. 
         [0037]    The wrist strap of the glove of Example No. 1 employs flexible leather (or synthetic leather) with Velcro to secure the glove. The flexibility of this leather wrist strap is comparable to what can be found in the wrist straps of prior art MMA gloves. 
         [0038]    In another embodiment of Example No. 1, the wrist strap employs leather (or synthetic leather) with Velcro is again used to secure the glove but additionally, the wrist is given a wrist pad ( 8 ) having shock-absorbent foam reinforcement. This internal structural difference helps maintain the wrist in proper form for punching and also helps guard the wrist against impacts from kicks and other blows. 
         [0039]    In the third embodiment of Example No. 1, the wrist strap is replaced with boxing-style laces, which draw tight and tie together to provide a secure closure to the wrist. Although the closure system differs in this embodiment, there are some similarities in the wrist design. In all three variations, there is a flap which closes over the wrist, drawing from the inside of the wrist toward the outside. 
         [0040]    The glove of the present invention is specially formed to encourage proper punching form and shaped to cover zones that are not ordinarily protected by gloves of this type, helping reduce injuries that occur when a combatant does not make a proper fist while striking, strikes with heavy contact, or at unorthodox angle. The glove also offers protection for the wrist, both in terms of wrist support and also in case the wrist is struck with force, e.g., by a kick. 
       Example No. 2 
       [0041]    Competitive and tactical training martial arts training often features injuries with open finger gloves and heavy contact because of powerful strikes. Even while making a proper fist accidents or injuries frequently occur when a striker hits with an unorthodox angle. 
         [0042]    The molded foam mixed martial arts (MMA) glove of Example No. 2 is specially formed to encourage proper punching form and shaped to cover zones that are not ordinarily protected by gloves of this type, helping to reduce injuries that occur when a combatant does not make a proper fist while striking, strikes with heavy contact, or at unorthodox angle. The glove also offers protection for the wrist, both in terms of wrist support and also in case the wrist is struck with force, e.g., by a kick. 
         [0043]    Key features of the glove of Example 2 include:
       1. The dorsal pad ( 1 ) employs bent molded foam ( 5 ) that focuses the striker&#39;s impact zone on the glove.   2. A combination of layers of high density foam and soft foam increases the shock absorption of the gloves padding immensely.
           a. Prior art open finger gloves have featured a “clinch your hand into a fist” design style. The glove of the present application naturally bends the hand into a fist position and thus the effort is not to close the hand but to open it.   
           3. Cupping the sides of the fist with padding is another departure from prior designs as martial arts and boxing gloves typically have padding on top of the hand (dorsal), but not on the sides.
           a. Training and fighting “accidents” are reduced by the new concepts of specially formed padding on either side of the gloves for covering the sides of the fist.   
           4. While training against striking techniques, wrists are frequently injured by the opponent&#39;s larger bones. With the incorporation of a wrist pad ( 8 ) having dense foam and leather into the wrist strap, proper flexibility is maintained in specific angles while guarding against shock.
           a. Prior art designs show that MMA glove have incorporated wrist support but never strong padding for the wrist that was intended to be shock resistant.   
               
 
         [0051]    The gloves of Example No. 2 have split fingers but could readily be changed to have the same elements with a flat face. The present embodiment incorporates a hook and loop fastening mechanism but can easily be modified to use elastic, laces, buckles etc. 
       Example No. 3 
       [0052]    The advanced design of Example No. 3 helps reduce injuries during tactical training. Key features of the glove of Example 3 include:
       1. Five sided padding, including the front fist ( 2 ), back of hand ( 1 ), outside and inside of fist ( 9  &amp;  10 ), and bottom edge of fist ( 8 ), minimizes damage from fractures and cuts to both the striker and opponent from straight punches, outside and vertical hook punches, back-fist and hammer-fist strikes.   2. Wrist support incorporates a closed cell foam wrist pad ( 8 ) that supports and aligns the wrist while protecting against injury from rolling the wrist, kicks or incidental contact.   3. Structure and curvature of glove gives hand natural form for safe striking.   4. Bent multi-layer multi-density foam guides the hand to rest in a bent position guarding against accidental eye-pokes and injury to the hand because of improper punching technique. This padding is also designed to focus the target area of the glove and has an extra layer of high-density foam covering the knuckles for maximum protection.   5. Specially designed finger loops which do not impair gripping and grappling practice while allowing the practitioner to form a clinched fist for striking.   6. Velcro wrist strap secures wrist while striking.   7. Heavyweight open-handed training glove for tactical, martial arts and weapon training.   8. Double-stitching is used as needed to protect seams.   9. Wipeable interior surface for cleanliness.   10. Interior and exterior materials are treated with a unique combination of germ killing agents proven effective against infectious microorganisms—including several that are of great concern to the medical community and governments including Staph, MRSA, Ringworm, and others. The formula is applied to the materials at the factory producing a long-term bond that strengthens material and defeats the colonization of microbes seeking attachment and growth on surfaces.       
 
         [0063]    Preferred Materials and Alternate Materials: 
         [0064]    The glove is constructed using an advanced, man-made leather (herein referred to as MML), composed of a non-woven fabric. It consists of ultra-fine fibers, as fine as 0.05 micron to imitate collagen fiber bundles. The bundles are impregnated with polyurethane to improve flexibility and conformability. The fabric is three times stronger than leather, requiring only a third of real leather&#39;s weight to achieve equal tear strength. More durable and consistent than real leather, the material resists abrasion better, will not dry out or become brittle, and does not wear down after years of use. If man-made leather matching these specifications is not available, then to ensure quality, the glove can be made from Grade A natural leather. 
         [0065]    Multiple shock-absorbent cushioning materials are used in this design, including a polymer composite containing a chemically engineered dilatant to function as an energy absorber. This advanced material, used to absorb the heaviest impacts, is lightweight, soft and flexible but on shock locks together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to its flexible state. If this advanced material is not available, a thicker layer of dense, closed cell foam can be used in its place to ensure user safety and product longevity. 
         [0066]    The textile or surface layer may be treated with an antimicrobial agent to reduce odor-causing and/or pathogenic microorganisms. Examples of such antimicrobial agents include: silane functionalized quaternary amines such as Microbe Shield™ available from AEGIS Environments; colloidal silver solutions such as Silpure™ available from Thompson Research Associates, Canada, silver chelated polymer solutions such as SilvaDur™ available from Rohm &amp; Haas; biguanides such as polyhexamethylene biguanide sold under the trade names Vantocil™ and Cosmocil™ available from Arch Chemicals; and a formulation sold under the name of GermPro™ available from GermPatrol LLC, Largo, Fla. 
         [0067]    Selected Measurement: 
         [0068]    Elastic Wrist Band:
       M—1.5″×3.25″   L—1.5″×3.25″   XL—1.5″×3.25″
 
Wrist cuff:
   M—5.5″×3.5″   L—6″×3.5″   XL—6″×4″       
 
         [0075]    Thumb Guard: 
         [0076]    Exterior MML material shell, felt interior:
       M—6″×2″   L—6.5″×2″   XL—7″×2.5″       
 
         [0080]    Dense Sponge—0.75″ thick:
       M—2″ long, 2″ across at thumb-base, 1.5″ across at top   L—2″ long, 2″ across at thumb-base, 1.5″ across at top   XL—2.5″ long, 2.5″ across at thumb-base, 1.5″ across at top       
 
         [0084]    Light Sponge, 0.25″ thick:
       M—4″ long, 2″ across at thumb-base, 1″ across at wrist   L—4″ long, 2″ across at thumb-base, 1″ across at wrist   XL—5″ long, 2.5″ across at thumb-base, 1″ across at wrist       
 
         [0088]    Main Padding Area:
       90° curve from top of knuckles to fingers       
 
         [0090]    3 Layered Padding:
       Outer layer: Sponge Foam   Middle Layer Dense, Closed Cell Foam   Inner Layer Sponge Foam   1.5″ Thick at Knuckles   1″ Thick at Fingers and at Wrist Cuff       
 
         [0096]    From Top of Wrist Cuff to Fingers:
       M—8.875″   L—9″   XL—9″       
 
         [0100]    From Top of Wrist Cuff to Top of Knuckles:
       M—3.5″   L—4″   XL—4″       
 
         [0104]    From top of knuckles to fingers:
       M—4″   L—4″   XL—4″       
 
         [0108]    Across Knuckles:
       M—4.5″   L—5″   XL—5″       
 
         [0112]    Across Fingers and at Top of Wrist:
       M—3.5″   L—4″   XL—4″       
 
         [0116]    Side of Fist Padding:
       Foam 0.5″ thick   M—1.125″×3″   L—1,5″×3″   XL—1.5×3″       
 
         [0121]    Finger Loops: 
         [0122]    Material 0.0625″ thick is made of MML material and felt stitched together. Each loop double-stitched in place. Material used to make four Finger Loops:
       M—approximately 9″×2.25″ 4″ across Glove, 1″ per finger, each loop extends out 1.25″   L—approximately 10″×2.25″ 4.5″ across Glove, 1″ per finger, each loop extends out 1.25″   XL—approximately 12″×2.5″ 5″ across Glove, 1.125″ per finger, each loop extends out 1.25″       
 
         [0126]    Width of Finger Loops:
       M—0.75″ at bottom of finger 2.25″ at top of finger.   L—0.75″ at bottom of finger 2.25″ at top of finger.   XL—0.875″ at bottom of finger 2.5″ at top of finger.       
 
         [0130]    Thumb Loop: 
         [0131]    Material 0.0625″ thick is made of MML material and felt stitched together. Material used to make Thumb Loop:
       M—approximately 2″×3″, 1.75″ across Thumb Guard, loop extends out 0.75″   L—approximately 2″×3″, 1.75″ across Thumb Guard, loop extends out 0.75″   XL—approximately 2.25″×3″,  2 ″ across Thumb Guard, loop extends out 1″       
 
         [0135]    Width of Thumb Loop:
       M—0.75″ at bottom of thumb, 2″ at top outside, 1.5″ at top inside   L—0.75″ at bottom of thumb, 2″ at top outside, 1.5″ at top inside   XL—0.875″ at bottom of thumb, 2.5″ at top outside, 1.75″ at top inside       
 
         [0139]    Dimensions of Wrist Strap:
       M—9.25″×2.25″   L—9.5″×2.25″   XL—9.5″×2.25″       
 
         [0143]    Dimensions of Velcro Strip on Top of Wrist Cuff:
       M—2″×5″   L—2″×5.5″   XL—2″×5.5″       
 
         [0147]    Velcro Strip on Bottom of Wrist Strap:
       M—2″×5.5″   L—2″×5.5″   XL—2″×5.75″       
 
         [0151]    Soft Piping:
       M— 50 ″   L—51″   XL—52″