Abstract:
A disclosed glove may be used in combination with the hand grip of a vehicle, to be gripped by the hand of a user. The glove includes a gripping surface for gripping the hand grip and a first gripping element located on at least part of the gripping surface, with the first gripping element including one part of a hook and loop fastener system. The hand grip includes a second gripping element located on at least part of the hand grip, the second gripping element including the other part of the hook and loop fastener system. The arrangement and construction is such the first and second gripping element combine to provide increased friction between the glove and the hand grip. The glove may be particularly suitable for preventing, or reducing the effect of, arm pump.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a glove. 
         [0002]    More specifically, the invention relates to a glove which may be used to provide increased friction between the hand of a person wearing the glove and the hand grip (or steering wheel) of a motorised vehicle, for the purpose of preventing or reducing the phenomenon of arm pump. 
         [0003]    The invention may be particularly suitable for use by motorcycle riders, where arm pump is a common problem. For convenience only therefore, the invention will be predominantly described in relation to such use(s). 
         [0004]    However, it is to be understood and appreciated that the invention may also have similar applications and/or uses with other vehicles, for example jet skis, ATV&#39;s, snowmobiles, cars, and so on. The prior art and possible applications of the invention, as discussed below, are therefore given by way of example only. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    In the sport of motocross (and indeed in the sport of motorcycle racing in general) a physical problem that regularly affects riders is what is known as arm pump. Arm pump is also a fairly common problem which affects mountain bike riders and jet skiers. 
         [0006]    Arm pump tends to range from being slightly annoying to completely debilitating, and from being slightly painful to very painful. 
         [0007]    Arm pump is academically known as chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). In a more general sense, arm pump can be described as a build up of blood in the forearms due to the failure of blood to leave the forearms fast enough. 
         [0008]    It is believed that, due to the physical exertion, and particularly the tension or pressure exerted by a motorcycle rider when gripping the hand grips, more blood flows to the forearm muscles than is able to be naturally removed. As a result, backpressure builds up in the forearm muscles. 
         [0009]    The forearm area is not elastic and so when the pressure does build up, other structures such as nerves and muscles become compressed and lose their ability to function correctly. 
         [0010]    At the same time lactic acid is believed to be released by the body which, in larger quantities, causes muscles to ache, and this creates numbness and/or pain in the arms, hands and/or fingers. 
         [0011]    Whilst arm pump can affect any type of rider from beginner to advanced, arm pump appears to be more prevalent for unfit riders as compared to fit riders. That said however, there is still some debate as to the precise reason why the arm pump effect arises, because it is known that fit motorcycle riders can sometimes suffer just as much from the phenomenon of arm pump, as do unfit motorcycle riders. For example, Casey Stoner, a professional motorcycle racer, suffered with arm pump during a race in Assen in 2010. Furthermore, professional motocross racer, Jeremy McGrath, suffered sever arm pump during the 2002 season. 
         [0012]    Despite some mystery still being associated with the phenomenon of arm pump, it is generally recognised that one of the main causes of arm pump is the rider holding onto the hand grips too tightly. Moreover, once the phenomenon of arm pump arises, it becomes harder for the rider to hold on, and as a consequence, the rider tends to grip the hand grip even tighter thus perpetuating the problem. It is also believed that incorrect breathing and lack of oxygen to the muscles can cause or contribute to arm pump. 
         [0013]    Arm pump has been responsible for countless motorcycle crashes over the years. The crashes are usually caused as a result of a rider&#39;s arms becoming so numb and/or painful that they are unable to pull the clutch or brake levers, or simply because the rider is unable to properly hold onto the hand grips or control the bike any more. 
         [0014]    Because of the common occurrence of arm pump, and the debilitating and dangerous nature of it, riders have tried many different techniques or products over the years in an attempt to try and prevent, or reduce the effect of, arm pump—mostly without success. 
         [0015]    For example, some motorcycle riders are advised to relax the grip on their hand grips so as to minimise grip strength and therefore endeavour to prevent or delay the onset of arm pump. 
         [0016]    Riders are also sometimes advised to grip the bike with their thighs and lean back slightly as a means of reducing the need to tightly grip the hand grips. 
         [0017]    Massaging or stretching of the muscles, both before and during breaks in riding, has also been suggested as a way to address arm pump. 
         [0018]    However, these proposals or techniques are not always effective, and furthermore they can give rise to other problems. 
         [0019]    For example, a relaxed grip can result in the rider&#39;s hands falling off the hand grips at inappropriate times, eg, when going over bumps or making a sudden change of direction. Furthermore, a relaxed grip can affect the rider&#39;s control of his/her bike, and this lack of control can lead to less effective riding (and therefore poorer riding times when racing), as well as crashes and therefore injuries. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, the action of gripping the bike with the rider&#39;s thighs, so as to lessen tension in the gripping of the handlebars, can also give rise to a lack of control of the bike, as well as resulting in rider fatigue over time. 
         [0021]    There are available a number of compression devices for wearing on the forearms, which are designed to lesson the effect of arm pump. However, such devices are generally uncomfortable to wear and/or restrict the movement of the arms of the rider. Furthermore, such devices do not consistently prevent or reduce the phenomenon of arm pump for all, or indeed for most, riders, and in many cases they have no discernable effect whatsoever. 
         [0022]    Some riders have also tried to address the problem of arm pump by drinking isotonic sports drinks or applying anti inflammatory gels or by taking aspirin prior to riding. Some riders have also experimented with thinner hand grips or different suspension settings in order to address the problem. However, all of these products or methods have almost always been found to be, at best, only mildly effective and/or short lived, or they have been found to have no discernable effect whatsoever. 
         [0023]    It may be of advantage therefore if there was available a glove which provided for increased friction between the hand of a person wearing the glove and the hand grip of a vehicle, which had the effect of preventing, or reducing the effect of, arm pump. 
         [0024]    There are available prior art gloves for helping people to retain a better grip on an implement of some kind, for example gardening implements, hand tools, or sporting equipment such as golf clubs, tennis rackets and fishing rods. 
         [0025]    Examples may be found in GB 2080672, US 2005/0268372, GB 2355413 and US 2010/0011483. 
         [0026]    These prior art gloves are designed to create an increased frictional force between the glove and the implement being gripped by the glove. However, the prior art gloves are primarily designed to either help people with weakened grips to properly grip an implement, or simply to help a person to achieve and maintain a proper grip on sporting equipment and/or to locate a person&#39;s hand(s) in the correct place on sporting equipment. 
         [0027]    There is no disclosure in the prior art of a glove which may be used for providing increased friction and/or an increased grip between the hand of a person wearing the glove and the hand grip of a vehicle. Likewise, there is no disclosure in the prior art of a glove which may be used by a person driving or riding a vehicle for the purpose of preventing, or reducing the effect of, arm pump. 
         [0028]    Moreover, most of the prior art gloves have frictional coverings which cover both the palm of the hand, as well as the underside of the fingers and thumb, of the person wearing the glove. Such an arrangement would, for example, not be suitable for use with gripping the hand grip of a motorbike or mountain bike because the rider would preferably need to have at least one of his/her fingers free to be able to manipulate the brake and/or clutch levers. 
       OBJECT 
       [0029]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a glove which goes some way towards addressing one or more of the above problems or difficulties, or which at the very least provides the public with a useful choice. 
         [0030]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a glove and hand grip combination which provides increased friction between the hand of a person wearing the glove and the hand grip of a vehicle, for the purpose of preventing, or reducing the effect of, arm pump. 
       DEFINITIONS 
       [0031]    Throughout this specification unless the text requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’ and variations such as ‘comprising’ or ‘comprises’ will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 
         [0032]    Throughout this specification, the term “gripping surface”, when used in relation to a glove, is defined as being the surface(s) of the glove which ordinarily come into contact with an object being gripped by a person wearing the glove. In most instances therefore, the gripping surface may include the palm region and/or the undersides (or sides) of the fingers and thumb and/or the fleshy part of the hand between the thumb and index finger, of a person wearing the glove. 
       STATEMENTS OF INVENTION 
       [0033]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in combination, a glove to be worn by a hand of a user and a hand grip of a vehicle to be gripped by the hand of the user, said glove including:
       a) a gripping surface for gripping the hand grip,   b) a first gripping means located on at least part of the gripping surface, said first gripping means including one part of a hook and loop fastener system,
           and wherein said hand grip includes:   
           c) a second gripping means located on at least part of the hand grip, said second gripping means including the other part of the hook and loop fastener system,
           the arrangement and construction being such the first and second gripping means combine to provide increased friction between the glove and the hand grip, whilst also allowing for a slightly relaxed, yet secure, grip between the glove and the hand grip, for the purpose of reducing the phenomenon of arm pump.   
               
 
         [0039]    The glove may be any type of glove which may be suitable for gripping the hand grip of a vehicle, and the glove may be made of any material(s) suitable for this purpose. 
         [0040]    Preferably, the glove may be provided with a gripping surface for engaging with and/or gripping the hand grip. The nature and location of the gripping surface on the glove has been defined previously. 
         [0041]    The gripping surface may be provided with a first gripping means located on at least part of the gripping surface. The first gripping means may preferably include one part of a hook and loop fastener system. 
         [0042]    The hand grip may be any type of hand grip associated with a vehicle. For example, the hand grip may be the hand grip of a motorcycle, a mountain bike, a jet ski, an ATV, a snow mobile or the steering wheel of a car, boat or plane. 
         [0043]    The hand grip may preferably include a second gripping means located on at least part of the hand grip. The second gripping means may preferably include the other part of the hook and loop fastener system. 
         [0044]    The second gripping means may preferably be disposed over substantially the entire outside surface of the hand grip in the region of where the hand grip is normally gripped by the hand/glove of the user. 
         [0045]    Preferably, the arrangement and construction may be such that the first and second gripping means combine to provide increased friction between the glove and the hand grip. 
         [0046]    This increased friction serves to lightly attach the hand of the person wearing the glove to the hand grip. 
         [0047]    This allows for the user to relax his/her grip slightly on the hand grip, but without any danger of the user&#39;s hand inadvertently falling off the hand grip—because the user&#39;s hand is lightly attached or adhered to the hand grip. The user may nonetheless still retain full control over the vehicle, even when going over bumps or making sudden changes of direction (as compared to the present situation where the user would undoubtedly be gripping the hand grip much more tightly, especially when going over bumps or making sudden changes of direction). 
         [0048]    More importantly however, we have found that use of the glove has the surprising and greatly beneficial effect of significantly preventing or reducing the phenomenon of arm pump. This is of great benefit to the user in terms of comfort, confidence, and also to the overall safety of the user. The absence of arm pump also enables the user to make better time, for example if the user was in a race such as a motocross race, and it also enables the user to ride or drive for longer periods of time. 
         [0049]    The slightly relaxed grip of the hand grip by the user also has the effect of reducing muscle fatigue generally. 
         [0050]    It is envisaged that the user may wear one glove for providing increased friction with respect to just one hand grip or the user may wear two gloves for providing increased friction with respect to both hand grips (in the case of, for example, a motorcycle, mountain bike, jet ski, ATV or snow mobile). 
         [0051]    It may be appreciated that the first and second gripping means, associated with the glove and the hand grip respectively, serve to ensure that the user&#39;s hand sticks to the hand grip somewhat firmly, but that the user is still able to pull his/her hand clear, with only a modest amount of force, as or when desired or required. 
         [0052]    One advantage associated with having the first and second gripping means in the form of a hook and loop fastener system is that the first and second gripping means will be effective in both dry and wet conditions. Furthermore, the first and second gripping means should still be effective if particulate matter, such as sand, snow, dirt or mud, came to cover the glove and/or the hand grip. 
         [0053]    An example of a suitable hook and loop fastener system is that sold by Velcro USA Inc. under its well known trade mark VELCRO®. 
         [0054]    The hook and loop fastener system may be formed integrally with the gripping surface of the glove (and/or the hand grip to be gripped by the glove), or alternatively the hook and loop fastener system may be attached or attachable to the glove (and/or to the hand grip), for example by the use of adhesives or stitching. 
         [0055]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination, substantially as described above, wherein the first gripping means is located on substantially the entire gripping surface of the glove. 
         [0056]    In such an embodiment, the first gripping means may be located on the palm region of the glove as well as the undersides of the fingers and thumb (of the hand of a user wearing the glove). The first gripping means may also be located on the glove in the region of the fleshy part of the user&#39;s hand between the thumb and index finger and/or along the sides of any fingers (or thumb). 
         [0057]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination, substantially as described above, wherein said first gripping means is located on substantially the entire gripping surface of the glove except for the surfaces on the undersides of the fingers of the user wearing the glove. 
         [0058]    In such embodiment, it may be appreciated that the underside of the fingers will not attach to the second gripping means located on the hand grip, which thus frees up the fingers. This may simply be for reasons of comfort or personal choice, however it may also allow for the fingers to operate other aspects of the vehicle such as adjacent brake or clutch levers (or other hand controls such as indicators, lights, horns or cut-off switches). 
         [0059]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination, substantially as described above, wherein said first gripping means is located on substantially the entire gripping surface of the glove except for the surfaces on the undersides of the index finger and/or the big finger of the user wearing the glove. 
         [0060]    In this embodiment, two of the fingers (namely, the little finger and the ring finger) are releasably attached (or attachable) to the hand grip whereas the big finger and index are left free. Again, this may simply be for reasons of comfort or personal choice, however it may also allow the big and index fingers to operate other aspects of the vehicle such as adjacent brake or clutch levers (or other hand controls as described above). 
         [0061]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination, substantially as described above, wherein the hand grip includes a flange portion for abutting a side of the hand of the user wearing the glove, when the user is gripping the hand grip. 
         [0062]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination, substantially as described above, wherein the glove includes said first gripping means in the region of where the side of the user&#39;s hand abuts the flange portion, and wherein said flange portion includes said second gripping means, whereby the first and second gripping means combine to provide increased friction between the flange portion and the glove in the region of where the side of the user&#39;s hand abuts the flange portion. 
         [0063]    Such an embodiment may serve to provide a further area of increased friction between the glove and the hand grip, namely between the flange portion and the glove in the region of where the side of the user&#39;s hand abuts the flange portion. This additional area of increased friction may result in the glove/hand being even more securely retained on or about the hand grip. There may be several reasons why this may be beneficial. 
         [0064]    For example, such an embodiment may be useful in providing additional areas of increased friction between the glove/hand and the hand grip if one or more of the user&#39;s fingers are free of the first gripping means whereby no increased friction is provided between the one or more fingers and the hand grip. 
         [0065]    Furthermore, such an embodiment may cater for the different manner in which different user&#39;s will grip the hand grip, that is, some riders may like to have a side of their hand abutting this flange, and if so, then this embodiment will allow for a further area of increased friction between the side of the hand and the flange. 
         [0066]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preventing, or reducing the effects of, arm pump on a user riding a vehicle, said method including the step of using, in combination, a glove to be worn by a hand of the user and a hand grip of the vehicle to be gripped by the hand of the user, substantially as described above with respect to any or all of the above possible embodiments. 
         [0067]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a glove for preventing, or reducing the effects of, arm pump on a user riding a vehicle, said glove being substantially as described above. 
         [0068]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand grip of a vehicle for preventing, or reducing the effects of, arm pump on a user riding a vehicle, said hand grip being substantially as described above. 
         [0069]    It is envisaged that the glove and hand grip combination may be particularly suitable for use with riding motorcycles, and especially motocross bikes, as people participating in this pastime or sport are particularly susceptible to arm pump. However, the invention may also or alternatively be applied to driving or riding any type of vehicle, for example mountain bikes, jet skis, ATVs, snow mobiles and vehicles such as cars, boats and planes. 
       PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0070]    The description of a preferred form of the invention to be provided herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is given purely by way of example and is not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope or extent of the invention. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0071]      FIG. 1 : is a view of the underside of the right hand of a person wearing a glove, the glove being one possible embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0072]      FIG. 2 : is a view of the underside of the right hand of a person wearing a glove, the glove being another possible embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0073]      FIG. 3 : is a view of a motorcycle hand grip, which is to be gripped by a person wearing either of the gloves illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and 
           [0074]      FIG. 4 : is a view of a user&#39;s hand gripping the hand grip illustrated in  FIG. 3  whilst wearing the glove illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0075]    Having regard to  FIG. 1 , there is shown the underside of the right hand of a person wearing a glove  1 , the glove  1  being one possible embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0076]    The glove  1  is intended to be worn by a motorcycle rider, and more specifically a motocross rider. The rider&#39;s fingers  4 , 5 , 8 , 9  and thumb  6  are enclosed within the glove  1 . 
         [0077]    The glove  1  is provided with a gripping surface  2  for gripping a motocross hand grip  17  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The hand grip  17  is the throttle hand grip for a motorcycle (not shown) and hence adjacent to the hand grip  17  will be a brake lever (not shown). 
         [0078]    The gripping surface  2  of the glove  1  includes the palm region  3  as well as the underside surfaces  12  of the fingers  4 , 5 , 8 , 9  and the underside surface or side surface  12  of the thumb  6 . 
         [0079]    In  FIG. 1 , the majority of the gripping surface  2  of the glove  1  is provided with a first gripping means  7  (the diagonally-shaded areas) in the form of the loop part of a VELCRO® hook and loop fastener system. Specifically, the loop part of the fastener system is provided on the palm region  3 , the underside/side  12  of the thumb  6 , and the underside surfaces  12  of the little finger  4  and the ring finger  5 . 
         [0080]    The outside surface  18  of the hand grip  17  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is provided with a second gripping means  25  in the form of the hook part of a VELCRO® hook and loop fastener system (the diagonally-shaded areas). 
         [0081]    Hence the first gripping means  7  and the second gripping means  25  combine to provide increased friction between the glove  1  and the hand grip  17 . 
         [0082]    This increased friction effectively serves to lightly attach the hand  22  of the rider wearing the glove  1  to the hand grip  17  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0083]    This allows for the rider to relax his/her grip slightly on the hand grip  17 , when riding the motocross bike, but without any real danger of the rider&#39;s hand  22  inadvertently falling off the hand grip  17 . The rider may nonetheless still retain full control over the motocross bike, even when going over bumps or making sudden changes of direction (as compared to the present situation where the rider would undoubtedly be gripping the hand grip much more tightly, especially when going over bumps or making sudden changes of direction). 
         [0084]    Or, to put it another way, use of the glove  1  enables the rider to grip the hand grip  17  with a little less pressure than would ordinarily be required, but whilst ensuring that the glove  1  and hand  22  nonetheless remain securely fixed to the hand grip  17 , notwithstanding the normal rigours of motocross riding. 
         [0085]    Moreover, this light attachment of the glove  1  and hand  22  to the hand grip  17  serves to ensure that the glove  1  (and therefore the rider&#39;s hand  22 ) may still be pulled clear of the hand grip  17  with only a modest amount of force required, for example if the rider suddenly need to free his hand to brush away a branch or if the rider was about to fall off the bike or for any other reason. 
         [0086]    We have found that use of the glove  1  has the surprising and greatly beneficial effect of significantly preventing or reducing the phenomenon of arm pump. This is of great benefit to the rider in terms of comfort, confidence, and also to the overall safety of the rider. The absence of arm pump also enables the rider to make better time, for example if the rider was in a motocross race. It also enables the rider to ride for longer periods of time. 
         [0087]    Furthermore, with the confidence of knowing that the rider&#39;s hand  22  is held reasonably firmly about the hand grip  17  the rider is able to slightly relax his/her hands, whilst still retaining control of the bike—which also serves to greatly reduce muscle fatigue generally, as well as preventing or reducing the effect of arm pump. 
         [0088]    With respect to  FIG. 1 , the underside surfaces  12  of the index finger  9  and the big finger  8  are free of any of the first gripping means  7 . This ensures that the rider&#39;s index finger  9  and big finger  8  will not adhere to the second gripping means  25  on the outside surface  18  of the hand grip  17 . Hence, these two fingers  8 ,  9  remain free to operate other aspects of the motocross bike such as an adjacent brake lever or cut-off switch (not shown). 
         [0089]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , there is shown another embodiment of the glove  1  (and for convenience only, the same numbering for the various features of the glove  1  has been applied to  FIG. 2  as for  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0090]    In  FIG. 2 , the palm region  3  of the gripping surface  2  is provided with the first gripping means  7  (in the form of the loop part of a VELCRO® hook and loop fastener system), as well as the underside/side  12  of the thumb  6 . The same type of first gripping means  7  is also provided in between the fleshy part  21  of the rider&#39;s hand  22  (between the thumb  6  and index finger  9 ), as well as along the outside  21  of the index finger  9  (and also the side  21  of the thumb  6 ). 
         [0091]    And with regard to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hand grip  17  is provided with a flange  20  with an inside surface  19 . The inside surface  19  is also provided with the second gripping means  25  (in the form of the hook part of a VELCRO® hook and loop fastener system). 
         [0092]    In use, and as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the inside surface  19  of the flange  20  may abut the side  23  of the glove  1  and hand  22 , which side  23  includes the first gripping means  7  provided in between the fleshy part  21  of the rider&#39;s hand  22  (between the thumb  6  and index finger  9 ), as well as along the outside  21  of the index finger  9 —of the glove  1  depicted in  FIG. 2   
         [0093]    Such an arrangement serves to provide a further area of increased friction between the side  23  of the glove  1  and hand  22 , and the inside surface  19  of the flange  20  of the hand grip  17 —thus resulting in the glove  1  and hand  22  being even more securely retained on or about the hand grip  17 . 
         [0094]    Such an embodiment may be useful in providing additional areas of increased friction between the glove  1  and hand  22 , and this may be especially important given that the undersides  12  of all four fingers  4 ,  5 ,  8 ,  9  (in  FIG. 2 ) are free of the first gripping means  7  (and hence there is no increased friction between the fingers  4 ,  5 ,  8 ,  9  and the surface  18  of the hand grip  17  as shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0095]    Furthermore, such an embodiment may cater for the different manner in which different rider&#39;s will grip the hand grip  17 , that is some riders may like to have a side  23  of their hand  22  abutting the inside  19  of the flange  20 , and if so, then this embodiment will allow for a further area of increased friction between the side  23  of the hand  22  and the flange  20  of the hand grip  17 . 
         [0096]    The areas of first gripping means  7  (comprising the loop part of the hook and loop fastener system) may be fitted to the gripping surface  2  of the glove  1  in any suitable manner. For example, the first gripping means  7  can be stitched to the glove  1  or adhered or otherwise bonded onto the surface of the glove  1 . Furthermore, the first gripping  7  means may be formed with the glove  1  as the glove  1  is being manufactured or alternatively the first gripping means  7  may be added to the glove  1  after the glove  1  has been manufactured. 
         [0097]    It is also envisaged that the first gripping means  7  may be integrally formed with respect to the glove  1 . 
         [0098]    Likewise, the second gripping means  25  (comprising the hook part of the hook and loop fastener system) may be applied to the outer surface  18  of the hand grip  17  and to the inside surface  19  of the flange  20  by any suitable fashion, for example by adhering or stitching the second gripping means  25  directly onto the surfaces  18  and  19  of the hand grip  17  or by fastening it in some other fashion. 
         [0099]    Alternatively, the second gripping means  25  may be integrally formed with respect to the hand grip  17 . 
         [0100]    It is also envisaged that the second gripping means  25  could be in the form of a sleeve pulled along and over the hand grip  17  and/or the flange  20 . 
         [0101]    In another embodiment, the diameter of the hand grip  17  may be reduced slightly prior to the second gripping means  25  being fitted thereto. This would ensure that the addition of the second gripping means  25  would not unduly increase the thickness or diameter of the hand grip  17  (because if the hand grip  17  is too thick, this may result in the rider having to grip the hand grip  17  tighter than usual which may reduce some of the benefit of the glove  1  and hand grip  17  in being able to prevent or reduce arm pump). 
         [0102]    It is also envisaged that the first and second gripping means  7 ,  25  could be applied to the gripping surface  2  of the glove  1  and the hand grip  17  in the form of a number of separate and/or spaced apart strips (or other-shaped portions) rather than being in one continuous piece. 
         [0103]    A further advantage of the glove  1  is that the first and second gripping means  7 ,  25  will usually remain effective in both wet and dry conditions (due to the raised and non-water absorbent nature of a hook and loop fastening system). Furthermore, particulate matter such as sand, snow, dust and mud will not readily stick to the first and second gripping means  7 ,  25 , and this saves the rider from having to stop to clean any such matter off his/her glove  1  if, for example, the rider falls off and the glove becomes dirty. 
         [0104]    Our own private testing of the glove  1 , in conjunction with the hand grip  17 , has indicated that use of the glove  1  greatly reduces the phenomenon of arm pump. Furthermore our own private testing has shown that use of the invention leads to significantly increased performances by the rider, for example faster track times and a more pleasant riding experience. We believe that the increased performance by the rider is due in part by the rider having more confidence when riding, namely by knowing that a good grip on the handlebars is achieved and will be maintained, but without the worry of arm pump becoming a significant problem. 
         [0105]    Notwithstanding the excellent results we achieved privately, we wished for the invention to be tested independently and in a more scientific, robust, and comprehensive fashion. 
         [0106]    Accordingly, we instructed Dr Dale Lovell from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia to devise and run a scientifically based field trial of the invention. This field trial is summarised below: 
       Scientific Research and Controlled Field Trials 
       [0107]    Dr. Dale Lovell (BExSC (Hons), PhD) and his research team from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia were appointed to design the required testing parameters to test and qualify the invention (referred to herein as “the glove”). 
         [0108]    The scientifically controlled field trials designed by DR. Dale Lovell, were to determine the impact of the glove on preventing, or reducing the effect of, arm pump. 
         [0109]    The testing was undertaken on 29 Oct. 2011 at the Coolum Motocross Course in Queensland, Australia. 
       Specific Testing was Developed to Investigate: 
       [0000]    
       
         (1) The effect of the glove on the physiological and neuromuscular response of motocross riders to a motocross event. 
         (2) To investigate the effect of the glove on the performance of motocross riders to a motocross event. 
       
     
         [0112]    Dr. Lovell and his team monitored fifteen motocross riders of varying skill levels. Each of the rider participants had to ride  4  circuits of the 2 km Coolum Motocross Course as fast as they could go, using the glove, and then 2 hours later ride another 4 circuits using their own riding gloves. During the rest period between rides the participants were asked to re-hydrate by drinking water only. 
         [0113]    Each participant was required to complete a medical history questionnaire and a Sports Medicine Australia Exercise pre-screening form before partaking in the research test. 
       Medical Research Tests: 
     1. Monitoring Heart Rates: 
       [0114]    Prior to each participant starting their ride a heart monitor was attached to the rider to monitor heart rates during each circuit of the course. 
       2. Grip Strength; 
       [0115]    Each rider&#39;s grip strength was measured on a grip strength Dynamometer. This test required the rider to squeeze the dynamometer with maximum isometric effort for approximately five seconds. No other body movement is allowed during this test. 
       3. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS); 
       [0116]    NIRS is a non-invasive optical technique that is used for measuring muscle oxygen saturation and changes in hemoglobin volume. Muscle oxygen saturation represents a dynamic balance between oxygen supply and oxygen consumption in the small vessels such as the capillary, arteriolar and vascular bed. 
       4. Blood Sample; 
       [0117]    A blood sample is taken by finger prick to determine the lactate concentrations before and after the motocross test. This involves collecting a few drops of blood from each of the riders as test samples. 
       Participants Skill Level: 
       [0118]    A total of 15 riders participated in the Scientifically Controlled Field Trials. These 15 riders had varying degrees of experience in Motocross riding, and each was asked to state on the questionnaire their level of riding skills. The 15 riders were thus broken up into the following levels of skill: 
         [0119]    There were 5 Advanced riders. 
         [0120]    There were 9 Intermediate riders 
         [0121]    There was 1 Beginner rider 
         [0122]    Unfortunately, at the time of filing of this PCT patent application, Dr Lovell had not yet been able to review the data relating to the above Medical Research Tests. However, Dr Lovell was able to provide the following very general information: 
         [0123]    “Preliminary results show the new gloves resulted in less sub-maximal fatigue and were associated with less feeling of forearm discomfort compared to normal gloves. Muscle oxygenation data has not been analysed but there appears to be some difference between the new and normal gloves”. 
         [0124]    However, each of the riders themselves were asked to answer questions on a Questionnaire Sheet after the tests were completed. The questions centred on the riders&#39; experience during the testing and they were asked to assess whether there was any discernable difference between them using their own riding gloves and our glove. 
         [0125]    A summary of the questions and answers is provided below: 
       Questionnaire Results: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             1. How badly are you affected by arm pump? (from 1 to 10)
           All 15 participants have experienced arm pump of differing severity while riding. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being “not affected” to 10 being “severely affected”), the average arm pump severity across the group was 5.1.   
         
             2. Note the effect the glove had on reducing arm pump (%)
           14 of the participants were asked to provide their opinion on how effective the glove was in reducing arm pump during the testing (with 0% being zero effect and 100% being extremely effective). The average amount of effectiveness was 45%.   
         
             3. Have you tried any methods or products to aid the effect of arm pump in the past?
           All 15 participants were asked what other methods or products they have used in the past to try and combat the effect of arm pump. Only 1 participant had not used any method or product. The following methods and products were listed by the other 14 riders:   
         
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Endura Sports Drink 
                 Anti inflammatory gel 
               
               
                   
                 Aspirin 
                 Thinner hand grips 
               
               
                   
                 Modified suspension 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
       
         
           
             4. Was this the most effective product you have tried in order to combat arm pump?
           13 of the participants were asked if the glove was the most effective product they had ever used to combat arm pump.   8 participants said yes (62%)   3 participants said no (23%)   2 participants were unsure (15%)   
         
             5. Do you think this glove would benefit a Beginner and/or and Intermediate and/or an Advanced rider?
           All 15 participants were asked the above question.   14 riders thought it would be of benefit to one or more of the above categories (93%)   13 riders thought it would benefit all three category of rider (85%)   1 rider thought it would benefit no category of rider (7%)   
         
             6. Did you feel more or less in control of the bike?
           All 15 participants were asked if they felt more in control of the bike with the glove, than without the glove.   6 riders felt they had greater control (40%)   6 riders felt no change (40%)   2 riders felt they had less control (13%)   1 rider was unsure (7%)   N.B. When we conducted our own private testing, we noted that it took some time for us to get used to the feel of the glove, as it did feel unusual at first. Hence, because of the relatively short nature of the testing, we believe that the relatively high proportion of riders that said they didn&#39;t feel any change was due to the fact that it takes a little bit longer to become accustomed to the feel of the glove. Certainly, after spending some time conducting our own private testing, we all felt that the glove gave us much greater control over the bike.   
         
             7. Did you feel safe or unsafe while using the glove?
           All 15 participants answered this question.   11 participants felt safe (73%)   0 participants felt unsafe (0%)   2 participants did not know (13%)   2 participants felt no change (13%)   
         
             8. Would you use this glove if it was on the market?
           15 participants answered this question.   12 participants said yes (86%)   2 participants said maybe (14%)   1 participant said no (7%) (The only reason this person said no was because he thought the hand grip was too thick for his liking)   
         
           
         
       
     
         [0160]    It is clear from an overview of the above results that our glove has the ability to significantly prevent, and reduce the effects of, arm pump. And it is encouraging to note that only one person said they would not use the glove if it was on the market (and the only reason for this was unrelated to the positive effect of the glove itself). It is also noteworthy that the riders, on average, viewed the glove as reducing the severity of arm pump by 45%- and this after only completing a very short ride. It may be appreciated therefore that the glove would almost certainly have been viewed even more favourably if the riders had undertaken longer rides during the testing (longer testing will be looked at in the near future). 
       Variations 
       [0161]    While the embodiments described above are currently preferred, it will be appreciated that a wide range of other variations might also be made within the general spirit and scope of the invention and/or as defined by the appended claims.