Abstract:
A protective sports glove worn by athletes during training or for use in a combative event to protect against injury and increase performance (including but not limited to total force generation, grip strength, striking force and speed, muscular endurance, time to contraction, etc.). These gloves are engineered with a dorsal splint system and a cooperating adjustable dual strapping wrist tie system to secure the gloves to the contour of the hands, to ensure they remain tight and fixed, and to support the wrist from excessive bending. The dual strapping system with the dorsal splint system provides increased wrist/hand rigidity mirroring a tightness of hand wrap bandages for maximal bone and tendon support of the hands and wrists, and this novel tie system increases the transfer of force generation to the point of impact.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/396,578 filed 14 Feb. 2012, entitled SPORTS GLOVE HAVING IMPROVED WRIST STRAP AND DORSAL SPLINT SYSTEM, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/031,964 filed on Feb. 22, 2011, entitled SPORTS GLOVE HAVING IMPROVED WRIST STRAP, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and from which priority is claimed under 37 U.S.C. §120. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a combat sports glove designed for improved fit and function. More specifically, the invention relates to a combat sports glove having an adjustable dual system wrist support system and/or a dorsal splint system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Combat athletes, especially mixed martial arts (MMA) practitioners, use gloves on the hand that, generally, are cumbersome, thick, non form-fitting and lack in adequate wrist and hand support. As well, these gloves, with repetitive use, quickly lose the ability to maintain proper fit and function. This can lead to a decrease in force generation and related hand and fist functioning and can also lead to injury. Another shortcoming of these conventional combat gloves is that, when the glove strikes a target or opponent, the hand can be loose and the wrist can be unstable. It can therefore be appreciated that force loss and injury can be experienced by the athlete during training and during a competitive event. Maintaining maximal force transmission in relation to striking force and grip strength are key factors to support performance during stand up or ground combat. Injury prevention is also of great importance to these athletes, especially in relation to protection for the hands and fists. In particular, through repeated use and wear, the glove fit may become loose to such an extent that the glove fit is inadequate for the glove to function properly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention provides systems and devices relating to a protective sports glove. The glove may be used during training or in combat events that may require striking an opponent with the hand or with parts of the hand. The glove is used to protect against injury and as well as to increase performance. The present invention provides for a glove that uses a dorsal splint system, which may be used in combination with an adjustable dual strap wrist securement system to secure the glove to the contour of the hand and of the wrist. The splint system provides support for the wrist by preventing the wrist from excessive bending when the glove is securely worn. 
         [0005]    The further combination of the dorsal splint system with a dual strap wrist securement system ensures that the glove remains tightly fitted and fixed. The use of the dual strap system with the dorsal splint system also provides increased wrist and hand rigidity that mirrors the tightness of hand wrapped bandages for maximal bone and tendon support of the hands and wrists. This system also advantageously increases the transfer of force to the point of impact. 
         [0006]    In a first aspect, the present invention provides a protective glove comprising:
       a body having:
           a dorsal side;   a volar side;   a finger portion for fingers, the finger portion having a finger dorsal side and   a finger volar side;   a wrist portion for a wrist, the wrist portion having a wrist dorsal side and a   wrist volar side;   a splint portion for supporting said wrist, said splint portion being adjacent to said wrist portion;   a gap closure system for securing said wrist portion to said wrist;   
           wherein the finger portion has a first section for enclosing at least one finger and a second section for encircling a thumb; and   wherein wrist volar side of said wrist portion has a gap for adjustably securing the glove to accommodate the wrist, said gap closure system also being for closing said gap.       
 
         [0018]    In another aspect, the present invention provides a protective glove for use by a user, the glove comprising:
       a dorsal side;   a volar side;   a finger portion for fingers, the finger portion being for enclosing at least one finger of said user;   a wrist portion for a wrist of said user, the wrist portion having a wrist dorsal side and a wrist volar side;   a splint portion for supporting said wrist, said splint portion being adjacent said wrist portion, said splint portion being resistant to a bending of said wrist;   a gap closure system for securing said wrist portion to said wrist;   wherein wrist volar side of said wrist portion has a gap for adjustably securing the glove to accommodate the wrist, said gap closure system also being for closing said gap.       
 
         [0026]    Yet a further aspect of the invention provides glove comprising:
       a finger portion for fingers, the finger portion being for enclosing at least one finger;   a wrist portion for a wrist, the wrist portion having a wrist dorsal side and a wrist volar side;   a splint portion for supporting said wrist, said splint portion being adjacent said wrist portion, said splint portion being resistant to a bending of said wrist, said splint portion being positioned on a dorsal side of said glove;   a gap closure system for tightly securing said wrist portion to said wrist;   wherein said wrist volar side of said wrist portion has a gap for adjustably securing the glove to accommodate the wrist, said gap closure system also being for closing said gap.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    Embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to be limiting. Throughout the drawings, like elements are referred to by like numerals. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1A  is a palm view of a glove having both straps in an unsecured or unfastened open position according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 1B  is a palm view of a glove having both straps secured in a closed configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 2A  is a dorsal view of the glove in  FIG. 1A  showing the straps in an unsecured or opened position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2B  is a dorsal view of the glove shown in  FIG. 1B  having both straps in an unsecured or unfastened opened position according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 3A and 4A  illustrate dorsal views of the glove in  FIG. 1A  showing the steps for securing the straps to the user&#39;s wrist to secure the glove; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 3B and 4B  illustrate dorsal views of the glove in  FIG. 1B  showing the steps for securing the straps to the user&#39;s wrist to secure the glove; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section sequence view along line A-A of  FIGS. 2B through 4B  showing the sequence of securing the primary and secondary straps according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6A  is a palm view of an alternative embodiment of the glove illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 6B  is a dorsal view of an embodiment of the glove illustrated in  FIG. 1B  showing multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6C  is a palm view of an alternative embodiment of the glove illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0043]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are dorsal and palm views of an alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1B  featuring a lace-based gap closure system and using multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0044]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are dorsal and palm views of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1B  featuring a lace and strap-based gap closure system and using multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0045]      FIGS. 11 and 12  are dorsal and palm views of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1B  featuring a reel-base gap closure system and using multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0046]      FIGS. 13 and 14  are dorsal and palm views of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1B  featuring a single strap-based gap closure system and using multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0047]      FIGS. 15 and 16  are dorsal and palm views of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1B  featuring a dual strap-based gap closure system and using multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0048]      FIGS. 17 and 18  are dorsal and palm views of an alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1A  featuring a single strap-based gap closure system and using multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0049]      FIGS. 19 and 20  are dorsal and palm views of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1A  featuring a dual strap-based gap closure system and using multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 21 and 22  are dorsal and palm views of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1A  featuring a reel-based gap closure system and using multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0051]      FIG. 23  illustrates a dorsal view of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1A  featuring a single strap gap closure system and multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0052]      FIG. 24  illustrates a dorsal view of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1A  featuring a dual strap gap closure system and multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0053]      FIG. 25  illustrates a dorsal view of another alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 1A  featuring multiple support elements for the splint portion; 
           [0054]      FIG. 26  illustrates a dorsal view of an alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 18  featuring a single strap-based gap closure system and a single support element for the splint portion; and 
           [0055]      FIG. 27  illustrates a dorsal view of an alternative embodiment of the glove in  FIG. 18  featuring a single support element for the splint portion and a gap closure system which does not use a strap. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0056]    While the various embodiments of the present invention are herein described with specific examples, those examples are not intended to be limiting, and those of skill in the art will appreciate and recognize other embodiments and advantages of the present invention. 
         [0057]    Referring now to the figures, in which like parts are identified by like numerals throughout all figures, a glove according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail. 
         [0058]    It should be noted that commonly accepted anatomical names are used throughout this document to refer to parts of the hand and corresponding parts of the gloves according to various embodiments of the present invention. The term dorsal refers to the back or top of the hand. The term volar refers to the bottom or palm-side of the hand. The thumb is understood to be considered the first finger but is most commonly herein referred to as the thumb. The remaining fingers, proceeding from the first or index finger, are herein referred to as the second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , a protective glove for use in combat sports such as mixed martial arts is illustrated. In  FIG. 1B , a boxing glove that may be used in similar activities is illustrated. The following description applies to both  FIGS. 1A and 1B  with similar features being referred to by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that  FIGS. 1A-4A  illustrate a right handed glove while  FIGS. 1B-4B  illustrate a left-handed glove. Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a glove  10  is shown in palm view, i.e. viewed from the side of the palm and not the dorsal side. Glove  10  has a dorsal portion (not visible in this view) having a splint portion  22 , a volar portion  30 , a thumb portion  32 , a finger portion  40 , and a wrist portion  50 . Wrist portion  50 , in the embodiment shown, is formed with a gap  52 , having a thumb-side edge  52 A and an opposing-side edge  52 B. A primary support strap  54  is attached to the thumb-side edge  52 A (not visible in  FIG. 1B ) and a secondary support strap  56  is attached to the opposing-side edge  52 B at  56 A. The opposing-side edge  52 B has a slot  57  through which primary support strap  54  passes through. 
         [0060]    In use, an individual places their hand inside glove  10 . When the primary support strap  54  and the secondary support strap  56  are unsecured, the gap  52  allows for the wrist portion  50  and the volar portion  30  to open and accommodate the hand, the hand being larger in circumference in some regions than the wrist. The individual&#39;s thumb passes into the thumb portion  32  and their second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers pass into finger portion  40 . Primary support strap  54  is passed through the slot  57 .  FIG. 2A  shows the opposite side (dorsal) of the glove  10  shown in  FIG. 1A  while  FIG. 2B  shows the dorsal side of the glove in  FIG. 1B . In  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the primary support strap  54  is passed through the slot  57  (not shown in  FIG. 2B ).  FIGS. 2A and 2B  also show that the dorsal portion  20  has both straps in the open position. As shown in the drawings, the dorsal portion  20  contains two individual support elements that make up the splint portion  22 . The support elements together form the splint portion  22  that extends from the finger portion  40  down to the wrist portion  50  such that the support straps overlay a portion of the splint portion  22 . 
         [0061]    Once the primary strap  54  has been passed though the slot  57 , the wrist portion  50  can now be tightly secured to the wrist, thereby ensuring a secure fit for the glove. In  FIGS. 3A-4A  and  3 B- 4 B, this process is illustrated for the two types of gloves shown. Primary strap  54  is pulled tightly in the direction of the block arrow shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  as the primary strap  54  wraps around the wrist portion of the glove. In one aspect of the preferred embodiment, the primary support strap  54  has an elastic portion, preferably near the thumb-side attachment  54 A (not shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B). As the primary support strap  54  is pulled, it narrows or closes the gap  52  tightly to thereby conform the glove to the wearer&#39;s hand and wrist, thereby producing a tight, supportive fit. The dorsal side of wrist portion  50  may include a region  58  having means to accommodate reversible fastening of the gap closure system, in particular the primary support strap  54 , which in turn also contains a means to facilitate reversible fastening (of the secondary support strap  56 ). In one implementation, the means to facilitate reversible fastening are preferably of the hook-and-loop type of fastening, such as that marketed under the name Velcro®. Other methods or means for reversible fastening are, of course, possible. Snaps, buttons, hooks, and other closure and/or attachment means and methods may be used. 
         [0062]    Next, now referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the secondary support strap  56  is pulled tightly in the direction of the block arrow shown back in the opposite direction relative to the direction by which the primary strap wraps around the wrist portion, across over the dorsal side of wrist portion  50  and securely fastens over the primary support strap  54  at region  58  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0063]    Regarding  FIG. 4A , it should be noted that in  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A, and  3 A, the splint portion  22  has two individual support elements. However, in  FIG. 4A , the splint portion  22  has an array of individual support elements. This illustrates that the splint portion  22  may have multiple support elements or may have a single support element. 
         [0064]    For a better understanding of the relationship between the primary and secondary support straps  54  and  56 ,  FIG. 5  is provided. Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a sequence of cross-sections (I, II, and III) of the glove  10  are taken from configurations shown in  FIGS. 2B ,  3 B, and  4 B along line A-A through the wrist portion  50  showing the region where the primary support strap  54  and secondary support strap  56  overlap a portion of the two individual support elements forming the splint portion  22 . The block arrows of  FIG. 5I , II, and III correspond to the block arrows of  FIGS. 2B ,  3 B, and  4 B, respectively, and show the direction of strap movement. To facilitate reversible fastening, secondary support strap  56  has means to facilitate fastening. To secure secondary support strap  56 , it is, from the unsecured position (shown in  FIGS. 2B ,  5 I, and  5 II), first pulled tightly in the direction of the block arrow shown across the volar side of wrist portion  50 , then around to the dorsal side of wrist portion  50  and then across the dorsal side of wrist portion  50  and fastened overtop the secured primary support strap  54 —the primary support strap  54  already being secured to region  58 . In one aspect, the primary support strap  54  has reversible fastening means on both sides to facilitate fastening to region  58  and to facilitate fastening of the secondary support strap  56 . In another aspect, the secondary support strap  56  contains at least a portion of a non-stretch material. Preferably, the non-stretch material is nylon. Most preferably, the non-stretch nylon is  420 D nylon. Thus, the glove  10 , in a secured and/or closed configuration as shown in  FIGS. 1B ,  4 B, and  5 III, provides wrist support through the interaction of the dorsal splint system, and the individual support elements of the splint portion  22 , thereof, interacting with the primary  54  and the secondary  56  support straps, which, when secured at wrist portion  50 , function as a single reinforcing structure  25  shown in FIG.  5 III. It should be noted that for the embodiment in  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A,  3 A,  4 A, the same system is applicable as the secondary support straps are secured overtop the primary support straps once the primary support straps have been secured to the wrist portion atop the overlaid splint portion. As with the glove in  FIGS. 1B   2 B,  3 B,  4 B, the glove in  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A,  3 A,  4 A, provides a suitable support system for both the hand and the wrist once the straps have been properly secured to the wrist portion. 
         [0065]    Gloves in accordance with the present invention provide improved wrist closure and support for improved fit and function by providing a dual cross directional strap system for use in conjunction with a volar and/or dorsal splint system to provide protection for the front and/or back of the hand and the wrist. It has been found that gloves not made in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention would become loose due to stretching of the wrist closure within about two months of regular use. Advantageously, gloves in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention seek to avoid this rapid loosening and maintain proper fit and function for longer time. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , a palm view of the glove in  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A,  3 A, and  4 A is illustrated with the dual support straps deployed.  FIG. 6B  illustrates a dorsal view of the glove in  FIGS. 1B ,  2 B,  3 B, and  4 B with the dual support straps deployed. The splint portion  22  with two support elements being overlaid by the two support straps can clearly be seen in the dorsal side of the glove. As can be seen, the splint portion  22  runs longitudinally from approximately where the finger portion  40  begins to the edge of the wrist portion  50 . The splint portion is longitudinally perpendicular to the axis of bending X of the wrist parallel to the longitudinal axis of a user&#39;s forearm. Referring to  FIG. 6C , a palm view of another embodiment of a glove for use in martial arts is illustrated. As can be seen, this embodiment in  FIG. 6C  corresponds to the view in  FIG. 1A , the main difference being the configuration of the finger portion  40  and the thumb portion  32 . In  FIG. 1A , the finger portion has individual sleeves into which each finger is inserted while in  FIG. 6C , the finger portion  40  is comprised of loops  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45  for individually accepting the second, third, fourth, and fifth proximal phalanges. As well, in  FIG. 1A , the thumb portion  32  is an opening which encircles the base of the user&#39;s thumb. 
         [0067]    In the configuration of  FIG. 6C , the thumb portion has a sleeve which encloses at least a portion of the user&#39;s thumb. It should be clear that, in some embodiments, the dorsal side  20  contains padding material to protect the dorsal part of the hand and the proximal phalanges portions of the second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers. 
         [0068]    Again referring to both  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the splint portion  22 , according to one aspect of the present invention, is comprised of multiple sections of support material incorporated into the dorsal side of the glove. The dual straps of the gap closure system secures over part of the splint portion, this part being overlaid by the dual straps being the part distal to the fingers. The splint portion comprises multiple separate elements, preferably two. The gloves according to this embodiment limit movement of the wrist and are therefore intended to be used primarily for striking activities. When the glove is not being worn and the dual straps of the gap closure system are loose, the multiple elements of the splint portion are free to move and bend relative to one another, and the multiple elements allow the user&#39;s hands to be inserted into the gloves and allow wrist movement. Once the gap closure system has been secured, the straps encircle at least part of the wrist portion and at least part of the splint portion. Once secured, the gap closure system allows the elements of the splint portion to engage and support one another, thereby providing support for the wrist as well as protection for the back of the hand. It should be noted that the use of multiple support elements in the splint portion allows for greater support and protection than what would result from the use of a single support element. 
         [0069]    It should also be noted that the splint portion provides support for the wrist by being resistant to wrist bending. When a user strikes an opponent or an object, a more solid strike is achieved if the wrist is less liable to bend. While completely preventing wrist bending is not preferable as this may constrain the user&#39;s options when it comes to fighting moves (e.g., some grappling holds and heel of palm strikes are difficult if not impossible if the wrist is completely prevented from bending), wrist support by wearing a glove that is resistant to wrist bending helps deliver a more powerful blow as more of the force is directed at the target and less force is diverted by the bending of the wrist. In addition to this, the tight fit between the glove and the user&#39;s hand (and especially to the user&#39;s wrist) provided by the gap closure system provides advantages as well. By providing a tight compressive fit to the user&#39;s wrist, the gap closure system gives advantages similar to that provided by the user taping his or her wrist. Wrist support due to the splint portion and the gap closure system allows for improvements in total force transference, striking force and speed, muscular endurance, grip strength and time to contraction. 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , illustrated is an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a dorsal view of this alternative embodiment while  FIG. 8  is a palm side view of the glove. As can be seen, the glove  110  has a dorsal portion  120 , a volar portion  130 , a finger portion  140 , a wrist portion  150 , and a splint portion  122 . Finger portion  140  has two separate compartments: one for receiving the thumb and one for receiving the second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers.  FIG. 7  shows the glove  110  in dorsal view showing the splint portion  122  with two splint support elements.  FIG. 8  shows glove  110  in from a palm side view showing the wrist portion  150  and a gap  152 . The wrist portion  150  has a thumb-side edge  152 A and an opposing-side edge  152 B, both edges being adjacent to the gap  152 . The gap  152  allows for the wrist portion  150  and volar portion  130  to open and accommodate the hand. A gap closure system facilitates the closure of the gap  152 . In this embodiment, the gap closure system takes the form of at least one lace threaded through a number of corresponding eyes, one set of eyes being located on the thumb-side edge  152 A and another set of eyes being located on the opposing-side edge  152 B. The lace  170  is threaded through the eyes and across the gap  152 . The gap  152  is closed (and the glove tightened on the wrist) by pulling the lace  170  and this pulls the thumb-side edge  152 A and the opposing-side edge  152 B closer to one another. By further pulling the lace  170  until the two edges are as close to each other as possible, this forms a tight fit of the wrist portion  150  to the wrist. 
         [0071]    As with some embodiments described above, the splint support elements on the splint portion  122  attached to the dorsal portion  120  of glove  110  extends from the wrist portion  150  to approximately the starting point of the finger portion  140 . In another alternative, the splint portion is located on the volar side  130  of glove  110  and longitudinally extends from the wrist portion  150  to a point prior to the finger portion  140 . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this alternative embodiment, the gap closure system used is a combination of a strap and a lace and eyes subsystem as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the glove  110  has a single primary strap system.  FIG. 9  shows a glove  110  having a dorsal portion  120 , a finger portion  140 , a wrist portion  150 , a primary support strap  154 , and a splint portion  122  having two splint support elements. A finger portion  140  is comprised of two separate compartments: one for receiving the thumb and one for receiving the second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers. The primary support strap  154  is shown in a fastened position across the dorsal side of wrist portion  150 .  FIG. 10  shows the volar portion  130  of glove  110  with a gap closure system which uses lace and eyes, similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 8 , along with a single primary strap  154 . The primary support strap  154  is shown in a fastened position across the volar portion  130  of wrist portion  150  and extending around wrist portion  150  to the dorsal portion  120  (not shown in this view). The strap  154  partially wraps around the wrist portion  150  and is secured to the dorsal side of the wrist portion  150 . 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , illustrated is an embodiment of the invention which uses another gap closure system. In this embodiment, the gap closure system uses one or more laces which are threaded across the gap and through multiple eyes on the glove. Tightening the laces involves rotating a ratcheted wheel or reel that winds the laces around a spindle.  FIG. 11  is a dorsal view of glove  110  corresponding to  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 12  shows glove  110  having a volar portion  130 , a finger portion  140 , a wrist portion  150 , a lace  170 , and the gap closure system using a reel or wheel, rotation of which tightens the wrist portion  150  to the wrist. Similar to some of the previous embodiments, finger portion  140  is comprised of two separate compartments: one for receiving the thumb and one for receiving the second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers.  FIG. 12  shows glove  110  in a palm side view, illustrating the wrist portion  150  being formed with a gap  152 . The wrist portion  150  has a thumb-side edge  152 A and an opposing-side edge  152 B. The gap  152  allows for the wrist portion  150  and volar portion  130  to open and accommodate the hand. For this embodiment, the gap closure system uses a reel or wheel  180 . In one implementation, tightening the wrist portion  150  to the wrist is done by rotating the reel or wheel  180 . Such a lace tightening system as that explained in U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,401 or similar such systems, such that those marketed under the trade name Boa® Closure System, may be used. In  FIG. 12 , lace  170  is attached across the gap  152  to the thumb-side edge  152 A and the opposing-side edge  152 B and to the reel  180 . The reel-based system facilitates the closure of the gap  152  by pulling the lace  170  that is attached across the gap  152  to form a tight fit of the wrist portion  150  to the wrist. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , illustrated is another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gap closure system is a single strap which wraps around the wrist and is secured to the dorsal side of the wrist portion. In one implementation, the single strap is secured using hooks and loops such as that marketed under the trade name Velcro®.  FIGS. 13 and 14  show a glove  110  using a single strap system. These illustrations correspond to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , respectively and, for ease of reference, like parts are identified by the same reference numerals. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , illustrated is an embodiment of the invention using a multiple support elements for the splint portion and dual straps and a slot for the gap closure system. The multiple support elements for splint portion  122  can be seen in  FIG. 15  while the slot  157  and the primary support strap  154  and the secondary support strap  156  can be seen in  FIG. 16 . The dual straps and the slot are similar to those described and illustrated in  FIGS. 1B-4B . 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , illustrated is an alternative embodiment of the glove described and illustrated in  FIG. 6C . In this alternative, the glove has multiple support elements in the splint portion  122  and uses a single strap for the gap closure system. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , an alternative embodiment of the glove illustrated and described for  FIGS. 17 and 18  is illustrated. In the embodiment in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the gap closure system uses dual support straps and a slot such as those explained with reference to  FIGS. 1A-4A  and  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , pictured is yet another alternative embodiment of the glove illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . In this alternative embodiment, two support elements are used for the splint portion and the gap closure system uses the reel and lace based system illustrated and explained with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . For ease of reference, similar features on the different embodiments are indicated by similar reference numerals. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIGS. 23 ,  24 , and  25 , illustrated are alternative embodiments of the glove illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-4A . Only the dorsal views of these alternatives are illustrated. In  FIG. 23 , the glove  110  has two support elements for the splint portion  122  and, for the gap closure system, a single support strap  154  is used. For the alternative in  FIG. 24 , again two support elements are used for the splint portion  122  and two support straps  154 ,  156  are used for the gap closure system. For the alternative in  FIG. 25 , the reel and lace based gap closure system is used along with two support elements for the splint portion  122 . 
         [0080]    It should be clear that while the embodiments of the invention illustrated so far use two or three support elements in the splint portion of the glove, a single support element may also be used. Referring to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , dorsal views of an alternative glove using a single support element for the splint portion are illustrated. While the gloves in  FIGS. 26 and 27  are boxing gloves, alternative mixed martial arts gloves would have a similar configuration for the splint portion. 
         [0081]    In one embodiment, the present invention provides gloves with improved wrist closure and wrist support for improved fit and function by providing a dual cross directional strap system with the combination of a primary support strap having an elastic, stretchable portion and a non-stretchable secondary support strap and a splint portion which uses one or more splint support elements. Advantageously, gloves in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention prevent rapid loosening and maintain proper fit and function for longer periods of time than those of the prior art. 
         [0082]    Further improvements in fit and function are provided, in certain embodiments of the invention, by inclusion of a volar Y-shaped structure. Here, the glove includes a contouring hand/fist Y-shaped structure to generate a bare-knuckle like contour glove to support maximal force production during striking, while providing a proper fit during open-hand grabbing and repeated transitions between opened and closed hand. This Y-shaped structure is particularly well-suited to mixed martial arts gloves. 
         [0083]    The gloves according to various embodiments may be constructed of material commonly used to manufacture combat sport gloves. Such materials include leather, cotton, vinyl, polyester, and combinations of different materials. Synthetic leather such as poly urethane may be used. Materials such as, acrylic and poly vinyl chloride, and microfiber, cellulose, including rayon, modal, lyocell, polyamide nylon, petroleum (PET) or polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) polyester, phenol-formaldehyde (PF), polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVOH), polyvinyl chloride fiber (PVC), polyolefins (PP and PE), or acrylic polymers, acrylic fiber, carbon fibers and PF fibers, aromatic nylons, such as Kevlar™ and Nomex™. 
         [0084]    Fibers that have strong bonding between polymer chains (e.g., aramids), or extremely long chains (e.g., Dyneema™ or Spectra™). Elastomers may also be used, e.g., spandex. The padding, including the pads of the splint portion may be constructed of commonly known material such as nylon, cotton, foam, rubber, plastic, silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyborosiloxine, ethylvinylacetate and polyvinylchloride. The padding may also be constructed as composites or layers of different materials. The specific material and thickness will depend on the amount of impact protection and the desired rigidity to resist unwanted bending of the wrist. Semi-rigid materials may be used as backing for the splint portion support elements to provide resistance to wrist bending. 
         [0085]    The specific features herein described may be used in a variety of specific glove types. For example the features may be incorporated into gloves commonly worn in specific combat sports such as boxing, kick-boxing, and mixed martial arts. Such gloves may be of different weights including, but not limited to, 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, 18 oz, and 20 oz. However, it has been found that these features are best-suited to 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, and 18 oz gloves. 
         [0086]    A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.