Athletic grip enhancing finger gloves

Abstract

Apparatus worn on the fingers similarly to gloves, to enhance grip, particularly suitable as an aid in catching sports balls. The apparatus comprises a sheath for each finger, which may bear a friction enhancing material on an external surface. Each sheath may be internally reinforced by members which are more resistant to bending than the constituent material of the sheath. Reinforcement members may comprise bands which extend circumferentially about sheaths or may extend axially along sheaths. Sheaths may be provided with internal elastic bands which may overlie other bands at acute angles thereto or which do not overlie other bands.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to performance enhancing apparel for the hands, and more particularly, to apparel for improving ability to catch or grasp moving objects.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Athletes engaged in games having balls must periodically attempt to catch balls with their hands. In many sports, balls can be moving quite quickly. Consequently, considerable impact forces may be imposed on the hands. Also, a ball or other projectile may be spinning as well as moving along the ground quickly, which further complicates the action of catching the ball.[0003]In the game of football for example, a ball may be thrown a considerable distance at considerable speed. Players from each team may attempt to catch the ball while running, which further complicates the issue of catching a ball.[0004]Players have resorted to placing patches of tacky substances on their hands in an attempt to enhance their ability to catch a ball. However, tacky substances m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention addresses the above stated need by providing apparel worn on the hands which addresses those issues which pertain to activities such as catching balls. The apparel includes at a minimum a sleeve for each finger. The sleeve may comprise an exterior structural material which encircles and grips the finger. The sleeve may be complemented by internal structure for cushioning and reinforcing the finger, such as rubbery bands or somewhat stiff splints, by external structure improving frictional characteristics which assist in gripping a moving object such as a ball, or both.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, considerable impact forces may be imposed on the hands.

Also, a ball or other projectile may be spinning as well as moving along the ground quickly, which further complicates the action of catching the ball.

Players from each team may attempt to catch the ball while running, which further complicates the issue of catching a ball.

However, tacky substances may objectionably transfer to the ball, may be difficult to remove after play is finished, and in some sports, may be banned.

Images