Glove with ergonomic palm

Abstract

Glove for applications subject to high dynamic impacts, in particular in the sports sector, comprising, on the palm surface thereof, an elastically deformable element (1) which, in the rest state, provides the glove with an arch-like form and in the stretched state allows complete extension of the palm of a user's hand, wherein the elastically deformable element is typically a pleated structure, the arch-like form facilitates the movement when gripping of an object, for example a ski stick, and assists the required gripping force, resulting in a more precise and efficient movement by the user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the sector of gloves for applications subject to high dynamic impacts, in particular the sports sector.PRIOR ART

[0002] Gloves for applications subject to high dynamic impacts, in particular in the sports sector, are widely known and used. These products are primarily designed to protect the user's hand from severe stresses of a mechanical nature (knocks, scratches, cuts) and / or physical nature (temperature, humidity); furthermore, they must allow precise and comfortable use, said aim not being easy to achieve for this type of gloves.

[0003] Technology has concentrated mainly on research into ensuring the freedom of movement of the hand in the region of the articulations by inserting elastically stretchable materials in the glove in the knuckle zone, at the base of the fingers or in the interdigital spaces (see, for example, the patent publications US 5,644,797, US2012 / 0246790 A1, WO 96 / 39055 A1 and KR200290189Y1).

[0004] Another sought-after aim is to improve the gripping precision and capacity, which is often limited owing to the thickness of the materials forming the glove. It has been attempted to achieve this aim by lining the palm surface of the glove and / or the palm surface of the fingers of the glove with layers or patterns of rubbery material or the like, so as to provide a greater frictional capacity in the zones where the gripping force is normally concentrated. These solutions, however, are not completely satisfactory, in particular owing to the difficulty of combining effectively in one product the aforementioned requirements; for example, the application of rubbery materials, if on the one hand it improves the grip, on the other hand it stiffens the structure of the glove, making it less responsive to the movements of the hand and therefore less comfortable for use in dynamic conditions, such as those which typically arise in sports applications.SUMMARY

[0005] The aforementioned problems are dealt with and solved in a practical and elegant way by the novel glove design according to the present invention. Said design is characterized in that it comprises, on the palm surface, an elastically deformable element, typically a pleated structure, which in the rest state provides the glove with an arch-like configuration and which in the stretched state allows complete extension of the palm of a user's hand. The present glove employs a logic which is the opposite to that of the conventional glove which is commonly conceived and realized in the form of a flat structure.

[0006] The present arch-like form facilitates the movement when gripping an object, for example a ski stick, resulting in a more precise and effective movement by the user. This configuration assists the gripping force required, resulting in less muscular effort. A feeling of greater comfort and a prolonged performance are thus obtained, these aspects becoming increasingly more evident the longer the glove is used. The pleated structure also has the function of absorbing impacts and providing protection against friction or abrasion: these aspects also help improve the comfort for the user. When no gripping action is required, the arch-like configuration creates greater comfort since it corresponds to the natural position of the hand in the rest state. The pleated structure, finally, avoids the unpleasant "wrinkling" sensation on the palm surface of the glove, which would arise in similar conditions when using a conventional glove.

[0007] When the palm of the hand is extended, the elastically deformable element allows the corresponding adaptation of the palm surface of the glove and therefore the completion of the action in a comfortable manner; at the end of the extension movement, the same elastic movement facilitates the return of the glove into the initial arched form.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] Figure 1 shows a palm side front view of a glove in accordance with the present invention in the rest condition; Figure 2 shows a palm side lateral view of a glove in accordance with the present invention in the rest condition; Figure 3 shows a palm side front view of a glove in accordance with the present invention in the extended condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The glove is characterized by having on its palm surface an elastically deformable element which, in the rest state, provides the glove with an arch-like configuration and, in the stretched state, allows complete extension of the palm of a user's hand.

[0010] "Rest state" or "rest condition" is understood to be the condition in which the glove is not subjected to extending forces, whether it is being worn or not by the user. "Extended state" or "extended condition" is understood to be the condition in which the glove is being worn and is subject to the extending forces of the user's palm.

[0011] The term "elastically deformable" used here identifies the capacity for extension of a material when subjected to tensile or stretching force; the term also identifies the ability of the material to return to the initial state of extension at the end of application of the tensile or stretching force. The elastic deformability of the material may result from the physical nature of the material itself, for example its inherent elasticity, or may be derived from a particular form, typically a pleated structure, which is preferred in accordance with the invention.

[0012] The elastically deformable element may constitute part of the palm surface of the glove or may correspond to the entire palm surface. Said deformable element may be made so that the material is continuous with the adjacent surfaces of the glove; alternatively, it may be integrated in these surfaces as a separate part (insert). If made as a continuous material, the deformable element will be processed in a special way (for example with a pleated structure) so as to acquire the necessary elasticity with respect to the adjacent surfaces. If, instead, it is present as an insert, the necessary elasticity may also be obtained by making the elastically deformable element using a different material, namely a material with a greater elastic modulus than that of the adjacent surfaces. When present as an insert, the elastically deformable element is joined to the adjacent surfaces by means of standard techniques, in particular stitching or heat-welding.

[0013] "Pleated" (also termed "accordion") structuring, structure or configuration is understood to be a structure which uses an excess amount of material with respect to the surface to be covered and where the excess material is gathered up in the form of a series of folds, the height or close arrangement of which is reduced in the event of pulling of the material, allowing a corresponding extension of the material in response to the pulling force. The pleating may comprise a variable number of folds, preferably 5 to 20 folds, more preferably 7 to 15 folds; the height of the folds is also variable: for example, in the rest condition, the height of the folds may be between 1 and 7 mm, preferably between 2 and 6 mm. The pleated structure, in addition to ensuring better the elasticity on the palm side of the glove, comprises the presence of folds which increase the thickness of the palm portion, resulting in optimum protection against mechanical impacts.

[0014] In the present invention, the elastically deformable element is made (i.e. has dimensions and a structure) such as to produce, in the rest condition of the glove, an arch-like form, with the concavity on the palm side (and consequent convexity on the rear side): this effect is due to the fact that the elastically deformable element, when projected onto a horizontal plane, has an area smaller than that needed to allow the palm of the hand to rest completely on this plane (for example, it covers between 60 and 90%, preferably between 70 and 80% of said necessary area); this results in tensioning of the surfaces connected to the elastically deformable element, and consequently of the entire glove, towards the centre thereof: therefore, in the rest condition, the glove assumes a form which is not flat, i.e. is arched (more specifically, concave on the palm side and convex on the rear side).

[0015] The material forming the glove, in particular its outer surfaces, including the elastically deformable element, may be chosen from among those which are conventionally in use in its application sector, for example a synthetic or natural hide, silicone, leather or an elastic or non-elastic fabric made of nylon, polyester, etc.

[0016] The glove is designed for all applications which require a high level of protection of the hand, together with mobility and comfort of use. The preferred application is in the sports sector, and in particular as a ski or snowboard glove; other non-limiting sports application sectors may be the following: mountaineering, rock climbing, athletics and artistic gymnastics, baseball / softball, football, cycling, hockey, rugby, fencing, etc. The glove is also compatible for non-sporting applications which require a high level of protection of the hand together with mobility and comfort of use, for example working gloves, gardening gloves, etc.,

[0017] The invention is now described by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the figures.

[0018] The figures show a palm side front view ( Figure 1) and side view ( Figure 2) of an embodiment of the glove in accordance with the present invention in the rest condition; the elastically deformable element (1) is here a pleated structure, present as a separate insert and connected to the adjacent surfaces by means of stitching (2). The pleating includes a series of folds (3) which are shown, by way of example, as being eleven in number. The structure (1) has dimensions such as to cover substantially the entire palm area of the glove, thus maximizing the elastic stretchability of the palm surface; variants of this embodiment may be imagined where the element (1) covers only one or more selected zones of the palm, so that the elastic stretchability is promoted in particular in these zones.

[0019] The effect of the structure (1) on the overall form of the glove is shown more clearly in the side view (Figure 2): it can be noted that the surface of the pleated structure (1), if projected onto a horizontal plane (x), has an extension (L1) smaller than that which the palm surface of the glove would have if it were completely stretched out on said plane: this results in a natural tensioning effect imparted by the structure (1) with respect to the adjacent surfaces (fingers (4), wrist zone (5), etc.).; the tensioning effect is exerted in particular in the region of the stitches (2) and causes the glove to assume an arched state (a) which is different from a theoretical flat state (p). The state (a) remains when the glove is worn, thus facilitating a possible gripping movement by the user; if the user does not exert a gripping action, the structure of the glove adapts simply to the rest condition of the hand, ensuring ideal comfort; advantageously, owing to this pleated structure, the excess material of the palm surface of the glove generated by partial closing of the palm does not cause wrinkling since this excess is substantially taken up / compensated for by the folds (3) of the pleating.

[0020] When the user opens, partially or totally, the palm of the hand, the glove allows this movement owing to the elastic stretching of the element (1); during this phase, the tensioning of the glove due to the element (1) is overcome by the force imparted by the user, such that the glove consequently passes from the arched state (a) into the flat state (p) shown in Figure 3; in this extended state, the folds of the pleating have a smaller height and a greater spacing (i.e. are less close together) than in the state (a). When the user stops extending the hand, the tensioning force produced by the element (1) prevails again and causes the glove to return into the rest state (a).REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0021] (1) Elastically deformable element (pleating) (2) Stitching (3) Folds (4) Finger zone (5) Wrist zone (a) Arched form (rest state) (p) Flat form (extended state) (x) Horizontal plane (L1) Extension of the element (1) projected onto the plane (x)

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]The glove is characterized by having on its palm surface an elastically deformable element which, in the rest state, provides the glove with an arch-like configuration and, in the stretched state, allows complete extension of the palm of a user's hand.

[0010]"Rest state" or "rest condition" is understood to be the condition in which the glove is not subjected to extending forces, whether it is being worn or not by the user. "Extended state" or "extended condition" is understood to be the condition in which the glove is being worn and is subject to the extending forces of the user's palm.

[0011]The term "elastically deformable" used here identifies the capacity for extension of a material when subjected to tensile or stretching force; the term also identifies the ability of the material to return to the initial state of extension at the end of application of the tensile or stretching force. The elastic deformability of the material may result from the physical nature of the mater...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the sector of gloves for applications subject to high dynamic impacts, in particular the sports sector.PRIOR ART

[0002] Gloves for applications subject to high dynamic impacts, in particular in the sports sector, are widely known and used. These products are primarily designed to protect the user's hand from severe stresses of a mechanical nature (knocks, scratches, cuts) and / or physical nature (temperature, humidity); furthermore, they must allow precise and comfortable use, said aim not being easy to achieve for this type of gloves.

[0003] Technology has concentrated mainly on research into ensuring the freedom of movement of the hand in the region of the articulations by inserting elastically stretchable materials in the glove in the knuckle zone, at the base of the fingers or in the interdigital spaces (see, for example, the patent publications US 5,644,797, US2012 / 0246790 A1, WO 96 / 39055 A1 and KR200290189Y1).

[0004] Another sought-after aim is to improve the gripping precision and capacity, which is often limited owing to the thickness of the materials forming the glove. It has been attempted to achieve this aim by lining the palm surface of the glove and / or the palm surface of the fingers of the glove with layers or patterns of rubbery material or the like, so as to provide a greater frictional capacity in the zones where the gripping force is normally concentrated. These solutions, however, are not completely satisfactory, in particular owing to the difficulty of combining effectively in one product the aforementioned requirements; for example, the application of rubbery materials, if on the one hand it improves the grip, on the other hand it stiffens the structure of the glove, making it less responsive to the movements of the hand and therefore less comfortable for use in dynamic conditions, such as those which typically arise in sports applications.SUMMARY

[0005] The aforementioned problems are dealt with and solved in a practical and elegant way by the novel glove design according to the present invention. Said design is characterized in that it comprises, on the palm surface, an elastically deformable element, typically a pleated structure, which in the rest state provides the glove with an arch-like configuration and which in the stretched state allows complete extension of the palm of a user's hand. The present glove employs a logic which is the opposite to that of the conventional glove which is commonly conceived and realized in the form of a flat structure.

[0006] The present arch-like form facilitates the movement when gripping an object, for example a ski stick, resulting in a more precise and effective movement by the user. This configuration assists the gripping force required, resulting in less muscular effort. A feeling of greater comfort and a prolonged performance are thus obtained, these aspects becoming increasingly more evident the longer the glove is used. The pleated structure also has the function of absorbing impacts and providing protection against friction or abrasion: these aspects also help improve the comfort for the user. When no gripping action is required, the arch-like configuration creates greater comfort since it corresponds to the natural position of the hand in the rest state. The pleated structure, finally, avoids the unpleasant "wrinkling" sensation on the palm surface of the glove, which would arise in similar conditions when using a conventional glove.

[0007] When the palm of the hand is extended, the elastically deformable element allows the corresponding adaptation of the palm surface of the glove and therefore the completion of the action in a comfortable manner; at the end of the extension movement, the same elastic movement facilitates the return of the glove into the initial arched form.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] Figure 1 shows a palm side front view of a glove in accordance with the present invention in the rest condition; Figure 2 shows a palm side lateral view of a glove in accordance with the present invention in the rest condition; Figure 3 shows a palm side front view of a glove in accordance with the present invention in the extended condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The glove is characterized by having on its palm surface an elastically deformable element which, in the rest state, provides the glove with an arch-like configuration and, in the stretched state, allows complete extension of the palm of a user's hand.

[0010] "Rest state" or "rest condition" is understood to be the condition in which the glove is not subjected to extending forces, whether it is being worn or not by the user. "Extended state" or "extended condition" is understood to be the condition in which the glove is being worn and is subject to the extending forces of the user's palm.

[0011] The term "elastically deformable" used here identifies the capacity for extension of a material when subjected to tensile or stretching force; the term also identifies the ability of the material to return to the initial state of extension at the end of application of the tensile or stretching force. The elastic deformability of the material may result from the physical nature of the material itself, for example its inherent elasticity, or may be derived from a particular form, typically a pleated structure, which is preferred in accordance with the invention.

[0012] The elastically deformable element may constitute part of the palm surface of the glove or may correspond to the entire palm surface. Said deformable element may be made so that the material is continuous with the adjacent surfaces of the glove; alternatively, it may be integrated in these surfaces as a separate part (insert). If made as a continuous material, the deformable element will be processed in a special way (for example with a pleated structure) so as to acquire the necessary elasticity with respect to the adjacent surfaces. If, instead, it is present as an insert, the necessary elasticity may also be obtained by making the elastically deformable element using a different material, namely a material with a greater elastic modulus than that of the adjacent surfaces. When present as an insert, the elastically deformable element is joined to the adjacent surfaces by means of standard techniques, in particular stitching or heat-welding.

[0013] "Pleated" (also termed "accordion") structuring, structure or configuration is understood to be a structure which uses an excess amount of material with respect to the surface to be covered and where the excess material is gathered up in the form of a series of folds, the height or close arrangement of which is reduced in the event of pulling of the material, allowing a corresponding extension of the material in response to the pulling force. The pleating may comprise a variable number of folds, preferably 5 to 20 folds, more preferably 7 to 15 folds; the height of the folds is also variable: for example, in the rest condition, the height of the folds may be between 1 and 7 mm, preferably between 2 and 6 mm. The pleated structure, in addition to ensuring better the elasticity on the palm side of the glove, comprises the presence of folds which increase the thickness of the palm portion, resulting in optimum protection against mechanical impacts.

[0014] In the present invention, the elastically deformable element is made (i.e. has dimensions and a structure) such as to produce, in the rest condition of the glove, an arch-like form, with the concavity on the palm side (and consequent convexity on the rear side): this effect is due to the fact that the elastically deformable element, when projected onto a horizontal plane, has an area smaller than that needed to allow the palm of the hand to rest completely on this plane (for example, it covers between 60 and 90%, preferably between 70 and 80% of said necessary area); this results in tensioning of the surfaces connected to the elastically deformable element, and consequently of the entire glove, towards the centre thereof: therefore, in the rest condition, the glove assumes a form which is not flat, i.e. is arched (more specifically, concave on the palm side and convex on the rear side).

[0015] The material forming the glove, in particular its outer surfaces, including the elastically deformable element, may be chosen from among those which are conventionally in use in its application sector, for example a synthetic or natural hide, silicone, leather or an elastic or non-elastic fabric made of nylon, polyester, etc.

[0016] The glove is designed for all applications which require a high level of protection of the hand, together with mobility and comfort of use. The preferred application is in the sports sector, and in particular as a ski or snowboard glove; other non-limiting sports application sectors may be the following: mountaineering, rock climbing, athletics and artistic gymnastics, baseball / softball, football, cycling, hockey, rugby, fencing, etc. The glove is also compatible for non-sporting applications which require a high level of protection of the hand together with mobility and comfort of use, for example working gloves, gardening gloves, etc.,

[0017] The invention is now described by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the figures.

[0018] The figures show a palm side front view ( Figure 1) and side view ( Figure 2) of an embodiment of the glove in accordance with the present invention in the rest condition; the elastically deformable element (1) is here a pleated structure, present as a separate insert and connected to the adjacent surfaces by means of stitching (2). The pleating includes a series of folds (3) which are shown, by way of example, as being eleven in number. The structure (1) has dimensions such as to cover substantially the entire palm area of the glove, thus maximizing the elastic stretchability of the palm surface; variants of this embodiment may be imagined where the element (1) covers only one or more selected zones of the palm, so that the elastic stretchability is promoted in particular in these zones.

[0019] The effect of the structure (1) on the overall form of the glove is shown more clearly in the side view (Figure 2): it can be noted that the surface of the pleated structure (1), if projected onto a horizontal plane (x), has an extension (L1) smaller than that which the palm surface of the glove would have if it were completely stretched out on said plane: this results in a natural tensioning effect imparted by the structure (1) with respect to the adjacent surfaces (fingers (4), wrist zone (5), etc.).; the tensioning effect is exerted in particular in the region of the stitches (2) and causes the glove to assume an arched state (a) which is different from a theoretical flat state (p). The state (a) remains when the glove is worn, thus facilitating a possible gripping movement by the user; if the user does not exert a gripping action, the structure of the glove adapts simply to the rest condition of the hand, ensuring ideal comfort; advantageously, owing to this pleated structure, the excess material of the palm surface of the glove generated by partial closing of the palm does not cause wrinkling since this excess is substantially taken up / compensated for by the folds (3) of the pleating.

[0020] When the user opens, partially or totally, the palm of the hand, the glove allows this movement owing to the elastic stretching of the element (1); during this phase, the tensioning of the glove due to the element (1) is overcome by the force imparted by the user, such that the glove consequently passes from the arched state (a) into the flat state (p) shown in Figure 3; in this extended state, the folds of the pleating have a smaller height and a greater spacing (i.e. are less close together) than in the state (a). When the user stops extending the hand, the tensioning force produced by the element (1) prevails again and causes the glove to return into the rest state (a).REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0021] (1) Elastically deformable element (pleating) (2) Stitching (3) Folds (4) Finger zone (5) Wrist zone (a) Arched form (rest state) (p) Flat form (extended state) (x) Horizontal plane (L1) Extension of the element (1) projected onto the plane (x)

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]The glove is characterized by having on its palm surface an elastically deformable element which, in the rest state, provides the glove with an arch-like configuration and, in the stretched state, allows complete extension of the palm of a user's hand.

[0010]"Rest state" or "rest condition" is understood to be the condition in which the glove is not subjected to extending forces, whether it is being worn or not by the user. "Extended state" or "extended condition" is understood to be the condition in which the glove is being worn and is subject to the extending forces of the user's palm.

[0011]The term "elastically deformable" used here identifies the capacity for extension of a material when subjected to tensile or stretching force; the term also identifies the ability of the material to return to the initial state of extension at the end of application of the tensile or stretching force. The elastic deformability of the material may result from the physical nature of the mater...

Claims

1. Glove with a palm surface which comprises an elastically deformable element (1) which, in the rest state, provides the glove with an arch-like configuration and which, in the stretched state, allows complete extension of the palm of a user's hand.

2. Glove according to Claim 1, wherein the elastically deformable element is a pleated structure.

3. Glove according to Claim 2, wherein the pleated structure comprises 5 to 20 folds.

4. Glove according to Claim 3, wherein the pleated structure comprises 7 to 15 folds.

5. Glove according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the folds, independently of each other, have a height of between 1 and 7 mm.

6. Glove according to Claim 5, wherein the folds, independently of each other, have a height of between 2 and 5 mm.

7. Glove according to one of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the pleated structure is made such that the material is continuous with the adjacent surfaces of the glove.

8. Glove according to one of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the pleated structure is an insert made of material which is the same as or different from the material of the adjacent surfaces, said insert being joined to said adjacent surfaces by means of stitching or welding.

9. Glove according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the elastically deformable element, in the rest condition projected onto a horizontal plane, has an area smaller than the area corresponding to the palm of the hand resting completely on this plane, wherein preferably the area projected onto said plane is between 60% and 90% and more preferably between 70% and 80% of said area when the palm is completely resting thereon.

10. Glove according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the elastic element and the remaining surfaces are made of leather.

11. Glove according to one of Claims 1 to 10, structured for applications subject to high mechanical impacts, in particular for use in the sports sector or for manual work.

12. Glove according to Claim 11, structured as a ski glove.

13. Use of a glove according to one of Claims 1 to 10, for applications subject to high mechanical impacts, in particular in the sports sector or for manual work.

14. Use of a glove according to Claim 13, as a ski glove.

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