Football goalkeeper glove and method of manufacture

Abstract

The invention relates to a football goalkeeper glove with an inner hand part (14) and an outer hand part (e.g. 38) connected to the inner hand part, a) wherein the inner hand part (14) has at least one inner hand composite layer (4) with a ball contact layer (44) and with a damping layer (42) connected to the ball contact layer (44), b) wherein the ball contact layer (44) is formed at least predominantly, in particular completely, from a latex foam based on natural rubber, c) wherein the damping layer (42) is formed at least predominantly, in particular completely, from a latex foam based on natural rubber, d) wherein the latex foam of the damping layer (42) is more elastically flexible than the latex foam of the ball contact layer.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a football goalkeeper glove and a method for manufacturing such a goalkeeper glove.

[0002] In football, goalkeepers usually wear goalkeeper gloves to make it easier to deflect and catch footballs.

[0003] Goalkeeper gloves must offer the goalkeeper a good compromise between grip ( GripGoalkeeper gloves offer grip and cushioning. To achieve this, the palm of the glove features a composite layer consisting of a gripping or catching layer that comes into contact with the ball and provides a high level of grip for grabbing or catching the ball, and an underlying cushioning or backing layer that provides the desired shock absorption. The cushioning layer is typically placed on a thin layer of fabric that also comes into contact with the goalkeeper's hand on the other side. A thin layer of fabric is also positioned between the cushioning layer and the gripping layer to bond them together.

[0004] The gripping layer (catching layer) is made of a natural rubber or natural rubber foam, which is produced from a foamed, polymerized latex emulsion of natural rubber and is also simply called latex or latex foam. Ball feel and grip remain optimal with this natural material.

[0005] Polyurethane foam (PU foam) is used as the material for the damping layer. The connection between the PU foam damping layer and the natural rubber latex trapping layer is ensured by the intervening textile layer.

[0006] A good summary of natural rubber can be found at https: / / de.wikipedia.org.wiki / Naturkautschuk , which is referred to in the following paragraphs.

[0007] Over 99% of natural rubber today comes from Hevea rubber (rubber tree). The latex, or milky sap, of the rubber tree is a colloidal dispersion, typically consisting of about one-third rubber in an aqueous solution. The main component of the colloid is a polymer of isoprene units, cis-1,4-polyisoprene; other substances include proteins and resins that stabilize the colloid.

[0008] The specific gravity of the colloid is approximately 0.93–0.96, while that of serum is 1.02. To obtain rubber, the latex is typically coagulated. The Hevea rubber obtained from the latex typically contains about 2.8% protein, 1.5–2.5% resin, 0.2–0.6% water, and about 0.38% mineral components. Natural rubber is a polymer of the monomer isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) and has an almost uniform structure with cis-1,4 linkages. It is classified as a polyterpene. The average molar mass of natural rubber is approximately 500,000 to 2 million g / mol. Natural rubber (as well as synthetic rubber) can be vulcanized, i.e., subjected to a wide-meshed chemical cross-linking to achieve elastic properties, for example with sulfur or with peroxides, metal oxides or also by thermal cross-linking.Rubber can be further processed into porous rubber, in which the elastic foam can have pore structures ranging from completely closed to completely open.

[0009] In the textbook by Adolf Franck, "Plastics Compendium: Production, Structure, Processing, Application, Environmental Behavior and Properties of Thermoplastics, Polymer Alloys, Elastomers and Thermosets" 5th edition 2000, Vogel Verlag, some things about rubber are also explained and described, to which reference is made below.

[0010] The direct processing of the rubber emulsion produced during polymerization, as well as the natural rubber emulsion ( latex ) proceeds, for example, in the following stages: 1. Stir in the finely ground vulcanizing additives. 2. Shaping and coagulation of the emulsion: a) Immersion method: Immerse a glass, porcelain, or light metal mold heated to 60 to 80°C in latex. A thin layer coagulates on the surface of the mold. Heat sensitization of the Latex. b) Casting process: Coagulation in a porous mold. c) Foaming process: Foamed latex is coagulated in the hot mold. d) Spinning process: Latex is injected into an acidic coagulation bath. e) Coating process: Fabrics are impregnated with latex. 3. Vulcanization then takes place using steam, boiling water, or hot air.

[0011] Rubber latex can be converted from a liquid or viscous state into foams by gassing, in particular by the following foam generation methods: 1. Foaming: Incorporating air (whipped cream method), e.g., into UF pre-condensate. 2. High-pressure method: Permanent gases (nitrogen or CO₂) are dissolved in the melt of thermoplastics under a pressure of approximately 200 bar. Foaming occurs a) by depressurizing the melt (nucleator, pore regulator: Aerosil®), b) by reheating such a mass cooled under pressure, c) by saturating PVC paste with CO₂, spraying, and Foam during heating in the gelling channel (Trovipor process).

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a football goalkeeper glove that achieves good grip and good cushioning when catching a football.

[0013] This problem is solved by a football goalkeeper glove according to the invention, in particular according to claim 1, and a method for its manufacture according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0014] The goalkeeper glove, in the embodiment according to claim 1, comprises a palm and an outer palm connected to the palm. The palm includes at least one palm composite layer (with a ball contact layer) and a cushioning layer (directly or indirectly) connected to the ball contact layer. The ball contact layer is formed at least predominantly, and in particular entirely, from a latex foam based on natural rubber. According to the invention, the cushioning layer is also formed at least predominantly, and in particular entirely, from a latex foam based on natural rubber, and the latex foam of the cushioning layer is more elastically flexible than the latex foam of the ball contact layer.

[0015] Preferably, the latex foam of the damping layer has a lower Shore A hardness than the latex foam of the ball contact layer, wherein the Shore A hardness of the damping layer is preferably selected between 1 and 10, in particular between 7 and 9, and / or wherein the Shore A hardness of the ball contact layer is preferably selected between 15 and 30.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the latex foam of the damping layer has a lower density than the latex foam of the ball contact layer. The density of the latex foam of the damping layer is preferably set in the range of 150 to 250 kg / m³ and / or the density of the latex foam of the ball contact layer is preferably set in the range of 300 to 400 kg / m³.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the latex foam of the damping layer has, on average, larger pores than the latex foam of the ball contact layer. Preferably, the pore size in the latex foam of the ball contact layer is less than 0.1 mm.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the latex foam of the damping layer and the latex foam of the ball contact layer are formed from the same latex base material with essentially the same composition and are preferably foamed to different degrees and / or vulcanized at different vulcanization temperatures in order to adjust the different elasticity.

[0019] Preferably, the palm composite layer comprises a first textile layer. The first textile layer is arranged on a side of the damping layer facing away from the ball contact layer and is (firmly) connected to the damping layer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the palm composite layer has a second textile layer. The second textile layer is arranged between the ball contact layer and the damping layer and connects the ball contact layer to the damping layer and / or supports their connection.

[0021] The two natural rubber latex foams of the damping layer and the ball contact layer can also be vulcanized or cross-linked together, for example by thermal vulcanization, and even directly bonded to each other, so that the second textile layer can be omitted.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the latex foam layers of the ball contact layer and the damping layer are directly connected to each other, i.e., without an intermediate textile layer.

[0023] Preferably, the latex foams of the ball contact layer and the damping layer are bonded together during vulcanization, preferably thermal.

[0024] In another embodiment, the latex foams of the ball contact layer and the damping layer are connected to each other by gluing.

[0025] The thickness of the damping layer is generally selected from a range between 2 mm and 5 mm, particularly between 2.3 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 3.0 mm and 3.2 mm. The thickness of the ball contact layer is generally selected from a range between 1.8 mm and 4 mm, particularly between approximately 2.1 mm and 2.9 mm.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the palmar composite layer has a dry density of approximately 1.8 to 2.0 g / cm³ and a wet density of approximately 2.9 to 3.1 g / cm³. The wet density of a conventional construction with a PU foam lamination is significantly higher in comparison.

[0027] Compared to the polyurethane (PU) foam cushioning layers found in conventional goalkeeper gloves, the more densely foamed or larger-pored latex palm composite layer offers approximately ten percent greater impact absorption. Further advantages include the material's sustainability or better biodegradability and reduced moisture absorption.

[0028] Furthermore, embossing can be more easily applied to the palm composite layer. Additionally, the material does not bend as easily, since the expansion coefficients of the two latex foam layers are relatively similar.

[0029] A method for manufacturing a goalkeeper glove according to the invention preferably comprises the process step of directly applying a second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer to a surface of a first latex foam layer for the cushioning layer.

[0030] The first layer of latex foam for the damping layer is preferably applied to the first textile layer in the form of a viscous or liquid latex foam.

[0031] The second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer is preferably applied to the first latex foam layer for the damping layer in the form of a viscous or liquid latex foam.

[0032] In one embodiment, before applying the second latex foam or the second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer, the first latex foam for the damping layer is coagulated or, preferably by thermal vulcanization, partially vulcanized or, if necessary, fully vulcanized.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the two viscous or liquid latex foams, namely the first latex foam for the damping layer and the applied second latex foam for the ball contact layer, are vulcanized together or in a common time interval, preferably thermally.

[0034] In another embodiment, a second latex foam layer that has already been vulcanized and solidified or dimensionally stable for the ball contact layer is applied directly to the surface of the first latex foam layer that has already been vulcanized for the damping layer by gluing or by means of an adhesive.

[0035] The composite layer is preferably manufactured in strips, from which the inner hand part is then cut or punched out.

[0036] The claimable combinations of features and subject matter according to the invention are not limited to the chosen wording and cross-references of the claims. Rather, any feature of one claim category, for example, a method, can also be claimed in another claim category, for example, a device. Furthermore, any feature in the claims can be claimed in any combination with one or more other features in the claims, even independently of their cross-references.Furthermore, any feature described or disclosed in the description or drawing or in an embodiment may be claimed on its own, independently or separately from the context in which it appears, alone or in any combination with one or more other features that are described or disclosed in the claims or in the description or drawing or embodiments.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: FIG 1 a perspective view of a football goalkeeper glove on its palm or gripping side according to an embodiment of the invention, FIG 2 a section through the palm composite layer of the football goalkeeper glove according to FIG 1 in the section designated II-II.

[0038] As in the exemplary embodiment of the FIG 1As shown, a football goalkeeper glove 50, hereinafter also referred to as goalkeeper glove, typically comprises a palm part 14, which is connected via side panels or directly to an outer palm part (in the top view of the FIG 1 (largely concealed on the inner hand part 14) is connected, creating an intermediate or inner space for receiving a hand of the goalkeeper (in FIG 1 The goalkeeper glove 50 has, in particular, individual finger areas 6 for each receiving a finger of the goalkeeper's hand, namely a thumb area 24, a little finger area 16, a ring finger area 18, a middle finger area 20 and an index finger area 22. The outer hand part, which is intended to protect the outer hand, in particular the back of the hand, is divided into FIG 1Only a partial area on the outside of the thumb is visible as the outer thumb area 38. An area on the edge of the hand is designated 34. In the area of ​​the carpus or wrist of the goalkeeper's hand, a wrist area 28 is provided with a wrist fixation strap 30.

[0039] The inner palm section 14 covers the goalkeeper's palm and is designed for catching or deflecting the football. Specifically, the inner palm section 14 comprises a palm area 26 that covers the palm of the goalkeeper's hand, a thumb inner area 32 that covers the inner surface of the goalkeeper's thumb and is connected to the thumb outer area 38 to form the thumb area 25, for example via an overlapping seam 33, and four finger inner areas 6 that are connected via intermediate sections (gussets, gussets) 24 to corresponding finger outer areas of the outer palm section (in FIG 1(not visible) are connected. The inner finger areas 6 are a little finger inner area 16a of little finger area 16, a ring finger inner area 18a of ring finger area 18, a middle finger inner area 20a of middle finger area 20 and an index finger inner area 22a of index finger area 22.

[0040] To enable a football goalkeeper to better grip and catch a football, but also to defend against an oncoming football, the inner hand part 14 includes an inner hand composite layer 4 with high grip on a catching surface or ball contact surface and good damping properties.

[0041] A preferred structure of the palmar composite layer 4 is shown in the embodiment according to FIG 2 can be seen in the cut.

[0042] The palm composite layer 4 is constructed as a composite of a first textile layer 41, a subsequent cushioning layer (or: lower layer, carrier layer, lamination layer) 42, a second textile layer 43, and finally an (outermost) ball contact layer (or: upper layer, gripping layer, catching layer) 44. The ball contact layer 44 has a ball contact area 44a on its free surface facing away from the second textile layer 43 or the cushioning layer 42 for catching or gripping the ball. The first textile layer 41 forms an innermost, i.e., adjacent to the goalkeeper's hand, or a hand contact area for this forming layer.

[0043] The ball contact layer 44 consists at least predominantly, preferably entirely, of a foamed natural rubber latex material, i.e., a latex foam based on natural rubber. Latex foams already known for the ball contact layer 44 of conventional football goalkeeper gloves, which are characterized by high grip, can also be used here.

[0044] The damping layer 42 is now also formed according to the invention from a latex foam (or: foamed latex material or natural rubber latex foam).

[0045] The manufacture and composition of the latex foams for the ball contact layer 44 and the damping layer 42 is selected in particular in accordance with the prior art described above.

[0046] The two latex foams of the ball contact layer 44 and the damping layer 42 differ at least in elasticity and damping properties. The latex foam of the damping layer 42 is more elastic than the latex foam of the ball contact layer 44 and, in particular, has a lower Shore A hardness. The Shore A hardness of the damping layer 42 is generally selected to be between 1 and 10, especially between 7 and 9, and the Shore A hardness of the ball contact layer 44 is generally selected to be between 15 and 30.

[0047] The different elasticities of the two latex foams for the ball contact layer 44 and the damping layer 42 are preferably achieved by adjusting the porosity of the latex foams, or by adjusting the size and / or distribution of the air or gas pores, and / or by adjusting the densities of the two latex foams. In an advantageous embodiment, this makes it possible to use the same latex base material with the same composition for both latex foams and to adjust the different properties solely through the foaming process, particularly mechanical foaming processes. Thus, the more elastic latex foam of the damping layer 42 expediently has larger pores on average than the latex foam for the ball contact layer 44, i.e., it is more densely foamed. The pore size of the ball contact layer 44 is preferably less than 0.1 mm.The density of the latex foam of the damping layer 42 is preferably in a range of 150 to 250 kg / m 3< while the density of the latex foam of the ball contact layer 42 is preferably in a range of 300 to 400 kg / m 3<.

[0048] The two textile layers 41 and 42 preferably consist of a knitted or crocheted textile material, for example made of cotton and / or polyester and optionally other, preferably elastic, additional materials or additional threads such as elastic materials.

[0049] The second textile layer 43 serves to connect the two latex foam layers, i.e., the cushioning layer 42 and the ball contact layer 44, at their mutually facing surfaces. However, if the two latex foam layers 44 and 43 are directly bonded or vulcanized together, the intermediate second textile layer 44 in the palm composite layer 4 can be omitted.

[0050] The thickness of the damping layer 42 is denoted by d2 and is generally selected from a range between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 2.3 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 3.0 mm and 3.2 mm. The thickness of the ball contact layer 44 is typically in a range between 1.8 mm and 4 mm, in particular between about 2.1 mm and 2.9 mm.

[0051] The thickness d1 of the first textile layer 41 and the thickness d3 of the second textile layer 43 are generally both significantly smaller, for example by a factor of 5 to 15, than the thickness d2 of the damping layer 42 and the thickness d4 of the ball contact layer 44.

[0052] Compared to the polyurethane (PU) foam cushioning layers in conventional goalkeeper gloves, the more densely foamed or larger-pored latex foam layer offers approximately ten percent greater impact absorption. Further advantages include the material's sustainability or better biodegradability and lower moisture absorption. A glove of the same volume consisting of the two latex foam layers 42 and 44 and the two additional textile layers 41 and 43 has a dry density of typically about 1.9 g / cm³ and a wet density of approximately 3 g / cm³, compared to a conventional construction with a PU foam lamination, where the wet density is significantly higher.

[0053] Furthermore, embossing can be more easily applied to the palm composite layer. Additionally, the material does not bend as easily, since the expansion coefficients of the two latex foam layers are relatively similar.

[0054] The two natural rubber latex foams for the damping layer 42 and the ball contact layer 44 can, especially during the production of the corresponding sheets, also be vulcanized or cross-linked together, for example by thermal vulcanization, and even be directly connected to each other, so that the second textile layer 43 can be omitted.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment with latex foam layers (42 and 44) ​​directly connected to each other without an intermediate textile layer 43, the second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer 44 is preferably applied directly to the surface of the first latex foam layer for the damping layer 42.

[0056] In this process, the first latex foam layer for the damping layer 42 can already be cross-linked in a wide mesh by vulcanization, preferably thermal, and then the second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer 44 can be applied to the first latex foam layer for the damping layer 42 in the form of a liquid foam and then vulcanized, preferably thermally.

[0057] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer 44 is applied as a liquid foam to the still unsolidified or unvulcanized latex foam of the first latex foam layer for the damping layer 42, in particular by pouring and brushing, and the two still viscous latex foams are vulcanized together, preferably thermally. In this process, the latex foam of the first latex foam layer for the damping layer 42 may already be coagulated or partially vulcanized.

[0058] Vulcanization can be carried out in all embodiments using one of the methods described above, which are known per se. By adjusting the vulcanization temperatures, the Shore hardness of the latex foam material can be influenced, in addition to the pore size.

[0059] It is also possible to apply a second, already vulcanized latex foam layer for the ball contact layer 44 directly to the surface of the first, already vulcanized latex foam layer for the damping layer 42 by gluing.

[0060] By eliminating the (inner) textile layer 44, the directly connected latex layers can give the goalkeeper an even more immediate feel for the ball and adaptation to the dynamics of movement.

[0061] In all embodiments, an outer hand part of the goalkeeper glove can also be provided with a latex coating constructed like the inner hand composite layer 4 (with or without textile layer 44), in addition to or instead of the inner hand part. Reference symbol list

[0062] 4 Palm composite layer 6 Finger inner area 8 Thumb area 14 Palm section 16 Little finger area 16a Little finger inner area 18 Ring finger area 18a Ring finger inner area 20 Middle finger area 20a Middle finger inner area 22 Index finger area 22a Index finger inner area 24 Intermediate section 25 Thumb area 26 Palm inner area 28 Wrist area 30 Wrist fixation band 33 Seam 32 Thumb inner area 34 Edge of hand area 38 Thumb outer area 41 First textile layer 42 Cushioning layer 43 Second textile layer 44 Ball contact layer 44a Ball contact area 50 Goalkeeper glove d1 Thickness (first textile layer 41) d2 Thickness (cushioning layer 42) d3 thickness (second textile layer 43) d4 thickness (ball contact layer 44)

Claims

1. Football goalkeeper glove with an inner hand part (14) and an outer hand part (aa 38) connected to the inner hand part, a) wherein the inner hand part (14) has at least one inner hand composite layer (4) with a ball contact layer (44) and with a damping layer (42) connected to the ball contact layer (44), b) wherein the ball contact layer (44) is formed at least predominantly, in particular entirely, from a latex foam based on natural rubber, c) wherein the damping layer (42) is formed at least predominantly, in particular entirely, from a latex foam based on natural rubber, d) wherein the latex foam of the damping layer (42) is more elastic than the latex foam of the ball contact layer.

2. Football goalkeeper glove according to claim 1, wherein the latex foam of the cushioning layer (42) has a lower Shore A hardness than the latex foam of the ball contact layer (44), wherein the Shore A hardness of the cushioning layer (42) is generally selected between 1 and 10, preferably between 7 and 9, and / or wherein the Shore A hardness of the ball contact layer (44) is preferably selected between 15 and 30.

3. Football goalkeeper glove according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the latex foam of the cushioning layer (42) has a lower density than the latex foam of the ball contact layer (44), wherein the density of the latex foam of the cushioning layer (42) is preferably in the range of 150 to 250 kg / m³ 3 is adjusted and / or wherein the density of the latex foam of the ball contact layer (42) is preferably in a range of 300 to 400 kg / m² 3 has been set.

4. Football goalkeeper glove according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the latex foam of the cushioning layer (42) has on average larger pores than the latex foam of the ball contact layer (44), wherein the pore size in the latex foam of the ball contact layer (44) is preferably less than 0.1 mm.

5. Football goalkeeper glove according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latex foam of the cushioning layer (42) and the latex foam of the ball contact layer (44) are formed from the same latex base material with substantially the same composition and are preferably foamed to different degrees and / or vulcanized with different vulcanization temperatures.

6. Football goalkeeper glove according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the palm composite layer (4) has a first textile layer (41), wherein the first textile layer (41) is arranged on a side of the cushioning layer (42) facing away from the ball contact layer (44) and is connected to the cushioning layer (42).

7. Football goalkeeper glove according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the palm composite layer (4) has a second textile layer (43) arranged between the ball contact layer (44) and the cushioning layer (42) and is connected to or contributes to the connection of both the ball contact layer (44) and the cushioning layer (42).

8. Football goalkeeper glove according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ball contact layer (44) and the damping layer (42) of the palm composite layer (4) are directly connected to each other, in particular without an intermediate textile layer.

9. Football goalkeeper glove according to claim 8, wherein the latex foams of the ball contact layer (44) and the cushioning layer (42) are bonded together during vulcanization, preferably thermal.

10. Football goalkeeper glove according to claim 8, wherein the latex foams of ball contact layer (44) and cushioning layer (42) are joined together by gluing.

11. Football goalkeeper glove according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushioning layer (42) has a thickness (d2) which is generally selected from a range between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 2.3 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 3.0 mm and 3.2 mm, and the ball contact layer (44) has a thickness (d4) which is generally selected in a range between 1.8 mm and 4 mm, in particular between about 2.1 mm and 2.9 mm.

12. Football goalkeeper glove according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the palm composite layer (4) has a dry density of about 1.8 to 2.0 g / cm³ 3 and a wet density of approximately 2.9 to 3.1 g / cm³ 3 exhibits.

13. Method for manufacturing a football goalkeeper glove according to one of the preceding claims, in which a second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer (44) is applied directly to a surface of a first latex foam layer for the cushioning layer (42).

14. The method of claim 13 comprising at least one of the following method features: a) the first latex foam layer for the damping layer (42) is applied to a first textile layer (41) in the form of a viscous or liquid latex foam, b) the second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer (44) is applied to the first latex foam layer for the damping layer (42) in the form of a viscous or liquid latex foam, c) before applying the second latex foam or the second latex foam layer for the ball contact layer (44), the first latex foam for the damping layer (42) is coagulated or, preferably by thermal vulcanization, partially vulcanized or fully vulcanized, d) the first latex foam for the damping layer (42) and the applied second latex foam for the ball contact layer (44) are vulcanized together or in a common time interval, preferably thermally.

15. Method according to claim 13, wherein a second latex foam layer that has already been vulcanized for the ball contact layer 44 is applied directly to the surface of the first latex foam layer that has already been vulcanized for the damping layer (42) by gluing or by means of an adhesive.

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