Dual strap glove

Abstract

A glove 100 for use in combat sports, comprising a body 110 divided into a thumb side portion 113 and a far side portion 115. The glove further comprises a primary pocket 102 configured to receive a u

Description

The invention relates generally to a glove comprising two tensioning straps for use in combat sports. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a boxing glove comprising two tensioning straps for adjustment of fitting of the glove. Background Combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts, rely heavily on the use of gloves to protect the hands of athletes and to reduce the risk of injury to opponents. Traditional gloves for combat sports are typically secured to a user’s hands using either laces or hook-and-loop straps. Each fastening system presents its own set of challenges and limitations. Laced gloves, while providing a snug and secure fit, are cumbersome to put on and remove, requiring the assistance of a trainer or another individual. This process can be time-consuming and impractical during training sessions or competitions where quick changes are necessary. On the other hand, gloves with hook-and-loop straps are designed to offer greater convenience, allowing athletes to put on and take off their gloves without assistance. However, the current strap designs often fail to provide a consistent and reliable fit across the entire hand and wrist. The uneven pressure distribution can lead to discomfort, reduced protection, and an increased risk of injury. The present invention was derived with the foregoing in mind. Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a glove for use in combat sports. The glove may comprise: a primary pocket configured to receive a user’s index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger; a thumb pocket configured to receive a user’s thumb; a body, wherein the primary pocket and thumb pocket are connected to the body, and wherein the body is configured to cover a palm-side and rear-side of a user’s hand and wrist, and wherein a palm-side of the body comprises a thumb side portion and a far side portion; a first strap comprising a first end connected to the thumb side portion of the body and a second end configured to connect to a first connecting portion; and a second strap comprising a first end connected to the far side portion of the body and a second end configured to connect to a second connecting portion. Having first and second straps may enable a user to adjust the fit of the glove around their wrist / forearm and hand independently. This may enable the glove to be adjusted to fit a wide variety of users properly. The glove may comprise a first receiving portion disposed on the far side portion of the body. The first strap may be configured, in use, to pass through the first receiving portion. The first receiving portion may be a slot integrally formed in the glove. The first strap may be configured, in use, to extend from the thumb side portion of the body, through the first receiving portion, and back across the palm side of the body to the first connecting portion. Having a receiving portion on the far side portion of the palm side of the body configured to receive the first strap may enable the first strap to pull the thumb side portion and far side portion together proximate the user’s palm. This may enable a user to adjust the glove to fit the width of their hand. The first end of the first strap may be connected to an interior surface of the thumb side portion of the body of the glove. The first strap may be configured to pass from an interior of the glove to an exterior of the glove through the first receiving portion. Having the first end of the first strap connected to an interior surface of the thumb side portion and having the first strap pass from an interior of the glove to an exterior of the glove through the first receiving portion may prevent the strap from catching / interfering with itself as it crosses the user’s palm. This may make it easier for a user to fasten the glove, and it may help to maintain tension in the strap. The first receiving portion may be displaced longitudinally towards a wrist edge of the glove relative to the first end of the first strap. Having the first receiving portion displaced from the first end of the first strap may ensure that the first strap is angled relative to the plane defined by the wrist edge of the glove when it passes through the first receiving portion. Having an angled first strap, when in use, may ensure tension is applied properly to the thumb pocket. The glove may comprise a second receiving portion disposed on a thumb side portion of the body, wherein the second strap is configured, in use, to pass through the second receiving portion. The second receiving portion may be a slot integrally formed in the glove. The second strap may be configured, in use, to extend from the far side portion of the body, across the palm side of the glove, through the second receiving portion, and back across the palm side of the body to the second connecting portion. The second strap may enable a user to adjust the tension and / or circumference of the glove around the user’s wrist and / or forearm. Having the first strap pass through a receiving portion on the far side portion and having the second strap pass through a receiving portion on the thumb side portion may enable the straps to work synergistically to pull the thumb side and far side portion of the glove together whilst balancing the tension across the glove. This may ensure force is applied evenly across the user’s hand. The first end of the second strap may be connected to an exterior surface of the glove. The second strap may be configured to pass from the interior of the glove to the exterior of the glove through the second receiving portion. Having the second strap pass from an interior of the glove to an exterior of the glove through the second receiving portion may prevent the strap from catching / interfering with itself as it crosses the user’s palm. This may make it easier for a user to fasten the glove, and it may help to maintain tension in the strap. The body may comprise a slit extending from a central region of the palm side of the body through a wrist edge of the glove. The thumb side portion and far side portion may be either side of the slit. Having a slit between the thumb side portion and far side portion of the body may enable the respective portions to overlap when the first and / or second straps are tensioned. This may enable the circumference of the glove to be adjusted to fit the user’s wrist and / or forearm. The first strap may be configured to pass from a first end connected to the thumb side portion of the body, behind the slit, through the first receiving portion to an exterior of the glove, and back in front of the slit across the palm of the glove to the first receiving portion. The second strap may be configured to pass from a first end connected to the far side portion of the body, through the slit to an interior of the glove, through the first receiving portion to an exterior of the glove, and then back in front of the slit across the palm of the glove to the second receiving portion. The first connecting portion may be disposed on a rear side of the glove. The second connecting portion may be disposed on a rear side of the glove. The second end of the first strap may be configured to connect to the first connecting portion using a hook and loop fastening mechanism. The second end of the second strap may be configured to connect to the second connecting portion using a hook and loop fastening mechanism. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a left-handed glove and a right-handed glove. Each of the left-handed and right-handed gloves may be the gloves defined in the first aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a glove for use in combat sports. The method may be used to manufacture gloves according to the first aspect of the invention. The method may comprise: providing a body configured to cover a palm-side and rear-side of a user’s hand and wrist, wherein a palm-side of the body comprises a thumb side portion and a far side portion; connecting a first end of a first strap to the thumb side portion of the body; and connecting a first end of a second strap to the far side portion of the body. The method may comprise connecting a primary pocket configured to receive a user’s index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger to the body. The method may comprise connecting a thumb pocket configured to receive a user’s thumb to the body. Connecting the first end of the first strap to the thumb side portion may comprise stitching the first strap to the thumb side portion. Connecting the first end of the second strap to the thumb side portion may comprise stitching the second strap to the thumb side portion. The method may comprise providing a first receiving portion on the far side of the body. The method may comprise providing a second receiving portion on the thumb side of the body. Providing the first and second receiving portions may comprise forming slots in the body. Optional features of any of the above aspects may be combined with the features of any other aspect, in any combination. For example, features described in connection with the glove of the first aspect may have corresponding features definable with respect to the method of the third aspect, and vice versa, and these embodiments are specifically envisaged. Features which are described in the context or separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a palm side of a glove for use in combat sports; Figure 2 shows an enlarged portion of the glove of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows another enlarged portion of the glove of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows the connection between a first strap and a body of a glove; Figure 5 shows the connection between a second strap and a body of a glove; Figure 6 shows how first and second straps are configured on a glove when in use; Figure 7 shows a rear side of a glove for use in combat sports with open straps; and Figure 8 shows a rear side of a glove for use in combat sports with closed straps. Detailed description Figure 1 shows a glove 100 for use in combat sports. The glove 100 is a boxing glove but, in other examples, alternative gloves can be configured for use in other combat sports. The glove 100 comprises a palm side, as shown in Figures 1-6, and a rear side, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The glove 100 comprises a primary pocket 102 configured to receive a user's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. The primary pocket 102 is curved so as to receive a user’s fingers and to enable and encourage the hand into a fist. The glove 100 comprises a thumb pocket 104 configured to receive a user’s thumb. As is conventional and well-known to the person skilled in the art, the primary pocket 102 and / or thumb pocket 104 can comprise an inner layer which is configured, in use, to contact the user’s hand and an outer layer which forms part of an external surface of the glove 100. Padding can be disposed between the inner and outer layers, and the amount / type of padding can be adjusted depending on the intended use of the glove 100. In some examples, the primary pocket 102 and / or thumb pocket 104 can comprise no padding. In other examples, the primary pocket 102 and / or thumb pocket 104 may be an “open” pocket, allowing a user’s fingers and / or thumb to protrude from the glove 100. The glove 100 comprises a body 110. The primary pocket 102 and thumb pocket 104 are connected to, and extend from, the body 110. The body 110 is configured to surround a palm-side and a rear-side of a user’s hand, wrist, and forearm. The body 110 of the glove 100 is intended herein to refer to the portion of the glove 100 which is not the primary pocket 102 or thumb pocket 104. The glove 100 comprises a slit 112 arranged centrally on the palm side of the body 110. The slit 112 extends from a region of the body 110 which is configured, in use, to contact and / or align with the user’s palm, and through a wrist edge 111 (i.e., a cuff) of the glove 100. The slit 112 extends longitudinally through the centre of the palm side of the glove 100. The slit 112 defines two portions, each portion being disposed on opposing sides of the slit 112. The slit 112 defines a thumb side portion 113 proximate to the thumb pocket 104. The slit 112 defines a far side portion 115 which is on the opposing side of the slit 112 to the thumb side portion 113. The thumb side portion 113 and far side portion 115 each extend from the slit to respective sides of the glove. The body 100 is configured such that the thumb side portion 113 and far side portion 115 extend around the opposing sides of the glove to join together on the rear side of the glove. In the example shown herein, the glove 100 comprises a layer of padding 101 disposed over the body 110. More specifically, the padding 101 covers the thumb side portion 113 and far side portion 115, as well as the rear side of the glove 100. In other examples, the padding 101 can be omitted, or can cover different portions of the body. In other examples, the slit 112 is omitted from the glove. In such examples, the thumb side portion 113 and far side portion 115 can be defined as being either side of an invisible line running longitudinally through the centre of the palm side of the body 110. In some examples, the thumb side portion 113 and the far side portion 115 can be defined as being on either side of an invisible line which replaces the slit 112. In some examples, the thumb side portion 113 and far side portion 115 can be defined as being on either side of an invisible line travelling from, or through, a region of the body 110 which is configured, in use, to contact / align with the user’s palm, through a wrist edge 111 of the glove 100. The invisible line may be, or may be parallel with, a longitudinal axis of the glove. The glove 100 comprises a first strap 106. As shown most clearly in Figures 2-4, the first strap 106 comprises a first end connected to the body 110. The first end of the first strap 106 is connected to the body 110 at the thumb side portion 113. The first end of the first strap 106 is connected to an inner surface of the thumb side portion 113 (i.e., the surface which, in use, is configured to contact the user’s skin). In other examples, the first strap 106 can be connected to an outer surface of the thumb side portion 113. The connection 118 between the first strap 106 and the thumb side portion 113 is nearer to the top of the slit 112 than the bottom of the slit 112 (i.e., the wrist edge 111). The connection 118 between the first strap 106 and the thumb side portion 113 is aligned longitudinally with the thumb pocket 104. The connection 118 between the first strap 106 and the thumb side portion 113 is aligned longitudinally with the top of the slit 112. In other examples, the connection 118 may be offset from the top of the slit 112. As shown in Figure 4, the connection 118 between the first strap 106 and the thumb side portion 113 is formed by stitching. In other examples, alternative connections can be formed using alternative methods. The first strap 106 comprises a second end configured to connect to a first connecting portion 122. The first connecting portion 122 is disposed on a rear side of the body 110, as shown in Figure 7. In other examples, the first connecting portion 122 can be disposed on a side / edge of the glove 100 between the palm side and rear side. In this example, the second end of the first strap 106 connects to the first connecting portion 122 using a hook and loop fastening system. However, in other examples, alternative fastening systems can be used, such as clasps or magnetic fasteners. The glove 100 comprises a first receiving portion 114. The first receiving portion is disposed on the palm side of the body 100 on the far side portion 115. The first strap 106 is configured, in use, to pass through the first receiving portion 114. The first receiving portion 114 is displaced longitudinally towards a wrist edge 111 of the glove 100 relative to the first end of the first strap 106. As such, the first strap 106 must be angled towards the wrist edge 111 in order to pass through the first receiving portion. In some examples, the first strap 106 is angled substantially 25° below the horizontal plane defined by the wrist edge 111 as it passes from its first end to the first receiving portion 114. In alternative examples, the first receiving portion 114 can be aligned with the first end of the first strap 106. Relative to the horizontal plane defined by the wrist edge 111, the first strap 106 can be angled between 5°-70°. Relative to the horizontal plane defined by the wrist edge 111, the first strap 106 can be angled between 10°-60°. Relative to the horizontal plane defined by the wrist edge 111, the first strap 106 can be angled between 15°-60°. Relative to the horizontal plane defined by the wrist edge 111, the first strap 106 can be angled between 20°-40°. The first strap 106 is configured to pass from an interior of the glove 100 to an exterior of the glove 100 through the first receiving portion 114. This is shown most clearly in Figure 3, wherein the first strap 106, which is connected to an inner surface of the thumb side portion 113, passes behind the slit 112 (“behind” meaning on the inside of the glove) and emerges through the first receiving portion 114. As can be seen in Figure 6, the first strap 106 is configured such that, after it emerges through the first receiving portion 114, it extends back across the palm side of the body 110 to the first connecting portion 122 on the rear side of the body 110. As such, the first strap 106 is configured, in use, to extend from the thumb side portion 113, through the first receiving portion 114, and back across the palm side of the body 110 to the first connecting portion 122 on the rear side of the body 110. The first strap 106 can be adjusted by a user to provide tensioning across their hand. For example, by pulling a greater portion of the first strap 106 through the first receiving portion 114, the glove 100 will fit tighter to the user’s hand near the top of the thumb side portion 113. By wrapping the first strap 106 more tightly back across the palm to the first connecting portion 122, the glove will fit tighter to the user’s hand near the top of the far side portion 115. The glove 100 comprises a second strap 108. As shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 5, the second strap 108 comprises a first end connected to the body 100. The first end of the second strap 108 is connected to the far side portion 115 of the body 110. The first end of the second strap 108 is connected to an outer surface of the far side portion 115. In other examples, the first end of the second strap 108 can be connected to an inner surface of the far side portion 115. The connection 119 between the second strap 108 and the far side portion 115 is nearer to the bottom of the slit 112 (i.e., the wrist edge 111) than the top of the slit 112. In other examples, the connection 119 between the second strap 108 and the far side portion 115 can be at the bottom of the slit 112 (i.e., at the wrist edge 111). The connection 119 between the second strap 108 and the far side portion 115 is formed by stitching. In other examples, alternative connections can be formed using alternative methods. In the example shown, the second strap 108 is connected to an edge of the far side portion 115 which forms the slit 112. However, in other examples, the second strap 108 can be connected anywhere on the far side portion 115. In the example shown, an edge of the first end of the second strap 108 is connected to the far side portion 115 and the rest of the strap 108 is loose. However, in other examples, a greater portion of the second strap 108 (for example, an edge and a portion of the strap 108) can be connected to the far side portion 115. The second strap 108 comprises a second end configured to connect to a second connecting portion 124 positioned on a rear side of the glove 100, as shown in Figure 7. In other examples, the second connecting portion 124 can be disposed on a side / edge of the glove 100 between the palm side and rear side. In this example, the second end of the second strap 108 connects to the second connecting portion 124 using a hook and loop fastening system. However, in other examples, alternative fastening systems can be used, such as clasps or magnetic fasteners. As shown most clearly in Figures 3 and 6, the glove 100 comprises a second receiving portion 116. The second receiving portion 116 is disposed on the body 100 on the thumb side portion 113. The second strap 108 is configured, in use, to pass through the second receiving portion 116. The second receiving portion 116 is aligned longitudinally with the first end of the second strap 108. As such, the second strap 108 is not angled and travels parallel with the wrist edge 111 to pass through the second receiving portion 116. In other examples, the second receiving portion 116 may be offset longitudinally from the first end of the second strap 108. In such examples, the second strap 108 would, in use, be angled as it travels towards and through the second receiving portion 116. The second strap 108 is configured, in use, to extend from the far side portion 115, across the palm side of the glove, through the second receiving portion 116, and back across the palm side of the body 110 to the second connecting portion 124. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the second stap 108 is configured to pass through the slit 112 to the interior of the glove and then emerge back to the exterior of the glove 100 through the second receiving portion 116. After emerging through the second receiving portion 116, the second strap 108 passes back across the palm of the glove to the second connecting portion 124. In other examples wherein the second strap 108 is connected to an inner surface of the far side portion 115, the second strap 108 can be configured to pass behind the slit 112 (i.e., remaining inside the glove) and emerge to the exterior of the glove 100 through second receiving portion 116. The second strap 108 is adjustable by the user to fit the glove 100 to the user’s wrist and forearm. The user can pull a greater portion of the second strap 108 through the second receiving portion 116 to reduce the circumference of the wrist edge 111. The independence of the first 106 and second 108 straps enable separate tensioning for the hand and the wrist / forearm. As such, the glove 100 can be adjusted to properly fit a greater variety of users. In the glove 100 shown herein, the first and second receiving portions 114, 116 are slots that are integrally formed in the body 110. However, in the other examples, the first and / or the second receiving portions 114, 116 can be any other means for receiving a strap therethrough. For example, the first and / or the second receiving portion 114, 116 may be a ring connected to the body 110 which the strap(s) can pass through. Such rings, or other alternative receiving portions 114, 116, could be connected to an interior or exterior of the glove. The glove 100 shown in Figures 1-8 is a right-handed glove. The skilled person will recognise that the right-handed glove can simply be mirrored to form a left-handed glove. From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of combat gloves, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein. Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 5 Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that 10 new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not 15 exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A glove for use in combat sports, comprising:a primary pocket configured to receive a user’s index finger, middle finger, ring 5 finger, and little finger;a thumb pocket configured to receive a user’s thumb;a body, wherein the primary pocket and thumb pocket are connected to the body, and wherein the body is configured to cover a palm-side and rear-side of a user’s hand and wrist, and wherein a palm-side of the body comprises a thumb side portion and a 10 far side portion;a first strap comprising a first end connected to the thumb side portion of the body and a second end configured to connect to a first connecting portion;a second strap comprising a first end connected to the far side portion of the body and a second end configured to connect to a second connecting portion; and15 a first receiving portion disposed on the far side portion of the body, whereinthe first strap is configured, in use, to pass through the first receiving portion, and wherein the first receiving portion is displaced longitudinally towards a wrist edge of the glove relative to the first end of the first strap.20 2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion is disposed on a rearside of the glove.

3. The glove of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first strap is configured, in use, to extend from the thumb side portion of the body, through the first receiving portion, and 25 back across the palm side of the body to the first connecting portion.

4. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the first strap is connected to an interior surface of the thumb side portion of the body of the glove.30 5. The glove of any of claims 1-4, wherein the first stap is configured to pass froman interior of the glove to an exterior of the glove through the first receiving portion.

6. The glove of any preceding claim, further comprising a second receiving portion disposed on a thumb side portion of the body, wherein the second strap is configured, 35 in use, to pass through the second receiving portion.03 06 257. The glove of claim 6, wherein the second connecting portion is disposed on a rear side of the glove.5 8. The glove of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second strap is configured, in use,to extend from the far side portion of the body, across the palm side of the glove, through the second receiving portion, and back across the palm side of the body to the second connecting portion.10 9. The glove of any of preceding claim, wherein the first end of the second strap isconnected to an exterior surface of the glove.

10. The glove of any of claims 6-9, wherein the second stap is configured to pass from the interior of the glove to the exterior of the glove through the second receiving 15 portion.

11. The glove of any of claims 1-10, wherein the first receiving portion is a slot integrally formed in the glove.20 12. The glove of any of claims 6-11, wherein the second receiving portion is a slotintegrally formed in the glove.

13. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a slit extending from a central region of the palm side of the body through a wrist side edge of the glove. 2514. The glove of claim 13, wherein the thumb side portion and far side portion are either side of the slit.

15. The glove of claim 14, wherein the first strap is configured to pass from a first 30 end connected to the thumb side portion of the body, behind the slit, through the first receiving portion to an exterior of the glove, and then back in front of the slit across the palm of the glove to the first receiving portion.

16. The glove of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the second strap is configured to 35 pass from a first end connected to the far side portion of the body, through the slit to an03 06 25interior of the glove, through the first receiving portion to an exterior of the glove, and then back in front of the slit across the palm of the glove to the second receiving portion.

17. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein the second ends of the first and / or 5 second straps are configured to respectively connect to first and / or second connecting portions using a hook and loop fastening mechanism.

18. A method of manufacturing a glove for use in combat sports, the method comprising:10 providing a body configured to cover a palm-side and rear-side of a user's handand wrist, wherein a palm-side of the body comprises a thumb side portion and a far side portion;connecting a first end of a first strap to the thumb side portion of the body;connecting a first end of a second strap to the far side portion of the body; and 15 providing a first receiving portion on the far side of the body, wherein the firstreceiving portion is displaced longitudinally towards a wrist edge of the glove relative to the first end of the first strap.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:20 connecting a primary pocket configured to receive a user’s index finger, middlefinger, ring finger, and little finger to the body;connecting a thumb pocket configured to receive a user’s thumb to the body;20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein connecting the first end of the first 25 strap to the thumb side portion comprises stitching the first strap to the thumb side portion.

21. The method of any of claims 18-20, wherein connecting the first end of the second strap to the thumb side portion comprises stitching the second strap to the thumb 30 side portion.

22. The method of any of claims 18-21, further comprising:providing a second receiving portion on the thumb side of the body.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein providing the first and second receiving portions comprises forming slots in the body.LDCM

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