Boxing underglove

Abstract

A boxing underglove 100 for wearing under a boxing glove comprises a wrist section 110 through which a user’s hand can be inserted; a glove body section 120 attached to the wrist section, the glove bo

Description

Technical Field The invention relates generally to a boxing underglove for wearing under a boxing glove, particularly, but not exclusively, which provides protection and support for the thumb, wrist and knuckle areas. Background to the Invention Traditional hand wraps consist of long pieces of flexible material in which the wrist and hand are wrapped, and which have traditionally been worn by boxers, e.g. underneath the boxing gloves, to help prevent injuries by stabilising and protecting the hands and wrists during training, sparring, or taking part in competitions. Traditional hand wraps are, however, notoriously time-consuming to apply, and difficult to apply correctly. Many boxers struggle with the wrapping technique, often resulting in inconsistent protection or the need for assistance in applying the hand wraps. The effectiveness of traditional hand wraps thus largely depends on the user's wrapping technique and improper wrapping can lead to inadequate protection for the hands, wrists, and knuckles, thereby increasing the risk of injury while boxing. More recently, various protective boxing wear such as hand and wrist supports have been developed as an alternative to traditional hand wraps. However, such protective boxing gear often requires separate solutions for thumb, knuckle, and wrist protection. This fragmented approach can lead to gaps in protection and inconsistent coverage across different areas of the hand. There is thus a need for an improved protective boxing wear that can replace traditional hand wraps while providing adequate protection for the hand. Aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been devised with the foregoing in mind. Summary of the Invention According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a boxing underglove configured to fit and be worn under a traditional boxing glove, comprising: a wrist section through which a user’s hand can be inserted, wherein the wrist section is configured to extend beyond a user’s wrist joint and comprises an integrated wrist strap configured to wrap substantially around the wrist section to thereby support to the u ser’s wrist in a neutral position when worn; a glove body section attached to the wrist section, the glove body section including a padded knuckle area and an open palm area; and a padded thumb compartment attached to the glove body for supporting the thumb in a predefined position when worn. The underglove of the invention advantageously provides a simple wearable glove structure that ensures comprehensive all-in-one support and protection for the thumbs, wrists, and knuckles in a single, easy-to-use product, thus addressing the critical safety and protection needs for boxers. Preferably, the thumb compartment comprises a semi-rigid structure. Preferably, the thumb compartment is open at its distal end. Preferably, the underglove further comprises finger compartments that are integral with, or attached to, the glove body section. Preferably, the finger compartments are padded and / or open at their distal ends. Preferably, the padded knuckle area comprises a multi-layered padding. Preferably, the multi-layered padding includes a layer (an outer layer) of high-density, preferably closed cell, foam padding and a layer of gel padding for providing shock absorption. The ‘high-density foam’ layer may have a density of greater than or equal to 50 kg / m3, or 100 kg / m3, or 150 kg / m3, or 200 kg / m3 Preferably, the multi-layered padding further includes a layer of low-density or soft (relatively lower density that the outer layer), preferably open cell, foam padding on an interior side of the multi-layered padding (an inner layer). Preferably, the multi-layered padding is a tri-layer composed of a layer of gel padding sandwiched between an inner and outer layer of foam padding. The foam padding may comprise neoprene. The gel layer may comprise silicone. In some embodiments, the padded thumb compartment also comprises a multi-layered padding includes a layer (an outer layer) of high-density, preferably closed cell, foam padding and a layer of gel padding for providing shock absorption. The total thickness of the padded layer(s) (or multi-layered padding) of the thumb compartment may be less than the thickness of the padded knuckle section. The ‘high-density foam’ layer may have a density of greater than or equal to 50 kg / m3, or 100 kg / m3, or 150 kg / m3, or 200 kg / m3 Preferably, the knuckle area is substantially curved and / or preformed so as to extend around the user’s knuckles when in a fist formation. Preferably, the glove body section further includes a section of breathable material on a dorsal side (i.e. back of the hand side) thereof adjacent the padded knuckle area. Preferably, the breathable material is configured to extend over the back of the user’s hand when worn. The breathable material may comprise a perforated material or a mesh material, preferably a perforated neoprene material. The breathable material may be configured to be substantially elasticated. The perforations may be comprised of an array of approximately 1 mm holes or openings, preferably with a spacing in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2 mm. Preferably, the wrist section comprises one or more layers of padding, preferably high-density foam padding, to protect and restrict movement of the wrist, and / or is configured to be substantially semi-rigid. Preferably, the wrist section comprises a flexible slit extending away from a peripheral edge thereof, and a further adjustable strap for securing across the slit when the underglove is worn. The further strap may be attached to the wrist section on one side of the slit and configured to engage the wrist section on the other side of the slit with a fastening means. Preferably, the fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener. Preferably, the wrist strap includes a fastening means to secure the wrist strap in an adjustable wrapped position. Preferably wherein the fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener. Preferably, the wrist strap is configured to be substantially flexible in a longitudinal direction and substantially semi-rigid in a transverse direction to thereby restrict movement of the wrist when in a wrapped position. Preferably, the wrist strap includes one or more layers of padding extending across a width of the wrist strap. In some examples, at least a position of the wrist strap is substantially elasticated to facilitate stretching and tightening around the wrist and thereby accommodate different wrists sizes. For this purpose, one or more portions of the length, or a longitudinal sections, of the wrist strap may be formed of or comprise an elasticated material, such as Lycra. In this case, the elasticated section can be connected or attached to an adjacent padded (e.g. neoprene) section. Preferably, the underglove has or is comprised of unitary structure. Preferably, each section of the underglove has a maximum cross-sectional thickness of less than 5 mm, or preferably 4 mm or less. Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable. Similarly, where features are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, these may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Brief Description of Drawings In order that the invention can be well understood, embodiments will now be discussed by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is atop view of a protective boxing underglove 100 for wearing under a boxing glove according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the protective boxing underglove 100 of figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom or palm side view of the protective boxing underglove 100 of figure 1; Figure 4 is atop view of a protective boxing underglove 100 for wearing under a boxing glove according to another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is a side view of the protective boxing underglove 100 of figures 1 or 4 with the wrist strap in an unfastened position. It should be noted that the figures are diagrammatic and may not be drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these figures may have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature s in modified and / or different embodiments. Detailed Description Figures 1 to 3 show, respectively, top, side and bottom views of a protective boxing underglove 100 for wearing under a boxing glove according to an embodiment of the invention. As described in more detail below, the boxing underglove 100 is a unitary structure including various integrated padding and support features, and which is designed to slip onto the hand and fingers to speed up fitting. The boxing underglove 100 addresses the critical safety and protection needs for boxers by providing a simple, all-in-one solution that ensures comprehensive support for the thumbs, wrists, and knuckles in a single, easy-to-use product. This all-in-one approach saves time during preparation and ensures consistent and proper protection across all vulnerable areas of the hand, while its configuration and ability to fit under a standard boxing glove means it can be used with a boxer's existing gloves. The boxing underglove 100 can thus remove the need for traditional hand wraps, which are often complicated and time consuming to apply, as well as the use of separate protective inserts. With reference to figure 1, the boxing underglove 100 comprises a wrist section 110 through which a user’s hand 10 can be inserted, a glove body section 120 attached to the wrist section 110, and a padded thumb compartment 130 attached to the glove body section 120 configured to receive and support the user’s thumb lOt in a predefined position when worn. The glove body section 120 includes a padded knuckle area 122, finger apertures or compartments 122f, and an open palm area 124 (as illustrated in figure 3). The wrist section 110 is dimensioned and configured to extend beyond a user’s wrist joint 11 and preferably onto a distal end of the user’s forearm 12. The wrist section 112 further comprises an integrated wrist strap 112 configured to wrap substantially entirely around the wrist section 110 and wrist 11 to thereby support to the user’s wrist 11 in a neutral position when worn and restrict movement, as illustrated in figure 2. In preferred examples, the wrist section 110 extends beyond a user’s wrist joint 11 by a distance of at least 2 or 3 cm and up to 4, 5 or 6 cm. In some examples, the integrated wrist strap 112 has a length of at least 20 cm. The open palm area 124 provides improved sweat and thermal management of the user’s hand compared to traditional hand wraps, helping to keep the user’s hand drier and more comfortable in use. Specifically, the palm of a hand is a high-perspiration area and a temperature hot spot. The open palm area 124 promotes air circulation within a boxing glove when the underglove 100 is worn underneath the boxing glove (not shown), which in turn facilitates better moisture evaporation from the palm area thereby reducing hand sweating. By leaving the palm area of the hand exposed, the open palm area 124 can also act as a thermal regulation zone by allowing heat to escape more efficiently. In some examples, the exposed open palm area 124 can also allow moisture-wicking effects in the interior fabric of the boxing glove worn over the underglove 100 to help draw sweat away from the skin. The open palm area 124 thus helps reduce hand sweating and the accumulation of sweat / moisture around the hand during use, which can lead to discomfort, skin irritation, and potential hygiene issues during / after prolonged use. The open palm area 124 can also operate in a complementary way with an open-palm boxing glove (without compromising stability), for breathability and sweat-avoidance. Structurally, a glove body section 120 encircles the open palm area 124, ensuring the stability and coherent movement of elements synergistically. The glove body section 120 preferably includes a structural beading or trim extending around the open palm area 124 to support the shape of the underglove 100 and conformity to the hand in use. The thumb compartment 130 and finger compartments 122f are also open at their distal ends, which further assists in sweat management and keeping the hand dry during use. The padded knuckle area 122 is preferably substantially curved so as to conform to and extend around the user’s knuckles when in a fist formation. Preferably, the padded knuckle area 122 comprises a multi-layered padding, including atri-layer of gel padding sandwiched between an inner and outer layer of foam padding. The multi-layered padding provides effective shock absorption and distributes impact forces evenly, thereby minimising stress on the user’s knuckles and helping to prevent injury during repeated strikes. The outer layer of foam padding preferably comprises a high-density foam material, while the inner layer of foam padding is preferably comprised of a softer, relatively lower density, foam material for comfort. In preferred examples, both the inner and outer layers of foam padding are formed of a neoprene material with appropriate properties. In preferred examples, the gel layer is formed of or comprises a layer of silicone. The total thickness of the multi-layered padding of the knuckle area 122 is preferably between 2 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 2 to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 4 mm. In practice a balance is struck between providing sufficient thickness for effective shock absorption but also being sufficiently thin so as to fit comfortably within a boxing glove when worn. In preferred implementations, the glove body section 120 further includes a section of breathable material 126 on its dorsal side adjacent the padded knuckle area 122. The breathable material preferably extends over the back of the user’s hand when worn. The breathable material enhances breathability of the underglove 100 by promoting air circulation within the boxing glove when worn, and helps reduce moisture and sweat buildup, keeping the hand drier and more comfortable even during extended use. Preferably, the breathable material 126 comprises a flexible and elasticated perforated or mesh material, as illustrated in figure 4. In preferred examples, the breathable material 126 comprises a polyester mesh fabric or perforated neoprene. For example, the perforated or mesh material may comprise an array of approximately 1 mm diameter holes with approximately 1 mm to 2 mm spacings. The perforation may enhance the flexibility and / or stretchability of the material. In this way, the section of breathable material 126 can allow for expansion to various adult hand sizes, while also adding flexibility to ensure a snug fit of the underglove 100 to a variety of hand sizes. The padded thumb compartment 130 preferably has a semi-rigid structure configured to maintain a predefined position and restrict movement. This structure encourages a proper fist formation, which can inherently protect the thumb 11 by keeping it in a safer position. In various examples, the padded thumb compartment 130 comprises a layer of high-density foam, such as a neoprene foam material. In some examples, the padded thumb compartment 130 comprises a multi-layered padding, similar to the padded knuckle area 122, including atri-layer of gel padding sandwiched between an inner and outer layer of foam padding. In preferred examples the inner and outer layers are formed of or comprise a neoprene foam, and the gel layer is formed of or comprises silicone. In this case, the thicknesses of the padding layer(s) of the thumb compartment 130 can be less than the thicknesses of the padding layer(s) of the knuckle area 122. For example, the total thicknesses of the padding layer(s) of the thumb compartment 130 can be at least 2 mm and preferably less than 5 mm, or more preferably less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm. Figure 5 shows the underglove 100 of figures 1 to 4 with the wrist strap unfastened. The wrist strap 112 includes a fastening means 112f to secure the wrist strap 112 in an adjustable wrapped position. At least part of the fastening means 112f is provided at a distal end of the wrist strap 112 as shown. The fastening means 112f comprises first and second complementary parts that are configured to engage each other to retain the wrist strap 112 in a wrapped and fastened position. In preferred examples, the fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener, in which case a first part of the hook and loop fastener is provided on the distal end of the wrist strap 112 (as shown in figure 5) and a second complementary part of the hook and loop fastener is provided at or near the proximal end of the wrist strap 112 (which is visible e.g. in figure 2), such that the two parts can be aligned and overlap in an adjustable wrapped position (depending the circumference of the user’s wrist 11) when the wrist strap 112 is wrapped around the wrist 11 in use. Alternatively, the fastening means 112f can comprise a push fit (popper) type fastening means, again comprising first and second complementary parts that are configured to engage each other to retain the wrist strap 112 in a wrapped and fastened position. In this case, a plurality of second parts of the fastening means 112f can be provided at or near the proximal end of the wrist strap 112 to secure the wrist strap 112 in a plurality of different wrapped positions. In some examples, the wrist strap 112 is at least 20 cm long. In preferred embodiments, the wrist section 110 comprises one or more layers of high-density foam padding to protect and restrict movement of the wrist 11 in use. This wrist padding works in conjunction with the wrist strap 112 to provide semi-rigidity, and safeguards the wrist against lateral impacts, contributing to enhanced wrist stability and improved punching stability. The rigidity of the wrist section 110 can be adjusted through the tightness of the wrist strap 112, whereby the tighter the wrist strap 112 the more rigid the wrist section 110 becomes. In preferred examples, the padding comprises a neoprene foam material. The wrist strap 112 is configured to be substantially flexible in a longitudinal direction L to enable wrapping around the wrist 11, and in some examples is substantially semirigid in a transverse direction T to thereby assist in restricting movement of the wrist 11 when secured in the wrapped position. Again, the rigidity of the wrist section 110 can be adjusted through the tightness of the wrist strap 112, whereby the tighter the wrist strap 112 the more rigid the wrist section 110 becomes offering more support and protection against sprains or other injury from sudden and / or excessive wrist movement during impact or use. Preferably, the wrist strap 112 includes one or more layers of padding extending across a width of the wrist strap. It will be appreciated that the padding provides both impact protection (in addition to or instead of the padding in the wrist section 110) and can facilitate the required semi-rigidity. The padding may comprise a layer of neoprene foam material or other high density foam material. The thicknesses of the padding layer(s) of the wrist strap 112 and the wrist section 110 can be less than the thicknesses of the padding layer(s) of the knuckle area 122, as the wrist 11 itself will not typically receive direct impacts during boxing. In some examples, the total thicknesses of the padding layer(s) of the wrist strap 112 and the wrist section 110 is e.g. approximately 2 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably less than 3 mm, or more preferably approximately 2 mm. In preferred examples, the padding is provided by one or layers of neoprene. In some examples, at least a position of the wrist strap 112 is substantially elasticated to facilitate stretching and tightening around the wrist 11 and thereby accommodate different wrists 11 sizes. For this purpose, at least a portion of the length, or a longitudinal section, of the wrist strap 112 is formed of or comprises an elasticated material, such as Lycra. In this case, the elasticated section can be connected or attached to an adjacent padded (e.g. neoprene) section. The thickness of the elasticated section may be the same or different to the padded section, e.g. approximately 2 mm or less. With reference again to figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment the wrist section 110 comprises a flexible slit 110s extending away from a peripheral edge IlOe thereof and in some cases partially into the glove body section 120, and a further adjustable strap 1121 for fastening across the slit 110s when the underglove 100 is worn. The further strap 1121 is attached to the wrist section 110 on one side of the slit 110s and is configured to engage the wrist section 110 on the other side of the slit 110s via a fastening means (not shown). Preferably, the fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener with first and second complementary parts as described above for the wrist strap 112. The slit 110s and further strap cooperate together to provide additional adjustability to hand and wrist size of the user. In this manner, the primary function of the further strap 1121 is to secure the wrist section 110 to the user’s wrist 11, and the wrist strap 112 can then be used to wrap tightly around the user’s wrist for supporting the wrist in the neutral position. It will be appreciated that in general the thickness of the various layers of material and padding of the underglove 100 should be keep to a minimum to enable the underglove 100 to fit into a boxing glove. In some examples, all sections / parts of the underglove 100 have a total thickness of less than 5 mm. In some examples, all sections apart from the padded knuckle area 122 may be formed of or comprise layers of material with a thickness of less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm or approximately 2 mm. Maintaining a relatively low overall thickness of the layers of the underglove 100 allows the underglove to fit within a boxing glove, or accommodate a boxing glove over it, in use. 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, 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. 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. For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not 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 boxing underglove for wearing under a boxing glove, comprising:a wrist section through which a user’s hand can be inserted, wherein the wrist section is configured to extend beyond a user’s wrist joint and comprises an integrated wrist strap configured to wrap substantially around the wrist section to thereby support to the user’s wrist in a neutral position when worn;a glove body section attached to the wrist section, the glove body section including a padded knuckle area and an open palm area; anda padded thumb compartment attached to the glove body for supporting the thumb in a predefined position when worn.

2. The boxing underglove of claim 1, wherein the thumb compartment comprises a semi-rigid structure.

3. The boxing underglove of claim 1 or 2, wherein the thumb compartment is open at its distal end.

4. The boxing underglove of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprises finger compartments integral with, or attached to, the glove body section.

5. The boxing underglove of claim 4, wherein the finger compartments are padded.

6. The boxing underglove of claim 4 or 5, wherein the finger compartments are open at their distal ends.

7. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein the padded knuckle area comprises a multi-layered padding.

8. The boxing underglove of claim 7. wherein the multi-layered padding includes a layer of high-density, preferably closed cell, foam padding and a layer of gel padding for providing shock absorption.

9. The boxing underglove of claim 8, wherein the multi-layered padding further includes a layer of low-density or soft, preferably open cell, foam padding on an interior side of the multi-layered padding.

10. The boxing underglove of any of any preceding claim, wherein the knuckle area is substantially curved and / or preformed so as to extend around the user’s knuckles when in a fist formation.

11. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein the glove body further includes a section of breathable material on a dorsal side thereof adjacent the knuckle area, preferably wherein the breathable material is configured to extend over the back of the user’s hand when worn.

12. The boxing underglove of claim 11, wherein the breathable material comprises a perforated material or a mesh material, preferably a perforated neoprene material.

13. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein the wrist section comprises one or more layers of padding, preferably high-density foam padding, to protect and restrict movement of the wrist, and / or is configured to be substantially semirigid.

14. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein the wrist section comprises a flexible slit extending away from a peripheral edge thereof, and a further adjustable strap for securing across the slit when the underglove is worn.

15. The boxing underglove of claim 14, wherein the further strap is attached to the wrist section on one side of the slit and is configured to engage the wrist section on the other side of the slit with a fastening means, preferably wherein the fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener.

16. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein the wrist strap includes a fastening means to secure the wrist strap in an adjustable wrapped position, preferably wherein the fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener.

17. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein the wrist strap is configured to be substantially flexible in a longitudinal direction and substantially semirigid in a transverse direction to thereby restrict movement of the wrist when in a wrapped position.

18. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein the wrist strap includes one or more layers of padding extending across a width of the wrist strap.

19. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein the underglove has a unitary structure.

20. The boxing underglove of any preceding claim, wherein each section of the underglove has a maximum cross-sectional thickness of less than 5 mm, or preferably 4 mm or less.s

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