Hybrid Overmitt

The overmitt addresses insulation and frostbite protection needs by incorporating a modular design with adjustable fastening and insulating layers, ensuring warmth and grip in extreme cold weather.

JP2026101574APending Publication Date: 2026-06-22NORTH FACE APPAREL CORP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
NORTH FACE APPAREL CORP
Filing Date
2025-04-10
Publication Date
2026-06-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing hand covers for cold climates often fail to provide adequate insulation and protection against frostbite, especially when worn over insulated gloves, and there is a need for additional warmth and improved thermal management.

Method used

A modular overmitt design with a lightweight insulating layer sandwiched between shell layers, featuring a top and bottom surface, a hand portion, a thumb portion, and a wrist portion, with adjustable fastening to secure around the wrist, and incorporating silicone dots for dexterity, providing enhanced insulation and grip.

Benefits of technology

The overmitt offers improved thermal insulation and protection against frostbite by controlling heat loss and enhancing grip and dexterity in extreme weather conditions, even when worn over insulated gloves.

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Abstract

To improve the performance of gloves (overmitts) for extreme weather conditions. [Solution] The overmitt 100 may include a body 110 having an upper surface 200 and a lower surface, the upper surface being configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's hand, and the lower surface being configured to define an internal cavity of the body configured to cooperate with the upper surface to receive at least a portion of the wearer's hand. The overmitt may include a palm opening formed therein.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit and priority of Provisional Application No. 63 / 730,122, filed on December 10, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of hand covers, many designs and configurations of hand covers that can be used with or be part of jackets for cold climates are satisfied. These prior - art garments were generally intended to provide specific functions. Some of the hand covers provide alternative uses such as mittens and fingerless gloves.

[0003] Improvements are needed.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to improving the performance of extreme - climate gloves of the type discussed above, particularly with respect to the insulation of the gloved hand. One or more objectives can be achieved in the overmitts claimed in the present disclosure. According to the instructions in the introduction, a modular super - insulation layer can be easily provided for the gloved hand.

[0005] In extreme weather conditions, extra warmth has always been needed. Heat loss can be controlled by improving the thermal insulation of gloved hands and / or by adding an extra layer, as is commonly done. Secondly, there is heat loss due to the movement of air through the space between the limbs and the layers. Controlling the area of ​​the hands that may be exposed to extreme weather, and changing the thermal insulation properties of hand covers are two methods used to achieve the desired hand temperature. Finally, in extreme weather conditions, the protection of the limbs is paramount. Frostbite of the fingers occurs when the skin and subcutaneous tissue freeze due to exposure to extreme cold. Preventing frostbite involves wearing appropriate clothing, staying dry, and being aware of the wind chill index.

[0006] Overmitts have a wide range of applications that make this invention unique and distinct. Glove wearers need gloves and further protection for various reasons, such as protecting their hands in harsh weather conditions, and prior to the invention of overmitts, there was a need to provide an additional layer of protection even when the wearer was wearing insulated gloves.

[0007] In one general embodiment, the overmitt may include a body having a top and a bottom surface, the top surface configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's gloved hand, and the bottom surface configured to work in cooperation with the top surface to surround at least a portion of the wearer's gloved hand. The overmitt may also include a hand portion configured to at least partially surround the wearer's gloved hand, a thumb portion configured to at least partially surround the wearer's gloved thumb, and a wrist portion configured to be positioned around at least a portion of the wearer's wrist. The overmitt may further include an insulating layer sandwiched between a pair of opposing shell layers, the insulating layer may include a lightweight insulating material, and the shell layers may have a composite material. In addition, the overmitt may include an opening positioned through at least a portion of the body and the bottom surface of the configuration. Other embodiments of this embodiment include a corresponding computer system, apparatus, and computer program recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the operation of the method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] This disclosure will be better understood with reference to the description and accompanying drawings, which illustrate several non-limiting embodiments as examples. Based on the description and drawings, those skilled in the art will be able to infer other advantageous features of overmit designs.

[0009] Other advantages of this disclosure will become apparent in light of the description of the apparatus shown in the drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the overmitt according to the present invention.

[0011] [Figure 2] This is another side view of the configuration of the overmitt, showing the exposed palm according to the present invention.

[0012] [Figure 3A]A schematic diagram of the insertion of a gloved hand into an overmitt according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 3B] A schematic diagram of the insertion of a gloved hand into an overmitt according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 3C] A schematic diagram of the insertion of a gloved hand into an overmitt according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 3D] A schematic diagram of the insertion of a gloved hand into an overmitt according to the present invention is shown.

[0013] [Figure 4] This is a side view of an overmitt worn by the wearer on the wrist with the back of the hand configuration when the overmitt is not in use.

[0014] [Figure 5] This is a diagram of the inner surface of an overmitt having silicone dots to provide dexterity between the gloved hand and the overmitt. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Referring to Figure 1, the overmitt 100 comprises an overmitt body 110. The overmitt body 110 may include or be formed from a lightweight synthetic material such as nylon, more specifically, ripstop fabric for greater durability. The overmitt body 110 may be designed to provide insulation and protection to the wearer's limbs to prevent frostbite and to provide additional warmth. The overmitt 100 may include or be formed from a knitted fabric such as Lycra knit. Other materials may be used. The body 110 may have a back of the hand or top of the hand positioned opposite the front or bottom of the hand 201 (Figure 2).

[0016] The overmitt 100 may include one or more layers of insulating material sandwiched between layers of ripstop nylon to provide additional warmth. The insulating material can be placed particularly on the back of the hand and thumb areas to provide warmth. Other areas may be insulated. As an example, the body 110 may include a shell material and a second layer configured to trap air between them. Various materials or layers can be used, such as nylon, fleece, knit, and waterproof breathable materials. As a further example, the body 110 may include an insulating layer. The insulating material may have insulating ratings of 40 grams, 100 grams, 150 grams, 200 grams, 250 grams, 300 grams, or a range between the intervening endpoints. Other insulating materials or layers may be used.

[0017] Figure 2 shows the palm side or bottom surface 201 of the overmitt 100, which generally has a bottom 210, an top 211, and a wrist portion 202. As shown, the bottom surface 201 comprises a hand body portion 204 and a thumb portion 205. As an example, the hand body portion 204 comprises one or more darts formed in the bottom surface 201 so that a last is formed to improve gripping. Additionally or alternatively, sutures can be used to help grip objects such as poles, following the same pre-curve made by the darts. The darts and sutures may be designed to follow pre-curves (lasts) applied to other alpine, climbing, skiing, outdoor sports, and other sports gloves. The thumb portion 205 is designed to extend away from the bottom surface 201 that forms the hand body portion 204. Darts and / or sutures may be used to provide improved thumb control over the thumb portion 205.

[0018] Figure 2 further illustrates the palm opening 206 and a fastener such as a cord 208. The palm opening 206 allows the wearer's hand to be inserted and easily slide into the hand body portion 204 and thumb portion 250 of the base 201. The palm opening 206 is also large enough for the wearer's hand and wrist to pass through it. The dimensions of the palm opening 206 may be approximately half the total length of the overmitt 100. As shown, the palm opening 206 extends beyond the wrist portion 202 and extends in or above the thumb portion 205. Thus, the wearer can position their hand through the palm opening 206.

[0019] Code 208 allows the wearer to wear the overmitt 100 in a configuration on the back of the hand. Code 208 may provide easy adjustment for positioning / flipping the overmitt 100 at the wrist, as discussed below with respect to Figure 4. Code 208 is used at the wrist to allow the wearer to flip the overmitt 100 and, when removed from the hand or wrist, functions to keep the glove attached to the body. The use of Code 208 around the periphery is designed to allow easy passage of other gloves when wearing this configuration. As an exemplary example, the size of the palm opening 206 is larger than a conventional wrist opening, which allows the wearer to release their hand from the hand body portion 204 and thumb portion 205 and reach their hand through the palm opening 206 while Code 208 secures the overmitt 100 to the wearer's body.

[0020] The cord 208 can be or can include any other means suitable for enabling the hook and loop, elastic shock cord, or overmitt 100 to be worn in a BOH configuration. The wrist portion 202 is made in the overmitt 100 and is partially closed by the cord 208. The wrist portion 202 may be made from a stationary web at the edge so as to be able to maintain a shape for easy wearing over other gloves. As an exemplary example, the palm opening 206 extends from the wrist portion 202 to the thumb portion 205 or above it, whereby the wearer can separate the hand from the hand body portion 204 and the thumb portion 205 and extend the hand through the palm opening 206, while the cord 208 secures the overmitt 100 to the wearer's body.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 3A - 3D, the figures show the insertion of a gloved hand 300 inserted into the overmitt body 110. Although shown as a gloved hand, it is understood that a bare hand can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows an isometric view when the gloved hand 300 passes through the wrist portion 202. Thus, the cord 208 enables the extension, easy access, and adjustment of the gloved hand 300. As described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means for securing the overmitt body 110 to the wearer's wrist can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. FIG. 3B shows the gloved hand 300 further slidably inserted into the overmitt body 110 such that at least a portion of the gloved hand 300 is disposed under the hand body portion 204 of the body 110 and the thumb extends into the thumb portion 205. Here, the cord 208 or the stationary webbing is disposed around the wearer's wrist. As shown in FIG. 3C, the wearer can tightly cinch the cord 208 around the wrist. FIG. 3D shows a rear view of the overmitt body 110 with the glove worn. Here, the stationary webbing is cinched by the cord 208 and the overmitt body 110 is secured.

[0022] Figure 4 shows a thumb side view of the overmitt 100 snugly fastened around the wearer's wrist and worn in the BOH configuration. This configuration can be worn when the wearer needs to reach into a pocket where finger dexterity is required. Here, the gloved hand passes through the palm opening 206, and the overmitt body 110 is secured to the wearer by the cord 208 as described above.

[0023] Figure 5 shows the inner surface 500 of the overmitt (disposed on the opposite side of the bottom surface 201 that forms the interior of the cavity defined by the hand body portion 204). As shown, one or more dots 510 (e.g., silicone dots) may be disposed on the inner surface 500 to provide grip and dexterity between the gloved hand and the overmitt body 110. Although shown as dots, other shapes and sizes of gripping materials may be used on the inner surface 500. Additionally or alternatively, the inner surface 500 may have a silicone coating to assist with friction and thus the dexterity of the glove and overmitt body portion 110.

[0024] Although the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will become apparent that modifications and improvements can be made to the inventive concepts herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments shown herein are merely illustrative of the inventive concepts and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0025] What is described and illustrated herein is but one example along several variations thereof. The terms, descriptions, and drawings used herein are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting. Many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the subject matter, which is intended to be defined by the following claims and their equivalents, and in which all terms are to be taken in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. It's an overmitt, A body having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's hand, and the lower surface is configured to define an internal cavity of the body that cooperates with the upper surface to receive at least a portion of the wearer's hand, The main body comprises a hand portion configured to at least partially surround the wearer's gloved hand, a thumb portion configured to at least partially surround the wearer's gloved thumb, and a wrist portion configured to be positioned around at least a portion of the wearer's wrist. An opening positioned through at least a portion of the bottom surface of the main body, configured to facilitate access to the internal cavity and to expose at least a portion of the wearer's hand, the opening extending from the wrist portion along the hand portion of the main body to at least a certain point beyond the point where the thumb portion intersects with the hand portion, An overmitt comprising: a closure positioned on or adjacent to the wrist portion of the main body and configured to secure the main body to the wearer.

2. The overmitt according to claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the closure is configured to secure the body to the wearer while allowing the wearer's gloved hand to pass through the opening on the outside of the body.

3. The overmitt according to claim 1, in a second configuration, the closure is configured to secure the body to the wearer while the wearer's gloved hand is positioned in the internal cavity, and the opening exposes at least a portion of the wearer's gloved hand to the external environment of the body.

4. The overmitt according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the main body includes raised points to facilitate dexterity between the gloved hand and the overmitt.

5. The overmitt according to claim 1, wherein the closure is an elastic tension system.

6. The overmitt according to claim 1, wherein the closure is a cinch cord.

7. The overmitt according to claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

8. The overmitt according to claim 4, wherein the raised points contain silicon.

9. The overmitt according to claim 1, wherein the fixed edge is positioned on the opposite side of the closure so that the wearer can secure the overmitt to the wearer's wrist.

10. It's an overmitt, A body having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's gloved hand, and the lower surface is configured to cooperate with the upper surface to surround at least a portion of the wearer's gloved hand. The main body comprises a hand portion configured to at least partially surround the wearer's gloved hand, a thumb portion configured to at least partially surround the wearer's gloved thumb, and a wrist portion configured to be positioned around at least a portion of the wearer's wrist, At least a portion of the main body further includes a thermal insulation layer sandwiched between a pair of opposing shell layers, wherein the thermal insulation layer comprises a lightweight insulating material, and the shell layers comprise a composite material, An opening positioned through at least a portion of the bottom surface of the main body and configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's gloved hand, the opening extending from the wrist portion along the hand portion of the main body to at least a certain point beyond the point where the thumb portion intersects with the hand portion, An overmitt comprising: a closure positioned on or adjacent to the wrist portion of the main body and configured to secure the main body to the wearer.

11. The overmitt according to claim 10, wherein in the first configuration, the closure is configured to secure the body to the wearer while allowing the wearer's gloved hand to pass through the opening on the outside of the body.

12. The overmitt according to claim 10, in a second configuration, the closure is configured to secure the body to the wearer while the wearer's gloved hand is positioned in the internal cavity, and the opening exposes at least a portion of the wearer's gloved hand to the external environment of the body.

13. The overmitt according to claim 10, wherein the inner surface of the main body includes raised points to facilitate dexterity between the gloved hand and the overmitt.

14. The overmitt according to claim 13, wherein the thermal insulation layer is made from a material having a rating of at least 150 gsm.

15. The overmitt according to claim 13, wherein the thermal insulation layer is made from a material having a rating of at least 300 gsm.

16. The overmitt according to claim 10, wherein the closure is an elastic tension system.

17. The overmitt according to claim 16, wherein the elastic tension system is a scintillator cord.

18. The overmitt according to claim 10, wherein the closure comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

19. The overmitt according to claim 1, wherein the fixed edge is positioned on the opposite side of the closure so that the wearer can secure the overmitt to the wearer's wrist.

20. The overmitt according to claim 13, wherein the raised points contain silicon.