Gloves with structural finger reinforcements

Abstract

To provide an assembly for use in a sports glove for use in baseball or softball.SOLUTION: The assembly includes finger extension members that align with a wearer's thumb and fingers when worn. The finger extension members are made of a lightweight material such as a polymer and include at least one lattice portion. By including the more lightweight finger extension members, a glove including the assembly may have a lower moment of inertia about the heel to allow a fielder to more easily and quickly move his or her glove during play.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 809,832, entitled "Glove with Structural Finger Reinforcements," filed February 25, 2019, which is currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to sports equipment, and more particularly to gloves for ball-hitting sports such as baseball or softball. The present invention particularly relates to a lightweight, structurally reinforced glove for baseball or softball. [Background technology]

[0003] A conventional glove for baseball or softball generally includes a front panel forming a front wall of the glove and a rear panel forming a rear wall of the glove. The front panel and the rear panel are secured together at the periphery of the glove by various fastening means to form a glove shell having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an opposite side. The fastening means may include, but are not limited to, stitching, lacing, clasps, rivets, and adhesives. The glove shell generally defines one inner thumb stall and four inner finger stalls. The glove has a thumb and four fingers forming thumb and finger stalls, respectively. The fingers are conventionally joined by cross braces to form joined finger areas. The cross braces include, but are not limited to, lacing and the like. Additionally, any fastening means or lacing of the cross brace is preferably and typically made of leather or leather-like material. A web is disposed between the thumb and fingers and secured by fastening means such as leather or leather-like material.

[0004] A conventional glove for baseball or softball may further comprise a liner. With respect to the glove shell, the liner comprises a palm liner panel on the inner surface of the front panel. The front panel and palm liner have lower edge margins that are generally aligned with one another to form a glove heel that extends between opposite sides of the glove. The front panel comprises an outer surface and an inner surface that form the front of the glove. The outer surface of the front panel has a central portion that forms a ball-catching pocket above the heel of the glove and below the web and fingers. The rear panel has an outer surface that surrounds the thumb stall and finger stalls. The lower edge of the rear panel defines an opening for receiving the wearer's hand and may further comprise a possibly adjustable strap or string extending across the opening. The front and rear panels are preferably constructed of a relatively thick, dense, and stiff material for structural integrity and shock absorption purposes.

[0005] Conventionally constructed gloves are heavy, have a large moment of inertia around the heel, and lack adequate structural reinforcement. Generally, conventionally constructed gloves are constructed entirely or predominantly of leather and / or leather-like materials, which are generally relatively dense materials. The use of such dense materials creates a relatively heavy glove, especially in the case of catcher or outfielder gloves that include additional padding or length of material.

[0006] Further, known gloves for baseball or softball contain excessive or unnecessary material to meet the desired specifications and dimensions, and heretofore, there have been no lighter weight alternatives to those materials that can meet at least the same desired specifications and dimensions that athletes have come to know and appreciate. For example, the thumbs and fingers of known gloves contain high density leather or leather-like material, internal padding, structural supports, fastening means, and cross braces, which add to the overall weight of the glove.

[0007] When a wearer inserts his or her hand into a baseball or softball glove, the wearer's fingers only extend partially into the thumb stall or finger stall, and at least fifty percent (50%) of the thumb or fingers of a conventional baseball or softball glove are designed for a purpose other than accommodating the wearer's fingers. It is the thumb and finger areas that include excess or unnecessary material, especially in the distal portion of the glove, that increases the weight of the glove and limits the ease of use of such gloves. Additionally, gloves made for professional level competitive baseball or softball generally may include more leather or leather-like material to provide additional length, padding, and structural support, including in the distal portion of the glove.

[0008] Traditionally, the internal padding and structural support are typically constructed of the same or similar material or materials that make up the glove, and are often formed, rolled, and compressed to achieve the desired results. The internal padding and structural support may include compressed wool or polyethylene. Such additional materials further increase the weight of the glove and the moment of inertia about the heel, limiting the ease of use of such gloves.

[0009] There is therefore a need for a lightweight glove with a low moment of inertia around the heel to optimize glove utility and use less material compared to known gloves long used in sports. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention generally relates to a lightweight baseball or softball glove having lightweight structural finger reinforcements. The overall weight of the glove is reduced by the lightweight structural finger reinforcements. The reduced weight of the glove therefore provides improved ease of use and other advantages. In particular, reducing the weight of the distal portion of the glove, e.g., the thumb and fingers of the glove and the tips thereof, has the added benefit of reducing the moment of inertia about the heel of the glove. The reduced moment of inertia about the heel provides improved ease of use and other advantages.

[0011] Generally, the finger reinforcements or extensions are designed to replace dense, excessive, and / or unnecessary material in commonly known gloves. Additionally, the finger reinforcements or extensions may be separate or incorporated, or may be preformed. The finger extensions may be customizable with respect to size, stiffness, etc. In this manner, individual athletes may have a glove customized to their preferences and playing style.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a glove that is lighter in weight, has a lower moment of inertia around the heel, and uses less material than known gloves. Other advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] For a better understanding of various embodiments of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glove inner liner including a thumb extension and four finger extensions constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first finger extension member of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the first finger extension member of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the first finger extension member of FIGS. 2 and 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the first finger extension member of FIGS. 2-4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the thumb pad member of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the thumb pad member of FIG. 6. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the thumb pad member of FIGS. 6 and 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top view of the thumb extension of FIG. 1; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the second finger extension member of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the second finger extension member of FIG.

[0015] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. However, the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed; on the contrary, the intent is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. To clarify the characteristics of the invention, the proportions of elements in the drawings have not necessarily been maintained. It should be understood that dimensions included in the figures are provided merely as examples, and dimensions other than those provided therein are within the scope of the present invention.

[0017] The description of the invention has reference to specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the appended claims, and therefore the description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and does not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a baseball or softball glove that has (i) reduced weight, (ii) a lower moment of inertia around the heel, (iii) improved structural reinforcement, and (iv) less material compared to known gloves. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved baseball or softball glove compared to known baseball or softball gloves.

[0019] The present invention relates to baseball or softball gloves that are designed to be lightweight and include generally flexible and / or rigid structural finger extension members, such extension members including lightweight materials or combinations of lightweight materials. Some finger extension members may be constructed of generally rigid, inflexible, strong structural materials or combinations of materials with limited flexibility, including but not limited to carbon fiber, polyurethane, etc. Other finger extension members are generally flexible and constructed of flexible materials such as rubber or flexible plastics.

[0020] The finger extension member may define a variable or non-uniform cross-section across the width or length of the thumb or finger of the glove, respectively. For example, in some embodiments, a material or combination of materials may form a finger extension member having a generally uniform composition and a variable or non-uniform cross-section across the width or length of the thumb or finger of a subject glove. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, a material or combination of materials may form a finger extension member having a variable or non-uniform composition and a variable or non-uniform cross-section across the width or length of the thumb or finger of a subject glove.

[0021] The finger extension members are designed as extensions to replace a substantial portion or a large portion of dense, excessive, and / or unnecessary materials, including internal padding, structural support, fastening means, and / or thumb stalls, finger stalls, thumb, and finger cross braces of known gloves. The finger extension members are generally designed to match and generally define the circumference of the thumb and fingers of the glove, including the lateral circumference of the thumb or finger. Additionally, the finger extension members may extend substantially around the lateral circumference of the thumb or finger of the glove, and may be designed to form the shape of the thumb or finger, and to hold leather or leather-like material between the extension members and the extension members, generally taut. The finger extension members may generally be designed to limit lateral, rotational, and other directional movement of the thumb or finger.

[0022] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an inner glove assembly 1 is shown that includes a number of finger extension members and a palm liner 5 to which the finger extension members are attached. More specifically, the inner glove assembly 1 includes three finger extension members 10, a thumb extension assembly 15, and a pinky finger extension member 20. The assembly 15 and extension members 10, 20 can be attached to the palm liner 5 in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, sewing, stitching, gluing, riveting, or attaching (e.g., by a hook and loop fastener system) to the palm liner 5. In FIG. 1, a finger extension member 10A associated with the wearer's ring finger, a finger extension member 10B associated with the wearer's middle finger, and a finger extension member 10C associated with the wearer's index finger are all shown. As will be shown below, the finger extension members 10 are customizable and adjustable to the wearer's preferences, and thus interchangeable to some extent.

[0023] In use, the inner glove assembly 1, including the palm liner 5, can be assembled into a glove as known in the art and described herein to form a ball glove that can be used for baseball or softball. In such a glove (not shown), the glove assembly 1 itself can be made of materials such as plastic, rubber, etc., while the glove can be made of a conventional material such as leather, such that the exterior of the glove functions in a substantially similar manner to what a player is accustomed to. In alternative embodiments, the glove can be made of synthetic polymers or other predictable or known materials.

[0024] 2-5, the finger extension member 10A of FIG. 1 is shown in more detail. The finger extension member 10A is substantially similar in many respects to the other finger extension members 10B and 10C. However, unlike the finger extension members 10B, 10C, the finger extension member 10A includes an oval-shaped protrusion 25 that projects outwardly from a front surface 30 of the finger extension member 10A. The protrusion 25 serves many purposes, including acting as an additional reinforcement to the inner glove. In addition to the front surface 30, the finger extension member 10A includes a rear surface 35. When used in conjunction with the palm liner 5, the front surface 30 faces away from the wearer and toward the ball to be caught, whereas the rear surface 35 preferably faces the wearer during use of the glove. However, in alternative embodiments, the finger extension member 10A can be flipped over to face the other direction, as shown for the finger extension members 10B and 10C. The finger extension member 10A also includes an upper portion 40 and a lower portion 45, respectively.

[0025] In particular, the finger extension member 10A near its top end 40 is generally comprised of a lattice structure 50. The lattice structure 50 penetrates the entire thickness of the finger extension member 10A and is therefore visible on each of its front 30 and rear 35 surfaces. The lattice structure 50 may be formed as a regular or irregular geometric arrangement of polymers, including strands of polymer, on the finger extension member 10A or a portion thereof. The lattice structure 50 may be comprised of a number of slots 55 that may take on a nearly infinite number of shapes and sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 55 include some slots 55 that are substantially horizontal, some that are angled, and some that are smaller and appear closer to the holes or openings 60. In the figures, only the lattice structure 50 located on the front 30 and rear 35 surfaces of the finger extension member 10C is shown. However, multiple layers of the lattice structure 50 may be located between the front 30 and rear 35 surfaces.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the lattice structure 50 includes three layers, although in alternative embodiments, more or fewer lattice structures 50 may be provided. Because the lattice structure 50 includes slots 55 and holes 60, less material may be used in creating the finger extension members 10A. Less material used to create the finger extension members 10A reduces the total weight of each finger extension member 10A, and therefore the total weight of the assembly 1 provided and shown in FIG. 1, and the total weight of the glove when the assembly 1 is assembled into the glove. The finger extension members 10A can be manufactured using multiple methods. However, additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing, may be required to create a lattice structure such as the lattice structure 50.

[0027] The thickness 65 of the finger extension member 10A preferably tapers from the top end 40 toward the bottom end 45. The reduction in thickness 65 toward the bottom end 45 of the finger extension member 10A reduces the overall weight of the finger extension member 10A, and thus the assembly 1 and glove. Also, when the glove is in use, the wearer is able to move his or her fingers better because there is less thickness affecting the ability to do so near the bottom end 45 of the finger extension member 10A.

[0028] It should be noted that the lattice structure 50 of the finger extension member 10A may be fabricated from a polymeric material as a specially tailored lattice structure. The size of the lattice structure and its cells and struts may be altered to increase or decrease the flexibility and stiffness of specific areas of the finger extension member. A lattice structure such as the lattice structure 50 may be customizable and / or adjustable to meet the performance expectations of any given athlete. Similarly, while the finger extension member 10A is formed as a flexible rubber-like polymer, if a user desires greater stiffness in the finger extension member 10A (or finger extension members 10B, 10C), a stiffer material such as a plastic polymer may be substituted for the rubber-like polymer. While many stiffness measures may be sufficient, it is preferred that the stiffness-to-weight ratio of the material be close to 4:1. The thumb assembly 15 and pinky finger assembly 20 may utilize such stiffer materials.

[0029] On each of the front 30 and rear 35 surfaces of the finger extension member 10C, the lattice structure 50 narrows as it approaches the bottom 45 of the finger extension member 10C. The narrowing results in a marginal portion 67 that does not include the lattice structure 50. In at least one embodiment, the absence of the lattice structure 50 in the marginal portion 67 preferably facilitates sewing the finger extension member 10C (or 10A or 10B) to the palm liner 5.

[0030] 6-8, thumb pad member 70 is shown forming part of thumb extension assembly 15. Thumb pad member 70 includes proximal and distal ends 75 and 80, respectively. Thumb pad member 70 further includes front and rear faces 85 and 90, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, when thumb pad member 70 is incorporated into assembly 1, thumb pad member 70 has its proximal end 75 located near the wearer's thumb and distal end 80 of thumb pad member 70 near the wearer's little finger and thus little finger extension member 20. Thumb pad member 70 is preferably designed to substantially align with the bottom of the wearer's palm. Thumb pad member 70 may be made of a variety of materials, but in alternative embodiments is comprised of a rubbery polymer. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, front face 85 of thumb pad member 70 is substantially smooth and flat, but in alternative embodiments may include some texture.

[0031] Preferably, near the proximal end 75 of the thumb pad member 70, there is provided a step-down portion 90 that is thinner than the remainder of the thumb pad member 70. The step-down portion 90 may also be provided with a protruding member 95 that protrudes outwardly from the step-down portion. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the protruding portion 95 includes a plurality of openings 100 that are triangular in shape to form a lattice structure 105. The lattice structure 105, like the lattice structure 50, may take on a nearly infinite number of shapes and configurations. The lattice structure 105 may further aid in reducing the overall weight of the thumb pad member 70, and thus the overall weight of the assembly 1 and the glove in which the assembly 1 is incorporated. The protruding portion 95 is preferably sized and shaped to hold a thumb extension member (not shown in Figures 6-8, but described and illustrated in Figure 9 herein below).

[0032] The rear surface 90 of the thumb pad member 70 shown in FIG. 8 may be provided with a number of recessed slots 110 extending toward the front surface 85 of the thumb pad member 70. The recessed slots 110 serve to allow the thumb pad member 70 to flex. When a glove including the assembly 1 is used, the user may close and open the hand to catch a ball, so it is important that the thumb pad member 70 bend. As the wearer does so, necessarily the lower part of the wearer's palm (not shown) will flex as well as the hand opens and closes. Thus, some flexibility may be required for the thumb pad member 70. The addition of the recessed slots 110 may help facilitate this opening and closing.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 8, the rear surface 90 of the thumb pad member 70 may also include a lattice structure 115. The lattice structure 115 includes a plurality of triangular holes or openings 120. As with the lattice structures 50, 105, the lattice structure 115 may have nearly infinite configurations. Additionally, the lattice structure 115 may be customizable and / or adjustable for a particular athlete so that the thumb pad member 70, and therefore the glove, can perform consistent with his or her performance criteria. At the proximal end 75 of the thumb pad member 70, the thumb pad member 70 is preferably provided with a curved edge 125. The edge 125 is preferably curved to complement the end of the thumb extension member 130 shown in FIG. 9.

[0034] The thumb pad member 70 and the thumb extension member 130 together comprise the thumb assembly 15. As shown in FIG. 9, the thumb extension member 130 includes a proximal end 135 and a distal end 140, respectively. At the proximal end 135, the thumb extension member 130 may include a tab member 145 extending therefrom. The tab member 145 preferably includes an opening 150 extending therethrough. The opening 150 is preferably sized and shaped to receive and retain the protrusion 95 from the thumb pad member 70 when the thumb pad members 70 are aligned with one another. The engagement between the protrusion 95 and the opening 150 is further secured by an edge 125 of the thumb pad member 70 mating with an edge 155 of the proximal end 135 of the thumb extension member 130. The curvature of the end 155 preferably substantially matches the curved end 125 of the thumb pad member 70. As discussed above, when attached to one another, thumb pad member 70 and thumb extension member 130 together form thumb assembly 15 of FIG.

[0035] The thumb extension member 130, like the extension member 10 and the rear surface 90 of the thumb pad member 70, is generally configured with a lattice structure 160. The lattice structure 160 has a pattern similar to the lattice structure 70 of the finger extension member 10A. In a preferred embodiment, both sides of the thumb extension member 130 include the lattice structure 160 and the slots 165 and openings 170 that make up the lattice structure 160. In a preferred embodiment, there are three layers of the lattice structure 160 within the thumb extension member 130. In some embodiments, more or fewer layers may be provided and the lattice structure 160 may take on an infinite number of configurations. The configuration and size and shape of the lattice structure 160 may be customizable or adjustable to further fit the weight, size, or other preferences of the wearer.

[0036] Unlike the finger extension 10A, the thumb extension 130 is preferably constructed of a harder polymer that is more similar to plastic. This is because players generally prefer a harder glove when a baseball or softball strikes the thumb extension 130. The presence of the lattice structure 160 on the thumb extension 130 may reduce the overall weight of the glove and therefore the moment of inertia of the glove about the palm. Two circular openings 175 are provided near the distal end 140 of the thumb extension 130. The circular openings 175 may be used to pass leather or leather-like material through which the glove can be assembled during assembly of the glove.

[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a front surface 180 of the little finger extension member 20, and FIG. 11 illustrates a rear surface 185 of the little finger extension member 20. As provided in FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively, the front surface 180 and rear surface 185 of the little finger extension member 20 include a lattice structure 190. As with other lattice structures described throughout the specification, the lattice structure 190 includes slots 195 and openings 200, respectively. The lattice structure 190 can vary widely in alternative embodiments and may include different arrangements than those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Additionally, the lattice structure 190 may be customizable and / or adjustable to meet the wearer's performance expectations. As with other elements of the assembly 1, the little finger extension member 20 may include a three-layer lattice structure 190 in a preferred embodiment. However, in alternative embodiments, more or fewer layers of the lattice structure 190 may be provided. Two holes or openings 210 may be provided at the distal end 205 of the little finger extension member. The hole or opening 210 may be substantially similar to the hole or opening 175 of the thumb extension 130. Leather or leather-like laces may be threaded through the hole or opening 210 to attach the pinky extension 20 to the finger extension 10A or elsewhere on the glove. Like the thumb extension 130, the pinky extension 20 is preferably made of a harder polymer having plastic-like properties. However, in alternative embodiments, the pinky extension 20 may be more flexible.

[0038] In alternative embodiments, the finger extension members 10, 20 and thumb assembly 15 may be separate or incorporated and may be attached to the body in a variety of locations including inside or outside the glove shell, and on the front panel, back panel, or any peripheral margin of the glove.

[0039] Although the present invention is described and illustrated herein as a specific embodiment, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to all baseball or softball gloves, including, but not limited to, pitcher's, catcher's, first baseman's, infielder's, outfielder's, etc. gloves or mitts.

[0040] It should be noted that the overall performance of the glove including the finger extensions 10, 20 and / or thumb assembly 15 is better performed. More specifically, fatigue of the finger extensions 10, 20 and / or thumb assembly 15 is reduced. Furthermore, the specific strength or strength-to-weight ratio may be further improved with the latticed finger extensions 10, 20 and / or thumb assembly 15.

[0041] However, other gloves are contemplated that incorporate lattice into their construction. More specifically, all or part of the glove shell, wrist strap, inner palm, pockets, and connections between the fingers, including webbing, may include lattice or other polymers. The inclusion of such lattice generally contributes to reducing the weight of the glove, and therefore may be customizable or adjustable to meet a particular player's performance criteria.

[0042] Additionally, the finger extensions themselves may replace the fingers of the glove and actually constitute an exterior portion of the glove itself rather than being sewn to the liner, in which case the size and scale of the finger extensions may vary depending on the type of glove being used and for which position on the field.

[0043] From the above, it can be seen that the various embodiments of the present invention are well adapted to attain all the objects and advantages set forth above, together with further advantages which are apparent and inherent to the present structure. It will be understood that certain configurations and subcombinations of the present embodiments are useful and can be used without reference to other configurations and subcombinations. Since many possible embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, it should also be understood that all disclosures herein as described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. The various configurations described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the concepts, principles, and scope of the present invention.

[0044] However, many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after consideration of the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are deemed to be covered by the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A finger extension configured to be placed in a baseball or softball glove, comprising: an upper end and a lower end; [0023] A front surface and a rear surface, each of the front and rear surfaces includes a lattice portion; the lattice portion includes one or more layers; Each of said layers includes a geometric arrangement of strands of polymeric material.

2. The finger extension member of claim 1 , wherein the lattice portion includes three or more layers of lattice structures.

3. The finger extension of claim 1 , wherein a thickness defined between said front and rear surfaces tapers toward said bottom end.

4. The finger extension of claim 1 , wherein the finger extension includes at least one marginal portion.

5. The finger extension of claim 1 , wherein the finger extension is incorporated into the baseball or softball glove.

6. The finger extension of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the front surface or the rear surface includes a protrusion projecting from an upper end of the finger extension.

7. 10. The finger extension of claim 1, further comprising two holes positioned to receive a lace therethrough.

8. 8. The finger extension of claim 7, wherein the bottom end is attached to a palm liner of the baseball or softball glove, the top end is a distal end opposite the bottom end, and the hole is located in the distal end.

9. 2. The finger extension of claim 1, wherein, in use, the front surface faces away from a wearer of the softball glove and toward the ball, the rear surface faces toward the wearer, and the finger extension is positioned between the wearer and the ball.

10. The finger extension member of claim 1 , wherein the lattice portion includes angled slots between strands of the polymeric material.

11. The finger extension member of claim 1, wherein the geometric configuration of the front surface is the same as the geometric configuration of the rear surface.

12. 10. The finger extension of claim 1, wherein the finger extension is configured to be positioned inside a finger stall of the baseball or softball glove.

13. The finger extension of claim 1 , wherein the finger extension is configured to resist bending in a forward direction toward the front surface and a rearward direction toward the rear surface.

14. The finger extension of claim 1 , wherein the lattice portion is formed by additive manufacturing.

15. The finger extension of claim 1 , wherein the geometric arrangement defines a plurality of triangular shaped openings.

16. A finger extension configured to be placed in a baseball or softball glove, comprising: an upper end and a lower end; [0023] A front surface and a rear surface, At least one of the front surface and the rear surface includes a lattice portion; The lattice portion includes three or more layers of a lattice structure; Each of said layers includes a geometric arrangement of strands of polymeric material.

17. A finger extension configured to be placed in a baseball or softball glove, comprising: an upper end and a lower end; [0023] A front surface and a rear surface, each of the front and rear surfaces includes a lattice portion having a geometric arrangement of strands of polymeric material, the geometric arrangement of the front surface being the same as the geometric arrangement of the rear surface; The lattice portion includes one or more layers.

18. A finger extension member configured to be positioned inside a finger stall of a baseball or softball glove, comprising: an upper end and a lower end; [0023] A front surface and a rear surface, At least one of the front surface and the rear surface includes a lattice portion; the lattice portion includes one or more layers; Each of said layers includes a geometric arrangement of strands of polymeric material.

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