Protective batting glove with hand and forearm guard

Abstract

A protective batting glove that includes a hand component that includes a hand fitted glove having a plurality of padded hand elements disposed along a surface of the hand fitted glove, wherein the padded hand elements are configured to separately protect different finger parts of a hand; and a forearm component coupled to the hand component, wherein the forearm component includes a sleeve configured to wrap around a forearm and having a plurality of transverse pads disposed along an outer surface of the sleeve.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 671,869 filed on Jul. 16, 2024, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter of this invention relates to a protective batting glove for baseball players, and more particularly to a baseball batting glove that includes a hand, fingers, and forearm guard.BACKGROUND

[0003] Baseball continues to be a popular sport throughout the world. However, like all sports, injuries are not uncommon in baseball. Injuries frequently occur when batters are hit by pitches. For instance, at the little league level, it is estimated that being hit by a pitch accounts for 62% of all acute injuries. At the high school level, it is estimated that 25% of all injuries occur to the hand, wrist, and forearm. Furthermore, according to the National Institute for Heath, injuries to the arm, elbow, hand and wrist account for about 30% of all injuries to baseball players.SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects of the disclosure provide a protective batting glove that includes hand, finger, and forearm protection from a pitched ball.

[0005] In one aspect, a protective glove system is provided having: a hand component that includes a hand fitted glove having a plurality of padded hand elements disposed along a surface of the hand fitted glove, wherein the padded hand elements are configured to separately protect different finger parts of a hand; and a forearm component coupled to the hand component, wherein the forearm component includes a sleeve configured to wrap around a forearm and having a plurality of transverse pads disposed along an outer surface of the sleeve.

[0006] In a further aspect, a glove system is provided having: a substantially unitary piece of material having a hand fitted glove and a sleeve configured to wrap around a forearm and extend proximate an elbow; a plurality of padded hand elements individually attached to an outer surface of the hand fitted glove, wherein the padded hand elements are configured to separately protect different finger parts of a hand and move independently of each other; and a plurality of pads independently attached to an outer surface of the sleeve.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a baseball batter with an exposed area susceptible to being hit by a pitch.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows the baseball batter with a protective batting glove according to embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the protective batting glove according to embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows an underside view of the protective batting glove according to embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a further underside view of the protective batting glove according to embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the protective batting glove with the hand clenched according to embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts an inward sleeve view of the protective batting glove according to embodiments.

[0015] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an image of a baseball batter 10 in a hitting position. As is evident, the batter has an exposed region 12 susceptible to being hit by a pitch, which includes the forearm, wrist, fingers, and hand. This exposed region 12 becomes even more exposed when the batter begins to swing the bat and region 12 is extended toward the trajectory of the incoming pitch.

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts batter 10 with an illustrative protective batting glove system 14, which protects the batter's exposed region 12 (FIG. 1) when the region 12 is struck by a pitch. Protective batting glove system 14 generally includes a forearm component 19 coupled with a hand component 20. The forearm component 19 includes a sleeve 16 having a set of spatially separated protective transverse pads 18 that covers an outer surface of the sleeve 16. The sleeve 16 is configured to be wrapped / unwrapped around the forearm and extend at least half way to the elbow and be connected, e.g., with a hook and loop (e.g., “VELCRO®”) fastener, or by using any other type of connector, e.g., laces, a flexible drawstring, snaps, etc. The hand component 20 generally includes a hand fitted glove 36 (shown in additional detail in FIGS. 4 and 5), e.g., similar to a traditional batting glove, covered on an outer surface with a set of protective padded hand elements 21.

[0018] A wrist strap 40, described in further detail herein, is provided to wrap around the above the wrist and be secured to a location on system 14 proximate the top of the batter's wrist. Wrist strap 40 may be secured with a hook and loop or other type of fastener.

[0019] In various embodiments, the padded hand elements 21 and transverse pads 18 are not directly integrated into the fabric of the hand fitted glove 36 and sleeve 16, respectively. Instead, elements 21 and / or pads 18 are affixed onto the surfaces thereof, e.g., glued or sewn, and remain uncovered. This for example allows for independent and unrestricted movement of the fingers, wrist, and forearm, and reduces the material required and weight of the system. Any type of glue and adhesive process may be utilized. In other embodiments, elements 21 and / or pads 18 can be integrated into layer of the material of the hand fitted glove 36 and / or sleeve 16.

[0020] In one illustrative embodiment, sleeve 16 and hand fitted glove 36 may be implemented with a substantially unitary (i.e., single″) piece of material that covers both the hand and forearm. In some embodiments, the substantially unitary piece of material may include additional fabric implemented at strategic locations to provide more flexibility (e.g., proximate the wrist or fingers) or include material to absorb sweat. In other embodiments, the sleeve 16 and hand fitted glove 36 may comprise separate pieces of material that are sewn or are otherwise permanently attached together. In still other embodiments, sleeve 16 and hand fitted glove 36 may be releasably attachable to each other (e.g., with snaps, Velcro, laces, etc.), thereby allowing the forearm component 19 and hand component 20 to be separated. In various embodiments, the material used for hand fitted glove 36 and sleeve 16 comprise very thin and lightweight material, e.g., less than 1 / 10 of an inch in thickness.

[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of protective batting glove system 14 showing further details of an illustrative embodiment, including padded hand elements 21 configured to protect the batter's hand. In this embodiment, the top of each finger is individually padded with a set of padded finger elements, e.g., elements 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32. The finger padded elements 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 are each configured to protect a different part of the fingers. In this embodiment, a first set of pads 30 protect the distal phalanges, a second set of pads 28 protect the middle phalanges, and a third set of pads 26 protect the proximal phalanges. A fourth set of pads 32 protect the topside and edge side of the pinky. A further metacarpal pad 24 protects the back of the hand, e.g., the metacarpal bones. Additionally, the top side of the thumb bones, i.e., metacarpal and phalanges, may also include pads (not shown), such that the thumb is protected on the top side and both edge sides.

[0022] FIG. 3 also shows elements of an enclosure system integrated into sleeve 16, which allows the sleeve to be opened and closed along a separatable edge of the sleeve 16. In this example, the separatable edge is formed along the bottom of the forearm in line with the pinky. The enclosure system includes a lower flap 22 integrated with a bottom edge of the sleeve 16 and an upper flap 23 integrated with a top edge of sleeve 16. Wrist strap 40 is coupled to or otherwise integrated with lower flap 22. When the sleeve 16 is placed around the user's forearm in a separated, i.e., spread position (not shown), wrist strap 40 can be pulled across the top of the user's wrist, which in turn pulls the lower flap 22 across the top of the user's forearm. The upper flap 23 can then be pulled over the lower flap 22 and secured on the bottom or side of the user's forearm. Once wrapped, the undersides (blocked in this view) of the lower flap 22 and upper flap 23 can be secured, e.g., with a hook and loop system (e.g., Velcro).

[0023] Putting the glove system 14 on may accordingly entail: (1) separating the upper flap 23 from the lower flap 22 to spread open the sleeve 16 along the separable edge of the sleeve 16; (2) sliding the hand / arm through sleeve 16 and inserting the hand into hand component 20; (3) securing the wrist strap 40 on top of the user's wrist, which also acts to pull the lower flap 22 across the top of the user's forearm, exposing a lower Velcro surface thereon; and (4) pulling the upper flap 23 around the user's forearm and across the lower Velcro surface and coupling the upper Velcro surface (on the underside of upper flap 23) thereto. The top portion of sleeve 16 accordingly wraps around and is secured to the bottom portion of sleeve 16. This is further shown and described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0024] FIG. 4 depicts the underside of protective batting glove system 14. As shown, a set of thumb pads 34 are provided that cover the side edges and bottom portion of the thumb. Although not shown, the top side of the thumb also be covered with pads, such that the thumb is enveloped with pads on three sides. Also shown is the palm region of the hand fitted glove 36 that for example comprises a thin material commonly used traditional batting gloves, e.g., leather, synthetic material, etc.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a further view of the underside of protective batting glove system 14. The depicted arrangement shows how the batter has full flexibility of the hand and wrist, and also allows for normal gripping of a bat. In particular, the underside of the batter's hand (i.e., palm and inner finger surfaces) are only covered with a thin material, thus allowing for normal gripping actions. This view also shows the lower Velcro surface of lower flap 22 attached to wrist strap 40.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the protective batting glove system 14 with the hand clenched, which depicts how the hand can move naturally and, e.g., easily grasp a bat. The use of separate finger pad elements 30 on each finger allows for natural gripping movement, i.e., each pad element is completely unconnected and independent of adjacent elements.

[0027] FIG. 7 shows an interior cross-sectional view of protective batting glove system 14 (i.e., looking into the sleeve of the glove). This cross-sectional view depicts the sleeve 16 with a transverse pad 18 mounted on the outer surface, lower flap 22 with a first Velcro surface (shown with a first arrow) and upper flap 23 with a second Velcro surface (shown with a second arrow). Accordingly, to use the protective batting glove system 14, the user slides their hand (i.e., into the picture) through the sleeve 16 and into the hand fitted glove (not shown), wraps the lower flap 22 around the top of the forearm using wrist strap 40, and then encloses and fastens the upper flap 23 to the lower flap 22 using the Velcro connection.

[0028] Protective batting glove system 14 accordingly provides a one-piece protective batting glove and lower forearm guard. In certain aspects each finger part is individually padded with an independent padding element. In certain aspects, additional padding may be added where practicable, e.g., on the top edge or sides of one or more fingers, on the elbow, etc..

[0029] It is understood that the particular dimensions and material type of the padding elements and pads can vary, with the goal of providing protection from a pitched ball. In one illustrative embodiment, the padding elements and transverse pads can be approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches thick and be made from a lightweight material, such as rubber, foam, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, etc., or any combination thereof. Accordingly, any material or dimension capable of absorbing or dispersing the energy from the impact of a ball could be utilized. In various aspects, foam fabric may be utilized, which is a textile that can be made from Polyethene, Polyurethane, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate or Styrene Butadiene Rubber.

[0030] Furthermore, the particular location and arrangement of the various pad / elements on the glove system 14 can vary as well, so long as the player is afforded flexibility and dexterity. For example, rather than having individual pads on each finger part, fewer pad elements could be utilized, and in the case where fewer are used, the elements may be stretchable and flexible. Furthermore, although shown as externally attached to sleeve 16 and the glove 36, it is understood that the padding could be integrated into or with the sleeve / hand fitted glove portions. For example, the padding can be sewn or glued between two layers of fabric.

[0031] Further, although described for use in baseball, it is understood that the glove system could be used by athletes playing other sports such as softball, football (receivers and defensive backs), lacrosse, hockey, or any other sport that involves contact with the fingers, hands, and forearms.

[0032] The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to an individual in the art are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A protective glove system, comprising:a hand component that includes a hand fitted glove having a plurality of padded hand elements disposed along a surface of the hand fitted glove, wherein the padded hand elements are configured to separately protect different finger parts of a hand; anda forearm component coupled to the hand component, wherein the forearm component includes a sleeve configured to wrap around a forearm and having a plurality of transverse pads disposed along an outer surface of the sleeve.

2. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the padded hand elements are independently glued or sewn to an outer surface of the hand fitted glove.

3. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the transverse pads are independently glued or sewn to an outer surface of the sleeve.

4. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the hand fitted glove and sleeve are substantially formed from a unitary piece of material.

5. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the padded hand elements are configured to separately protect a distal phalanx, a middle phalanx, and a proximal phalanx.

6. The protective glove system of claim 5, wherein padded hand elements are further configured to cover at least one edge side and a top side of a thumb.

7. The protective glove system of claim 5, wherein padded hand elements are further configured to cover an edge side and top side of a pinky.

8. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the padded hand elements further comprise a metacarpal pad attached to a surface of the hand fitted glove that covers a metacarpal bone proximate a wrist.

9. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a separatable edge configured to be opened and closed with an upper flap and a lower flap.

10. The protective glove system of claim 9, further comprising a wrist strap coupled to the lower flap, wherein the wrist strap includes a fastener for securing the wrist strap to a top portion of the glove system.

11. The protective glove system of claim 9, wherein the upper flap and lower flap include a hook and loop fastener.

12. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the hand fitted glove comprises one a leather or a synthetic material.

13. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the padded hand elements and transverse pads each include at least one of polyethene, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate or styrene butadiene rubber.

14. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the padded hand elements and transverse pads each include at least one of rubber, foam, plastic, metal, or carbon fiber.

15. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the padded hand elements and transverse pads each have a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.5 inches.

16. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein a palm region of the hand fitted glove is comprised of a material less than 1 / 10 inch in thickness.

17. The protective glove system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of transverse pads are configured to each separately wrap around a portion of a forearm.

18. A glove system, comprising:a substantially unitary piece of material having a hand fitted glove and a sleeve configured to wrap around a forearm and extend at least half way to an elbow;a plurality of padded hand elements individually attached to an outer surface of the hand fitted glove, wherein the padded hand elements are configured to separately protect different finger parts of a hand and move independently of each other; anda plurality of pads independently attached to an outer surface of the sleeve.

19. The glove system of claim 18, wherein the sleeve includes a separatable edge configured to be opened and closed with an upper flap and a lower flap.

20. The glove system of claim 19, further comprising a wrist strap coupled to the lower flap, wherein the wrist strap includes a fastener for securing the wrist strap to a top portion of the glove system.

Images