Elastic Strap Baseball Glove for Conforming Fit and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional baseball and softball gloves are heavy, lack breathability, and provide an inferior fit due to their dense and stiff materials, which hinder performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight glove with an elastic strap that provides a conforming fit and improved breathability, made from elastic materials that can stretch and return to shape, reducing the need for dense leather and allowing for adjustable sizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If dense leather and leather-like materials are used to construct the glove, then structural integrity and shock absorbing purposes are achieved, but the glove becomes heavy and lacks breathability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite construction combining leather front panel with lightweight mesh back panel, integrating materials with different properties to achieve both structural integrity and weight reduction. The leather provides durability where needed while the mesh provides breathability and weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials to different regions of the glove - dense leather on the front panel for structural integrity and shock absorption, while using lightweight mesh on the back panel for breathability and weight reduction, optimizing each region's material properties to its specific functional requirements.
2Strength
If dense leather and leather-like materials are used to construct the glove, then structural integrity is achieved, but breathability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines leather and mesh materials in a single glove structure, allowing the leather front panel to provide structural integrity while the mesh back panel provides breathability, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies breathable mesh material specifically to the back panel region where breathability is most needed, while maintaining dense leather on the front panel for structural integrity, optimizing material placement according to functional requirements.
3Strength
If stiff material is used for the back panel, then structural support is provided, but optimal fit and handfeel are inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional stiff back panel with a flexible mesh material that can conform to the wearer's hand shape, providing both structural support and improved handfeel through its flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material properties of the back panel from stiff to flexible by using mesh construction, altering the rigidity parameter to achieve both structural support and optimal fit simultaneously.
4Reliability
If conventional adjustable strap is used, then glove can be secured to wearer's hand, but fit is not conforming and requires additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic strap that automatically adjusts to fit the wearer's wrist, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms. The elastic material self-regulates to provide a conforming fit while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces static adjustable straps with a dynamic elastic strap that can stretch and contract to adapt to different wrist sizes and movements, providing both security and conforming fit without requiring adjustment mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The elastic strap offers a superior fit and handfeel, enhancing control and comfort while reducing material usage and weight, providing a more effective and breathable glove for baseball and softball players.
Implementation Method 1
The strap is at least partially made out of elastic material(s) so that the strap can extend and contract, and further have a shape memory effect
Implementation Method 2
the elastic material causes the strap to compressingly secure the wrist and hand of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight, breathable glove for baseball or softball is provided that generally includes a strap that extends over at least a portion of an opening in which a wearer may place his or her hand. The strap is at least partially made of an elastic material so that the strap can extend and contract. The glove may thus have a reduced weight to provide superior ease of use. Further, the conforming fit of the glove provides for enhanced control of the glove, which provides superior utility and performance for the glove, as well as other advantages. Alternatively, the glove may include a thong which may extend from the glove and may engage an elastic band at one of its ends. Thus, the elastic band may engage both the glove and the thong so that the size of the opening can increase and decrease due to the strap and/or elastic band.