Position-Specific Glove Shaping Inserts and Wrap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for breaking-in baseball or softball gloves are not universally effective across different glove types and positions, as they do not account for the unique shape and size variations of gloves used in various positions, leading to inconsistent conditioning and maintenance of the glove pocket.
Innovation Solution
The use of specifically shaped synthetic inserts and flexible wraps with adjustable securing mechanisms to conform the glove pocket to the desired shape for each position-specific glove, ensuring effective conditioning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single break-in method is used for all glove types, then the method is simple and easy to apply, but the conditioning effectiveness varies across different glove positions and constructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the break-in process into position-specific segments, with different shaped inserts (e.g., catcher's insert, first baseman's insert, fielder's insert) tailored to each glove type. This segmentation allows each glove position to receive customized conditioning while maintaining a systematic approach through the wrap application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing glove-specific inserts with unique shapes and configurations matched to each glove position's requirements. Each insert is designed with specific dimensional characteristics (length, width, depth) that correspond to the particular pocket shape needed for that position, thereby optimizing conditioning effectiveness for each local application area.
2Manufacturing precision
If glove-specific shaped inserts are used for each position, then the pocket shaping effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through a common flexible wrap design that can accommodate multiple different shaped inserts. The wrap serves as a universal container and compression device that works with all position-specific inserts, reducing the need for multiple specialized wraps while maintaining the benefits of customized pocket shaping for each glove position.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional break-in methods are used, then the process is simple, but the glove pocket cannot be effectively maintained and protected when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the user insert the shaped insert and apply the wrap during the break-in process, which pre-establishes the desired pocket shape and provides immediate structural support. This preliminary conditioning action, combined with the ongoing support from the shaped insert and wrap during storage, ensures the pocket shape is maintained from the outset rather than being formed gradually over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped insert acts as an intermediary object that transfers the desired pocket shape to the glove material. During both the break-in process and subsequent storage, the insert serves as a mediator between the external environment and the glove pocket, maintaining the molded shape while the wrap provides additional protective constraint.
Data Source
AI summary
A shape is formed and maintained in a shapeable object by a flexible wrap and a shaped device. The shaped device is placed in the shapeable object and wrapped by the flexible wrap. Adjustment of the wrap secures the shaped device in the shapeable object and compresses the flexible wrap around the shapeable object and the shaped device resulting in the shapeable object conforming to the shape of the shaped device.