MARTIAL ARTS GLOVE OR UNDERGLOVE

Abstract

 Glove for martial arts comprising a main body in fabric and strengthening means.
The strengthening means comprise rigid collateral elongated elements (2).
The collateral elements (2) are fastened to the main body in the back area of the hand in opposite lateral positions with respect to the axis of the forearm and extend towards the wrist such that they are adapted to prevent the rotation of the wrist.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a glove or inner glove for martial arts comprising a main body in fabric and strengthening means.

[0002] In martial arts it is important to protect the fighter's hands from shocks and from the incorrect movements caused thereby, which can stress the joints to the point of damaging them.

[0003] Typically this task is entrusted to wrapping, i.e., wrapping the hand, the wrist and part of the forearm several times by means of wraps. The arrangement of such wraps is functional to a series of protections against shocks and incorrect movements of the hand. Such wraps may alternatively or in combination comprise 5 cm x 10 m protective gauze, 19 mm thick surgical fabric tape (so-called taping), 10 x 10 cm gauze, or the like.

[0004] The wrapping may vary depending on the martial art. For example, in boxing, tight wrapping and a strong stiffening of the hand are needed, and this is done through several passages of fabric tape. In MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), the wrapping is freer, in order to allow gripping the opponent.

[0005] The wrapping typically comprises a first non-constrictive wrapping in direct contact with the skin with 5x1000cm gauze. This preliminary wrapping has the purpose of avoiding the contact of the upper tape layers with the fighter's skin and defining the application area of the taping operations. This area changes according to the discipline performed: the extension along the forearm area varies between 40 mm for MMA and 60 mm for boxing. The wrapping therefore comprises a taping applied to the first wrapping: thereby a large shock absorber is formed on the knuckle area, consisting for example of 35 10x10 mm gauzes, or 25 in the case of MMA, a radial-carpal cross consisting of a taping to prevent the vertical rotation of the wrist (six strips of tape for Boxing, two for MMA), an additional longitudinal taping for blocking the vertical rotation of the wrist (six tapes for Boxing, three for MMA) and collateral taping to prevent the lateral rotation of the wrist (one tape per side). There are generally also intrafinger portions consisting of a longitudinally split tape used to better position the large shock absorber, devoid of protection functions. Finally, a taping is included which forms horizontal metacarpal wrappings supporting the main protections, used to increase the stiffening of the protection on the back of the hand. The whole is wrapped by a closing taping with a complete round of non-constrictive adhesive tape, whose function is to prevent the fraying of the underlying taping and ensure the adhesion of the main protections.

[0006] This wrapping offers excellent performance in terms of cushioning and stiffening, such as to be used regularly in professional competitions.

[0007] However, the application time of a full wrapping is about fifteen minutes per hand and is costly.

[0008] There is therefore a need in the state of the art for a glove which replaces the traditional wrapping, offering comparable or even better performance, but which can be worn and prepared in much less time and at lower costs.

[0009] The present invention achieves the objects set forth above and overcomes the drawbacks of the state of the art with a glove or inner glove for martial arts as described in the beginning in which beyond the strengthening means comprises rigid collateral elongated elements, which collateral elements are fastened to the main body in the back area of the hand in opposite lateral positions with respect to the axis of the forearm and extend towards the wrist such that they are adapted to prevent the rotation of the wrist.

[0010] The collateral elements have the task of preventing the lateral rotation of the wrist, and as such must be rigid, non-extensible, resistant to shear forces, geometrically straight elements in order to maintain the wrist in a straight position.

[0011] The glove object of the present invention is preferably, but not exclusively, an inner glove adapted to be worn under a glove.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the strengthening means comprise a central element, fastened to the main body in the back area of the hand.

[0013] Such a central element allows to make a block of the wrist. In fact, in order to avoid the longitudinal rotation of the wrist, the glove must be provided with a resistant fastening component which crosses the entire surface of the back of the hand.

[0014] In an embodiment, said central element is cross-shaped with two front branches diverging towards the fingers and two rear branches diverging towards the wrist to form an X.

[0015] Such a central element therefore takes up the configuration of the radial-carpal cross proposed in the professional wrapping and reproduces the functionality thereof of preventing the vertical rotation of the wrist.

[0016] In a first embodiment said central element is a single element.

[0017] In this embodiment, the central element therefore forms a single-component, non-flexible cross, such as to operate both as a protection and as a tightening of the entire structure, taking maximum advantage of a few simple dressing operations as will be seen in detail below.

[0018] In a further embodiment, said central element consists of two curved elements separated from each other and mutually engaged in a common central area.

[0019] Thereby, a cross-tied structure is formed, where the cross is composed of two elements fastened to the main body in the knuckle area, but free to be subjected to traction in the wrist area, for example through a wrapping closing thereof around the forearm.

[0020] In an embodiment, said central element is provided with means for engaging with the palm area of the hand.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, said central element is provided with a traction flap towards the wrist.

[0022] According to a further exemplary embodiment, a wristband is provided for fastening the glove to the wrist, which wristband consists of a closing band which can be wrapped around the wrist and provided with removable fastening means in the closing condition.

[0023] According to a further exemplary embodiment, said traction flap is adapted to be subjected to the closing band in the closing condition of said band and to exit from such a band for an end portion of length such as to be folded above the band itself, the end portion of the traction flap and the band being provided with removable mutual engagement means in the folded condition of said traction flap.

[0024] This allows to pull the central element towards the wrist thanks to the traction flap, and to stably and easily fasten it in such a position by engaging the traction flap with the wristband.

[0025] In an embodiment the central element is provided with at least one end for engaging at least one area between the fingers.

[0026] In a further embodiment, said wristband consists of a band at least twice the circumference of the wrist so that in the closing condition it performs a first wrist locking wrapping and a second locking wrapping of said collateral elements and of said central element.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, the strengthening means comprise a cushioning element on the knuckle area and at least in part on the first phalanges area.

[0028] Such an element allows to cushion the impacts in the most delicate part of the fist, i.e., the knuckles and the first phalanges.

[0029] Thereby, a glove is obtained, in particular an inner glove, very simple to wear and prepare, which ensures high protection to the most delicate parts of the hand in martial arts, i.e., the knuckles and the first phalanges and the wrist.

[0030] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of some non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings in which:

fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the glove object of the present invention in which only the cushioning element and the collateral elements are visible;

figs. 2 and 3 illustrate different views of a first embodiment;

figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate different views and different preparation steps of the glove according to the first embodiment in the worn condition;

figs. 8 and 9 illustrate different views of a second embodiment;

figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 illustrate different views and different preparation steps of the glove in the worn condition according to the second embodiment;

figs. 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 illustrate different preparation steps of the glove in a worn condition according to a third embodiment.

[0031] The figures illustrate various embodiments of the glove for martial arts according to the present invention. The glove comprises a main body in fabric and strengthening means.

[0032] The main body has a metacarpal portion 10, finger portions 11, and a wrist portion 12. The finger portions 11 may be partial, i.e., not covering the fingers in their entirety, as in the figures.

[0033] The main body can consist alternatively or in a combination of Lycra/Fleece, aramid-based fabric, neoprene, synthetic leather.

[0034] Lycra/Fleece is a synthetic fabric produced according to different technologies: the texture generated may be a simple fabric, with warp and weft, or a three-dimensional fabric, characterized by a structure which makes it elastic, resistant and breathable. The material is spongy, with an excellent sensation to the touch. It can also have perforated surface textures, to allow the perspiration of the hand.

[0035] Aramid-based fabric is a lightweight fabric, designed to be resistant to cutting and tearing following sudden movements.

[0036] Neoprene is a printed synthetic fabric, resistant to wear and tight. It can be laminated on one side and on both sides to achieve a smooth, uniform anti-abrasive finish. However, it is a non-breathable fabric, causing sweating.

[0037] The category of synthetic leather can comprise all synthetic fabrics which simulate, for texture and tactile finish, leather or other materials, while maintaining the features of Lycra or a plastic fabric.

[0038] The strengthening means comprise rigid collateral elongated elements 2, i.e., two elements of rigid or semi-rigid material fixed to the main body in the area of the back of the hand in opposite lateral positions with respect to the axis of the forearm. The collateral elements 2 extend towards the wrist such that they are adapted to prevent the rotation of the wrist. The choice of the material of the collateral elements 2 must focus on resistant non-flexible fabrics such as an aramid-based fabric, or a more rigid material such as non-elastic ribbed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or reach semi-rigid solutions such as motorcycle protections. TPU is a printable rubbery material, able to assume complex and high thickness geometries, adhering perfectly to the underlying synthetic fabric through a chemical adhesion.

[0039] It is possible to provide more than two collateral elements 2.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a simplified exemplary embodiment of the glove, in which the collateral elements 2 are illustrated. The collateral elements 2 comprise protective elements 20, which may also be used for fastening the collateral elements to the main body.

[0041] There is also a further central protection element 31, which can also have a purpose of positioning the central element as will be shown in the following figures.

[0042] The strengthening means comprise a cushioning element 5 on the knuckle area and at least in part on the first phalanges area.

[0043] The cushioning element 5 is of ductile material, capable of generating shapes which adapt to the hand: the main possibilities are printed perforated rubber or injected gel. The printed perforated rubber forms a massive mesh, designed as shockproof swelling for synthetic fabrics. The alveolar structure allows the material to be resistant and at the same time flexible, able to absorb medium intensity shocks. The gel is a directly printed elastic material, usually used as a swelling between two layers of fabric. Thanks to the composition and incompressibility thereof it is able to absorb medium intensity shocks.

[0044] In the embodiments of the further figures, the strengthening means comprise a central element 3, which can be made of different materials including, without excluding others, nylon, elastane, polyester or leather, fastened to the main body in the back area of the hand.

[0045] In figures 2 to 7, the central element 3 is cross-shaped with two front branches diverging towards the fingers and two rear branches diverging towards the wrist to form an X.

[0046] In this case the central element 3 is a single element.

[0047] To prepare the glove in the worn condition, the steps illustrated in figures 4 to 7 are performed.

[0048] As shown in figure 4, the central element 3 with a single-component cross is applied to the glove shown in figure 1. The central element 3 overlaps the collateral elements 2 at least in part. The central element 3 is provided with a traction flap 30 towards the wrist.

[0049] The central element 3 is provided with means for engaging with the palm area of the hand. Such engagement means can be of any type, in the embodiment illustrated in the figure they are retaining bands 37 and 38, connected to the ends of the central element 3 and adapted to be positioned in the palm area of the hand. The palm area is also intended as the wrist area adjacent to the palm.

[0050] A wristband is provided for fastening the glove to the wrist, which wristband consists of a closing band 4 which can be wrapped around the wrist and provided with removable fastening means in the closing condition, such as a buckle or a system with loops and hooks.

[0051] The traction flap 30 is adapted to be subjected to the closing band 4 in the closing condition thereof. The traction flap 30 is then subjected to traction to correctly position the central element 3 on the back of the hand as illustrated in figure 6 and is then positioned below the closing band, which is closed on the wrist. The proper positioning of the central element 3 is also ensured by the protection element 31, which acts as an abutment for the central element 3.

[0052] The traction flap 30 in the closing condition of the wristband exits from below the closing band 4 for an end portion of length such as to be folded above the band 4 itself.

[0053] The end portion of the traction flap 30 and the band 4 are provided with removable mutual engagement means in a folded condition of said traction flap 30, illustrated in figure 7, in order to be able to securely fasten the entire set in the correct condition. The mutual engagement means are preferably a loop and hook system 35 and 36, but may be of any type, e.g., a buckle, a clip buckle, a snap button, or the like.

[0054] In the embodiment of figures 8 to 13, the central element 3 consists of two curved elements 33 and 34. Such elements 33 and 34 are separated from each other and mutually engaged in a common central area.

[0055] The elements 33 and 34 can be rigid as in the case of the central element 3 with a single-component cross. Alternatively, the elements 33 and 34 are flexible, in particular consisting of elastic bands, and take a curved shape only once they are mutually engaged.

[0056] The engagement means with the palm area may comprise a band 37 as in the embodiment of figure 5, while the band 38 preferably consists of two flaps, as illustrated in figure 11. This configuration allows to apply a traction by means of the two flaps of the band 38 on the two curved elements 33 and 34 towards the mutual engagement condition thereof.

[0057] The closure of the glove of figures 12 and 13 follows exactly what is illustrated in figures 6 and 7, with the traction flap 30 exiting from below the closing band 4 and folding thereon. In the embodiment of figures 12 and 13, the band 4 is closed by a semi-rigid buckle.

[0058] A third embodiment is illustrated in figures 14 to 18.

[0059] In this case, the central element is provided with at least three coupling ends 39 to three respective areas between the fingers. This configuration recalls the intrafinger portions of the classical wrapping known in the art, as described in the beginning, and is intended to best position the cushioning element 5.

[0060] Furthermore, the wristband 4 is at least twice the circumference of the wrist so that in the closing condition it performs a first wrist locking wrapping and a second locking wrapping of the collateral elements 2 and the central element 3.

[0061] Thereby, for the preparation of the glove in the worn condition it is necessary to:

• Fasten the closing band 4 on the front side of the wrist, as shown in figure 14;
• Wrap the closing band 4 around the wrist a first time, as shown in figure 15;
• Pull the elements 2 and 3 on the back of the hand to ensure the desired stiffness of the hand and fasten them to the wristband 4, as illustrated in figure 16;
• Wrap the closing band 4 again to finish wrapping the wrist, as illustrated in figures 17 and 18.

[0062] The glove object of the present invention, based on the features described above and claimed below, allows to put the hand in a safe and protected condition in a short time, regardless of whether the fighter wears outer gloves or not.

Claims

1. Glove or inner glove for martial arts comprising a main body in fabric and strengthening means,
characterized in that
the strengthening means comprise rigid collateral elongated elements (2), which collateral elements (2) are fastened to the main body in the back area of the hand in opposite lateral positions with respect to the axis of the forearm and extend towards the wrist such that they are adapted to prevent the rotation of the wrist.

2. Glove according to claim 1, wherein the strengthening means comprise a central element (3), fastened to the main body in the back area of the hand.

3. Glove according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said central element (3) is cross-shaped with two front branches diverging towards the fingers and two rear branches diverging towards the wrist to form an X.

4. Glove according to claim 3, wherein said central element (3) is a single element.

5. Glove according to claim 3, wherein said central element (3) consists of two curved elements (33, 34) separated from each other and mutually engaged in a common central area.

6. Glove according to claim 3, wherein said central element (3) is provided with engagement means (37, 38) for engaging with the palm area of the hand.

7. Glove according to claim 3, wherein said central element (3) is provided with a traction flap (30) towards the wrist.

8. Glove according to claim 7, wherein a wristband for fastening the glove to the wrist is provided, which wristband consists of a closing band (4) which can be wrapped around the wrist and is provided with removable fastening means in the closing condition.

9. Glove according to claim 8, wherein said traction flap (30) is adapted to be subjected to the closing band (4) in the closing condition of said band (4) and to exit from such band (4) for an end portion of such length as to be folded above the band (4) itself, the end portion of the traction flap (30) and the band (4) being provided with removable mutual engagement means in the folded condition of said traction flap (30).

10. Glove according to claim 2, wherein the central element (3) is provided with at least one coupling end (39) to the at least one area between the fingers.

11. Glove according to claim 8, wherein said wristband consists of a band (4) at least twice the circumference of the wrist such that in the closing condition it performs a first locking wrapping of the wrist and a second locking wrapping of said collateral elements (2) and of said central element (3).

12. Glove according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the strengthening means comprise a cushioning element (5) on the knuckle area and at least partially on the first phalanges area.

Drawing