Cold weather sports glove

Abstract

A sports glove includes a glove and a pouch. The glove is adapted to be worn on a first hand of a player, the glove having an inner portion and an outer portion. The pouch is attached to the outer portion of the glove and comprises an outer layer having a peripheral edge and being constructed of rugged but flexible material, and at least one inner layer having a peripheral edge and being constructed of an insulating material. The outer layer and the at least one inner layer are attached to the outer portion of the glove along at least a portion of their corresponding peripheral edges so as to thereby define an opening between the pouch and the glove such that the opening is oriented and sized to receive a second hand of the player while the glove is worn on the first hand of the player.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a sports glove, and more particularly, to a sports glove for use during cold weather.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of Related Art

[0005] Baseball and softball have become year-round sports. Last year, the United States professional baseball season lasted from April until November. On November 4, 2009, the final game of the 2009 World Series was played in New York City. The temperature that night was forty-one (41) degrees. Baseball and softball teams around the country are increasingly playing "Fall ball," which may last throughout the majority of the winter, as well as individual tournaments that could be played at anytime during the year. In cold weather climates, it is not uncommon to see teams playing in temperatures that dip below freezing.

[0006] Because of the year round nature of these sports, it has become increasingly important for players to have equipment that will keep them warm in cold weather, yet still allow them to play their sport at their maximum ability. In particular, a baseball or softball player who is playing defense currently has no way to keep his or her throwing hand (non-glove hand) warm while maintaining complete tactile sensitivity so as to maximize capabilities. Such a player cannot wear a glove on their throwing hand because he or she must immediately be able to remove a caught ball from the baseball or softball glove and throw it to another player with speed and control. This throw will usually need to be made as fast as possible. A fast throw requires that the player be able to grip the ball securely with the player's throwing hand. A player wearing a glove of any variety on his or her throwing hand will not be able to remove and throw the ball with as much control as a player who is not wearing a glove.

[0007] The necessity of keeping a defensive ballplayer's throwing hand glove-free requires cold weather players to constantly struggle to keep their throwing hand warm. Players are often seen placing their hands under their arms, in their pants, or breathing on their fingers in a futile effort to keep their hands warm during times when they are not actively participating in the game (i.e., waiting on a ball to be hit in their direction). Therefore, there is a need for a sports glove that includes an attachment to a standard baseball or softball glove for players who play during winter or in cold climates, with which players can warmly store their throwing hands while not actively participating. This will allow players to keep their throwing hands warm and unexposed to the cold air of the playing field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, the primary object of the invention is to provide a warm, easy to reach pouch for players to store their throwing hands while not directly participating in the play of the game. A secondary object of the invention is to provide such a warm pouch while allowing the player to easily and quickly remove his or her hand from the pouch in order to participate in the game (i.e., to catch and throw a ball that is hit in his or her direction).

[0009] These objects are accomplished by providing a pouch of varying sizes, depending on the throwing hand size of the player, that is removably or permanently attached to the outside of the player's baseball or softball glove, directly to the section of the glove that would house the player's finger. The pouch includes an opening that faces towards the end of the finger section of the baseball or softball glove such that the player can insert his or her throwing hand into the pouch while the glove is being worn on the non-throwing hand of the player. This enables the player to place his or her throwing hand into the pouch and rest it there securely and warmly such that the throwing hand is protected from the environment.

[0010] While playing defense in the outfield or infield, baseball and softball players commonly stand with their throwing hands resting inside of their baseball or softball glove, in the location where the ball is normally caught, otherwise known as the "sweet spot" of the glove. This is generally recognized in the sport as a comfortable position to rest one's throwing hand. The invention will provide a comfortable place for a player to rest his or her hands on the outside of the glove, rather than in the sweet spot. This position mimics the position where a player would normally place his or her hands, (in the sweet spot) but simultaneously allows him or her to keep the hand warm and comfortable. Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the outside of a sports glove including a pouch constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a differing perspective view of the sports glove showing the inside of the glove, wherein the sports glove includes the pouch in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outside of the sports glove, wherein the pouch includes an ornamental design as constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIG. 1, shown therein is one embodiment of the sports glove 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The sports glove 10 includes a glove 12 and a pouch 14, wherein the glove 12 includes in inner portion and an outer portion. The pouch 14 is attached to the outer portion of the glove 12. The glove 12 shown in FIG. 1 is generally understood to be a baseball glove, a softball glove, or the like. The glove 12 can be constructed of a variety of material, including, but not limited to leather, cloth, nylon, and the like. However, the glove 12 shown in FIG. 1 is provided as an example only and it is to be understood that any sporting glove which requires the player to keep the non-throwing hand in the glove and maintain a throwing hand free, i.e., not gloved, so as to handle or throw a ball is considered within the scope of the present invention. As such gloves are readily known in the art, no further description is deemed necessary.

[0015] The pouch 14 includes an opening 16 that is adapted and positioned so as to receive the throwing hand of a player (not shown). More particularly, the opening 16 is sized so as to comfortably receive a throwing hand of a player and yet permit the player to quickly withdraw the throwing hand from the pouch 14 when, for example, the ball is hit in their direction without hindrance or obstruction. The pouch 14 is connected to the glove 12 and positioned/oriented such that the opening 16 is generally facing the end of the glove 12 so that the player can insert the throwing hand into the pouch 14, via the opening 16, while the glove 12 is being worn on the non-throwing hand of the player. In particular, the pouch 14 is positioned on the outside of the glove 12 wherein the opening 16 is oriented opposite to the position of the portion of the glove 12 adapted to receive the non-throwing hand of the player. Such positioning and sizing of the pouch 14 permits the player to quickly insert, and remove his or her hand from the pouch 14 when the throwing hand is needed and yet keep the throwing hand warm so as to maximize tactile sensation during the sporting event. All of this can be done while the player is wearing the glove 12, i.e., the non-throwing hand is inserted in the glove 12.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the pouch 14 includes a first layer 18 (also referred to as an outer layer or top layer) constructed of a rugged material that is also flexible and a second layer 20 (also referred to as an inner layer or bottom layer) constructed of a soft, insulating material. The first layer 18 can be constructed of such materials as leather, nylon, and the like. The first layer 18 can also be constructed of a material that is waterproof, or otherwise water resistant. This will allow the pouch 14 to withstand the rigors of a baseball or softball game, while keeping the soft, warm inside of the pouch 14 protected against damage and the elements. This will also allow the pouch 14 to retain its general shape, but be flexible enough not to be damaged if struck or bent in any way. That is, it is to be understood that the pouch 14, being constructed of the rugged material forming the first layer 18, is flexible enough such that it does not interfere with the functionality of the glove 12.

[0017] The second layer 20 can be constructed of any material that forms an insulating layer to thereby protect the throwing hand of the player when inserted therein. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, felt, wool, fur, cotton, and the like. This material will have a low coefficient of friction allowing the player to immediately remove his or her hand when necessary.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment, the first layer 18 and the second layer 20 are similarly sized and shaped so as to substantially correspond with each other to thereby form the pouch 14. The first layer 18 and the second layer 20 are attached together to thereby form the pouch 14 using any known methods in the art. For example, the second layer 20 can secured inside the first layer 18 by stitching, adhesives, and the like.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, the first and second layers 18 and 20 are formed of single sheets of material that can be permanently attached together and to the glove 12, as is described in more detail below. Alternatively, the first and second layers 18 and 20 can be formed of materials that are generally enclosed except for the opening 16. It is to be understood that a variety of configurations of the pouch 14 are considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Although the pouch 14 is described as having the first and second layers 18 and 20, it is to be understood that a plurality of intermediate layers (not shown) can also be included in the pouch 14 and positioned between the first and second layers 18 and 20 in order to enhance the thermal insulating capabilities of the pouch 14. The plurality of intermediate layers can be constructed of similar material to the first and second layers 18 and 20 or of other materials known in the art.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, chemical hand warmers are often used by individuals engaging in sporting or hunting events in cold climates. Therefore, the pouch 14 can also include a second pouch 22 (shown in relief in FIG. 1) that can be positioned inside the pouch 14 which is be sized and positioned so as to receive and house a chemical hand warmer. In a preferred embodiment, the second pouch 22 can be formed of a material attached to the second layer 20. Alternatively, pouch 14 can include a closable opening between the first and second layers 18 and 20 such that the layers can be temporarily opened to insert or remove the chemical hand warmer. In this instance, the opening of the second pouch 22 can be secured using, for example, Velcro®, magnets, zipper, and the like.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, the pouch 14 can be either fixedly attached or removably attached to the glove 12. When fixedly attached to the glove 12, the pouch 14 can be attached to the glove 12 using known methods in the art to secure or attach the pouch 14 to the glove 12 wherein the pouch 14 cannot be readily removed. For example, the pouch 14 can be attached to the glove 12 via stitches, adhesives, and the like. In this embodiment, the pouch 14 can be permanently attached to the glove 12 during construction of the glove 12 or post-construction.

[0023] In another embodiment wherein the pouch 14 is fixedly or otherwise permanently attached to the glove 12, the first and second layers 18 and 20 can be formed of single layers of material layered together which are then attached to the glove 12 along at least a portion of their peripheral edges. The remaining portions of their peripheral edges, i.e., the portions of the peripheral edges not attached to the glove 12, operate to thereby define the opening 16, discussed above.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the pouch 14 can be attached to the glove 12 such that the pouch 14 can be readily removed therefrom. As would be understood in the art, the pouch 14 can be removably attached to the glove 12 using a variety of known techniques. As one example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pouch 14 includes a plurality of straps 24 positioned along the peripheral edges thereof which can be used to temporarily secure the pouch 14 to the glove 12. That is, gloves 12 are typically constructed to include a plurality of fingers 26 which are adapted to receive the fingers of the non-throwing hand of the player. The straps 24 can be laced between the fingers 26 to thereby removably secure the pouch 14 to the glove 12. The straps 24 can be constructed of Velcro® material so that they can be secured to the fingers 26, as shown in FIG. 2. The straps 24 can also be constructed of material which can be tied together to thereby secure the pouch 14 to the glove 12. Additionally, it is to be understood that a variety of other methods of securing the pouch 14 to the glove 12 are considered within the scope of the present invention. Although four of the straps 24 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is to be understood that any number of straps 24 can used in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the pouch 14 can also be removably secured to the glove 12 using Velcro®. That is, outer surface of the fingers 26 can include a first side of the Velcro® permanently attached thereto whereas an inside of the pouch 14 can include the second side of the Velcro®. As would be understood in the art, the pouch 14 can be readily attached and removed from the glove 12 using the Velcro®.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown therein is yet another aspect of the invention wherein the pouch 14 can include an ornamental design 30. In this aspect, the pouch 14 can be constructed to include any number of ornamental designs, either permanently attached or removably attached, so as to reflect the preferences of the player.

[0027] In use, the player inserts the non-throwing hand into the glove 12 and uses the throwing hand to handle, e.g., throw, the ball when the ball is in play. When the ball is not in play, e.g., during a time-out or while waiting on a new batter to prepare, the player inserts their throwing hand into the pouch 14 to thereby protect the throwing hand from the elements. As discussed above, the pouch 14 includes the second layer 20 made of material which is adapted to enable the player to readily remove the throwing hand from the pouch 14 when needed.

Claims

1. A sports glove adapted to be used by a player during cold weather, the sports glove comprising: a glove adapted to be worn on a first hand of a player, the glove having an inner portion and an outer portion; and a pouch attached to the outer portion of the glove, the pouch further comprising, an outer layer having a peripheral edge wherein the outer layer is constructed of rugged but flexible material, and at least one inner layer having a peripheral edge wherein the at least one inner layer is constructed of an insulating material, wherein the outer layer and the at least one inner layer are attached to the outer portion of the glove along at least a portion of their corresponding peripheral edges so as to thereby define an opening between the pouch and the glove such that the opening is oriented and sized to receive a second hand of the player while the glove is worn on the first hand of the player.

2. The sports glove of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is selected from the group consisting of leather, nylon, and micro-fiber materials.

3. The sports glove of claim 1 wherein the pouch further comprises an elastic member positioned along at least a portion of the peripheral edges of the outer layer and at least one inner layer that is not attached to the glove.

4. The sports glove of claim 1, wherein the pouch is removably attached to the glove.

5. The sports glove of claim 1 wherein the pouch is permanently attached to the glove.

6. The sports glove of claim 1 wherein the pouch further comprises a second inner pouch adapted to receive chemical hand warmers.

7. A sports glove adapted to be used by a player during cold weather, the sports glove comprising: a glove adapted to be worn on a first hand of a player, the glove having an inner portion and an outer portion; and a pouch attached to the outer portion of the glove, the pouch further comprising, at least one inner layer pouch constructed of an insulating material, the inner layer pouch including a first sidewall and a second sidewall wherein the first and second sidewalls are attached along at least a portion of their peripheral edges and not attached along the remaining portion of their peripheral edges so as to thereby define an opening, wherein the inner layer pouch is sized so as to receive a second hand of the player; an outer layer pouch constructed of rugged but flexible material, the outer layer pouch including a first sidewall and a second sidewall wherein the first and second sidewalls are attached along a portion of their peripheral edges and not attached along the remaining portion of their peripheral edges so as to thereby define an opening, wherein the outer layer pouch is adapted to receive the at least one inner layer pouch to thereby form the pouch; and one or more securing straps adapted to attach the pouch to the glove, wherein the pouch, when attached to the outer portion of the glove, is oriented to receive the second hand of the player while the glove is worn on the first hand of the player.

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