AU2015101825A4 - A Sports Accessory - Google Patents

Abstract

A protective sports accessory for protecting a hand of a user when forming a fist for striking includes a wrist wrap for strapping around a wrist of the user. The accessory included a finger grip that is capable of being gripped with fingers doubled into a palm when forming the fist. At least one tensioning member extends between the wrist wrap and the finger grip, the wrist strap, the finger grip and the at least one tensioning member are configured so that, when the fist is formed, relative movement of the wrist wrap and the finger grip causes tensioning of the tensioning member in a manner that facilitates stabilization of at least carpal and metacarpal bones of the user.

Description

1 A SPORTS ACCESSORY FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] Various exemplary embodiments of a protective sports accessory for protecting a hand and wrist of a user are described herein. SUMMARY [0002] Various exemplary embodiments of a protective sports accessory for protecting a hand and wrist of a user when forming a fist for striking include: a wrist strap for strapping around a wrist of the user; a finger grip that is capable of being gripped with fingers doubled into a palm when forming the fist; and at least one tensioning member that extends between the wrist wrap and the finger grip, the wrist strap, the finger grip and the at least one tensioning member being configured so that, when the fist is formed, relative movement of the wrist wrap and the finger grip causes tensioning of the tensioning member in a manner that facilitates stabilization of at least carpal and metacarpal bones of the user. [0003] The wrist strap may have a securing arrangement so that the strap can be wrapped around a wrist of the user and secured in position. The wrist strap may be configured to be wrapped around the wrist to provide a stabilizing effect to the wrist and to inhibit excessive movement of carpal bones. [0004] The finger grip may include an elongated grip strap having an elongated intermediate grip portion for gripping with fingers doubled into the palm when forming the fist. The grip strap may include a securing arrangement for securing the grip strap in position for gripping of the intermediate grip portion. The grip strap may be configured for wrapping around knuckles of the hand to facilitate stabilization of the metacarpal bones, the phalanges and soft tissue associated with those bones. [0005] The grip strap and the securing arrangement may be configured so that part of the grip strap extends over knuckles of the hand when the grip strap is secured in position for gripping of the intermediate grip portion.

2 [0006] The at least one tensioning member may include a plurality of elongated tensioning straps that are attached, at one end, adjacent to each other and to a portion of the wrist strap that extends over the wrist when the wrist strap is secured in position. [0007] The plurality of elongated tensioning straps may extend from the wrist strap through respective sleeves on that portion of the grip strap that extends over the knuckles of the hand to meet with the intermediate grip portion of the grip strap, so as to form a series of adjacent openings between the grip strap and the tensioning straps through which fingers of the hand are passed, in use. [0008] The plurality of elongated tensioning straps may include end loops at their ends that meet with the intermediate grip portion and through which the intermediate grip portion is laced. [0009] The sleeves may be operatively positioned underneath that portion of the grip strap that extends over the knuckles and the end loops at the ends of the tension straps may be formed to allow relative movement of the tensioning straps so that the tensioning straps may settle and conform to spacing of the fingers relative to each other when fingers of the hand are passed through the series of adjacent openings between the grip strap and the tensioning straps. [0010] Various exemplary embodiments of a protective sports accessory for protecting a hand and wrist of a user when punching include: a wrist strap for strapping around a wrist of the user; a knuckle strap for strapping around knuckles of the user and capable of being gripped with fingers doubled into a palm when forming a fist, the knuckle strap having an inner portion for extending across an inside of the hand and an outer portion for extending across a back of the hand so that, when tightened, the knuckle strap is capable of urging the knuckles together; a number of finger tabs that interconnect the inner and outer portions to define, together with the knuckle strap, openings through which respective fingers can be received; and a connector that interconnects the wrist wrap and the knuckle strap. [0011] The finger tabs may be arranged on the at least one of the inner and outer portions in an adjustable manner so that a size of the openings adjust to suit the user when fingers are inserted through the openings. [0012] Various exemplary embodiments of a protective sports accessory for protecting a hand and wrist of a user when punching include: 3 a knuckle strap for strapping around knuckles of the user and capable of being gripped with fingers doubled into a palm when forming a fist, the knuckle strap having an inner portion for extending across an inside of the hand and an outer portion for extending across a back of the hand so that, when tightened, the knuckle strap is capable of urging the knuckles together; and a number of finger tabs that interconnect the inner and outer portions to define, together with the knuckle strap, openings through which respective fingers can be received; DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic drawing of a protective sports accessory, in three dimensional view seen from above, for protecting a hand of a user when forming a fist for striking that is partially folded for use. [0014] Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic drawing of the protective sports accessory in Figure 1, in three-dimensional view seen from below. [0015] Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic drawing of the protective sports accessory in top plan view when unfolded. [0016] Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic drawing of the protective sports accessory in Figure 3 in bottom plan view. [0017] Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic drawing, from above, of the protective sports accessory in Figure 1, partially fitted on a hand of a user. [0018] Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic drawing, from below, of the protective sports accessory in Figure 2, partially fitted on a hand of a user. [0019] Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic drawing, from above, of the protective sports accessory in the above Figures, in use, fitted to a hand of user. [0020] Figure 8 shows a template for forming a finger grip of the accessory in Figure 1. [0021] Figure 9 shows a top or upper side of the completed finger grip when formed with the template of figure 8. [0022] Figure 10 shows a bottom or underside of the completed finger grip when formed with the template of figure 8. [0023] Figure 11 shows tensioning members of the accessory of Figure 1.

4 [0024] Figure 12 shows a wrist strap of the accessory of Figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0025] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally refers to an exemplary embodiment of a protective sports accessory for protecting a hand of a user when forming a fist for striking. [0026] Broadly, the sports accessory 10 includes a wrist strap, generally indicated by reference numeral 12, which can fit snugly around a wrist of the user, when strapped to the wrist, and a finger grip, generally indicated by reference numeral 14, which is capable of being gripped with fingers doubled into the palm when forming the fist. The sports accessory 10 further includes at least one connector or tensioning member, generally indicated by reference numeral 16, which extends between and interconnects the wrist wrap 12 and the finger grip 14. In use, the tensioning member 16 extends substantially taut over a back of the hand, so that, when the fist is formed, relative movement of the wrist wrap 12 and the finger grip 14 causes tensioning of the tensioning member in manner that facilitates stabilization of at least carpal and metacarpal bones of the hand. This can protect those bones from damage, which can result from repetitive punching, for example. [0027] The wrist wrap 12 includes one elongated rectangular wrist strap portion 18 and another elongated rectangular wrist strap portion 20 that extend away from each other at relatively offset positions from a rectangular central wrist strap portion 22 (Figure 3). The portions 18, 20 and 22 are of cotton twill fabric. Other materials may be suitable, however. [0028] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the wrist strap 12 includes a securing arrangement in the form of a hook and loop fastener having one part of the hook and loop fastener 24 fastened to, and overlying an obverse surface of the central wrist strap portion 22 and part of the wrist strap portions 18 and 20 adjacent the central wrist strap portion 22. The other part of the hook and loop fastener 26 is fastened to and overlays part of a reverse surface of the free end portions of the wrist strap portions 18 and 20. [0029] The finger grip 14 is in the form an elongated grip strap or knuckle strap having an elongated rectangular intermediate grip portion 28 and two relatively wider grip strap end portions 30 and 32. The grip strap 14 also includes a securing arrangement in the form of a hook and loop fastener in which one part of the hook and loop fastener 34 overlies an obverse surface of the one wider grip strap end portion 30 and the other part of the hook and loop fastener 36 overlies an obverse surface of the other wider grip strap end portion 32.

5 [0030] Further, the grip strap 14 defines a rectangular aperture or eye 38 adjacent an end of the wider grip strap end portion 30. [0031] The at least one tensioning member 16 includes three tensioning straps 40, 42, and 44 (Figure 3), that are attached with their one ends adjacent each other to the central wrist strap portion 22. The tensioning straps 40, 42, and 44 extend from the central wrist strap portion 22 through respective adjacent sleeves 46, 48, and 50 that are provided underneath the wider grip strap end portion 30. [0032] The tensioning straps 40, 42, and 44, include end loops 52, 54, and 56, at their free ends, respectively. [0033] Generally, the wrist strap 12, grip strap 14, tensioning straps 16, and sleeves 46, 48, and 50 are formed from a flexible textile material, such as cotton twill fabric, that is shaped and stitched together to form the sports accessory 10, as described further below. [0034] In use, the sports accessory 10 is fitted to a hand of a user by lacing the wider grip strap end portion 32 through the end loops 52, 54, 56 of the tensioning straps 40, 42, 44, and through the rectangular eye 38 to form the configuration as shown for example in Figure 1. [0035] When the sports accessory 10 is configured as shown in Figure 1, the accessory 10 has finger tabs that define a series of four adjacent openings 60 through which fingers of the hand pass as shown in Figure 5 with the wider grip strap end portion 30 covering the knuckles of the hand. The grip strap 14 can then be pulled and tightened around the hand and the grip strap 14 is doubled back onto itself (see arrow 62) around the hand so that the wider grip strap end portions 30 and 32 attach to each other with the hook and loop fasteners 34, 36, as shown in Figure 7. [0036] The wrist strap portions 18 and 20 are then folded, see arrow 64 and 66, to wrap around the wrist and secured in position with the hook and loop fasteners 24, 26 as shown in Figure 7. [0037] When the intermediate grip portion 28 is laced through the end loops 52, 54, 56 of the tensioning straps 40, 42, 44, then those end loops 52, 54, 56 can slide along the intermediate grip portion 28. Also, the sleeves 46, 48, and 50 are such that their through passages provide some play for the tensioning straps 40, 42, 44, when passed through the sleeves 46, 48, and 50 which allow for some lateral movement of the tensioning straps 40, 42, 44 inside the sleeves. It follows that the tensioning straps 40, 42, 44 can move relative to each other which 6 enables the tensioning straps 40, 42, 44 to settle between fingers of a hand so as to conform to the spacing between fingers, so accommodating differently sized fingers. [0038] The tensioning strips 40, 42, 44 have lengths that cause the tensioning straps 40, 42, 44 to be substantially taut over the backside of the hand. Thus, when the fist is formed, the relative displacement of the intermediate grip strap 14 and the wrist strap 12 causes the tensioning straps 40, 42, 44 to tension. This facilitates stabilization of at least carpal and metacarpal bones. The tension can result in the metacarpal bones being urged towards the carpal bones to provide a protective effect to those bones and the soft tissue associated with those bones. This can reduce the risk of injury to the hand when striking with the hand formed as a fist. This also serves to reduce the risk of injury as a result of repetitive striking or punching, for example when the user is training with a boxing bag. [0039] The sports accessory 10 is also useful in having a wrist strap 12 that wraps around the wrist and that reduces the risk of injury to the wrist when striking with the hand formed as a fist. [0040] Further, the grip strap 14, in particular the wide grip strap end portions 30, 34 fit over knuckles of the hand, and that can also reduce the risk of injury to the metacarpal bones, the knuckles and the phalanges when striking with the hand formed as a fist. When the grip or knuckle strap 14 is wrapped around the knuckles, the grip strap 14 can serve to stabilize the metacarpal bones, the phalanges and the soft tissue associated with those bones. [0041] In Figure 8, reference numeral 60 generally indicates a template that is used for the fabrication of the grip strap or knuckle strap 14. As such, the template 60 is cut as shown in Figure 8 so that it defines tabs 62 that are folded inwardly and stitched to reinforce the edges of the template 60 before the template 60 is folded over a fold line 64 to form the knuckle strap 14, as shown in figures 9 and 10. [0042] Thus, the template 60 has two substantially identical halves 66 that are stitched together along lines 68. Prior to folding the halves 66 together, a batting material can be positioned in an area indicated by reference numeral 70 to provide extra padding for the knuckles. The batting material can be a polyester fabric. [0043] An area 72 is covered by buttonhole support material, for example, cotton twill band material to reinforce the aperture or eye 38. [0044] The sleeves 46, 48 and 50 are defined by a strip of material that is stitched onto the portion 30. The strip of material can be of a cotton drill material, for example.

7 [0045] The tensioning straps 40, 42, 44 can be of a number of suitable materials, one of which can be a cotton drill material. Free ends of the straps 40, 42, 44 can be folded over and stitched to form the end loops 52, 54, 56. [0046] The purpose of a hand wrap or a wrist wrap is to protect the hand and wrist against injuries induced by punching, particularly repetitive punching as may occur during training or during an extended combat or sparring session. The hand wrap protects against a number of different types of injuries that are familiar to most boxers and other combat sportsmen. For example, it can support the wrist joint to keep it aligned during impact. Properly used, a hand wrap can reduce the chance of a sprain or fracture. It can also reduce the likelihood of a fracture of one of the metacarpal bones which is known as a "boxer's fracture". The hand and wrist wraps are used to compress the bones and tissues in the hand to reduce the injuries mentioned above. The hand and wrist straps also serve to limit relative movement of the wrist and the hand during striking to provide stabilization. In some cases, they can also provide a user with confidence to strike with greater force. [0047] A problem with conventional hand and wrist wraps is that they can take quite some time to wrap. It is usual that it can take up to 10 minutes to wrap the hands properly. This can be particularly inconvenient, for example, when a user simply wants to train or spar in a relatively short time. [0048] The accessory 10 provides a means whereby a user can achieve a significant level of protection to the hand and wrist without the need to spend the time wrapping the hand and wrist. It is clear from the drawings that the user can simply insert his or her fingers through the openings and then fasten the straps. This would take less than half a minute per hand. It follows that users would be more likely to take steps to protect their hands and wrists during training, for example, when training on a heavy bag. It is unlikely that users, particularly recreational boxers and martial artists would take the time to use conventional strapping or wrapping before regular workouts such as sparring and bag work. It follows that the accessory 10 can play a significant role in the reduction of injuries to the hands and wrists as a result of training. [0049] It is envisaged that exemplary embodiments of a protective sports accessory can include the knuckle strap 14 for strapping around the knuckles of the user and capable of being grouped with fingers doubled into a palm when forming a first. The knuckle strap 14 has an inner portion which is the intermediate grip portion 28 for extending across an inside of the hand and an outer portion which can comprise the components numbered 30 and 32 for extending across the back of the hand so that when the knuckle strap 14 is tightened, in the 8 manner described above, the knuckle strap is capable of urging the knuckles together to provide the protective effect described above. [0050] The appended claims are to be considered as incorporated into the above description. [0051] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. [0052] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. [0053] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [0054] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. [0055] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by 9 context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. [0056] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. [0057] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. [0058] Words indicating direction or orientation, such as "front", "rear", "back", etc, are used for convenience. The inventor(s) envisages that various embodiments can be used in a non operative configuration, such as when presented for sale. Thus, such words are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

10 [0059] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (5)

1. A protective sports accessory for protecting a hand of a user when forming a fist for striking, the protective sports accessory including: a wrist wrap for strapping around a wrist of the user; a finger grip that is capable of being gripped with fingers doubled into a palm when forming the fist; and at least one tensioning member that extends between the wrist wrap and the finger grip, the wrist strap, the finger grip and the at least one tensioning member being configured so that, when the fist is formed, relative movement of the wrist wrap and the finger grip causes tensioning of the tensioning member in a manner that facilitates stabilization of at least carpal and metacarpal bones of the user.

2. A protective sports accessory as claimed in claim 1, in which the wrist wrap includes an elongated wrist strap that has a securing arrangement for wrapping around a wrist of the user and for securing the wrist strap in position when wrapped around the wrist of the user.

3. A protective sports accessory as claimed in claim 2, in which the finger grip includes an elongated grip strap having an elongated intermediate grip portion for gripping with fingers doubled into the palm when forming the fist and includes a securing arrangement for securing the grip strap in position for gripping of the intermediate strap portion.

4. A protective sports accessory as claimed in claim 3, in which the at least one tensioning member includes a plurality of elongated tensioning straps that are attached at one end, adjacent to each other and to a portion of the wrist strap that extends over the wrist when the wrist strap is secured in position, and in which the elongated tensioning straps extend from the wrist strap through respective sleeves on that portion of the grip strap that extends over the knuckles of the hand to meet with the intermediate grip portion of the grip strap, so as to form a series of adjacent openings between the grip strap and the tensioning straps through which fingers of the hand are passed, in use.

5. A protective sports accessory as claimed in claim 4, in which the plurality of elongated tensioning straps include end loops at their ends that meet with the intermediate grip portion through which the intermediate grip portion is laced, and in which the sleeves and the end loops are formed to allow relative movement of the 12 tensioning straps so that the tensioning straps can settle and conform to spacing of the fingers relative to each other when fingers of the hand are passed through the series of adjacent openings between the grip strap and the tensioning straps.