GB2451531A

GB2451531A - Protective glove

Info

Publication number: GB2451531A
Application number: GB0801138A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Robert Andrew Bradley; Peter Donald Mcglashan
Original assignee: AERO SPORTS PROT Ltd
Current assignee: AERO SPORTS PROT Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-02
Filing date: 2008-01-22
Publication date: 2009-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2028-01-22
Also published as: GB2451531B; AU2008202769A1; AU2008202769B2; ZA200805733B; GB0801138D0; NZ560293A

Abstract

A glove has an inner glove 3 for receiving a user's hand and a reverse surface 35. Protective padding 15 extends over at least a portion of the reverse surface. The protective padding is attached to the inner glove at discrete locations such that as the finger portions extend from a flexed position the protective padding moves away from the reverse surfaces of the finger portions of the inner glove to create or enlarge air passages between the protective padding and the reverse surfaces.

Description

1 2451531

PROTECTIVE GLOVE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to protective gear and more particularly but not exclusively to a protective glove intended to be worn by a batsman playing the game of cricket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the game of cricket a batsman will wear a variety of protective gear including protective gloves. The game of cricket is normally played in the summer months where hot weather conditions are normal and the batsman's hands will get hot and sweaty. Over the years, the protective glove has changed very little. While still performing a protective function the protective gloves remain uncomfortable to wear in these summer conditions and the palm surface can become slippery due to perspiration making it difficult to control the bat. The uncontrollable spinning of the bat when hitting the ball reduces the accuracy of directing the ball, also the distance the ball will travel after being hit. It is therefore more tiring for the wrist and forearm muscles to hold the bat.

Also, the longevity of the protective glove is reduced by the salt in sweat hardening the palm material and also by abrasion from the material on the cricket bat handle. There is also the possibility that known hand protector constructions do not entirely provide the level of protection which is required in the modern game.

Gloves with protective padding and ventilation are described in US 6,085,354;JP 08188908; US 2007/0017002; and US 5,966,739.

There is thus an opportunity to provide a protective glove which provides an improvement in one or more of the areas of comfort, protection, ball control, and durability performance for the wearer. It is thus an object of at least preferred forms of the present invention to achieve such an improvement, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

In a first aspect, the invention broadly consists in a glove comprising: an inner glove for receiving a user's hand and having finger portions with reverse surfaces; and protective padding extending over at least a portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions; wherein the protective padding is attached to the inner glove at discrete locations such that as the finger portions extend from a flexed position the protective padding moves away from at least some of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions of the inner glove to create or enlarge air passages between the protective padding and the reverse surfaces.

Preferably, the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions of the inner glove. Preferably, the inner glove further comprises a hand portion and the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surface of the hand portion of the inner glove. Preferably, the protective padding is configured to move away form the reverse surface of the hand portion of the inner glove as the finger portions extend from a flexed position, to create or enlarge air passages between the protective padding and the reverse surface of the hand portion. Preferably, the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surface of the inner glove.

Preferably, the glove comprises a single piece of protective padding extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion and extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions. The single piece of protective padding may either be a single layer or made up of multiple layers bonded together.

The protective padding is preferably attached to the inner glove at discrete locations.

Preferably, the protective padding has shaped portions that substantially correspond to the shape of a user's fingers when in an at least partially flexed position. More preferably, the shaped portions have a curved profile when viewed from the side of the glove. In a preferred form, the protective padding is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the shape of the user's hand when holding a sporting implement.

Preferably, the protective padding comprises a main portion and fmger portions extending from the main portion, each finger portion corresponding to the finger portions of the inner glove.

The protective padding may be permanently attached to the inner glove by any suitable means. For example, the protective padding may be attached to the inner glove by stitching.

Alternatively, the protective padding may releasably attached to the inner glove, such as by releasable fastener(s), such as domes, clips, or hook and loop fasteners for example.

Preferably, the protective padding is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a finger tip area of the inner glove and is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a wrist portion of the inner glove. Preferably, the protective padding is permanently attached near the finger tip area of the inner glove and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove. The protective padding may be free of attachment between the permanent attachment at or near the finger tip area and the releasable attachment at or near the wrist portion. Alternatively, there may be one or more attachments between the wrist portion and the finger up area. Preferably, the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the finger up area of the inner glove by stitching and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove by releasable fastener(s) such as domes, clips, or hook and loop fasteners for example.

Preferably, the protective padding comprises a high density plastic material. More preferably, the protective padding comprises a foam material. The foam material may be polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam for example.

Preferably, the protective padding is substantially enclosed by a covering material. The covering material is preferably a textile or fabric material. The covering material is preferably a breathable materiaL In one form, the covering material is a non-stretch nylon material.

In an alternative embodiment, the protective padding may be integrally formed with a cover material during manufacture, for example during the moulding process of the foam material, so that the foam material may be attached to the inner glove by domes, clips, or hook and loop fasteners.

In one form, the protective padding also comprises a thumb protective pad. The thumb pad may be part of the single piece of protective padding. Alternatively, the thumb pad could be separate from the remainder of the protective padding, and could be attached to the thumb part of the inner glove. The thumb protective pad preferably extends over at least a portion of the dorsal side of a user's thumb when in use. Preferably, the thumb protective pad is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the curve of a user's thumb when in an at least partially flexed position.

A reverse surface of the inner glove may comprise a breathable material. Alternatively, or in addition, a reverse surface of the inner glove may comprise a non-breathable material.

Preferably, the reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a suitable textile material.

Preferably, the breathable material is a moisture wicking material.

Preferably, the breathable material comprises polyester. In a preferred form, the material comprises an open weave polyester.

In a second aspect, the invention broadly consists in a glove comprising: an inner glove having a reverse surface; and protective padding extending over at least a portion of the reverse surface and attached to the inner glove at discrete locations and configured such that in use, as a user extends their fingers from a flexed position, the protective padding moves away from at least part of the reverse surface of the inner glove to create or enlarge air passage(s) between the protective padding and the reverse surface.

Preferably, the inner glove comprises a plurality of fmger portions each having a reverse surface and the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surfaces of finger portions of the inner glove and is configured to move away from the reverse surfaces of the fmger portions as the glove wearer extends their fingers from a flexed position.

Preferably, the inner glove comprises a hand portion and the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surface of the hand portion of the inner glove and is configured to move away from the reverse surface of the hand portion as the glove wearer extends their fingers from a flexed position. Mote preferably, the glove comprises a hand portion with a reverse surface and fmger portions with reverse surfaces, and a single piece of protective padding extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion and extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions. The single piece of protective padding may either be a single layer or made up of multiple layers bonded together.

Preferably, the protective padding is attached to the inner glove at discrete locations.

Preferably, the protective padding has shaped portions that substantially correspond to the shape of a user's fingers when in an at least partially flexed position. Preferably, the shaped portions have a curved profile when viewed from the side of the glove. * 6

The protective padding may be biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the shape of the user's hand when holding a sporting implement.

The protective padding may be permanently attached to the inner glove.

Alternatively, the protective padding may be attached to the inner glove by releasable fastener(s).

Preferably, the protective padding is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a finger tip area of the inner glove and is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a wrist portion of the inner glove. Preferably, the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the finger tip area of the inner glove and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove. The protective padding may be free of attachment between the permanent attachment at or near the finger tip area and the releasable attachment at or near the wrist portion. Alternatively, there may be one or more attachments between the wrist portion and the fmger tip area. Preferably, the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the fmger tip area of the inner glove by stitching and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove by releasable fastener(s).

The protective padding may comprise a thumb protective pad. Preferably, the thumb protective pad is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the curve of a user's thumb when in an at least partially flexed position. The thumb pad may be part of the single piece of protective padding. Alternatively, the thumb pad could be separate from the remainder of the protective padding, and could be attached to the thumb part of the inner glove.

The reverse surface of the inner glove may comprise a breathable material. Alternatively, or in addition, the reverse surface of the inner glove may comprise a non-breathable material.

Preferably, the breathable material of the inner glove is a moisture wicking material. S 7

The glove of the second aspect may have any one or more of the features outlined in relation to the first aspect above.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following mote detailed description of the invention according to its preferred form, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an inside medial view of the top hand shown with fingers partially extended to illustrate the gaps between the protective padding and the inner glove of a cricketing glove preferred form of the invention; Figure 2 is an outside lateral view of the top hand glove shown with fingers partially extended to illustrate the gaps between the protective padding and the inner glove of the glove of Figure 1; S 8 Figure 3 is a closer view of the finger end attachment between the protective padding and the inner glove of the glove of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an inside medial view of the top hand shown with fmgers flexed to illustrate the reduced gap between the protective padding and the inner glove of a slighfly different configuration cricketmg glove preferred form of the invention; Figure 5 is an inside medial view of the bottom hand glove shown with fingers and thumb extended to illustrate the gaps between the protective padding and the inner glove of a cricketing glove preferred form of the invention; Figure 6 is an outside lateral view of the bottom hand glove shown with fmgers and thumb extended to illustrate the gaps between the protective padding and the inner glove of Figure 5; Figure 7A is a closer view from the side of the thumb end attachment between the protective padding and the inner glove of the glove of Figure 5; Figure 7B is closer view from the end of the thumb end attachment between the protective padding and the inner glove; Figure 8 is a view from the palm side of the glove of Figure 1; and Figure 9 is a view from the back of the glove of Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS

With reference to Figures 1 to 9 preferred form gloves of the invention are shown. The preferred form glove is a cricket glove, in particular a batsman's glove. The glove of Figures 1 to 4 and 8 is for use on a batsman's upper hand. The glove of Figures 5 to 7B and 9 is for use on a batsman's lower hand.

For the left handed batsman when gripping the bat taking a normal cricket stance, his or her left hand is the "bottom-hand" and the right hand is the "top-hand". For the right handed batsman his or her left hand is the "top-hand" and the right hand is the "bottom-hand" when holding the bat. The top and bottom hand protective gloves for the left or right handed batsman are the same but are constructed as a mirror image of each other.

During play, the batsman will wear a top and bottom hand glove as one set. The figures and detailed description refer to a pair of gloves for a right handed batsman.

With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 8, the preferred form top hand glove is shown. The preferred form glove has an inner glove 3 for receipt of a user's hand and having a palm surface 5 and a reverse or dorsal surface 7. The inner glove has a hand portion 9, four finger portions 11, and a thumb portion 13. The reverse surface of the inner glove is preferably a breathable material that may additionally be moisture wicking. The breathable surface is permeable to air, and is preferably a mesh-type material. In the preferred form, the reverse surface of the inner glove comprises an open weave polyester. The remainder of the inner glove is formed from a suitable textile material 10. The remainder of the inner glove could be any other suitable material, such as leather for example.

Protective padding 15 extends over a majority of the reverse or dorsal surface 7 of the inner glove 3. In the form shown, the protective padding 15 is a single piece of protective padding extending over a major portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion and extending over a major portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions. The protective padding comprises a main portion 17 with finger portions 19 extending from the main portion 17. Each finger portion 19 corresponds to the finger portion 11 of the inner glove 3. With reference to Figure 1, the protective padding 15 has a curved profile when viewed from the side. The curved shape corresponds to the shape of a batsman's fingers when in an at least partly flexed position. That is, the protective padding is biased into a curved configuration. Preferably, the protective padding is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the shape of the user's hand when holding a sporting implement.

The protective padding 15 may be made from any suitable impact absorbing material. In the preferred form, the protective padding is a foam material (not visible). In the preferred 1 10 form, the foam is polyethylene (PE) or Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The foam may be open or closed cell foam. In the preferred form of the invention, the protective padding is built up by layers of foam material. That is, the single piece of protective padding may comprise multiple layers of foam material that are bonded together.

The foam material is substantially enclosed by a covering layer material 21. In the preferred form, the covering layer is a breathable textile material. The covering layer 21 that covers the outer surface of the protective padding is a non-stretch nylon material. The covering material 22 that covers the surface of the protective padding adjacent the inner glove is a breathable and/or moisture wicking material, such as polyester.

The protective padding 15 is attached to the inner glove 3 at discrete locations. The protective padding is attached at or near the finger tips and at one or more locations on the other side of a user's middle knuckle. In the form shown, the protective padding is permanently attached to the inner glove 3 by stitching the covering material 21, 22 to the inner glove 3. Each finger portion 19 of the protective padding is discretely attached to the inner glove 3 near a finger tip area 23 of the inner glove, as shown in Figure 3. The main portion 17 of the protective padding is attached by stitching 24 near the wristband 25 of the glove and at intervals rearward of the finger region.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the protective padding is attached by stitching along the wristband, fastening tabs 27 at the ends of the finger portions, and fastening tabs 29 at interval(s) along the side of the protective padding. The protective padding may be discretely attached to other parts of the inner glove. The tabs attaching the protective padding to the inner glove may be leather, webbing, or other suitable textile materiaL This form of attachment creates partial separations or air passages 35 between the bottom of the protective padding 15 and the reverse surface 7 of the inner glove 3. These air passages create a cooling effect by allowing air to flow over the back of the hands when in use, as described below.

In the form shown, the protective padding is permanently attached across the wrist portion of the wrist band by stitching. In an alternative form, the protective padding may be releasably attached across the wrist portion of the wrist band. For example, the protective 0 11 padding and inner glove may have corresponding hook and ioop fasteners, clips, or domes rather than stitching 24 for example. Further fastening material may be wrapped around the wrist to hold the protective padding in place on the back of the hand.

In an alternative form, the protective padding may be attached to the inner glove only at the end of the finger portions and along the wristband. In this alternative embodiment, the protective padding is not attached to the inner glove at intervals along the side of the protective padding. In this form, the attachment at the wristband may be a permanent attachment, such as stitching, or a releasable attachment, such as hook and loop fasteners or domes for example.

When the protective padding is detachable from the wrist portion, this configuration enables the user to put the inner glove on their hand with the protective padding disconnected from the wrist portion. The user can then pull the protective padding over the dorsal surface of their hand and connect that to the wrist portion.

As a further alternative, the protective padding may be fully detachable from the inner glove, and will suitably be removably attached thereto by any suitable type of fastener(s).

With reference to Figures 1, 2, and 8, the preferred from of the top hand glove does not have a thumb protective pad. During a typical batting stance, the thumb of the top hand is positioned behind the cricket bat and is unlikely to be struck or hit by a cricket ball. In the form shown, the thumb portion 13 of the glove is made from a leather material or other suitable textile material. In an alternative form, the thumb portion of the top glove may have some protective padding.

With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the bottom hand glove comprises a thumb protective pad 36 extending over the dorsal side of the thumb portion of the inner glove. The thumb protective pad 36 of the bottom hand glove has a concave shape (when viewed from the palm side of the glove) to provide extra rigidity to prevent or at least inhibit injury. Again, the thumb protective pad is preferably biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the shape of the user's thumb when holding a sporting implement, in the same manner as the finger protective pads discussed above. The thumb protective pad has 0 12 a foam component 37, a plastic layer 39, and an upper foam layer 41. The plastic layer and upper foam layer extend over the dorsal side of the inner glove and the end of the thumb tip and shown in Figure 7A. The thumb portion of the inner glove also has a rubber or plastic thimble 43. In use, the bottom hand thumb slides into the rubber or plastic thimble. The rubber or plastic thimble provides additional protection to the end of the thumb. A layer of fabric material 45 extends over the thumb protective padding. The thumb protective pad may be an integral part of the protective padding that extends over the finger portions hand portion. Alternatively, the thumb pad could be separate from the remainder of the protective padding, and could be attached to the thumb part of the inner glove.

Figures 5 and 6 show a bottom hand glove. The glove is similar to the top hand glove shown and described in relation to Figures 1-4 and 8 above, other than the thumb padding mentioned above. Additionally, the protective padding is stitched to the inner glove along the length of the index finger of the bottom hand by an elongated tab 31. In the preferred form of the glove, the elongated tab is formed from leather. The elongated tab may be formed from any suitable non-stretch material. The end of the thumb of the bottom hand is attached to the inner glove by a fastening tab 33.

During batting, the index finger of the bottom hand can be in a vulnerable position where it can be stuck by a ball. The index finger is sometimes partially extended when playing some shots. The index finger tab 31 ensures that the protective padding remains close to the index finger to reduce the risk of the ball impacting the index finger. The index finger 31 tab may be breathable to allow airflow.

When the gloves are worn by a batsman, the protective padding 15 extends over the dorsal sides of a batsman's hands and fingers. As a batsman extends their fingers from a flexed position (as shown in Figure 4) to an extended position (as shown in Figure 1) the protective padding 15 moves away from the reverse surface 7 of the inner glove 3 to create or enlarge air passages 35 between the protective 15 padding and the reverse surface of the inner glove. It can be seen that in the embodiment shown in the figures, the air passages are provided between at least the rearward part of the reverse surfaces of the fmger portions of the inner glove and the protective padding, and between at least the forward I 13 part of the reverse surface of the hand portion of the inner glove and the protective padding. When the fingers are fully extended the gaps or air passages 35 are opened to the fullest extent. It can be seen from the figures that the protective padding, at least in the regions of the fingers and thumb, maintains a curved configuration throughout the extension of the fingers, enhancing the opening of the air passages.

Airflow occurs through the gaps 35 between the protective padding 15 and the reverse surface 7 of the inner glove 3 with natural movement of the batsman's arms and as the batsman runs between the wickets. This airflow will create a cooling effect on the back of the hands as air will flow through the breathable surface 7 to the back of the batsman's hands. The cooling effect will increase the batsman's comfort. The cooling effect will mean the batsman does not need to change the gloves as often and will have more time to concentrate on the game at hand. To increase the ventilation the batsman can extend their fingers to widen the gap 35 and increase the air passage when they are not gripping the bat.

As a batsman flexes their fingers for example to grip a cricket bat, the protective padding moves towards the reverse surface of the inner glove to reduce the gap 35 between the protective padding 15 and the reverse surface 7 of the inner glove 3. In the preferred form, these gaps 35 are reduced, but not wholly eliminated when the batsman grips the bat and executes shots. That is, when the batsman's fingers are extended from the flexed position to the extended position, the existing air passages between the inner glove and protective padding are enlarged. In an alternative, the gaps 35 could be eiiminated. In that configuration, the air passages between the inner glove and protective padding will only exist when the batsman's fingers are extended from the flexed position. Figure 4 shows a preferred form glove when a user's fingers are in a flexed position. As is indicated by X in that figure, the padding has moved back to contact the reverse surface of the inner glove, so there is little or no gap between the reverse surface of the inner glove and the protective padding.

As described above, the protective padding 15 is preferably a unitary or single piece component. When struck by a ball, the energy from the impact of the ball is spread and absorbed across the protective padding 15. Any impact that is transferred to the batsman's hand or fingers will be spread over a larger area than without the protective padding or than with multiple discrete padding pieces. This reduces the chance of injury to the batsman's hand. Figure 9 shows the back of a preferred form glove. While the protective padding 15 is covered by a cover, within the cover there is a single piece of protective padding that forms the hand portion 17 and the fmger portions 19 of the protective padding.

Airflow and moisture wicking from the reverse surface of the inner glove can be encouraged by flexing and extending the fingers of the hand wearing the glove. As the fmgers are extended from a flexed position, air is sucked into the gap between the inner glove and the protective padding. As the fingers are returned to the flexed position, air is pushed out from between the inner glove and the protective padding, as the spacing therebetween is reduced.

Preferred forms of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

The reverse surface of the inner glove is described as comprising a breathable material.

The entire reverse surface of the inner glove may be a breathable material. Alternatively, at least a portion of the reverse surface of the inner glove, such as at least a portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions and/or at least a portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion, may be a non-breathable material. For example, the reverse surfaces of the fmger portions could be a non-breathable material, and the reverse surface of the hand portion could be a breathable material. The entire reverse surface of the inner glove could be a non-breathable material. Cooling of the hand could still be achieved with a non-breathable inner glove material, due to air flow between the inner glove and the protective padding. However, superior cooling will be achieved if at least a portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions and/or at least a portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion are a breathable material. Preferably, at least a major part of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions, and at least a major part of the reverse surface of the hand portion, are a breathable material.

In the preferred form described, the protective padding is a unitary or single piece component that extends over the reverse surface 7 of the inner glove 3. In an alternative 1 15 form, the protective padding may comprise a separate hand protective pad and a separate finger protective pad that has finger portions. The finger protective pad may have a curved profile when viewed from the side and may be attached to the inner glove near the finger tip portions of the inner glove and to the hand portion of the inner glove. As a batsman extends their fingers from a flexed position, the finger protective pad will move away from the inner glove to create air passages as for the preferred form described above.

Alternatively, the protective padding may comprise separate finger pads corresponding to the batsman's fingers.

In the preferred form described, the protective padding has a curved portion that corresponds to the shape of a batsman's fingers when in a flexed position. Alternatively, the protective padding may have any other shape that will allow the protective padding to move away from the reverse surface of the inner glove to create air passages as a user extends their fingers from a flexed position. For example, the protective padding may comprise two or more straight portions, each of which correspond to the portion of a user's fingers between the knuckles. The straight portions substantially correspond to the shape of a batsman's fingers when in a flexed position, and will move away from the reverse surface of the inner glove as a user extends their fingers from a flexed position.

In the preferred form described, the protective padding extends over a majority of the reverse surface of the inner glove. In an alternative form, the protective padding may extend over only a part of the reverse surface of the inner glove depending on the area of the hand, fingers, and/or thumb that requires protection. In an another alternative form, the protective padding may extend over other parts of the inner glove, for example part of the palm side of the inner glove depending on the area of the hand, fingers, and/or thumb that requires protection.

The size and position of the tabs will vary depending on the size of the glove. The glove may have smaller sizes to suit children or have larger sizes to suit adults.

The glove has been described as having an inner glove and protective padding with finger portions. In an alternative form, the glove may be provided in a mitten-type configuration.

Such a configuration would have a single enclosed region for receipt of the user's fingers, but that one region would be considered to comprise the "finger portions" as recited in

this specification.

The glove described is suitable for use a cricket batting glove. The glove may also be useful for other activities or sports that require protective padding and ventilation, such as softball, baseball, lacrosse, hurling, field hockey, or ice hockey. 1 7

Claims

1. A glove comprising: an inner glove for receiving a user's hand and having finger portions with reverse surfaces; and protective padding extending over at least a portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions; wherein the protective padding is attached to the inner glove at discrete locations such that as the finger portions extend from a flexed position the protective padding moves away from the reverse surfaces of at least some of the finger portions of the inner glove to create or enlarge air passages between the protective padding and the reverse surfaces.

2. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surfaces of the fmger portions of the inner glove.

3. A glove according to claim 2, wherein the inner glove further comprises a hand portion and the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surface of the hand portion of the inner glove.

4. A glove according to claim 3, wherein the protective padding is configured to move away from the reverse surface of the hand portion of the inner glove as the finger portions extend from a flexed position, to create or enlarge air passages between the protective padding and the reverse surface of the hand portion.

5. A glove according to any one of claims I to 4, wherein the glove comprises a single piece of protective padding extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion and extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions.

6. A glove according to any one of claims I to 5, wherein the protective padding is attached to the inner glove at discrete locations.

7. A glove according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protective padding has shaped portions that substantially correspond to the shape of a user's fingers when in an at least partially flexed position.

8. A glove according to claim 7, wherein the shaped portions have a curved profile when viewed from the side of the glove.

9. A glove according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the protective padding is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the shape of the user's hand when holding a sporting implement.

10. A glove according to any one of claims I to 9, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached to the inner glove.

11. A glove according to claim 10, wherein the protective padding is attached to the inner glove by stitching.

12. A glove according to any one of claims I to 9, wherein the protective padding is releasably attached to the inner glove.

13. A glove according to any one of claims I to 9, wherein the protective padding is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a finger tip area of the inner glove and is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a wrist portion of the inner glove.

14. A glove according to claim 13, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the finger tip area of the inner glove and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove.

15. A glove according to claim 14, wherein the protective padding is free of attachment between the permanent attachment at or near the finger tip area and the releasable attachment at or near the wrist portion. S 19

16. A glove according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the finger tip area of the inner glove by stitching and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove by releasable fastener(s).

17. A glove according to any one of claims I to 16, wherein the protective padding comprises a high density plastic material.

18. A glove according to claim 17, wherein the protective padding comprises a foam I 0 material.

19. A glove according to claim 18, wherein the foam material is polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

20. A glove according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the protective padding is substantially enclosed by a covering material.

21. A glove according to claim 20, wherein the covering material is a textile or fabric material.

22. A glove according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the covering material is a breathable material.

23. A glove according to claim 22, wherein the covering material is a non-stretch nylon material.

24. A glove according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the protective padding comprises a thumb protective pad.

25. A glove according to claim 24, wherein the thumb protective pad extends over at least a portion of the dorsal side of a user's thumb when in use. S 20

26. A glove according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the thumb protective pad is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the curve of a user's thumb when in an at least partially flexed position.

27. A glove according to any one of claims I to 26, wherein a reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a breathable material.

28. A glove according to any one of claims I to 27, wherein a reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a non-breathable material.

29. A glove according to claim 27, wherein the breathable reverse surface comprises a textile materiaL

30. A glove according to claim 27 or 29, wherein the breathable material is a moisture wicking material.

31. A glove comprising: -an inner glove having a reverse surface; and protective padding extending over at least a portion of the reverse surface and attached to the inner glove at discrete locations and configured such that in use, as a user extends their fingers from a flexed position, the protective paddmg moves away from at least part of the reverse surface of the inner glove to create or enlarge air passage(s) between the protective padding and the reverse surface.

32. A glove according to claim 31, wherein the inner glove comprises a plurality of finger portions each having a reverse surface and the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surfaces of finger portions of the inner glove and is configured to move away from the reverse surfaces of the finger portions as the glove wearer extends their fingers from a flexed position.

33. A glove according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the inner glove comprises a hand portion and the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surface of the hand portion of the inner glove and is configured to move away from the reverse surface of the hand portion as the glove wearer extends their fingers from a flexed position.

34. A glove according to claim 33, wherein the glove comprises a hand portion with a reverse surface and finger portions with reverse surfaces, and a single piece of protective padding extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion and extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions.

35. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the protective padding is attached to the inner glove at discrete locations.

36. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the protective padding has shaped portions that substantially correspond to the shape of a user's fingers when in an at least partially flexed position.

37. A glove according to claim 36, wherein the shaped portions have a curved profile when viewed from the side of the glove.

38. A glove according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the protective padding is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the shape of the user's hand when holding a sporting implement.

39. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached to the inner glove.

40. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the protective padding is releasably attached to the inner glove.

41. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the protective padding is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a finger tip area of the inner glove and is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a wrist portion of the inner glove. S 22

42. A glove according to claim 41, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the finger tip area of the inner glove and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove.

43. A glove according to claim 42, wherein the protective padding is free of attachment between the permanent attachment at or near the finger tip area and the releasable attachment at or near the wrist portion.

44. A glove according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the finger tip area of the inner glove by stitching and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove by releasable fastener(s).

45. A glove accordmg to any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the protective padding comprises a thumb protective pad.

46. A glove according to claim 45, wherein the thumb protective pad isbiased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the curve of a user's thumb when in an at least partially flexed position.

47. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 46, wherein the reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a breathable material.

48. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 47, wherein the reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a non-breathable material.

49. A glove as claimed in claim I or 30 substantially as herein described with reference * to any embodiment disclosed. * * **** * * * ***

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1552969.1

49. A glove according to claim 47, wherein the breathable material of the inner glove is a moisture wicking material.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Z3 CLATh 1. A glove comprising: an inner glove for receiving a user's hand and having finger portions with reverse surfaces; and protective padding extending over at least a portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions; wherein the protective padding is attached to the inner glove at discrete locations such that as the finger portions extend from a flexed position the protective padding moves away from the reverse surfaces of at least some of the finger portions of the inner glove to create or enlarge air passages between the protective padding and the reverse surfaces.

2. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions of the inner glove.

* *. 20 4. A glove according to claim 3, wherein the protective padding is configured to move away from the reverse surface of the hand portion of the inner glove as the finger portions extend from a flexed position, to create or enlarge air passages between the protective *. padding and the reverse surface of the hand portion. ****

5. A glove according to any one of claims I to 4, wherein the glove comprises a single : * * piece of protective padding extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion and extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions.

6. A glove according to any one of claims I to 5, wherein the protective padding has shaped portions that substantially correspond to the shape of a user's fingers when in an at least partially flexed position.

15S2969.I 7. A glove according to claim 6, wherein the shaped portions have a curved profile when viewed from the side of the glove.

8. A glove according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the protective padding is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the shape of the user's hand when holding a spotting implement.

9. A glove according to any one of claims I to 8, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached to the inner glove.

10. A glove according to claim 9, wherein the protective padding is attached to the inner glove by stitching.

11. A glove according to any one of claims I to 8, wherein the protective padding is releasably attached to the inner glove.

12. A glove according to any one of daims I to 8, wherein the protective padding is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a finger tip area of the inner glove and is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a wrist portion of the inner glove.

* , 20 13. A glove according to claim 12, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the finger up area of the inner glove and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove. ***

14. A glove according to claim 13, wherein the protective padding is free of attachment S...

* ... between the permanent attachment at or near the finger tip area and the releasable ** ** : * * attachment at or near the wrist portion.

15. A glove according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the protective padding is permanendy attached at or near the finger tip area of the inner glove by stitching and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove by releasable fastener(s). lI

S

16. A glove according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the protective padding comprises a high density plastic material.

17. A glove according to claim 16, wherein the protective padding comprises a foam material.

18. A glove according to claim 17, wherein the foam material is polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

19. A glove according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the protective padding is substantially enclosed by a covering material 20. A glove according to claim 19, wherein the covering material is a textile or fabric material.

21. A glove according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the covering material is a breathable material.

22. A glove according to claim 21, wherein the coveting material is a non-stretch nylon * * .20 material. * .*

23. A glove according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the protective padding comprises a thumb protective pad. S..

24. A glove according to claim 23, wherein the thumb protective pad extends over at *5** .... least a portion of the dorsal side of a user's thumb when in use. SS 55 S. * * S

25. A glove according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the thumb protective pad is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the curve of a user's thumb when in an at least partially flexed position.

26. A glove according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein a reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a breathable material.

1552969.1 27. A glove according to any one of claims I to 26, wherein a reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a non-breathable material.

28. A glove according to claim 26, wherein the breathable reverse surface comprises a textile material.

29. A glove according to claim 26 or 28, wherein the breathable material is a moisture wicking material.

30. A glove comprising: an inner glove having a reverse surface; and protective padding extending over at least a portion of the reverse surface and attached to the inner glove at discrete locations and configured such that in use, as a user extends their fingers from a flexed position, the protective padding moves away from at least part of the reverse surface of the inner glove to create or enlarge air passage(s) between the protective padding and the reverse surface.

31. A glove according to claim 30, wherein the inner glove comprises a plurality of finger portions each having a reverse surface and the protective padding extends over at * * 20 least a major part of the reverse surfaces of finger portions of the inner glove and is :::::: configured to move away from the reverse surfaces of the finger portions as the glove wearer extends their fingers from a flexed position. *. * *

* 32. A glove according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the inner glove comprises a hand portion and the protective padding extends over at least a major part of the reverse surface ***.

*.. of the hand portion of the inner glove and is configured to move away from the reverse :* surface of the hand portion as the glove wearer extends their fingers from a flexed position.

33. A glove according to claim 32, wherein the glove comprises a hand portion with a reverse surface and finger portions with reverse surfaces, and a single piece of protective padding extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surface of the hand portion and extending over at least a major portion of the reverse surfaces of the finger portions.

p552969.1

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34. A glove according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the protective padding has shaped portions that substantially correspond to the shape of a user's fingers when in an at least partially flexed position.

35. A glove according to claim 34, wherein the shaped portions have a curved profile when viewed from the side of the glove.

36. A glove according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the protective padding is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the shape of the user's hand when holding a sporting implement.

37. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached to the inner glove.

38. A glove according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the protective padding is releasably attached to the inner glove.

39. A glove according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the protective padding is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a finger tip area of the inner glove and is discretely attached to the inner glove at or near a wrist nruon of the inner clove. * .* S. * * S. S...

" 40. A glove according to claim 39, wherein the protective padding is permanently * attached at or near the finger up area of the inner glove and is releasably attached to the * inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove.

*:::* 41. A glove according to claim 40, wherein the protective padding is free of attachment between the permanent attachment at or near the finger up area and the releasable attachment at or near the wrist portion.

42. A glove according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the protective padding is permanently attached at or near the finger tip area of the inner glove by stitching and is releasably attached to the inner glove at or near the wrist portion of the inner glove by releasable fastener(s).

43. A glove according to any one of claims 30 to 42, wherein the protective padding comprises a thumb protective pad.

44. A glove according to claim 43, wherein the thumb protective pad is biased into a curved configuration to substantially correspond to the curve of a user's thumb when in an at least partially flexed position.

45. A glove according to any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a breathable material.

46. A glove according to any one of claims 30 to 45, wherein the reverse surface of the inner glove comprises a non-breathable material.

47. A glove according to claim 45, wherein the breathable material of the inner glove is a moisture wicking material.

48. A glove substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.