GB2476960A

GB2476960A - A protective device comprising a resilient outer shell and an elastic digit restraining member

Info

Publication number: GB2476960A
Application number: GB1000637A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Sewell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-01-15
Filing date: 2010-01-15
Publication date: 2011-07-20
Also published as: GB201000637D0

Abstract

A protective device for a user's digit comprising a sheath 1 to receive a user's digit, an outer resilient structure 8-10 that surrounds the sheath 1 with space to allow the sheath to move within the outer resilient structure 8-10 and an elastic retention system 60 and 61 extending between the sheath 1 and an inner surface at the dorsal end of the resilient structure 8. The device may form part of a glove and include a cushioned bolster 7. The resilient structure 8-10 may have apertures 12 in it and may only cover part of a digit. The device may extend along the length of a digit and have an elastic retaining strap to hold it on a user's hand. The shell may be made of a plurality of resilient structures and may be used to protect against impacts in games such as cricket, hockey or lacrosse.

Description

HAND PROTECTION

The present invention relates to hand protection, in particular in the form of a protective glove, more particularly to a protective glove for particular use when playing sports in which the hand is likely to receive impacts from balls, apparatus or other players. We will describe an improved protective sports glove particularly of the type worn when playing cricket, lacrosse or ice hockey.

It is known for participants in certain sports to wear gloves to protect the wearers' fingers from the effects of an impacting ball, other players or equipment. Typically, protection is by means of padding contained within the glove on the dorsal aspect of the hand, fingers and thumb. The relevant sections of the British Standard BS 6183 apply specifically to gloves for playing cricket constructed in this manner.

US 3605117 illustrates a typical construction.

Typically, a polyurethane foam is contained within a leather or nylon textile outer covering the dorsal aspect of the hand and fingers. Objects impacting the dorsal aspect of the hand are decelerated and the force distributed over a larger area by energy absorption in compression of foam in the protective system.

Rigid inserts may be included within the volume of the padding to increase the area of force distribution. Typical examples of such stiffening structures are disclosed in GB 2378890 and US 3626515. Such structures increase the area of impact to the fingers but this effect is reduced when impacted toward the end of the inserts. This tends to occur towards the articulations of the fingers which may in turn be more prone to injury.

Some designs of protective gloves restrict motion at the points of articulation, such as CA2288593 and U57574748 in which a hinged structure with mechanical limiters restricting hinge extension prevents hyperextension injuries of the associated articulations. In cricket, ice hockey and lacrosse however this injury is only likely to happen to the thumb as the palmar surface of the fingers are protected by the implement held and the rest of the hand, reducing leverage in a dorsal direction.

GB 2307846 discloses a design whereby the hand and fingers are covered by a plurality of hard shells, encompassing all the fingers and transmitting the force of impact to a bat or similar object being held in the hand. Such a design, however, does not encompass coverage of individual digits. Spanning the width of the hand makes engaging an implement held in the hand, such as the handle of bat, difficult in a way that the biomechanics of the user are not impeded. GB 2210250 discloses a protector which encloses the whole finger and engages a handle held in the hand but affords limited dexterity to the fingers.

Redistribution of impact force away from the posterior of the hand and digits whilst allowing movement of individual fingers is further disclosed in US 3732575 and US 4766612. A glove comprising a plurality of U-shaped channels partially encloses the fingers and is designed to transfer forces to a flat surface upon which the hand is placed. Such designs are not considered generally appropriate as palmar supports are limited by a reduced contact area with a cylindrical or prismoidal implement. GB 2311929 has similar deficiencies in protecting the knuckles and engaging with the implement, although the glove of GB 2339138 offers some flexibility but restricts point flexion of the digits of the hand.

Research has shown that contusion and fracture injuries to the hand, fingers and thumb of cricket players whilst batting are still prevalent despite the use of this equipment. As such, the present invention seeks to avoid or reduce further the

problems of the prior art.

In its broadest sense, the present invention provides a hand protector comprising a plurality of shell structures retainable to enclose the digits of a hand and provide a dorsal cover to the hand.

The shell structures are arranged such that impact loads to the fingers are transferred to an implement held in the hand without loading the skeletomuscular structure.

The present invention, in its broadest sense, also provides a glove having a plurality of rigid structures to transmit impact forces away from the skeletomuscular structure of the hand and fingers.

In a preferred form of the invention, a plurality of rigid structures are so configured as to transmit the impact forces to either an implement held in the hand or another part of the body offering a greater capability of resisting force without injury.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a hand protection apparatus comprising a sheath adapted to enclose one or more digits of a hand, a set of upper or dorsal shell elements comprising an element associated with each phalanx of the at least one digit; and one or more palmar membrane elements attachable to the sheath to provide protection and increased adhesion.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a bolster assembly associated with each set of upper shell elements, the bolster assembly comprising an impact-absorbing element.

Preferably, the bolster assembly comprises an impact-absorbing element associated with each digit, each shell element or each phalanx of the at least one finger.

Preferably, each impact-absorbing element includes a ventilation aperture.

Preferably, the hand protection apparatus is incorporated into a glove construction.

Advantageously, the or each sheath is adapted to form the glove.

According to a further form of the invention, the apparatus further comprises suspension elements affixed to the dorsal aspect of the dorsal sheath, with a single element attached to the dorsal sheath with each end affixed to the associated shell structure.

Preferably, the suspension elements are sheath structures, delivering a force over a larger longitudinal range.

Advantageously, a single suspension element is affixed to each or a plurality of shell elements.

Suitably, the suspension elements are aligned on the disto-medial plane or at an angle between medial and dorsal.

The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional elevation through a shell structure in the medio-dorsal plane encompassing the digit of a first embodiment of a glove in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded elevation of the embodiment of the invention pertaining to the second digit of the glove of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded elevation of the embodiment of Figure 1 pertaining to the third and fourth digits; Figure 4 shows an exploded elevation of the embodiment of Figure 1 pertaining to the fifth digit; Figure 5 shows an exploded elevation of the embodiment of Figure 1 pertaining to the first digit; Figure 6 shows an exploded elevation of the proximal components of the embodiments of Figure 1; and Figure 7 is a sectional elevation through a shell structure in the medio-dorsal plane encompassing the digit of a second embodiment of a glove in accordance with the present invention Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated the basic construction of the protective elements of a glove in accordance with the present invention, comprising a dorsal sheath 1-4 enclosing a digit 5 of a hand together with a retaining means in the form of a palmar membrane element 6. The apparatus further comprises a bolster assembly 7 having a curved shell portion 8 over the digit and having straight sidewalls 9, 10 alongside digit 5 and including an impact-absorbing element. The assembly includes a central aperture 11, 12.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 4, there is shown the above combination as a set of protecting elements for each single digit of a hand. Each set 13, 14, 15, 16 comprises a sheath 1-4 and proximal upper or dorsal shell elements 17-20, intermediate upper or dorsal shell elements 21-24 and distal upper or dorsal shell elements 25-28. Each set further comprises respective proximal lower or palmar membrane elements 29-32, intermediate palmar membrane elements 33-36 and distal palmar membrane elements 37-40. A similar structure is provided for the thumb (Figure 5), comprising thumb sheath 54, proximal and distal dorsal shell elements 42, 43 and proximal and distal palmar membrane elements 44, 45.

The dorsal shell and palmar elements act to transmit a proportion of any impact force in the dorsal direction around the fingers and to an object held in the hand, such as a bat or stick. The elements are dimensioned and shaped so as to permit articulation of the digits. In modifications (not shown), respective dorsal shell and palmar elements of adjacent fingers may be combined to encompass more than one digit.

Palmar membrane elements 29-40, 45 are intended to enable tactile feedback whilst protecting the digits from abrasion, increasing adhesion between the protective device and the sport apparatus and increasing the structural integrity of the corresponding shell element. Stretch in the medio-lateral direction should be mechanically limited by the material in order to reduce the medio-lateral spread of the sidewalls of the shell structures under impact conditions.

In the preferred embodiments, the shape of the palmar membrane elements is defined by the shape of the palmar aperture of the corresponding shell element. Extensions to medial and lateral edges extend dorsally encompassing the exterior of the palmar aspect of the sidewalls to a minimum depth of 5 millimetres providing an area to affix the membrane to the shell element whereby the dorsal edges are parallel to the longitudinal axes of the corresponding shell element. The distal palmar members 37- 40, 45 encompass the external distal aspect of the distal shell elements to a depth of 5 millimetres. The proximal portion of the dorsal edges of the distal palmar membranes extends parallel to the longitudinal axes of the shell element.

Suitable materials for the palmar membranes as defined by a preferred form of the invention include leather or aramid composite woven textile. The membranes may be cut from a flat sheet to a shape defined by the palmar void of each shell structure, drawn firmly across the palmar edges and affixed to the exterior surface of the sidewalls.

In preferred embodiments; flexible elastic spanning panels 46-5 9 are provided between adjacent palmar membrane elements of a set. Preferably spanning panels 46- 59 are of an untensioned disto-proximal length sufficient to span the gap between adjacent palmar membrane elements 29-40, 45 when the apparatus is in a rest position. Suitably, the panels are formed from an elastic, antibacterial, moisture-wicking fabric, more suitably a polyester fibre textile fabric of about 220 g/m2 weight.

Each of any set of dorsal shell elements may be joined together by means of a hinge arrangement, suitably with the pivot axis of the hinge aligned with the axis of articulation of the digit.

The rigidity of the shell element should be such that the material does not flex excessively or fracture under expected environmental and impact conditions. The wall thickness and general material properties are selected such that strength is attained without excessively impeding discomforting the user. A wall thickness of between 1 and 1.5mm has been found to be suitable.

Suitable materials for the construction of the shell elements include metals and rigid polymers, particularly suitably reinforced thermoset polymers, more specifically a laminate structure of S-glass and carbon-fibre-reinforced epoxy; or aramid fibre-reinforced epoxy.

Compression moulding manufacturing methods from a prefonTned billet are particularly most suitable for formation of the dorsal shell elements. Extrusion, moulding or pressing are equally suitable methods.

In preferred embodiments (as shown), padded bolsters 7, 60-72 are affixed to the exterior surfaces of each of the shell elements to absorb shock and further protect the structural integrity of the shell elements. The padded bolsters may be applied to the interior and exterior of the shell elements or one surface only. The bolsters may be provided as discrete elements individually associated with a respective upper shell element or may be formed as continuous sections, especially where it is not required for the digit to flex.

Advantageously, as shown, apertures 11, 12 are formed in the dorsal aspect of the dorsal shell elements and padded bolsters for ventilation. Suitably, the apertures are slots of approximately 5mm width with rounded ends with the major axis of the slot orientated to the longitudinal axis of the shell element structure. A textile mesh membrane may be provided to enclose the apertures, suitably between the lateral surface of the shell element and the medial surface of the bolster.

The dorsal aspects of the bolsters 7, 60-72 are advantageously shaped so that each distally-associated group of bolsters forms a contiguous outer surface when positioned to grasp an implement appropriate to the sport played.

Advantageously, each bolster has concave longitudinal surface on the palmar aspect to correspond with the dorsal surface of the shell element and extends dorsally to a depth of between 5 and 10 millimetres. The bolster is suitably shaped such that the medial and lateral edges are tapered at 10-15 degrees with a flat dorsal surface largely perpendicular to the sidewalls of the shell structures. The dorsal surface of the bolster intersects the proximal surface at a palmar edge where the dorsal aspect of the shell element achieves a dorsal alignment of the sidewall. In preferred embodiments, the dorsal face of the bolster shall extend beyond the disto-proximal limits of the shell element at an angle similar to the angle of the sidewall at the relevant end of the associated shell element.

Advantageously, the distal aspect of the bolsters 69-73 affixed to the distal dorsal shell elements 25-28, 43 extends in a palmar orientation, encompassing the distal aspect of the distal dorsal shell elements. The proximal aspect of those bolsters affixed to the proximal shell elements of each digit suitably has a dorsal surface terminating proximally from the palmar surface producing an angle of 15-20 degrees to the disto-lateral plane.

Padded bolsters 73, 74 affixed to the dorsal structure absorb shock and ftirther protect the dorsal aspect of the palmar region of the hand. The palmar faces are suitably curved to fit around the dorsal surface of the hand. The bolsters typically project in a dorsal direction to a depth of 5-15 millimetres. The dorsal aspect of the hand may be protected by a single bolster.

Suitable materials for the construction of the bolsters may include foams and soft polymers, preferably closed cell, self-skinning thermoset polymer foamed materials, suitably formed by heated compression moulding from extruded stock sheet to the maximum depth of the pad section.

The dorsal sheath 1-4, 41, 75, 76 encompasses the dorsal, medial and lateral aspects of the hand and digits provides the dorsal structure of the glove. The sheath forms a liner for the shell structures and the retention means for the shell structures and dorsal bolsters of the hand 73, 74.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the dorsal sheath is formed from a plurality of distal sheaths 1-4, 41 taking the form of an outstretched hand encompassing the digits and includes a proximal sheath 75 encompassing the dorsal aspect of the palmar region. The middle fifth of the proximal edge of the distal sheaths pertaining to digits two to five 1-4 is affixed to the distal edge of the proximal sheath 75 such that they each extend parallel to each other distally from the dorsal sheath. The medial and lateral aspects of the proximal edge of the distal sheaths are cut on a bias with the medial and lateral proximal edges distal to the centre so as not to impinge the web between the digits.

The sheaths encompassing the digits are typically truncated to a length 5-10mm less than that of the associated digit. The distal edges of the sheaths encompassing the digits may be affixed at the medial and lateral aspects and float freely within the shell structure.

Extensions to the medial and lateral edges may extend dorsally providing an area to which to affix the sheaths of the shell structure corresponding to the distal location of the shell structure in relation to the sheaths. The extensions are shaped such that such that the dorsal edges are parallel to the longitudinal axes of the corresponding shell structure.

The dorsal aspect and sides of the digits may be enclosed by the distal sheaths in order to apply gentle pressure to the dorsal aspect of the digits.

The lateral edge of the proximal sheath is further affixed to the lateral edge of the proximal palmar membrane 76 and the medial edge is affixed to the medial edge of the palmar membrane.

Suitably, an elastic woven textile is used. A polyester fibre 160 g/m2 woven textile with antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties is preferred.

The palmar membrane elements encompassing the palmar region of the hand provide structural integrity for the retention system and protection for the palm of the hand.

The palmar membrane is predominately trapezoidal textile feature with an extension in the disto-lateral aspect so as to encompass the palmar aspect of the basal joint of the thumb to the thumb stall. The palmar membrane elements are further affixed, in the embodiment shown, to the dorsal sheath along the medial and lateral side of the palm. The distal edge features notches allowing the protrusion of the proximo-dorsal tabs of the proximal shell structures pertaining to digits two to five. The distal ends of the resulting extensions of the palmar membrane are affixed to the proximal edge of the associated proximal spanning membranes.

In the preferred embodiments, the palmar membrane elements are manufactured from a tough, wear-resistant and flexible material, such as leather, with a thickness of 0.65- 0.85mm, or a woven textile.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the glove includes two protective shell structures 42, 43 encompassing digit one (thumb) of the hand, aligned to the distal and proximal phalanx of digit one. The proximal shell structure attributed to the proximal phalanx has a section resembling a U form, the curved portion so positioned as to enclose the medial aspect of the digit and straight sidewalls lying on a plane approximating the disto-lateral plane of the hand and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the item held. The sidewalls are shaped such that the palmar length of the sidewall is shorter than the length of the palmar surface of digit one at 90 degrees flexion. The sidewall on the dorsal side extends the full length of the proximal phalanx portion of the digit.

The palmar aspect of digit one of the lower hand is advantageously encompassed by a plurality of textile membranes. A proximal palmar membrane 44 is predominantly quadrilateral in shape. The dorsal surface of the lateral and medial extremities are affixed to the dorsal extremities of the external lateral and medial aspects of the associated proximal shell structure respectively. The proximal edge is affixed to the proximal spanning membrane. The distal edge is attached to the distal spanning membrane 59 of digit one. In a preferred form of the invention, a tough, wear resistant and flexible material is preferred, such as leather with a thickness of 0.65- 0.85mm of a woven textile.

In another form of the invention, illustrated in Figure 7, the dorsal edges of the palmar membrane and the palmar edges of the dorsal sheath are affixed to each other, encompassing the digit. Shell elements are suspended from the textile assembly with elastic members. The shell elements protrude dorsally between digits such that the dorsal edges contact and align with the surface of an implement grasped in the hand.

Shell elements are suspended in position relative to the associated digit by means of suspension elements 60, 61, affixed to the sheathlmembrane assembly and the shell element. According to a preferred form of the invention each shell element has two associated pairs of suspension elements, in the form of a highly elastic string or cable.

The dorsal end of the suspension element is integrated into the seam between the dorsal sheath and the medial membrane. The suspension element extends dorsally through an aperture in the shell element. The suspension element is fixed in length by a knot preventing egress through the aperture in the shell element, a mechanical fastening or chemical adhesive bonding to the dorsal surface of the shell element. An elastic woven or extruded polymer tubular material is preferred.

The suspension element is of a length such that when there is no dorsal pressure on the shell element, there is little restriction of movement of the hand and when a prismoidal object such as a bat or stick handle is grasped, a force is exerted to the shell elements, maintaining contact between the palmar edges of the sidewalls and the implement and enabling location of the shell element on the implement. The shell elements are restricted in palmar movement relative to the associated digit, creating a void between the dorsal aspect of the dorsal sheath and the interior surface of the shell element.

One intended use of the disclosed invention is to protect the hands, fingers and thumb of a batsman playing the sport of cricket, where the invention is incorporated into a glove with a flexible palm and worn on the hands of the user.