US20110247125A1

US20110247125A1 - Sweat managing fistband

Info

Publication number: US20110247125A1
Application number: US12/931,530
Authority: US
Inventors: John E. F. Fournier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-02-04
Filing date: 2011-02-03
Publication date: 2011-10-13

Abstract

A tubular fistband, having a stretchy absorbent cloth which connects to an elastic mesh band body. The absorbent cloth can be repeatedly compressed by closing the hand of the wearer without losing shape, dispensing accumulated moisture wiped off wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/337,418, filed 2010 Feb. 4 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field
This application relates to sweat absorption, bands, and gloves.
2. Prior Art
Athletic stores and sporting good companies commonly supply consumers with sweat absorption products such as, sweatbands and wristbands. These traditional sweatbands absorb moisture, but can't be dried quickly, often remaining saturated for hours. They do not typically allow moisture to dispense; they are cumbersome, not attractive, retain heat in warm weather, soak easily (adding weight), leave tan lines, and aren't accurate at wiping. These products are not preferred by runners because of these negative factors. Most runners in humid and rainy climates have a variety of home-made solutions—towels, hats, sponges, and their own shirts—to remove perspiration.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,366 Inventor Michael J. Pratt Granted Mar. 7, 1989, discloses a towel attached to the back of a wristband, addressing the need for an accurate wipe as well as a desire to dry off sweat. This item does not deliver, as it is a complicated massive accessory. The towel may drape to the side, missing the face all together. The towel may snag or get caught. The jarring motion of a joggers head leaning to wipe while searching for the towel or wristband can also interfere with performance.
U.S. patent 2008/0168593 Inventor Val Parker Granted Jul. 17, 2008, shows a glove and/or glove insert that absorbs moisture in the hand. This does not provide moisture relief to other parts of the body and gloves typically leave the wearer hotter than desired. Gloves also lessen the ease of dexterity for hands and fingers. This product is difficult to put on as well.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,652 Inventor Mark E. Kuwahara Granted Jul. 4, 1989, teaches of a glove that absorbs but traps moisture in the hand and eventually contributes to a very hot, wet hand if worn during exercise. It is bulky and dexterity is lost once again.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,521 Inventor Lee Haney Granted Jan. 13, 1998, reveals a glove that contains absorbent pads for gathering perspiration yet is only effective for minimal perspiration gathering, does not dispose moisture and is difficult to put on as well. This bulky item is not preferred for endurance sports and is designed more for wrist protection.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,470 Inventor William D McKay Granted Apr. 26, 1994, shows a wristband with optional ice and heat inserts. This device continues the trend of wrist focused sweat wipe relief yet fails again to advance the effort of better sweat management.
All of these suffer a number of disadvantages:

- (a) These items are inaccurate and haphazard in their attempt to remove perspiration/moisture/debris. In a general way they accomplish their goal, however they provide only an inferior, incomplete solution. They are un-attractive for athletes and the general public.
- (b) They become increasingly heavy as they accumulate moisture. This causes a significant disadvantage for highly competitive athletes where every ounce of weight is critical. Commonly used sweatbands also absorb moisture that can weigh several ounces, negatively impacting an athlete attempting to be as light and quick as possible.
- (c) They can cause constriction of blood flow. Blood flow constriction is a major flaw and drawback during a competitive race. Most would-be wearers simply don't like the lack of blood flow they feel from wearing wrist or head style sweat absorption devices or sweatbands.
- (d) They are cumbersome. Head type sweat absorption systems are cumbersome, not easy to put on and once in place, the user simply hopes moisture is found by the headband.
- (e) They do not deal effectively with removal of dirt or debris. Sweatbands and wristbands cannot be easily used to remove dirt or debris which may strike the users face.
- (f) They are not easily marked. The ability to add embroidery, iron-on, heat transfers, messages, communication numbers, identifiers, transmitters, and electronics is limited and is often awkward in appearance and usage.

Most sweat absorbing solutions have been designed for use on the wrist and forehead. My own patent No. 61/337,418, describes a band which is made of moisture drying material on the exterior or knuckle portion of the band and absorbent cloth combined to pull moisture away from the user. A simple fist squeeze dispenses built-up moisture one brief motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment a sweatband comprised of a tube shaped band, combining a soft absorbent cloth and a comfort mesh band body, herein referred to as a fistband, worn with the mesh body covering the users' knuckles and the absorbent cloth covering their palms.

DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 shows the front view of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows the back view.

FIG. 3 shows the band looking through the center.

FIG. 4 shows liquid being dispensed from one embodiment.

FIG. 5 sectional view with sponge exposed.

FIG. 6 view of band looking through center, having protrusion. in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 7 view of band back view with tacky pads attached.

FIG. 8 shows the front view with open pocket in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a similar embodiment wherein the band is smaller to fit around users' finger(s).

FIG. 10 view of band from the back wherein inner portion of band body has opening pocket for fingertips.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

- 10 band body
- 12 color piping
- 14 absorbent cloth
- 16 sponge insert
- 18 protrusion
- 20 cushion pads
- 30 interior of pocket
- 40 outer pocket flap
- 50 opening pocket slot
- 60 insertable device(s)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 to FIG. 5

FIRST EMBODIMENT

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
One embodiment of the band is illustrated in FIG. 1 (front view), FIG. 2 (back view), and FIG. 3 (side view). The thin band consisting of a flexible sheet of mesh material 10 which can be repeatedly stretched and relaxed without weakening. A connecting sheet of stretch absorbent terry cloth type material 14 is fastened to the band body. In the preferred embodiment FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the absorbent material 14 has an absorbent foam insert 16 sewn inside. This preferred embodiment may have two 12 color piping strands sewn in the seam of the top and bottom of outer band body.

Operation

FIG. 4

User having accumulated moisture in the absorbent area may form fist FIG. 4 thus dispensing water.

FIGS. 6-10

Additional Embodiments

Additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. In FIG. 6 a securely attached protrusion 18 has various possibilities as it may be filled with liquid, air, or a rubbery gel. FIG. 7 shows pads 20 attached to inner band body that is protective, sticky, tacky or even slippery. In FIG. 8 the band has a pocket 30 and optional reclosing flap 40 to secure any number of items that may be placed inside. FIG. 9 shows a smaller version of the embodiment which may be configured to slide on users thumb and/or fingers. FIG. 10 shows the back of the band body 14 with an opening tri-fold pocket 50 which sandwiches the inserted finger tips of the wearer. FIG. 10 may also easily be adapted to place a removable penalty flag, flexible ice pack, flexible heat pack, leash, or wearers' supplementary items.

ADVANTAGES

From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my fistband become evident.

- (a) The motion of wiping sweat from the brow clears the face of debris, moisture and perspiration in one effort.
- (b) Accuracy of wiping the necessary area on the wearers' body is improved.
- (c) The fistband can quickly and efficiently be put onto the hand.
- (d) Wearers will preserve dexterity and have free finger and hand movement.
- (e) A much lighter sweatband is found in this embodiment after exercise since sweat may be expelled by simply forming a fist.
- (f) Users head will not have to lean awkwardly sideways in search of moving wristband, the head can stay steady, looking straight ahead as the hand naturally comes to wipe the brow.
- (g) Embroidery and Heat transfer for safety or advertising will gain easier adherence.
- (h) Reflective materials are readily applied to the band body enabling higher visibility for wearers.
- (i) Streamlined aerodynamic band body is always an athletes' favorite.
- (j) Wearers that experience a fall will have greater palm protection as their hands strike the ground.
- (k) Air flow to allow faster drying is punctuated on this band.
- (l) The multiple accessories that can be placed inside will greatly benefit the wearer yet will be a huge revenue source for licensed manufacturers.

Claims

1. A band which comprises:

a material body wherein an outer portion wraps around a user's knuckles and a joined inner portion wraps around a user's palm, said inner portion containing a means for accumulating moisture.

2. The band of claim 1 wherein the means of accumulating moisture is a sponge.

3. The band of claim 1 wherein said body outer portion is buffing polishing material and said inner portion consists of material allowing seepage of liquid out of band for applying liquid to another surface.

4. The band of claim 1 wherein said body is made of material that is disposable.

5. The band of claim 1 wherein said body includes device providing adjustability.

6. The band of claim 1 wherein said body is aseptic.

7. The band of claim 1 wherein an aperture for pouch pocket is introduced on said band body.

8. The band of claim 7 wherein said body admits electronic chip.

9. The band of claim 7 wherein said body admits electronic media device.

10. The band of claim 7 wherein said body admits removable cloth flag.

11. The band of claim 1 wherein said inner portion of body has opening pocket configured to receive fingertips of user.

12. The band of claim 11 wherein said inner portion of body admits cooling agent.

13. The band of claim 11 wherein said inner portion of body admits heating agent.

14. The band of claim 1 wherein said band inner portion has surrounding chamber.

15. The band of claim 1 wherein said band inner portion has surrounding protrusion.

16. The band of claim 1 wherein said band has attached sticky pads.

17. The band of claim 1 wherein said band has displayed information labeling.

18. The band of claim 1 wherein said inner portion is absorbent plush toy.

19. The band of claim 1 wherein said band is configured to be worn on users fingers.

20. The band of claim 1 wherein said band has a surrounding adherent clingy section capable of adhering to a complementary clingy agent.