WO2006068381A1

WO2006068381A1 - Hand protection device for fighting games

Info

Publication number: WO2006068381A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/004161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dong-Suk Song
Original assignee: Han Ji Corporation
Priority date: 2004-12-24
Filing date: 2005-12-06
Publication date: 2006-06-29

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a hand protection device for fighting games, which is worn on a fighter's hand to protect his or her hand, especially, fingers. The hand protection device includes a finger injury preventing unit which induces a fighter to roll his or her fingers into a fist. The finger injury preventing unit comprises a grip member which is gripped by the fingers, a drawing member which draws the fingers toward the palm to induce a fighter to roll his or her fingers into a fist, or a fastening unit which fastens a finger portion to a palm portion to induce a fighter to roll his or her fingers into a fist. By the finger injury preventing unit, the fingers are in close contact with the palm, so that injuries to the fingers are maximally prevented.

Description

Description HAND PROTECTION DEVICE FOR FIGHTING GAMES

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a hand protection device for fighting games, which is worn on a fighter's hand so as to protect the hand when training and competing in fighting games such as taekwondo, and, more particularly, to a hand protection device for fighting games, which is capable of efficiently preventing the fingers from being injured.

[2]

Background Art

[3] Generally, fighting games such as karate, kungfu, judo, hapkido, taekwondo and the like are exercises mainly using hand skills and foot skills. Especially, hand skills are advantageous in attacking opponents or defending, because hand movement is freer and faster than foot movement.

[4] When performing fighting games including taekwondo, a fighter wears a uniform and protective equipment so as to protect his or her body. However, nothing is worn on his or her hands or feet. Usually, the fighter competes with bare hands and feet. Especially, the fighter trains or competes with bare hands so as to ensure the free motion of the fingers. However, while bare hands allow free motion of the hands, they are frequently injured.

[5] Generally, the hands are used for defense rather than attack. When a person defends from kicking attacks, injuries such as sprains or bruises of the wrist, the back of the hand, or the fingers are frequently generated. Further, this kind of injury seems to occur most often immediately before important matches for which the fighter has spent a large amount of time training. Thus, the fighter cannot demonstrate his or her skills fully in the actual match or, in the worst case, he or she must give up the match.

[6] Korean U.M. Registration No. 0358065, which was published on Aug. 5, 2004, proposes a hand protection glove which is worn to protect the hand. According to the cited document, five fingers separately pass through the hand protection glove when a user wears the hand protection glove. In this case, the distal joints of the fingers and the palm are exposed to the outside. Further, protective parts cover the back of the hand, the knuckle, and the upper end of the hand knife.

[7] According to the hand protection glove disclosed in the document, the distal joints of the fingers and the palm are exposed to the outside, and the five fingers are independently movable, thus allowing the hands to freely move. Further, a user feels as if nothing is being worn on his or her hand. [8] However, a fighter is not aware of his or her hands during an actual match. The hand protection glove disclosed in the document is problematic in that finger injury is not completely prevented. The problem will be described in detail below.

[9] For example, when performing taekwondo, a fighter who assumes a sparring position makes his or her fingers be in maximally close contact with the palm. That is, when practicing fighting games, a fighter must assume a desirable posture that maximally prevents the fingers from being injured, that is, must loosely clench his or her fists. However, the fighter merely thinks about his or her strategy of attacking an opponent, and pays attention to the opponent's movements. The fighter performs while not being conscious of his or her hand posture. As such, when he or she performs with his or her hand unclenched, he or she may suffer a serious injury, such as finger sprains or bruises, during attacks or defense, in comparison with the case where the fighter performs with a fully-clenched fist. Actually, fighters learn that they should perform only with clenched fists. However, fighters frequently break this rule. Especially in an actual match, fighters undesirably unclench their fists. Finger injuries are, indeed, the leading cause of harm to taekwondo fighters.

[10] Meanwhile, even though a fighter clenches his or her fists so as to prevent injury, an empty space is formed between the fingers and the palm. In this case, when attacking an opponent or striking a punching bag, the fingers are undesirably moved toward the palm, so that the fighter may be injured or may not deliver a threatening attack.

[11] Usually, fighters sweat profusely during practice or a match. However, the conventional hand protection device does not have a means for removing sweat. That is, the conventional hand protection device has the shape of a glove which has a cover for protecting the back of the hand and finger-covering parts formed to allow free motion of the fingers. However, the conventional hand protection device is problematic in that it is not provided with a sweat removal means. When sweat flows along the forehead and gets into the eyes during a match, it obstructs vision and thereby causes a hindrance to a fighter's performance. Thus, the fighter may not maximally demonstrate his or her ability. Further, since sweat obstructs the fighter's vision, he or she cannot rapidly cope with an opponent's attack.

[12]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[13] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hand protection device for fighting games, which is capable of efficiently preventing the hand, especially the fingers, from being injured.

[14] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hand protection device for fighting games, which affords free hand movement, as if a user were not wearing anything, and has superior air-permeability.

[15] A further object of the present invention is to provide a hand protection device for fighting games, which eliminates sweat inevitably generated during practice or a match, thus allowing a fighter to cope with an opponent's threatening attack, and practicing/competing without being affected by the sweat.

[16]

Technical Solution

[17] In order to accomplish these objects, the present invention provides a hand protection device for fighting games, which has a finger injury preventing unit intended to induce fist clenching. Anything may be used as the finger injury preventing unit as long as it forces a fighter to make a fist.

[18] In a detailed description, the hand protection device according to the present invention includes a covering means and the finger injury preventing unit coupled to the covering means. Anything may be used as the covering means as long as it secures the finger injury preventing unit to the hand. The covering means may have the shape of a band (preferably an elastic band) or a ring, and preferably comprises a main body which surrounds the hand. Anything may be used as the main body as long as it surrounds the hand. For example, the main body may have the shape of a boxing glove or a general glove.

[19] Further, the main body may be constructed so that at least a distal joint of each finger is exposed to the outside or none of the finger is not exposed to the outside. Preferably, in order to afford a good ventilation effect, the main body is constructed so that the palm is exposed to the outside.

[20] Preferably, the main body has at least two finger-covering parts. More preferably, the main body has five finger-covering parts so that five fingers are separately inserted into the corresponding finger-covering parts.

[21] According to the first aspect of this invention, the finger injury preventing unit comprises a grip member, which is surrounded and gripped by the fingers. When the hand protection device is worn on the hand, the grip member is located in the palm so as to prevent finger motion from being hindered. The size and the shape of the grip member are not limited as long as the grip member may be gripped by the hand. Preferably, the grip member is formed by enclosing elastic synthetic resin foam or fiber with a covering.

[22] According to the second aspect of this invention, the finger injury preventing unit comprises a drawing member which draws the finger-covering parts toward the palm, thus inducing a user to roll his or her fingers into a fist. According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, the drawing member comprises a rope which is connected at one end thereof to a distal end of a finger-covering part and connected at the other end thereof to the wrist. Preferably, the rope has elasticity.

[23] According to the third aspect of this invention, the finger injury preventing unit comprises a fastening unit which fastens the finger-covering parts to a palm portion, thus causing the fingers to be rolled into a fist. In this case, the fastening unit permits free attachment and detachment. Preferably, the fastening unit includes a first Velcro member and a second Velcro member. The first Velcro member is attached to the distal end of each finger-covering part. The second Velcro member is freely detached from/ attached to the first Velcro member, and is secured to the palm portion of the main body.

[24] Preferably, the finger injury preventing unit causes a user to roll at least two fingers, that is, the pinkie finger and the ring finger.

[25] Moreover, the hand protection device according to this invention preferably has an absorption member which is used to wipe up perspiration. Preferably, the absorption member is provided on either the thumb covering part or the index finger-covering part, or provided on both the thumb covering part and the index finger-covering part.

Advantageous Effects

[26] According to the present invention, a finger injury preventing unit induces a fighter to autonomously or forcibly, and consciously or unconsciously, roll the fingers into a fist, thus efficiently preventing the fingers from being injured. That is, a hand protection device according to the present invention induces a fighter's fingers to be in close contact with the palm, thus maximally preventing the fingers from being injured.

[27]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[28] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hand protection device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when shown from a palm portion of the hand protection device;

[29] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a grip member adapted to the present invention;

[30] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing part of the hand protection device of FIG. 1 ;

[31] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the hand protection device of FIG. 1, when shown from a back portion of the hand protection device;

[32] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the state where the hand protection device of

FIG. 1 is worn; [33] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing part of the hand protection device of FIG. 1; [34] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [35] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the use of the hand protection device of FIG.

7; [36] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the hand protection device of FIG. 7, when shown from a back portion of the hand protection device; [37] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [38] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[39] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line A-A¹ of FIG. 11 ;

[40] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[41] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a modification of FIG. 13;

[42] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention; [43] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the hand protection device of FIG. 15, when shown from a back portion of the hand protection device;

[44] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a modification of FIG. 15;

[45] FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing an absorption member adapted to the present invention; [46] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; and [47] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the state where the hand protection device of

FIG. 19 is worn. [48]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [49] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are included merely to aid in the understanding of the invention but are not to be construed to limit the scope of the invention. [50] Herein, the term 'coupling' means that components are coupled to each other through adhesion, heat fusion, or sewing. The dotted lines of the drawing represent that the components are coupled to each other through sewing. The dotted lines represent sewn lines. Further, the term 'fighter' is a person who wears a hand protection device of this invention, and includes a person who trains in a fighting game, a person who competes in an actual match, and professional or amateur players.

[51] According to the present invention, a hand protection device has a finger injury preventing unit as a means for efficiently preventing injury to the fingers. In the present invention, the finger injury preventing unit makes a fighter roll his or her fingers into a fist. According to the embodiment of this invention, the finger injury preventing unit is selected from the group comprising a grip member 10 (see, FIG. 1), a drawing member 20 (see, FIG. 7), and a fastening unit 30 (see, FIG. 11). Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[52]

[53] [First Embodiment]

[54] FIGS. 1 to 6 show the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, when shown from a palm portion of the hand protection device, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are a sectional view and a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of a grip member 10. Further, FIG. 4 is a plan view, when shown from a back portion of the hand protection device of FIG. 1 , FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the state where the hand protection device of FIG. 1 is worn, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing part of the hand protection device of FIG. 1.

[55] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the hand protection device according to this invention includes a finger injury preventing unit, which induces the fingers to be rolled into a fist. The finger injury preventing unit comprises a grip member 10 which is surrounded and gripped by the fingers, when the hand protection device is worn on a person's hand.

[56] In a detailed description, the hand protection device includes the grip member 10 and a covering means which is used to wear the grip member 10 on the hand. The covering means is preferably embodied by a glove-type main body 200 to surround most of the hand.

[57] According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, the hand protection device includes the grip member 10, the glove-type main body 200, and a protecting cover 300, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[58] The grip member 10 induces a fighter to clench his/her fist, thus preventing the fingers from being injured. The grip member 10 is made of a soft and elastic material, preferably a material having elasticity and high absorptive property. The grip member 10 may be made of a synthetic resin foam material, fiber, or a soft material, such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber. As shown in FIG. 2, the grip member 10 may comprise a covering 11 and an internal material 12 filled in the covering 11. Preferably, a plurality of prominences 15 is formed on a surface of the covering 11. The prominences 15 provide a special feel or anti-slip properties to the grip member 10. The prominences 15 may be formed by dot-coating rubber, silicone, or synthetic resin elastomer.

[59] The covering 11 may be selected from textile, cloth, synthetic resin sheet, etc. The internal material 12 has elasticity, and preferably comprises a synthetic resin foam, fiber, etc. In this case, the synthetic resin foam structure is manufactured to have a foam structure by foaming synthetic resin. Synthetic resin harmless to persons is preferably used as the synthetic resin foam structure. Further, the fiber structure includes a cotton aggregate made by aggregating synthetic or natural fiber strands, or a cloth, patch, or textile aggregate made by weaving synthetic or natural fiber. Such an aggregate has high absorptive property as well as elasticity, so that it may be usefully adapted to the present invention.

[60] Further, the grip member 10 may be variously constructed, as long as it has a size and a shape to allow a person to hold the grip member. Preferably, the grip member 10 has the same size as the width of the palm, and has a rod shape allowing a user to easily grip, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[61] Such a grip member 10 is coupled to the main body 200. Preferably, the grip member 10 is provided near to the finger's side without hindering the motion of the fingers.

[62] Concretely, the grip member 10 is provided at a junction of the palm portion of the main body 200 and the finger portion thereof. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, opposite ends of the grip member 10 are directly secured to the main body 200, and the central portion of the grip member 10 is secured to the main body 200 via a coupling band 150. That is, after the central portion of the grip member 10 is surrounded by the coupling band 150, opposite ends of the coupling band 150 are secured to the main body 200, so that the grip member 10 is coupled to the main body 200. As such, when the central portion of the grip member 10 is secured to the main body using the coupling band 150, the grip member 10 is not undesirably moved to the palm portion of the main body 200. Of course, all surfaces of the grip member 10 contacting the main body 200, including the opposite ends of the grip member 10, may be secured to the main body 200 through sewing, bonding, or the like.

[63] As shown in FIG. 1, the hand protection device of the present invention may further include an auxiliary grip member 10-1 inside the grip member 10. The auxiliary grip member 10-1 is positioned inside the grip member 10, that is, positioned in the palm portion of the main body, and supports the grip member 10, thus preventing the grip member 10 from moving to the palm portion of the main body. Further, the auxiliary grip member 10-1 allows a person to sufficiently feel a gripping sensation, even if the grip member 10 is thin. That is, if the grip member 10 is formed excessively thick in order to increase the gripping sensation, it may hinder the motion of the fingers and increase the total thickness of a product. However, when the auxiliary grip member 10-1 is further provided, it is preferable that the thickness of the grip member 10 be reduced, in addition to preventing the undesirable motion of the grip member 10. Preferably, such an auxiliary grip member 10-1 is shorter than the grip member 10. The material and construction of the auxiliary grip member 10-1 are identical to those of the grip member 10. In a detailed description, as shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary grip member 10-1 has the shape of a rod including a covering 11-1 and an internal material 12-1 filled in the covering 11-1. The internal material 12-1 comprises synthetic resin foam or fiber. Preferably, a plurality of prominences 15-1 is formed on the surface of the covering 11-1.

[64] Such a grip member 10 induces a fighter to roll his or her fingers and so clench the fist. In a detailed description, when the fighter wears the hand protection device of this invention, the grip member 10 is positioned on the palm portion of the hand protection device. Thus, the fighter consciously or unconsciously surrounds the grip member 10 with his or her fingers and clenches his or her fist (see, FIG. 5). Thereby, when the fighter wears the hand protection device, his or her fist is loosely clenched, and the fingers are in maximal contact with the palm portion.

[65] When the fingers are rolled as such, an empty space is inevitably formed between the fingers and the palm. This empty space is filled with the grip member 10, so that undesirable movement of the fingers is prevented when he or she attacks an opponent or strikes a punching bag, thus preventing the fingers from being injured. Further, the grip member 10 is provided in his or her fist, thus increasing his or her punching power during training, and allowing the fighter to acquire the correct method of clenching his or her fist. Further, it is not necessary to worry about injuries, and the fighter feels as if his or her fist were more rigid, so that he or she has greater confidence.

[66] Meanwhile, the main body 200 is used to wear the grip member 10 on a fighter's hand, and may have various shapes, as long as the hand is inserted into the main body 200. For example, the main body 200 may have the shape of a general glove. In this case, the glove includes a mitten shape. In a detailed description, the main body 200 has the shape which is equal or similar to that of the hand. Preferably, the main body 200 has the shape of a glove having a palm portion, a finger portion, a back-hand portion, a hand-knife portion, and a wrist portion, which correspond to respective parts of the hand, thus protecting the back of the hand, the knife of the hand, and the palm, as well as the fingers.

[67] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the main body 200 has the shape of the glove which includes a hand-insert opening 210 and finger-covering parts 220. The hand is inserted through the hand-insert opening 210, and five fingers are respectively inserted into the finger-covering parts 220 to allow the fingers to move freely.

[68] Preferably, the main body 200 has elasticity so that it is in maximal contact with the hand. For example, the main body 200 may comprise elastic fabric or non-woven fabric. Further, the main body 200 may be made of fabric which is woven to have the shape of FIG. 1 using elastic fiber, such as Spandex. Further, non-woven fabric that is produced to have the shape of FIG. 1 and has elasticity, or a general glove, may be used as the main body 200. The main body 200 may comprise one-layer fabric or non- woven fabric having elasticity. Alternatively, fabric or non-woven fabric having elasticity is stacked in many layers, such that it may be used as the main body 200. Preferably, the main body 200 is made of a material having high absorptive property so as to efficiently absorb sweat. Further, a material having good air permeability is preferred.

[69] As described above, the main body 200 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention has five finger-covering parts 220 into which the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinkie finger are respectively inserted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, distal ends of the finger-covering parts 220 may be opened such that at least one joint of each finger is exposed to the outside. Preferably, the length of the finger-covering parts 220 is set such that the distal joints and the middle joints of the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinkie finger are exposed to the outside.

[70] As such, when the finger covering parts 220 are formed such that part of each finger is exposed to the outside, additional cloth is added to, or an over-stitch treatment is conducted at, the distal ends of the finger-covering parts 220 so as to form closing parts 225, thus preventing the distal ends of the finger-covering parts 220 from being torn or unravelled. Preferably, each closing part 225 has elasticity.

[71] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that a palm exposing part 230 be formed on the main body 200 to allow the palm to be exposed to the outside. In this case, closing parts 235 are formed along the edges of the palm exposing part 230 to prevent the edges from being torn or unravelled, as shown in FIG. 1. The closing parts 235 may be formed by adding cloth or over-stitching, like the closing parts 225 of the finger-covering parts 220. Preferably, the closing parts 235 have elasticity.

[72] When the palm exposing part 230 is formed as such, an elastic tightening band 240 is secured to the palm portion of the main body 200. As shown in FIG. 1, the tightening band 240 is formed in the widthwise direction of the palm, and is secured at opposite ends thereof to the edges of the palm exposing part 230, that is, the closing parts 235. The tightening band 240 contracts the main body 200 in the widthwise direction of the palm, thus allowing the hand to be in close contact with the main body 200. The contact of the hand with the main body 200 may be slightly weak due to the palm exposing part 230. However, this problem is overcome by the tightening band 240.

[73] Further, an additional elastic part may be provided on the wrist portion of the main body 200 so that the wrist portion is in close contact with a user's wrist. That is, an elastic band is attached to an end of the wrist portion. Alternatively, after an end of the wrist portion of the main body 200 is folded, one or more rubber bands are inserted into a space defined in the folded end and thereafter sewing is carried out. In this way, the elastic part may be secured to the main body.

[74] Preferably, a detachable fastening means 250 is provided on the wrist portion of the main body 200, as shown in FIG. 1. An end of the wrist portion extends from the palm exposing part 230 in such a way as to be open, as shown in FIG. 1. The wrist portion preferably has an opening 215 to allow the hand-insert opening 210 to be easily opened. As such, when the wrist portion has the opening 215 which extends from the palm exposing part 230 and the fastening means 250 is attached to the wrist portion, free entrance of the hand is permitted by the opening 215, and the wrist portion is in firm contact with the user's wrist by the fastening means 250. Release tape or a hook and loop system may be used as the fastening means 250. Further, a Velcro fastener may be applied to the fastening means 250. The Velcro fastener, which has high fastening force and affords convenient attachment/detachment, is preferred. In FIG. 1, a Velcro fastener is used as the fastening means 250.

[75] Meanwhile, it is preferable that a protecting cover 300 be attached to a surface of the main body 200. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a back-hand protecting cover 320 (see, FIG. 4), a hand-knife protecting cover 340 (see, FIG. 1), and a wrist protecting cover 360 (see, FIG. 4), which correspond to the back of the hand, the knife of the hand, and the wrist, are attached to the corresponding portions. As shown in FIG. 4, the backhand protecting cover 320 is divided into a first back-hand protecting cover part 321 and a second back-hand protecting cover part 322 so as to allow the hand to be easily folded. Further, finger protecting covers 381 to 385 corresponding to respective fingers are preferably coupled to the finger portions. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, a thumb protecting cover 385 corresponding to the thumb is separately provided. Meanwhile, an index-finger protecting cover 381, a middle-finger protecting cover 382, a ring- finger protecting cover 383, and a pinkie-finger protecting cover 384, which correspond to the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinkie finger, extend integrally from the first back-hand protecting cover part 321. Preferably, a seam S 1 is sewn between the first back-hand protecting cover part and the finger protecting covers. Further, the second back-hand protecting cover part 322 extends integrally from the wrist protecting cover 360. Preferably, a seam S2 is formed between the second back-hand protecting cover 322 and the wrist protecting cover 360. [76] Natural or artificial leather, or a cloth or synthetic resin sheet may be used as the protecting cover 300. Preferably, a synthetic resin sheet, which is light and has a cushioning function, is used. Further, the protecting cover 300 may be made by using either leather or a cloth or synthetic resin sheet, or mixing leather and a cloth or synthetic resin sheet. The protecting cover 300 may have one layer or have two or more layers. When the protecting cover 300 is coupled to the main body 200, it is preferable that edges of the protecting cover 300 other than the central area of the protecting cover 300 be sewn so as to prevent the elasticity of the main body 200 from being reduced. Further, ventilation holes (not shown) may be formed in several portions of the protecting cover 300, so that the protecting cover 300 has air permeability.

[77] Referring to FIG. 5, a shock absorption material 400 is preferably interposed between the protecting cover 300 and the main body 200, thus protecting the user's hand against large shocks. As long as it absorbs shocks, any material may be used as the shock absorption material 400. A material which is light and has superior shock absorbing capacity is preferred as the shock absorption material 400. For example, a product obtained by finely cutting cotton, soft cloth, compressed sponge, a compressed cotton sheet, or cloth, and aggregating the cut material may be used as the shock absorption material 400. Further, when ventilation holes (not shown) are formed in the protecting cover 300, ventilation holes (not shown) may be formed in the shock absorption material 400 at positions corresponding to the ventilation holes of the protecting cover 300.

[78] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the front portion of the hand protection device of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, a side surface 222 of each finger-covering part 220, that is, a part between the fingers, is made of a material which is different from that of the main body 200. It is preferable that an additional elastic material be attached to the side surface of each finger-covering part. In a detailed description, a material which is softer and has higher elasticity than the material of the main body 200, is applied to the side surface of each finger-covering part. More preferably, a material having superior absorptive property is used. In this case, the side surface 222 surrounding a portion between neighboring fingers is a part of each finger-covering part 220. That is, the side surfaces 222 are provided between the thumb and the index finger, the index finger and the middle finger, the middle finger and the ring finger, and the ring finger and the pinkie finger. When the side surfaces 222 of the finger- covering parts 220 are formed in this way, it is advantageous in that the finger- covering parts 220 are in maximally close contact with the fingers, thus allowing the fingers to more freely move.

[79] Further, since a lot of sweat is discharged between the fingers, it is preferable that a ventilation hole 228 be formed between neighboring finger-covering parts 220, as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the ventilation hole 228 may have various shapes, including a linear shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape. FIG. 6 illustrates a ventilation hole 228 having a diamond shape.

[80] Hereinafter, the second to seventh embodiments of the present invention will be described. Since components that carry the same terms and reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same function as the first embodiment, they will not be described below in detail.

[81]

[82] [Second Embodiment]

[83] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 shows the use of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a plan view when showing FIG. 7 from a back portion of the hand protection device.

[84] The main body 200 may be constructed so that at least the distal end of each finger is exposed to the outside (see, FIG. 1), or the fingers are not exposed to the outside at all. FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of the hand protection device which is constructed so that the fingers are not exposed to the outside.

[85] As shown in FIG. 7, the finger-covering parts 220 of the main body 200 are constructed so that the five fingers are individually inserted into the corresponding finger-covering parts 220, and the main body 200 has the shape of a complete glove such that the fingers are not exposed to the outside. As such, when the main body 200 has the shape of the complete glove, the main body 200 completely surrounds the fingers, thus protecting each whole finger, and especially preventing the nails from being damaged. Such an advantage may be usefully applied to the hand protection device for taekwondo. That is, according to the rules of taekwondo, a fighter must not grab an opponent's uniform. As such, when the hand protection device has the shape of the complete glove to completely surround the fingers, it is difficult to accidentally snag an opponent's uniform, so that he or she may successfully observe the sport's rules.

[86] Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the finger injury preventing unit comprises a drawing member 20. The drawing member 20 draws the finger-covering part 220 toward the palm portion, thus inducing a user to roll his or her fingers into a fist.

[87] The drawing member 20 may comprise a rope 22 which is coupled at one end thereof to a distal end of the finger-covering part 220 and is coupled at the other end thereof to a position around the wrist portion. Preferably, the rope 22 has elasticity. As shown in FIG. 7, the drawing member 20 preferably includes the rope 22 and a rope support member 24 which is coupled to an end of the rope 22 to allow the drawing member 20 to be smoothly attached to or detached from the wrist portion. In this case, an attachment member 224 (see, FIG. 8) is provided around the wrist portion of the main body 200 so that the rope support member 24 is freely detached from/attached to the attachment member 224. A Velcro fastener may be used as the rope support member 24 and the attachment member 224, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[88] As shown in FIG. 8, the drawing member 20 draws the distal end of the finger- covering part 220 toward the palm portion to be in close contact with the palm portion. Thus, a fighter's fingers are rolled toward the palm portion, as if he or she is clenching his or her fist, thus maximally preventing the fingers from being injured.

[89] In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the rope 22 may be wound around the wrist portion by one or more turns, and the rope support member 24 provided on the end of the rope 22 is attached to the attachment member 224 provided on the wrist portion. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a rope insert hole 225 is preferably formed at a predetermined position in the main body 200 so that the rope 22 is inserted into the rope insert hole 225. Such a rope insert hole 225 is formed in the wrist portion as well as the palm portion, as shown in the drawings, thus preventing the rope 22 from being exposed to the outside, and allowing the rope 22 to be neatly arranged.

[90] The drawing member 20 may be constructed so that all of the five fingers are drawn toward the palm portion to be in close contact therewith. Preferably, four fingers other than the thumb, that is, the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinkie finger may be drawn toward the palm portion, so that the four fingers are in close contact with the palm portion. More preferably, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rope 22 may be coupled to the distal ends of at least two finger-covering parts 220 so that at least the pinkie finger and the ring finger are drawn toward the palm portion. That is, preferably, the drawing member 20 is constructed such that the thumb, the index finger, and the middle finger are freely unclenched, and the pinkie finger and the ring finger are in close contact with the palm portion. Thus, when a fighter falls over during game, the thumb, the index finger, and the middle finger are unclenched. In such a state, he or she may put his or her hand on the ground. Thereby, his or her stable landing is possible. Further, when the drawing member is constructed so that two fingers, that is, the pinkie finger and the ring finger are drawn toward the palm portion, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, loops 221 are provided on the ends of the two finger- covering parts 220 covering the pinkie finger and the ring finger, and the rope 22 is fastened to the loops 221.

[91] Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the hand protection device according to the present invention may have both the grip member 10 and the drawing member 20, as the finger injury preventing unit. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, it is preferable that the grip member 10 not be exposed to the outside. For example, when the main body 200 has a two-fold structure, the grip member is interposed in the main body 200 so that it is not exposed to the outside.

[92] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main body 200 may have a plurality of ventilation holes 205 which are artificially perforated. Preferably, the ventilation holes 205 are perforated in at least the thumb portion, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[93] Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the main body 200 may have a thumb protecting cover

385, an index-finger protecting cover 381, a middle-finger protecting cover 382, a ring-finger protecting cover 383, and a pinkie -finger protecting cover 384, as a finger protecting cover 300. In this case, an index-finger end protecting cover 381-1, a middle-finger end protecting cover 382-1, a ring-finger end protecting cover 383-1, and a pinkie-finger end protecting cover 384-1, which protect ends of respective fingers and are separated from the corresponding index-finger protecting cover 381, the middle -finger protecting cover 382, the ring-finger protecting cover 383, and the pinkie-finger protecting cover 384, may be further provided on the corresponding finger ends.

[94]

[95] [Third Embodiment]

[96] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[97] As a finger injury preventing unit, the grip member 10 is longitudinally provided in the widthwise direction of the palm. However, separate grip members 10 may be provided on respective finger-covering parts 220, as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the grip members 10 are located at finger portions adjacent to the palm portion. FIG. 10 illustrates the example where four grip members 10 are attached to the index- finger-covering part, the middle-finger-covering part, the ring-finger-covering part, and the pinkie-finger-covering part 220, respectively.

[98]

[99] [Fourth Embodiment]

[100] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hand protection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line A-AOf FIG. 11.

[101] According to this embodiment, the finger injury preventing unit includes a fastening unit 30. The fastening unit 30 fastens the finger-covering parts 220 to the palm portion, thus inducing a user to roll his or her fingers into a fist. The fastening unit 30 physically prevents a fighter from unrolling his or her fingers. Preferably, the fastening unit 30 fastens the ends of the finger-covering parts 220 to the palm portion. Anything may be used as the fastening unit 30 as long as it allows free attachment and detachment. Preferably, the fastening unit 30 may comprise a Velcro fastener.

[102] According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, the fastening unit 30 includes a first Velcro member 32 and a second Velcro member 34. The first Velcro member 32 is attached to an end of each finger-covering part 220. The second Velcro member 34 is provided on the palm portion of the main body 200 and detachably fastened to the first Velcro member 32. As shown in FIG. 12, a raising member 40 is provided on the lower surface of the second Velcro member 34 to raise the second Velcro member 34, thus allowing each first Velcro member 32 to be easily fastened to the second Velcro member 34. As shown in FIG. 12, when the main body 200 has a two-fold structure, the raising member 40 is preferably provided in the main body 200.

[103] The raising member 40 is made of a material which is soft and has elasticity.

Preferably, the raising member 40 is made of a material having elasticity and high absorptive property. Such a raising member 40 may comprise synthetic resin foam, fiber, a soft structure made of natural or artificial rubber, or a sheet fabricated using cloth.

[104] Further, the fastening unit 30 may be constructed so that at least the pinkie finger and the ring finger are fastened to the palm portion. That is, the first Velcro members 32 may be provided on ends of at least the pinkie-finger-covering part and the middle- finger-covering part 220.

[105]

[ 106] [Fifth Embodiment]

[107] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a hand protection device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 shows the modification of FIG. 13.

[108] As shown in FIG. 13, the hand protection device according to this invention, may include both the grip member 10 and the fastening unit 30, as the finger injury preventing unit.

[109] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment where the fastening unit 30 includes first Velcro members 32 and a second Velcro member 34. Referring to FIG. 14, which shows the modification of FIG. 13, the second Velcro member 34 is combined with the grip member 10. Further, when the hand protection device is further provided with an auxiliary grip member 10-1, the second Velcro member 34 may be also attached to the auxiliary grip member 10-1.

[110]

[111] [Sixth Embodiment]

[112] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a plan view of the hand protection device, when showing FIG. 15 from a back portion of the hand protection device. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the modification of FIG. 15, and FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an absorption member 500 according to this embodiment.

[113] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the absorption member 500 may be coupled to the hand protection device according to this invention. The absorption member 500 is used to wipe the perspiration which is inevitably discharged during practice or match. Preferably, the absorption member 500 is coupled to the thumb covering part 220 or the index-finger-covering part 220 which may be freely moved when a user wipes the perspiration. In this case, the absorption member 500 is attached to only either the thumb covering part 220 or the index-finger-covering part 220. Further, the absorption member 500 is attached to both the thumb covering part 220 and the index- finger-covering part 220. FIGS. 15 and 16 show an example where the absorption member 500 is attached to the thumb covering part 220, and FIG. 17 shows an example where the absorption member 500 is attached to the index-finger-covering part 220.

[114] Any material may be used for the absorption member 500 as long as it has absorbing capacity. A material having high absorptive property, good air permeability, and elasticity is preferred. Textiles manufactured using natural fiber or synthetic fiber may be used for the absorption member 500. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 18, the absorption member 500 includes a base 520 attached to the finger-covering part 220 and a plurality piles 540 planted in the base 520. In this case, the base 520 may use textile or non-woven fabric. The piles 540 are made by aggregating fiber strands which are soft and have high absorptive property. The many piles 540 are compactly planted on the base 520.

[115] Such an absorption member 500 is used to remove the perspiration which flows around the eyes during training or a match, thus allowing a fighter to cope with an opponent's threatening attacks and practice game without hindering his or her view.

[116] Meanwhile, the pinkie finger is frequently injured by attacking or defending actions. Particularly, when a fighter attacks an opponent with the knife of the hand, the pinkie finger is likely to be injured. In order to prevent the injury of the pinkie finger, the hand protection device according to this invention further includes a pinkie-finger end protecting cover 370, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17. The pinkie-finger end protecting cover 370 is provided between the hand-knife protecting cover 340 and the pinkie-finger-covering part 220 to be positioned in the same line as the hand-knife protecting cover 340. In this case, the pinkie-finger end protecting cover 370 extends integrally from the hand-knife protecting cover 340. Alternatively, the pinkie-finger end protecting cover 370 may be manufactured separately from the hand-knife protecting cover 340 and coupled to the hand-knife protecting cover 340. In FIGS. 15 and 17, the pinkie-finger end protecting cover 370 extends integrally from the hand- knife protecting cover 340. Such an end protecting cover 370 efficiently protects a part between the pinkie finger and the knife of the hand, as well as the pinkie finger.

[117] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, at least one notch 375 is formed in the pinkie-finger end protecting cover 370 so as to allow the pinkie finger to be freely folded, that is, prevent the pinkie-finger end protecting cover 370 from hindering his or her fist from being clenched. In the drawings, the "V"-shaped notches 375 are formed in two places.

[118]

[119] [Seventh Embodiment]

[120] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hand protection device, according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the state in which the hand protection device of FIG. 19 is worn.

[121] The embodiment illustrates another embodiment of a covering means. As described above, the hand protection device according to the present invention includes the covering means and a finger injury preventing unit coupled to the covering means. In this case, the covering means may comprise a band 51 or rings 52, as shown in FIG. 19. Preferably, as shown in the drawings, the covering means may comprise the combination of the band 51 with the rings 52. When the hand protection device has such a covering means, the grip member 10 is preferred as the finger injury preventing unit.

[122] In a detailed description, the hand protection device includes the grip member 10, and the band 51 secured to opposite ends of the grip member 10. The hand protection device may include the grip member 10 and one or more rings 52 arranged in a lengthwise direction of the grip member 10.

[123] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the hand protection device includes both the band 51 and the rings 52. That is, the hand protection device includes the grip member 10, the band 51 secured to opposite ends of the grip member 10, and one or more rings 52 arranged in a lengthwise direction of the grip member 10.

[124] Preferably, the band 51 comprises an elastic band having elasticity. The four fingers other than the thumb, that is, the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinkie finger, are inserted into the rings 52.

[125] Referring to FIG. 20, the band 51 serves to induce the grip member 10 to come into close contact with the palm. The rings 52 prevent the grip member 10 from moving to the inside of the hand, that is, the wrist.

[126]

Industrial Applicability

[127] According to the present invention, a hand protection device is used for protecting a fighter's hand when he or she competes or trains in fighting games, such as karate, kungfu, hapgido, or taekwondo. The hand protection device is especially useful for taekwondo. [128] As described above, the present invention is provided with a finger injury preventing unit which is intended to roll the fingers into a fist, thus inducing a fighter to maintain a clenched fist during training or a match. Therefore, the fingers are in close contact with the palm, so that injuries to the fingers are maximally prevented. Further, the entire hand is efficiently protected by a main body 200 having finger- covering parts 220. Further, the present invention is provided with a sweat absorption member 500, thus allowing a fighter to compete or train without the obstruction of his or her view due to sweat.

[129]

Claims

[1] A hand protection device for fighting games, comprising: a finger injury preventing unit intended to roll the fingers into a fist. [2] The hand protection device according to claim 1, wherein the finger injury preventing unit comprises a grip member (10), which is gripped when the hand protection device is worn. [3] The hand protection device according to claim 1, comprising: a main body having finger-covering parts; and a finger injury preventing unit provided on the main body, and intended to roll the fingers into a fist, the finger injury preventing unit comprising a fastening unit, which fastens the finger-covering parts to a palm portion to induce a user to roll his or her fingers into a fist. [4] The hand protection device according to claim 2, comprising: a main body having a shape of a glove; and a grip member attached to the palm portion of the main body. [5] The hand protection device according to claim 2, comprising: a grip member; a band secured to opposite ends of the grip member; and at least one ring arranged in a lengthwise direction of the grip member. [6] The hand protection device according to claim 4, wherein the main body has a shape of a glove comprising a hand insert opening through which a hand is inserted, and five finger-covering parts into which five fingers are separately inserted, and the grip member comprises separate grip members to be secured to respective finger-covering parts. [7] The hand protection device according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 6, wherein the grip member has a rod shape. [8] The hand protection device according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the grip member is positioned at a junction between the palm portion of the main body and a finger portion thereof. [9] The hand protection device according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the main body further comprises an auxiliary grip member inside the grip member. [10] The hand protection device according to claim 3, wherein the fastening unit comprises: a first Velcro member secured to a distal end of each of the finger-covering parts; and a second Velcro member secured to the palm portion of the main body, and freely detached from/attached to the first Velcro member. [11] The hand protection device according to claim 10, wherein a raising member is secured to a lower surface of the second Velcro member to raise the second

Velcro member up. [12] The hand protection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the main body has a shape of a glove, comprising a hand insert opening through which a hand is inserted, and five finger-covering parts into which five fingers are separately inserted. [13] The hand protection device according to claim 12, wherein a distal end of each of the finger-covering parts of the main body is opened such that at least one joint of each of the fingers is exposed to the outside. [14] The hand protection device according to claim 12, wherein the main body has a shape of a complete glove such that the fingers are not exposed to the outside. [15] The hand protection device according to claim 12, wherein the main body comprises a palm exposing part such that the palm is exposed to the outside. [16] The hand protection device according to claim 15, wherein an elastic tightening band is secured to the palm portion of the main body. [17] The hand protection device according to claim 12, wherein the main body comprises, on a wrist portion thereof, fastening means which permits free attachment and detachment. [18] The hand protection device according to claim 12, wherein the main body comprises a protecting cover, the protecting cover comprising a back-hand protecting cover, a hand-knife protecting cover, a wrist protecting cover, an index-finger protecting cover, a middle-finger protecting cover, a ring-finger protecting cover, a pinkie-finger protecting cover, a thumb-protecting cover to correspond to respective body parts. [19] The hand protection device according to claim 12, wherein the main body comprises a protecting cover, the protecting cover comprising a back-hand protecting cover, a hand-knife protecting cover, a pinkie-finger end protecting cover to correspond to respective body parts. [20] The hand protection device according to claim 18, wherein a shock absorption material is interposed between the main body and the protecting cover. [21] The hand protection device according to claim 12, wherein a ventilation hole is formed between neighboring finger-covering parts. [22] The hand protection device according to claim 12, wherein an absorption member is provided on each of the finger-covering parts to wipe away sweat. [23] The hand protection device according to claim 22, wherein the absorption member is provided on either the thumb covering part or the index- finger-covering part, or is provided on both the thumb covering part and the index-finger-covering part.