WO2010086643A1

WO2010086643A1 - Glove

Info

Publication number: WO2010086643A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/050110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Patterson
Original assignee: Brian Patterson
Priority date: 2009-01-28
Filing date: 2010-01-26
Publication date: 2010-08-05
Also published as: GB2467310A; GB0901341D0; GB2467310B

Abstract

A glove is disclosed. The glove comprises a thumb portion for receiving a wearers' thumb and a finger portion for receiving a wearers finger. The glove further comprises coupling means disposed between the finger portion and the thumb portion for coupling a whistle to the glove.

Description

Glove

The present invention relates to a glove and particularly, but not exclusively to a glove comprising a whistle.

When marshalling a game of football, rugby or similar, for example, it is common for a referee to attract the players attention and to indicate various aspects of the game, such as the start and end of the game, a foul, a penalty and a score, using a whistle. The whistle is traditionally held secure using a lanyard that is secured to the referee either by placing the lanyard around the referees' neck or wrapping the lanyard around the referees' hand.

When whistles are secured to a referee for example, by placing the lanyard around the referee's neck, it is common for the whistle to bounce about as the referee runs around to follow the game. This can lead to the whistle striking the referee in the face, for example. Moreover, as the whistle bounces about, it can be difficult for the referee to readily locate the whistle for use. If the lanyard is wound around the referee's hand, then in the event that the referee is required to write, for example in recording an offence or a score, then it is necessary for the referee to first remove the lanyard to free his hand.

I have now devised a glove which alleviates the above problems.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a glove, the glove comprising a thumb portion for receiving a wearers thumb and a finger portion for receiving a wearers finger, the glove further comprising coupling means disposed between the finger portion and the thumb portion for coupling a whistle to the glove.

The glove thus enables a whistle to be readily coupled thereto such that the whistle is held accessible for the wearer of the glove.

Preferably, the finger portion is positioned upon the glove to receive a wearers' index finger, such that the coupling means is disposed between the index finger and the thumb of the wearer. The finger portion is preferably adapted to receive all the fingers of a wearer.

Preferably, the glove comprises four finger portions for separately receiving each of the fingers of the wearer.

Preferably, the finger portions are open at a distal end thereof such that the fingers of the wearer can pass out from the distal ends thereof.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a glove, the glove comprising a thumb portion for receiving a wearers' thumb and a finger portion for receiving a wearers' finger, the glove further comprising a whistle disposed between the thumb portion and the finger portion and which is coupled to the glove via coupling means.

Preferably, the coupling means is disposed between the finger portion and the thumb portion. The finger portion is preferably positioned upon the glove to receive a wearers' index finger, such that the coupling means is disposed between the index finger and the thumb of the wearer.

Preferably, the coupling means comprises an extendable tether for suitably positioning the whistle between the index finger and thumb of the wearer. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the tether is preferably resiliently extendable and comprises an elasticated material.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a third aspect, there is provided a pair of gloves, one glove of the pair comprising a right hand glove, the other glove of the pair comprising a left hand glove, each glove of the pair comprising a thumb portion for receiving a wearers' thumb and a finger portion for receiving a wearers' finger, at least one glove of the pair further comprising coupling means disposed between the respective finger portion and the respective thumb portion for coupling a whistle to the glove.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a rear view of a right hand glove according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the glove of figure 1 ; and

Figure 3 is a rear view of a right hand glove according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a glove 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The glove comprises an opening 11 at the wrist region thereof through which a wearers' hand (not shown) can be inserted. The glove 10 further comprises a thumb portion 12 and four finger portions 13a-d which extend from a body portion 14 of the glove 10, and which are closed at the distal end thereof. The thumb 12 and finger portions 13a-d are arranged to separately receive the thumb and fingers (not shown) of the wearer (not shown).

The opening 1 1 to the glove 10 comprises a peripherally extending strap 15 formed integrally with the glove 10. The ends 15a, 15b of the strap 15 separately comprise cooperating hook and loop type formations of a Velcro ® fastener, for example, for fastening the ends 15a, 15b of the strap 15 together in securing the glove 10 to a wearers' hand (not shown).

At a position between the index finger 13a and thumb portion 12 of the glove 10, there is provided a tether 16 which may comprise an elasticated material. The proximal end of the tether 16 is secured to the glove 10 via stitching or other suitable means (not shown). The distal end of the tether 16 is coupled to a clip 17 or karabiner type fastener for securing to an eyelet or ring (not shown) or similar, on a whistle (not shown). The tether 16 comprises adjustment means (not shown) for adjusting the length of the tether, such that when the whistle (not shown) is secured to the clip 17 or similar, it extends to a position that enables it to be easily gripped between the index finger and thumb.

Referring to figure 3, there is shown a glove 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The glove 10 illustrated in figure 3 is substantially identical to the glove illustrated in figures 1 and 2, except that the thumb 12 and finger portions 13a-d are of a reduced length and comprise an open distal end. In this manner, the glove 10 illustrated in figure 3 permits the wearers' thumb and fingers (not shown) to extend out of the respective thumb 12 and finger portions 13a-d. It is envisaged that the glove 10 of the second embodiment provides the wearer (not shown) with a more dexterous control of the whistle or pen (not shown), for example.

In use, a wearer (not shown) places the glove 10 according to the first or second embodiment upon their (in this case) right hand (not shown) by inserting their hand through the opening 11 at the wrist region, until their thumb and fingers (not shown) are fully inserted into the thumb 12 and finger portions 13a-d, respectively. The strap 15 may then be tightened and secured around the wrist to prevent the glove 10 from falling from the wearers' hand (not shown). A whistle (not shown) is then secured to the clip 17 positioned on the tether 16 and the tether suitably adjusted such that the whistle extends to a position that is substantially between the index finger and thumb. If required a left hand glove (not shown) may be placed upon the wearers' left hand (not shown). The left hand glove (not shown) may simply comprise thumb and finger portions, or may also comprise coupling means for securing a further whistle (not shown) thereto.

The positioning of the tether 16 between the index finger portion 13a and thumb portion 12 enables the whistle (not shown) to be readily gripped between the thumb and index finger (not shown) as required, while a referee or coach runs around in following the play of a game, for example. If it is required to write in a book (not shown) or demonstrate play with a ball, for example, the referee or coach can let go of the whistle (not shown) such that both hands become free. However, the tether 16 ensures that the whistle (not shown) remains suitably positioned so that the whistle (not shown) can be re-gripped if necessary.

The glove 10 of the present invention offers warmth to the referees' hand in cold conditions and can be suitably coloured to match the referees' attire. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the glove 10 may comprise reflective strips 18 to clearly differentiate the referee or coach from the players and provide a clear indication of any hand signals. From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the glove of the present invention suitably secures and positions a whistle for a referee or coach.

Claims

1. A glove, the glove comprising a thumb portion for receiving a wearers thumb and a finger portion for receiving a wearers finger, the glove further comprising coupling means disposed between the finger portion and the thumb portion for coupling a whistle to the glove.

2. A glove according to claim 1 , wherein the finger portion is positioned upon the glove to receive a wearers' index finger, such that the coupling means is disposed between the index finger and the thumb of the wearer.

3. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the finger portion is adapted to receive all the fingers of a wearer.

4. A glove according to any of claim 1 or 2, wherein the glove comprises four finger portions for separately receiving each of the fingers of the wearer.

5. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the finger portion or portions are open at a distal end thereof such that the fingers of the wearer can pass out from the distal end or ends thereof.

6. A glove, the glove comprising a thumb portion for receiving a wearers' thumb and a finger portion for receiving a wearers' finger, the glove further comprising a whistle disposed between the thumb portion and the finger portion and which is coupled to the glove via coupling means.

7. A glove according to claim 6, wherein the coupling means is disposed between the finger portion and the thumb portion.

8. A glove according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the finger portion is positioned upon the glove to receive a wearers' index finger, such that the coupling means is disposed between the index finger and the thumb of the wearer.

9. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means comprises an extendable tether for suitably positioning the whistle between the index finger and thumb of the wearer.

10. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the tether is resiliently extendable and comprises an elasticated material.

1 1. A pair of gloves, one glove of the pair comprising a right hand glove, the other glove of the pair comprising a left hand glove, each glove of the pair comprising a thumb portion for receiving a wearers' thumb and a finger portion for receiving a wearers' finger, at least one glove of the pair further comprising coupling means disposed between the respective finger portion and the respective thumb portion for coupling a whistle to the glove.

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