WO2020212675A1

WO2020212675A1 - Glove for combat sports

Info

Publication number: WO2020212675A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/051101
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zain Ul Hassan SHABBIR
Original assignee: Starpro Innovations Dwc-Llc
Priority date: 2019-04-17
Filing date: 2019-04-17
Publication date: 2020-10-22

Abstract

The invention relates to a glove for combat sports, comprising: a first panel for covering a user's knuckles; a second panel; padding, being enclosed in the glove, said enclosure being at least in part by the first and second panels; and a third panel which joins at least a part of the first panel to at least a part of the second panel.

Description

GLOVE FOR COMBAT SPORTS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a glove for combat sports.

Background

Combat sports gloves provide protection for a user wearing the gloves when the wearer strikes an object or person with their hands. Such gloves also provide protection for the object or person that is being struck by a user wearing the gloves.

In the manufacture of typical combat sports gloves, an outer panel (of fabric or leather material) is curved (or is otherwise formed around or joined on to a curved shape) to form part of a glove with a shape suitable for supporting a fist, and is joined to another panel (or more than one panel) at a seam to enclose padding within the glove. The curvature of the outer panel causes folds and wrinkles known as gathering in the outer panel. The padding is generally present proximate the seam. Such gathering can impede the fit and comfort of the glove, and may cause injuries as a result of its abrasive texture.

Summary of Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

In an aspect, there is provided a glove for combat sports, comprising: a first panel for covering a user’s knuckles and/or the dorsal side of the hand; a second panel; padding being enclosed in the glove said enclosure being at least in part by the first and second panels; and a third panel which joins at least a part of the first panel to at least a part of the second panel.

The third panel may thereby provide an interface between the first and second panels which forms a generally smooth surface and/or mitigates/reduces the number of folds, protrusions and/or wrinkles in the first and/or second panel, in particular along the areas of the user’s gloves corresponding to the radial and ulnar sides of the users hand/fingers (which are particularly likely to cause accidental abrasions). The third panel may act to space the first and second panels apart and thereby may reduce the maximum extent of curvature in the first and second panels. An improved fit may be provided by mitigating the presence of gathering, particularly at the finger tips and at the sides of the fingers. The second panel may be arranged generally to oppose the first panel where a cavity between the first and second panels may enclose the padding.

The first panel may be longer than the second panel, preferably wherein the length is the length of material and/or the length is the length measured from the end of the glove for receiving the user’s hand to the end of the glove to housing the user’s fingers. In situ, the first panel and second panels are curved, such that a curved glove is formed.

An edge of the third panel adjoining the at least a part of the first panel may be longer than an edge of the third panel adjoining the at least a part of the second panel.

The third panel may join at least a part of the first panel to at least a part of the second panel such that there is no direct interface between the first and second panel in at least the part of the glove that covers a user’s fingers in use. The third panel may join the first panel to the second panel such that there is no direct interface between the first and second panel.

The third panel may be suitable for covering at least one of: at least part of the user’s fingers; at least part of the lateral/radial side of the user’s little finger; at least part of the medial/ulnar side of the user’s index finger; and at least part of the user’s fingertips. The third panel may be arranged such that, in use, the third panel extends around the side of the user’s hand.

The width of the third panel along the length of the glove may be proportional to the thickness of the padding along the length of the glove. At its greatest extent, the width of the third panel may be greater than 5 mm; preferably greater than 10 mm; more preferably greater than 15 mm.

The third panel may have a generally smooth surface. Each of: the first panel and the third panel; and the second panel and the third panel, may be joined by stitching. At least one of the first, second, and third panels (preferably all of them) may be formed of a flexible material, preferably leather or synthetic leather.

The second panel may be suitable for covering the user’s palm. The second panel may comprise a rigid portion which defines a generally straight part of the glove covering, in use, the palmar side of the user’s wrist and/or the user’s palm. In a further aspect, there is provided a glove for combat sports, comprising: a first panel for covering a user’s knuckles and/or the dorsal side of the hand; a second panel for covering a user’s palm; the second panel comprising a rigid portion which defines a generally straight part of the glove covering, in use, the palmar side of the user’s wrist and/or the user’s palm; and optionally padding, being enclosed in the glove, said enclosure being at least in part by the first and second panels.

The second panel may alternatively be suitable for covering the user’s knuckles.

The padding may consist of a single piece of material. The third panel may optionally be a part of the padding, such as an external part of padding which is exposed thereby to form the third panel.

In a further aspect, there is provided a glove for combat sports, comprising: a first panel for covering a user’s knuckles and/or the dorsal side of the hand; a second panel; padding, being enclosed in the glove, said enclosure being at least in part by the first and second panels; wherein the padding is formed of a single piece of material.

The padding may have a curved shape shaped thereby to receive a user’s hand in a closed or open fist. The padding may be shaped such that the padding comprises a cuff portion for covering the dorsal side of the user’s wrist. The padding may be formed of injection-moulded foam.

The glove may be suitable for supporting the user’s hand in a closed or open fist. The glove may be one of: a boxing glove; a mixed martial arts glove; a grappling glove; a muay thai glove; and a kickboxing glove.

In a further aspect, there is provided padding for use in a glove for combat sports, the padding being formed of a single piece of material and having a curved shape shaped thereby to receive a user’s hand in a closed or open fist.

In a further aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a glove for combat sports, comprising at least some of the following optional steps, performed in any order:

• Forming padding from a single piece of material

o said formation is by injection moulding

• Cutting the first and second panels

o wherein the first panel is longer than the second panel • Forming the first and second panels around the padding

• Cutting the third panel

o wherein one edge of the third panel (for connecting to the first panel) is longer than another edge of the third panel (for connecting to the second panel)

• Enclosing the padding using at least the first and second panels

• Joining the first panel to the third panel

o wherein the joining is by stitching

• Joining the second panel to the third panel

o wherein the joining is by stitching.

In a further aspect, there is provided a sports glove comprising: a radial side (see e.g. Figure 4, Figure 10); an ulnar side (see e.g. Figure 3, Figure 9); a first section of material extending between the radial side and the ulnar side; a second section of material extending between the radial side and the ulnar side; padding extending between the radial side and the ulnar side and located between the first and second sections of material; and a third section of material joined between and to at least a part of the first section of material and at least a part of the second section of material at the radial side or the ulnar side of the sports glove, wherein the distance between the first section of material and second section of material is proportional to the thickness of the padding.

In general, the inventors of the present invention have identified that injuries are often caused by the gathering of material in a sports glove. Firstly, the greater the amount of gathering in an area of a sports glove, the greater the abrasiveness of that area of the sports glove. As the abrasiveness of a sports glove increases, so too does the risk of abrasion damage caused by the sports glove. Secondly, gathering may cause unevenly distributed padding in a sports glove. This may be felt from the inside of the sports glove, particularly around the fingertips, and the gathering may reduce the amount of room inside the sports glove, which may interfere with the fit of the sports glove. Improper fit may result in injury. Thirdly, the greater the gathering in an area of a sports glove, the lower the flexibility of that area of the sports glove, and the greater the tension required in the forearm muscles of the wearer to achieve proper fist closure. Improper fist formation may result in injury. Consequently, the protection provided for the wearer and for the object or person that is being struck by the wearer may be increased by reducing the amount of gathering in a sports glove. One way in which this gathering may be reduced is by providing a sports glove comprising an outer layer and padding enclosed by the outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a first panel connected to a second panel by a third panel, wherein the third panel reduces the amount of gathering that would otherwise be required to join the first panel to the second panel 12, 22.

To reduce the amount of gathering that would otherwise be required to join the first panel to the second panel, the third panel may comprise a first side for connecting to first panel, and a second side for connecting to the second panel, wherein the first side is longer than the second side.

The first panel may be connected to the third panel using a first seam. The second panel may be connected to the third panel using a second seam. The seams are illustrated in the figures using dotted lines. The first seam may be longer than the second seam. The first and second seam extend distally and proximally the same distance. The first, second, and third panel may each cover a portion of the padding.

The reduced gathering may ensure that the sports glove may be worn with a more natural hand position, allowing for longer and more intense sporting sessions with a reduced risk of injury. The sports glove may provide greater room for the fingers of a wearer, because there is no gathering at the fingertips. This may enable a wearer to form a proper fist shape that ultimately leads to increase force with an upright fluency of striking.

A sports glove which protects a wearer’s hands against injuries and bruises, and which protects against abrasion injury, may be provided. The sports glove may embrace the knuckles for comfort and keep a wearer’s hands safe from injuries when throwing powerful punches. The sports glove may have an easy place for fingers, so a wearer cannot feel the gathering at the fingertips. A sports glove without any gathering may make the glove more comfortable, and it becomes easier to make a fist, as it puts less pressure on the hands.

As used herein, a panel preferably connotes a flat or curved piece of a material that forms part of a surface of an object. Preferably, the panels are external panels of the glove.

The invention extends to methods, system and apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures. One or more aspects will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of a glove according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is an underside view of the glove;

Figure 3 is a first side view of the glove;

Figure 4 is a second side view of the glove;

Figure 5 is a front view of the glove;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the glove;

Figure 7 is a top view of a further glove;

Figure 8 is an underside view of the further glove;

Figure 9 is a first side view of the further glove;

Figure 10 is a second side view of the further glove;

Figure 1 1 is a front view of the further glove;

Figure 12 is a side view of a one-piece foam padding of a first shape;

Figure 13 is a front view of a one-piece foam padding of the first shape;

Figure 14 is a back view of a one-piece foam padding of the first shape;

Figure 15 is a side view of a one-piece foam padding of the first shape;

Figure 16 is a side view of a one-piece foam padding of a second shape;

Figure 17 is a front view of a one-piece foam padding of the second shape;

Figure 18 is a back view of a one-piece foam padding of the second shape;

Figure 19 is a side view of a one-piece foam padding of the second shape;

Figure 20 is a front view of a foam padding of a third shape;

Figure 21 is a back view of a foam padding of the third shape;

Figure 22 is a side view of a foam padding of the third shape;

Figure 23 is a front view of a one-piece foam padding of a fourth shape;

Figure 24 is a back view of a one-piece foam padding of the fourth shape; and

Figure 25 is a side view of a one-piece foam padding of the fourth shape.

Detailed description

Figures 1 to 6 show a glove 1 according to the present invention, in the form of a boxing glove 1 . A boxing glove 1 is a closed finger glove which has a semi-rigid curved shape to support a user’s hand in a fist. In use, the glove covers a user’s wrist (this part of the glove is referred to as the “cuff”) and extends to enclose a user’s fingers wholly. The glove 1 comprises a first panel 1 1 , which is generally the outermost part of the glove and forms the “striking surface” or“hitting area” of the glove 1. The first panel 1 1 extends over the user’s knuckles in use, and forms a continuous surface above the dorsal side of the user’s hand in use. The glove 1 includes enclosed padding 3, 4, 6, 7 for protecting the user (and the user’s targets). The padding 3, 4, 6, 7 is enclosed by the first panel 1 1 and a second panel 12, which is generally on the other side of the glove. The second panel 12 extends over the inside of the user’s fingers and the palm. In use, the user fits their hand into the opening of the glove such that the user’s hand is enclosed by the first 1 1 and second 12 panels, with the padding 3, 4, 6, 7 being located above the dorsal side of the user’s hand.

The glove further comprises a third panel 13 which joins the first 1 1 and second 12 panels, thereby substantially forming the glove 1 (optionally apart from the material covering the thumb). The third panel 13 extends around the user’s hand (and optionally fingers) and joins the dorsal and palmar sides of the glove. It will be appreciated that the third panel 13 interposes between the first 1 1 and second 12 panels to avoid a direct seam between the first 1 1 and second 12 panels, and effectively spaces the first panel 1 1 from the second panel 12. This means that the curvature of the first panel 1 1 may be reduced as compared to existing gloves, mitigating the presence of gathering and providing a smoother surface to the glove.

As will be appreciated, before assembly into a glove 1 , the first panel 1 1 is longer than the second panel 12. The third panel 13 is accordingly shaped such that the side or edge adjoining the first panel 1 1 is longer than the side or edge adjoining the second panel 12. The thickness of the third panel 13 varies in accordance with the thickness of the padding along the length of the glove 1 , such that (also as a result of the curved shape of the glove) the third panel 13 defines a hockey-stick like shape in a side view (such as Figure 3).

The second panel 12 forms a generally straight line from the user’s wrist to the palmar side of the glove. This is formed from a single bonded component, and may improve the performance of the glove. The single bonded component is formed from sections of padding 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d which serve to create ribs on the second panel. The ribbed sections may extend into the cuff section of the glove. The second panel 12 further comprises a strap 12, which extends from proximate the middle of the second panel and extends so as to circle round the glove to engage with a lower (proximal) part of the first panel 1 1 . The strap 14 may engage with the first panel via cooperating loop and pin formations.

Figures 7 to 1 1 show a further glove according to the present invention, in the form of a grappling, or mixed martial arts (MMA), glove 2. An MMA glove 2 is an open finger glove which leaves the user’s palm open (and straps to the user about the wrist and fingers). The further glove includes padding 5 which is supported above a user’s hand. The padding 5 is enclosed between a first panel 21 (which is again the“striking surface” of the glove) and a second panel 22, which is generally on the other side of the glove 2. Both the first 21 and second 22 panels thereby cover the user’s knuckles in use, where the second panel 22 abuts the user’s knuckles and/or the dorsal side of the hand. As with the previously described glove, a third panel 23 joins the first 21 and second 22 panel thereby to reduce the curvature of the first panel 21 and avoid gathering.

The first, second and third panels 21 , 22, 23 (and consequently the padding) of the further glove 2 is smaller than that of the (boxing) glove 1 , to allow for improved movement of the user’s hand. The further glove 2 further comprises a separate wrist guard 27 which is provided below (proximal) to the first panel 21 on the dorsal side of the further glove. A strap 24 is provided on the further glove 2 which engages with a loop and pin formation on the wrist guard, or on a part of the further glove proximal to the wrist guard. The further glove 2 further comprises a thumb attachment 25 for supporting a user’s thumb, as well as finger strap 26 which extend between“finger” sections of the second panel 22. Both the thumb attachment 25 and finger straps 26 leave the user’s digits open. The first, second, and third panels may optionally be mounted on a piece of material or web which provides the structure of the further glove 2 and on which the strap 24 and thumb attachment 25 is mounted.

In more detail, the glove 1 and the further glove 2 each comprise a radial side (see e.g. Figure 4, Figure 10), an ulnar side (see e.g. Figure 3, Figure 9), a first section of material 1 1 , 21 extending between the radial side and the ulnar side, a second section of material 12, 22 extending between the radial side and the ulnar side, and padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 located between the first 1 1 , 21 and second 12, 22 sections of material. The first section of material 1 1 , 21 is joined to the second section of material 12, 22 by a joint at at least one of the radial side, the ulnar side, and the distal end.

Figures 12 to 15 show the padding 3 of the glove of Figures 1 to 7. The padding 3 is formed of single piece of material, and is pre-shaped for use in the glove 1 . The padding 3 generally conforms to the shape of the glove 1 (apart from the second panel 12), and so defines a hockey-stick like shape in a side view. The first 1 1 , second 12, and third 13 panels may be formed about the padding 3, which effectively acts as a“base layer” for the glove 1 . A “pocket” for receiving a user’s hand is formed in use between the padding 3 and the second panel 2. The padding 3 is curved slightly along its length so as to conform to the curvature of a user’s writs, which may provide improved support. The single-piece padding 3 extends to include a“cuff” component 31 , which supports the dorsal side of a user’s wrist in use. The padding 3 also includes a thumb part 32. The padding 3 is generally formed of injection- moulded foam.

Figures 16 to 19 show a simplified form of the padding 4 for the glove 1 . This type of padding 4 may be used for‘‘bag gloves”. The padding 4 is similar to the previously described padding, but lacks a thumb support.

Figures 20 to 22 show the padding 5 of the further glove of Figures 8 to 1 1 . The padding (referred to as the further padding) is again a single piece of material, and is pre-shaped for use in the glove 2 (although the curvature is less than that of the previously described padding). The further padding includes finger pieces and does not extend as far towards the user’s wrist in use, so as to account for the different shape and usage of the further glove (in particular, to provide flexibility to allow for the user to form a fist for striking and also use an “open palm” style, for example for grappling).

Figures 23 to 25 show further alternative padding 6 for the glove 1 of Figures 1 to 7. This padding 6 does not include the previously mentioned cuff portion.

In overview, a sports glove 1 according to Figures 1 to 7 combines Wonder Fit, S-Flex Impact and fusion technologies, with a combination of premium quality synthetic leather known as Chronos, thermo bonding and curved strap.

Outer layer

The glove 1 , 2 includes an outer layer incorporating the previously described panels. The outer layer may be made from any suitable natural or synthetic material. For example, the outer layer may be made from leather, synthetic leather, bicast leather, bonded leather, or a leather-like material. In a preferred embodiment, the sports glove is made of synthetic leather, such as Chronos.

The outer layer is made from a combination of three or more sections, or panels, of material. For example, the outer layer may be made from any combination of three or more sections, or panels, of natural and/or synthetic materials. For example, the outer layer may be made from a combination of leather, synthetic leather, bicast leather, bonded leather, and/or leather-like materials. In a preferred embodiment the outer layer is made of leather in the hitting area of the sports glove with leather-like material in the rest. By providing artificial leather - for example, with original Cronos - in the hitting area, and connecting a first panel 1 1 , 21 to a second 12, 22 by using a third 13, 23 panel, the sports glove 1 , 2 resistance to creasing may be increased. By providing a hitting area in leather and the rest in artificial leather, the sports glove durability is increased.

The sports glove 1 , 2 comprises self-color thermos stitching. Self-color thermos stitching may increase the durability of the sports glove. The outer layer (or part thereof, for example the second layer) may be breathable and/or moisture-wicking.

Inner Layer

The sports glove includes a breathable and/or moisture-wicking inner lining. For example, the inner lining may comprise a moisture-wicking mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the sports glove includes a moisture-wicking mesh palm.

A breathable and/or moisture-wicking inner lining allows moisture to be transferred away from the hand of the wearer, thereby keeping the inside of the sports glove 1 , 2 cool and dry during use and increasing the amount of time that the sports glove 1 , 2 may be comfortably worn.

The hydra-flow moisture-wicking mesh palm makes these gloves 1 , 2 the right choice for professionals. In addition to this, a breathable hydra-flow moisture-wicking mesh palm on the inner lining may keep the hands of the wearer fresh. The sports glove includes a soft glory fabric lining with polyester foam to minimize friction. This reduces irritation. Further, the sports glove is shaped for a comfort fit to allow for long wear time.

Focussed Finger

The sports gloves includes a wrinkle-free finger construction, in which the padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 enclosed in a finger section of the glove is enclosed by at least first 1 1 , 21 , second 12, 22, and third 13, 23 panels, wherein the third panel 13, 23 reduces the amount of gathering that would otherwise be required to join the first 1 1 , 21 and second 12, 22 panel. The wrinkle- free finger construction increases the amount of room in the finger section of the sports glove 1 , 2, and increases the flexibility of the finger section of the sports glove. By providing a third panel 13, 23, the amount of padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 enclosed by the outer layer at the tips of the finger section may be increased.

As previously described, the sports glove 1 , 2 may comprise a single wrinkle-free finger section which provides protection for all fingers, or a wrinkle-free finger section for each finger, such that each wrinkle-free finger section may move relative to the other wrinkle-free finger sections.

Foam padding

The sports glove includes padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7is foam padding, such as high-density foam. In a preferred embodiment, the padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is high- density polyester foam. The padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is shock protecting for optimal protection against injuries. The padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 may comprise polyflex and wannate chemicals.

The padding 3, 7 may comprise a single piece of padding for covering at least a portion of the hand and wrist of a wearer. A single piece of padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 does not have any joints. For example, the padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 may comprise a single piece of foam padding, such as a single piece of high-density polyester foam. A single piece of padding 3, 7 may provide padding 33, 73 at the fist portion and rigidity at the cuff portion 31 , 71 of the sports glove, thereby providing protection for the sports glove 1 wearer’s fist and wrist. By providing the padding at the cuff 31 , 71 from the same piece of padding as the padding at the fist portion 33, 73, the rigidity at the cuff 33, 73 is increased, thereby protecting against wrist injuries by minimizing the potential of impact on the wrist joint to cause sprains or dislocations. The padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 may be pre-curved.

The foam padding is injection moulded. High-density secure-wrist injection moulded foam padding may offer unparalleled protection from injuries by itself. The foam padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 may be reinforced with Wonder-Fit and/or S-Flex Impact technology. This may increase the shock resistance of the sports glove for a safer experience.

The glove 1 , 2 is designed to make a fist with minimal effects in terms of bending and distortion due to fusion technology, i.e. the provision of the third panel 13, 23 joining the first 1 1 , 21 and second panels 12, 22. This may provide long-lasting durability and stability. Shock protecting foam padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 with impact dissipating S-Flex Impact Technology and Wonder-Fit technology, may offer optimal protection against injuries.

S-Flex Impact technology

This is further reinforced with S-Flex Impact technology, which dissipates the shock over the entire glove 1 , 2 surface. Closure

The sports glove 1 , 2 includes a wraparound closure, or strap 14, 24, such as a wraparound Velcro closure. A wraparound closure 14, 24 provides additional wrist support by relieving the pressure on the forearm for fist closure. The Power-Lock Velcro strap along with cut-n- cut Starpro‘SP’ logo patch, makes wearing the gloves easier. It secures the hands snugly, even when a wearer secures a second glove on one of their hands using their other hand with a first glove on.

The cut-n-cut‘SP’ logo patch is another feature of the gloves 1 , 2 that may make wearing the gloves easier. A raised and/or grip enhancing section is provided on the strap, thereby making it easier for a wearer to grip the strap of a glove on one hand when wearing a glove on the other hand.

The grip enhancing feature may be provided by a pop-up embossed logo. This also enhances the overall look and feel of these gloves 1 , 2.

The sports glove 1 , 2 includes a Power-Lock wrap around strap closing. The wrap around strap closing provides further stabilization to the wrist. The long Velcro wrap around strap with embedded buckle further supports the wrist while training, and may assist in avoiding over-extension of the wrist

Sizes

The sports glove may be any suitable size. For example, the sports glove may be 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, or 16oz. The sports glove may be sized specially to improve fitting, for box protection, and for comfort.

In Figure 13 to 15 and 17 to 28, a plurality of exemplary measurements are shown. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that these sizes represent a preferred exemplary embodiment. Other sizes may be used. For example, the sizes may differ by +/- 50%.

Wonder-Fit technology

The sports glove 1 , 2 may include Wonder-Fit technology, which keeps the hands from moving and twisting inside the gloves 1 , 2. In addition to this, the Wonder-Fit technology and anatomical hand design of the glove 1 , 2 allows for natural fist closure. This may relieve the pressure on the forearm and shoulders, letting the wearer focus on the technique instead of right fist formation, which may allow users to prolong their training sessions. MMA embodiment

In overview, a sports glove 2 according to Figures 8 to 1 1 includes open finger holds 26 covered by the finger sections. The sports glove 2 may comprise side slits in the material. This may provide an easy fit. The sports glove 2 may stay free of wrinkles even with intense use.

To provide stability to hands, the sports glove 2 includes injection moulded padding 5 with thermo impact and a wide PU/Velcro power lock wrap around strap 24 with embedded buckle. To provide top protection against injuries, the sports glove 2 comprises a secure- wrist section 27 comprising injection moulded foam padding . This minimizes the risk of wrist injuries and dislocation.

The sports glove 2 may also comprise a thumb attachment 25. The thumb attachment 25 may comprise padding, such as the foam padding described above. The thumb section reduces the chances of thumb twisting with its thumb attachment 25.

The glove 2 shape makes for natural fist closure while providing enough freedom for grappling. This may make the glove 2 an ultra-protective gear for MMA and combat training.

For comfortable fist closure even with open fingers, the glove 2 structure releases the pressure on forearm muscles during fist formation. At the same time, breathable dopling Z- Tech quick drying anti slip fabric used in the glove may keep a user’s hands dry for longer sessions. It may also keep a user’s gloves 1 , 2 odour free. Moreover, this soft fabric inside lining may reduce friction and hand irritation even with continuous opening and closing of the fist for punching and grappling during sparring and fighting sessions.

The glove 2 is formed of leather in the hitting area with the remainder of the glove being formed from premium patent PU leather with side slits in the material.

In an alternative, the third panel 13, 23 is an exterior part of the padding 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, rather than a separate leather panel.

In an alternative, the third panel may be manufactured from a plurality of sections 13a, 13b, 13c joined together. By making the third panel out of a plurality of sections, the third panel may be cut as a number of straight sections, which makes manufacturing simpler and reduces wastage of material when pattern cutting. It will be understood that the invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A glove for combat sports, comprising:

a first panel for covering a user’s knuckles;

a second panel;

padding, being enclosed in the glove, said enclosure being at least in part by the first and second panels; and

a third panel which joins at least a part of the first panel to at least a part of the second panel.

2. A glove according to Claim 1 , wherein the first panel is longer than the second panel.

3. A glove according to Claim 2, wherein an edge of the third panel adjoining the at least a part of the first panel is longer than an edge of the third panel adjoining the at least a part of the second panel.

4. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the third panel joins at least a part of the first panel to at least a part of the second panel such that there is no direct interface between the first and second panel in at least the part of the glove that covers a user’s fingers in use.

5. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the third panel joins the first panel to the second panel such that there is no direct interface between the first and second panel.

6. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the third panel is suitable for covering at least one of: at least part of the user’s fingers; at least part of the lateral side of the user’s little finger; at least part of the medial side of the user’s index finger; and at least part of the user’s fingertips.

7. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the third panel is arranged such that, in use, the third panel extends around the side of the user’s hand.

8. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the width of the third panel along the length of the glove is proportional to the thickness of the padding along the length of the glove.

9. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein, at its greatest extent, the width of the third panel is greater than 5 mm; preferably greater than 10 mm; more preferably greater than 15 mm.

10. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the third panel has a generally smooth surface.

1 1 . A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein each of: the first panel and the third panel; and the second panel and the third panel, are joined by stitching.

12. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third panels is formed of a flexible material, preferably leather or synthetic leather.

13. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the second panel is suitable for covering the user’s palm.

14. A glove according to Claim 13, wherein the second panel comprises a rigid portion which defines a generally straight part of the glove covering, in use, the palmar side of the user’s wrist and/or the user’s palm.

15. A glove for combat sports, comprising:

a first panel for covering a user’s knuckles;

a second panel for covering a user’s palm; the second panel comprising a rigid portion which defines a generally straight part of the glove covering, in use, the palmar side of the user’s wrist and/or the user’s palm; and

padding, being enclosed in the glove, said enclosure being at least in part by the first and second panels.

16. A glove according to any of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the second panel is suitable for covering the user’s knuckles.

17. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the padding consists of a single piece of material.

18. A glove according to Claim 17, wherein the third panel is a part of the padding.

19. A glove for combat sports, comprising:

a first panel for covering a user’s knuckles;

a second panel;

padding, being enclosed in the glove, said enclosure being at least in part by the first and second panels;

wherein the padding is formed of a single piece of material.

20. A glove according to any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the padding has a curved shape shaped thereby to receive a user’s hand in a closed or open fist.

21 . A glove according to any of Claims 17 to 20, wherein the padding is shaped such that the padding comprises a cuff portion for covering the dorsal side of the user’s wrist.

22. A glove according to any of Claims 17 to 21 , wherein the padding is formed of injection-moulded foam.

23. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the glove is suitable for supporting the user’s hand in a closed or open fist.

24. A glove according to any preceding claim, wherein the glove is one of: a boxing glove; a mixed martial arts glove; a grappling glove; a muay thai glove; and a kickboxing glove.

25. Padding for use in a glove for combat sports, the padding being formed of a single piece of material and having a curved shape shaped thereby to receive a user’s hand in a closed or open fist.