US20100218302A1

US20100218302A1 - Gripping mitt with single flap for water sports

Info

Publication number: US20100218302A1
Application number: US12/583,397
Authority: US
Inventors: Cindy Dillenschneider
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-20
Filing date: 2009-08-19
Publication date: 2010-09-02

Abstract

This invention, gripping mitt with single flap for water sports, incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The mitt has a single flap that has a hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the single flap. The palm side of the mitt has an opposite “hook and loop” material that holds the single flap in a fastened position. When the gripping mitt with single flap is in use, the single flap of the mitt surrounds a paddle handle and holds the paddle so that the user can make paddle strokes. The hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the single flap provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. The gripping mitt with flap has additional innovative features.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/880,363 filed on Jul. 19, 2007.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of devices that assist physically disabled people to achieve superior results in spite of their physical disability. The instant invention generally relates to sports devices that aid individuals having physical disabilities to participate in sports activities in a superior fashion in spite of their physical disability. This invention more specifically relates to a gripping mitt with a single flap to be utilized in conjunction with paddles for water sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some individuals have impaired hand gripping abilities. The impaired hand gripping ability may be the result of an accident, or nerve damage, or muscle damage or sickness, or arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, or a stroke, or Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, or overuse of a hand, or other reasons or combinations thereof, etc.
Many individuals that have impaired hand grips are unable to fully participate in sports related activities because they are unable to adequately grasp handles of sports related devices. Examples of such sports related handles include canoe and/or kayak paddles.
Often a person with an impaired hand grip may be able to participate in a sports related activity if it were not for the impaired hand grip. The problem of impaired hand grip may be tho only reason a person can not enjoy sports related activities such as paddling a canoe or paddling a kayak.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention, gripping mitt with flap for water sports, incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The mitt has a single flap that has a Hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the flap. The palm side of the mitt has an opposite “hook and loop” material that holds the single flap in a fastened position. When the gripping mitt with flap is in use, the single flap of the mitt surrounds a paddle handle and holds the paddle so that the user can make paddle strokes. The hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the single flap provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists someone with impaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is relatively easy to manufacture.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would be rugged and reusable.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would not be affected by getting wet and drying out repeatedly.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite the gripping impairment.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is ergonomically designed to assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that could be easily made to fit many different hand sizes.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that can be used on a right hand or a left hand. Separate right hand versions and separate left hand versions are not necessary.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is would enable the user to easily let go of the handle of a sports related device, if so desired.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt with a single flap that would enable a variety sports related handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired gripping abilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above and other objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The to dorsal side of the mitt is shown and the user's fingers surround the handle.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The dorsal side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tightening strap is in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The dorsal side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tightening strap is in the open position.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The palm side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tightening strap is in the open position.

The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the drawings are studied in conjunction with reading the following description and also reading the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In keeping with the requirements of Patent Laws there is described herein below the best mode of the invention that is currently known to the applicant. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS. 1-5 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. The preferred design embodies the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number 10 will be described.
FIG. 1 shown generally at 10 is a side view of the sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle to of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12 fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12 is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The neoprene could have a nylon covering on the outside of the mitt as well as the inside of the mitt. Mitt has a dorsal side 13 and a palm side 14 that has hook material 15. The mitt has a single flap 16 that has loop material 17. Mitt has a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22. The handle 28 of a paddle is shown with sports gripping mitt 12 with the single flap 16 surrounding the handle 28. Palm side 14 of mitt 12 has gripping section 29. When the paddle is in use the hook material 15 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the loop material 17 on the single flap 16 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. A wrist tightening strap 30 has hook and loop material 32 and release tab 34. Mitt 12 has hook and loop material 36 for engaging hook and loop material 32 on tightening strap 30. Single flap 16 has a quick release tab 16A.
FIG. 2 shown generally at 40 is a top side view of the sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12 fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12 has a dorsal side 13 and a palm side 14 that has hook material 15. The mitt has a single flap 16 that has loop material 17. Mitt has a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22. The handle 28 of a paddle is shown with sports gripping mitt with flap 12 surrounding the handle 28. Palm side 14 of mitt 12 has gripping section 29. When the paddle is in use the hook material 15 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the loop material 17 on the single flap 16 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. A wrist tightening strap 30 has hook and loop material 32 and release tab 34. Mitt 12 has hook material 36 for engaging loop material 32 on tightening strap 30. Wrist tightening strap 30 is in a tightened position.
FIG. 3 shown generally at 50 is a top view of the dorsal the sports gripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12 fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12 is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neoprene and has a dorsal side 13 and a palm side (not shown) Mitt has a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22 and side stitching 23. A wrist tightening strap 30 has hook and loop material 32 (not shown) and release tab 34. Mitt 12 has hook and loop material 36 for engaging hook and loop material 32 (not shown) on tightening strap 30. Wrist tightening strap 30 is in a tightened position. This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cut from a single piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge 39 and stitched edges 22 and 23. Single flap 16 has quick release tab 16A. Gripping mitt has a single pocket that enclosed the entire hand 51 of a user. The same mitt can be used for a right hand or a left hand. This simplifies the design and manufacturing process.
FIG. 4 shown generally at 60 is a top view of the dorsal surface 13 of the sports gripping mitt 12 that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12 fits over the hand of a user who has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12 is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neoprene and has a dorsal side 13 and a palm side (not shown.) Mitt has a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22 and side stitching 23. A wrist tightening strap 30 has hook and loop material 32 and release tab 34. Mitt 12 has hook and loop material 36 for engaging hook and loop material 32 tightening strap 30. Wrist tightening strap 30 is in an unfastened position. Mitt 12 has a slit 35 down the side of the wrist opening 20 to allow greater ease of donning the mitt 12. This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cut from a single piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge 39 to and stitched edges 22. Product names could be printed or stitched on to various parts of the mitt. An example might be WaterSport GripMitt 61. Company names could be printed or stitched on to various parts of the mitt also. An example might be Island Outfitters 62.
FIG. 5 shown generally at 70 is a top view of the palm side of the sports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12 fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12 is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neoprene and has a dorsal side 13 (not shown) and a palm side 14 that has hook and loop material 15. The mitt has flap 16 that has hook and loop material 17. Mitt has a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22. When the paddle is in use the hook and loop material 15 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the hook and loop material 17 on the flap 16 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. A wrist tightening strap 30 has hook and loop material 32 (not shown) and release tab 34. Wrist tightening strap is in an unfastened position. Palm side 14 of mitt 12 has gripping section 29 and an access aperture 71. Access aperture 71 is located on the gripping section 29 of palm side 14 of mitt 12. The gripping section 29 is made of a tacky or gripping material on the surface to prevent the paddle shaft from slipping or rotating while being gripped. Gripping section 29 can be made of a separate material and fastened to the palm area by adhesives or by stitching. Gripping section could be made from various materials such as “Dycem” or an non-covered neoprene. Access aperture 17 enables a user to get into the inside of the mitt 12 if so desired. A palm side access opening is important because often someone that has impaired use of a hand has no muscular control of the fingers. Therefore when a gripping mitt is pulled over an impaired hand the fingers will be folded over toward that persons wrist. If the users fingers are folded over, the mitt cannot function properly. A person with one impaired hand can use their other hand and fingers to reach through the palm side access opening, into the inside of the palm side of the mitt to straighten out the bent over fingers so that those fingers are in the proper straightened out position inside the mitt. Alternately, another person could use their hand and fingers to reach through the palm side access opening, into the inside of the palm side of the mitt to straighten out the bent over fingers of a user so that a users fingers are in the proper straightened out position inside the mitt. Access opening could be different lengths for different applications. A three inch long slit would Mitt 12 has a slit 35 down the side of the wrist opening 20 to allow greater ease of donning the mitt 12. This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cut from a single piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge 39 and stitched edges 22. Mitt 12 has an opening finger tip end drain opening 72 to allow water to drain out of the mitt finger tip end of the mitt. Finger tip drain opening 72 could be different sizes. Finger tip drain opening 72 could be as long as the width of said single flap 16 which is 2 and ¼ inches wide. Single flap 16 has a quick release tab 16A thereon. There could be numerous sizes for mitts with single flaps. A mitt length could be approximately 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. Single flap could be 2 and ¼ wide and 6 inches long. Gripping section could be 5 inches wide and 3 and ½ inches tall. Access opening could be many lengths. A length of 3 inches for an access opening would seem to be a minimum length. However, and access opening could be less than 3 inches if so desired.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap is unique and clearly provides a simple solution to an impaired grip problem.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists someone with impaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is relatively easy to manufacture.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would be rugged and reusable.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would not be affected by getting wet and drying out repeatedly.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite the gripping impairment.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap is ergonomically designed to assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap could be easily made to fit many different hand sizes.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap that can be used on a right hand or a left hand. Separate right hand versions and separate left hand versions are not necessary.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would enable the user to easily let go of the handle of a sports related device if so desired.
It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this sports gripping mitt with a single flap would enable many sports related handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired gripping abilities.
This invention having been described in its presently contemplated best mode, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous, variations, modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. It should be understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A sports related gripping mitt comprising:

a mitt shaped to fit over a human hand including an opening that encircles the wrist of a user when a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt;

said mitt encloses the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;

said mitt having a single pocket for enclosing the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;

said mitt having a mitt outer surface and a mitt inner surface;

said mitt having a mitt palm side; and a mitt dorsal side;

said mitt palm side having a gripping section thereon; said gripping section having a non-slip, or, a tacky surface thereon;

said gripping section on said mitt palm side having a palm side access opening therethrough; said palm side access opening extending between said mitt outer surface and said mitt inner surface; said palm side access opening being substantially a slit;

said mitt made of a flexible waterproof material;

said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mitt fingertip end;

said mitt finger tip end having a single strap fastened thereto; said single strap having a palm side and a dorsal side; said palm side of said single strap having one component of hook and loop fastening material thereon;

said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening therethrough; said drain opening on said mitt fingertip end utilized for draining water from said mitt fingertip end;

said wrist end of said palm side of said mitt having an opposite component of hook and loop fastening material thereon;

said gripping section on said mitt palm side surrounds and grips a handle of a sports related device when said hook and loop fastening material on said single strap mates with said opposite component of said hook and loop fastening material on said wrist area of said palm side of said mitt.

2. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt finger tip end drain opening is located adjacent to said single strap.

3. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening is at least one inch long.

4. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening is located adjacent to said single strap; and said drain opening being substantially as long as the width of said single strap.

5. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said palm side access opening is substantially a linear slit that is at least three inches long.

6. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of a neoprene material.

7. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of a nylon covered neoprene material.

8. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt outer surface has a nylon covering thereon; or said mitt inner surface has a nylon covering thereon.

9. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 including a wrist strap located on said wrist end of said mitt; said wrist strap having means for providing a snug fit on said wrist end of said mitt when said wrist strap is tightened.

10. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 including a wrist strap located on said wrist end of said mitt; said wrist strap having hook and loop material thereon for mating with hook and loop material on said wrist end of said mitt; said wrist strap having means for providing a snug fit on said wrist end of said mitt when said wrist strap is tightened.

11. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said gripping mitt is suitable for a right hand of a user or a left hand of a user.

12. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of one piece of waterproof material that is folded and stitched around the perimeter of said mitt in order to form said mitt.

13. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 including a product name thereon, or including a company name thereon.

14. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said single strap has substantially a rectangular shape.

15. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 41 wherein said single strap has a quick release tap thereon.

16. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 41 wherein said gripping section is made of a different material than the material of said mitt.

17. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said gripping section is made of a different material than the material of said mitt; and said gripping section is glued to said mitt; or said gripping section is stitched to said mitt.

18. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said gripping section is made of a Dycem material; or said gripping section is made of a to neoprene material.

19. A sports related gripping mitt comprising:

said mitt having a mitt outer surface and a mitt inner surface;

said mitt having a mitt palm side; and a mitt dorsal side;

said gripping section on said mitt palm side having a palm side access opening therethrough; said palm side access opening extending between said mitt outer surface and said mitt inner surface; said palm side access opening being substantially a linear slit; said linear slit being at least three inches long;

said mitt made of a flexible neoprene material;

said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mitt fingertip end;

20. A sports related gripping mitt comprising:

said mitt having a mitt outer surface and a mitt inner surface;

said mitt having a mitt palm side; and a mitt dorsal side;

said mitt palm side having a gripping section thereon; said gripping section having a non-slip, or, a tacky surface thereon; said gripping section being made of a different material than the material of said mitt;

said gripping section on said mitt palm side having a palm side access opening therethrough; said palm side access opening extending between said mitt outer surface and said mitt inner surface; said palm side access opening being substantially a linear slit;

said mitt made of a nylon covered neoprene material;

said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mitt fingertip end;

said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening therethrough; said drain opening on said mitt fingertip end utilized for draining water from said mitt fingertip end; said drain opening being located adjacent to said single strap;