Runner's self-defense system

Abstract

A sports glove(s) for self-defense against human and animal predator(s) that includes a striker plate that is fixed to and becomes a component, part of the self-defense system, especially useful for runners to defend against human or animal predator(s), particularly useful for females and others of slight build and strength, while engaged in the sport of running. Using the Runner's Self Defense System does not interfere with runner's personal sport objectives, nor does it impose a safety threat to the runner but becomes part of standard and normal running apparel. The glove can be finger-tip less (opened fingered) or a complete glove. The glove palm includes a separate interior palm liner to anchor an appendage of the striker plate. The glove back side is furnished to allow efficient air circulation to keep hands cool. The striker plate inside the glove is lightweight yet dense, having finger holes, aligned for finger passage through the striker plate and glove simultaneously, while the palm support appendage provides rigid protection of the fingers when the hand is fully closed in a fist position. It is the interaction of, glove fixed to striker plate then fitted to fingers, that do secure the system in place while defending oneself, or not, without interruption, distraction, discomfort, or thought, the glove to the hand, acting as one, while engaged in the sport of running.

Claims

1. A runner's self-defense system comprising: at least one fitted hand glove to inflict a physical trauma, having a back-side surface and a palm-side surface; a hidden combative component; and, wherein said combative component is anchored within said glove such that a spring action type of a natural, partial closing of the hand occurs during relaxed use or running, providing a quicker ability to engage in a combative defense use; wherein said combative component is a solid type brass knuckle and is anchored within said glove between an internal strip of material, and an inside surface of said palm-side surface of said glove.

2. The runner's self-defense system, according to claim 1, wherein said combative component is a striker plate fitted to a hand, and wherein further, said striker plate has at least one finger hole to accept one or more fingers, and the at least one finger hole does not accept a thumb.

3. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 2, wherein said finger holes can accept one or two fingers at a time.

4. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 2, wherein said striker plate is anchored by stitched internal layers of said glove.

5. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 1, wherein said glove is finger-tip-less with uncovered thumb for full range of motion and manipulation of said fingers and thumb during use of the self-defense system.

6. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 1, wherein said back-side surface has a mesh portion for ventilation.

7. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 1 which further comprises a sealable pocket along said palm-side surface of said glove, sized to carry a key, ID or cash.

8. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 1, which comprises an over mitten or glove to provide further protection from the environment selected from the group comprising temperature or precipitation.

9. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one fitted hand glove is a pair of fitted hand gloves.

10. The runner's self-defense system, according to claim 9, wherein said combative component is a solid striker plate fitted to a hand, and wherein further, said striker plate has at least one finger hole to accept one or more fingers, and wherein a thumb is not a finger.

11. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 10, wherein said finger holes can accept one or two fingers at a time.

12. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 10, wherein said solid striker plate is anchored by being stitched between internal layers of said glove.

13. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 9, wherein said glove is finger-tip-less to full range of motion and manipulation of said fingers during use of the self-defense system.

14. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 9, wherein said combative component is anchored within said glove between an internal strip of material, and an inside surface of said back-side layer of said glove.

15. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 9, wherein said back-side surface has a mesh portion to provide some comfort to the wearer in warmer environments.

16. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 9, which further comprises a sealable pocket along said palm-side surface of said glove, sized to carry a key, ID or cash.

17. The runner's self-defense system according to claim 9, which comprises an over mitten or glove to provide further protection from the environment selected from the group comprising temperature or precipitation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(1) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a view of a preferred embodiment of the left- and right-hand glove, back of hand side view, of the present invention of the Runner's Self Defense System running gloves, as worn.

(2) FIG. 3 shows a view of a preferred embodiment of a right-hand glove, palm side of hand view, of the present invention of the Runner's Self Defense System running glove, as worn. Left-hand glove (not shown) is same but opposite of right-hand per FIG. 3. Also shown is the wrist band in closed position.

(3) FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed sectional view A-A, palm side down, from FIG. 2 of a preferred embodiment of the concealed striker plate, a combative component, with palm support appendage anchored between palm material layers of the present invention of the Runner's Self Defense System, running gloves.

(4) FIG. 5 illustrates detailed sectional view B-B, palm side up, from FIG. 3 of a preferred embodiment of the internal palm pocket with pull tab closure of the present invention of the Runner's Self Defense System running gloves.

(5) FIG. 6 Variation A shows a view of modified finger holes and inserted striking points while FIG. 6 Variation B shows a view of modified outer contour of striker plate with added thru hole vents, and combined finger holes, another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(6) Generally what is described is a glove or pair of hand gloves that incorporate a concealed striker plate, the combative component, having a palm support appendage and finger digit through holes, how the appendage is fixed to the inside of the glove, how the fingers are fitted through the striker plate holes, and when worn, how this system provides the ideal interaction of the glove, striker plate, hand and fingers, all individual components, and how they are linked together as one, and transformed into an ever ready and instinctive system of human self-defense, self-protection, and self-survival used primarily by females and those of slight build runners, joggers, and walkers.

(7) The use and benefits of the runner's self-defense system is exemplified by the following A runner's self-defense system used primarily by females or those of slight build. Generally, a pair of fitted hand gloves that feature a hidden, combative component, a striker plate positioned inside each glove, resulting in a self-defense glove system one can use to, forcefully strike back and defend oneself against an attack. The wearer of the self-defense gloves has potential to inflict serious bodily injury as necessary to ward off and escape away from an aggressive human or animal predator. The wearer of the self-defense gloves is empowered, having a system of self-protection and tactic for survival.

(8) A glove with striker plate, fitted to the hand and fingers, fingers inserted through the striker plate finger holes inside the glove, resulting in a complete fundamental system that keep the gloves intact on your hands while fingers in position, loosely clutching and in contact with the striker plate at all times, in a loose closed fist position, always in a self-defense readiness position, eliminating opportunity for the wearer to be disarmed by an assailant, either intentionally or accidentally during an attack.

(9) The gloves themselves are lightweight and when worn, the position of the hands is always kept at rest, in a loose, closed fist position, a highly preferred position that is natural and most efficient for running and self-defense readiness, not ever adding fatigue, discomfort, or stress to the hand. Wearing the gloves does not ever impair or interfere with the runner's personal sport objectives.

(10) The gloves are fingertip less, which allows opportunity for self-defensive grappling optimizing a natural element of self-defense. The gloves allow full range of motion and manipulation of the finger digits independently as needed for frequent and standard clothing adjustments that can be made while running. No need or reason to remove the self-defense gloves while running.

(11) When worn, the striker plate maintains a physical connection between the palm and fingers, and generates slight compression of the glove palm material, resulting in an involuntary subtle and gentle pulling effect on the fingers, partially closing the hand, drawing the fingers into the optimal loosely closed, closed but not clenched, relaxed fist position, without any thought, effort, or energy, thus maintaining the state of uninterrupted and unthinking ever readiness while providing the most natural and efficient hand position ideal for both running and self-defense readiness.

(12) The Runner's Self-Defense System may be best used by those having average or better than average athletic abilities and have had some prior training in basic self-defense techniques. However, even those individuals who do not possess strong athletic abilities or have not had any self-defense training can still utilize the system because the system itself is based on uninterrupted and unthinking readiness combined with instinctive movements of human self-defense, self-protection, and survival, by optimizing the most natural approach to self-defense which is defending by striking.

(13) The Runner's Self Defense System preferably uses a right- and left-hand glove as a matching and balanced pair, which provides most efficient and effective opportunities for defending oneself during an attack, by means of aggressively striking back and inflicting physical trauma to a human or animal predator and warding off the attack. It is preferable to use both hands but if the individual has limited or no use of one hand, a single glove system would still be useful, offering all the same benefits of protection. Even those individuals who do not display athletic abilities or have not had any self-defense training can utilize the system because the system is based on intuitive, uninterrupted and unthinking readiness.

(14) Described below are the details of preferred embodiments of the runner's self-defense system and its components and various features, benefits, and variations, most, as illustrated by accompanying FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

(15) FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show views of the gloves finger-tip-less 120, 220, 320 with uncovered thumb providing full range of motion for all fingers digits and thumb, which retain casual hand and finger movements while running, enabling the runner without interruption, to adjust clothing, zippers, buttons, hat, shoes, carry water, phone, or similar. Having the fingers and thumb exposed, the wearer still maintains the ability to grapple, which during an attack, is an instinctive and important element of self-defense. The gloves are at best, if left, finger-tip-less with uncovered thumb.

(16) If weather is harsh and cold, at user's discretion, oversized mittens or similar could be worn over the runner's self-defense system gloves, knowing with certainty, that oversized mittens could be taken off quickly by oneself, or if pulled off during an attack, the wearer would not be disarmed, because the system gloves will remain intact. Hands will always be in the desired optimal ready position, always ready to defend oneself.

(17) FIGS. 1 and 2, show views of the left-hand glove 102 and right-hand glove 202, with backside fabricated from open mesh fibrous material, woven for ventilation, using cotton or polymeric twine or similar, that easily wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping the hands cool while running and also serves as a simple, convenient, safe, and practical perspiration brow wipe. The gloves are easily kept clean by simple hand washing with soap and warm water, rinsed with clean water, and then left out in the open to air dry.

(18) The backside 104, 204, also illustrates another method to keep the hands cool, use of a notched-out portion of material to expose more hand skin surface. FIG. 3. also shows an additional cooling notch 308 on palm side, just above the wrist band.

(19) There are many materials and methods of cooling the hands available that could be considered practical and functional and could serve as useful alternatives to those mentioned. All materials considered could be based on seasonal high and low temperatures to accommodate various running climates and the runner's needs.

(20) Using dark earth tone colors are good choices for keeping the gloves inconspicuous and low profile, not calling attention to the self-defense gloves that incorporate the concealed, combative inner striker plate, 160, 260, 360 depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, hidden views. The intended use of the running gloves used for self-defense is unknown due to the concealment of the combative striker plate remaining hidden from view. Not bringing attention to the gloves may be desirable tactic to protect the element of surprise during an attack, concealment is the preferred embodiment.

(21) However, it is reasonable that high profile and high visibility of the gloves could be desirable to the user. Bright colors and reflective materials could be used to keep the runner/jogger/walker more visible and safer when faced with road traffic and/or low visibility weather conditions encountered either purposeful or accidental. Some runners may want to alert and expose to possible predators, forewarning them that the runner may be using a self-defense system and they are ready to engage and defend themselves if approached. It is reasonable that this aggressive attitude could perhaps prevent an attack, further expanding the useful capacity of the present invention.

(22) FIG. 3 the right-hand glove view, palm side up, shows the exposed palm outer layer. This outer material layer 312 is firm, rugged yet flexible, and additionally perforated for keeping the hands cool. Materials used could be made from synthetic or natural materials such as suede, leather, or vinyl having same or similar features. There are many materials available that could be considered practical and functional and could serve as useful alternatives to those already mentioned.

(23) The firmness of the palm outer layer material provides stability of the glove position and fit on the hand so that during an attack or any physical confrontation, the glove remains in optimal position, not twisted or turned out of shape. The ever-ready position is not compromised, the glove cannot be easily twisted or pulled off. With hands in the closed fist position, the wearer cannot be disarmed during grappling, blocking, or striking back against a predator.

(24) In the following description, items, having similar numbers in different figures, are similar to each other, and may be represented by a number from a figure and denote the same/similar item when shown in other figures.

(25) The firmness of the palm outer layer 112, 212, 312, 412, 512 also functions as one of the two layers of the internal anchoring pocket that secures the striker plate palm appendage 160, 260, 360, 460 in place within the palm and creates the desired tension, gently pulling the fingers into a closed, loose fist position. The internal anchoring pocket consists of one outer layer 312 (FIG. 3) and one inner layer 322. FIG. 4. sectional view shows both layers 412, 422 and the position of the fixed striker plate palm support appendage 460, how it is held, fixed in place, inside the anchoring pocket material layers.

(26) The material ruggedness provides long wear with added protection for the hand(s) in the event of a fall from tripping or similar, when often the hands are outstretched in attempt to break one's fall. The palm material will absorb most of the trauma yet the glove will remain intact and in position. Running gloves that offer both hand protection and self-defense can be a desirable addition to standard running gear.

(27) In FIG. 3, the right hand glove view, palm side up, shows a portion of the internal palm liner 322 along the base of the thumb, made from lightweight wicking material or similar and functions to transfer moisture away from the palm, keeping the hands comfortable while running. A portion of the internal liner also functions as the critical material layer used as the locking anchor point that holds the striker plate palm support appendage in place, fixed within the glove.

(28) FIG. 3 shows the open palm, a Velcro tab 310, a method to open and securely close the glove, located palm side at narrowest part of the wrist. This preferred embodiment does not obstruct any movement of hand or fingers, or rotation of wrist, while serving as a quick, reliable and easy means to securely close the cuff wristband at the wrist comfortably with controlled compression using a self-adjusting Velcro tab or similar. It is the placement and fit of the glove cuff wristband 106, 206, 306 that further aids the overall system making it difficult during an attack to disarm the wearer.

(29) The cuff wrist band 106, 206, 306 could also be made from stretching materials, elastics or similar, whereas the glove cuff wrist band could stretch and self-adjust to the wrist instead of using a Velcro tab system. Using various sewing stitches added to the cuff band is yet another technique that could provide similar results. Unfortunately, using stretch materials and sewing techniques alone that self-adjust may lack the ability to control the compression applied to the wrist. Using the preferred Velcro tab fastening method is least subject to wear and will ensure best fastening fit, security and integrity for the longest period of time.

(30) FIGS. 3 and 5 show the glove palm pouch 382, 582, being the open space between the layers of the palm internal liner 322, 522 and the palm outer layer 312, 512, situated in the palm area from the wrist band 306 to just below the striker plate appendage 460, 560. This carry pouch is of adequate size to store palm sized personal item(s) at runner's discretion, and is secured with a small Velcro tab 140, 240,340, 540, or similar. FIG. 3, 382 shows the stitch lines outlining the pouch where the inner and outer liners are fastened together. Items to carry could be keys, identification, flat whistles, misc. cards, money, or other items. The palm pouch is a convenient detail but is not necessary for the function of the Runner's Self Defense System. Other similar details could be added or deleted and would still be within the scope of the present invention.

(31) FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show the striker plate 160, 260, 360 being concealed inside of the glove yet in direct contact with the runner's fingers, the striker plate not being easily detected, thus providing the runner with the advantage of having the element of surprise, supporting the preferred embodiment.

(32) Attempting to wear the striker plate over a glove would compromise, the runner's self-defense system, breaking the chain of, fingers fitted to plate, plate fitted to glove. The striker plate appendage could now be easily grabbed during an attack and pulled off the hand(s) which could result in serious finger joint(s) injury while disarming the runner. Without the striker plate appendage locked in fixed position, correctly positioned between the palm outer and inner layers of the glove, there would be no subtle pull of the fingers into the desired loose closed fist position without using human effort and energy and no longer achieving a state of uninterrupted and unthinking readiness.

(33) FIG. 4 shows sectional view A-A, illustrating the two palm layers, firm outer layer 412 when assembled with the inner layer 422 and how the two layers creates the critical anchor point where the striker plate palm support appendage 460 is sandwiched between the material layers, lock stitched 468 and fixed into position within the glove, between the internal liner 422 and outer layer 412. When wearing the gloves, the position of the palm, support appendage is fixed between these layers between the fingers and palm, cradled in place by the runner's loosely closed fist. The key fixed position of the palm support appendage 460 combined with slight pressure exerted against the appendage by the palm outer layer 412 is what initiates and maintains a, slight, yet subtle pull of the glove, the tension pulling the fingers, drawing, them into the loose, closed fist position ideal for running, without use of any effort or energy, thus, maintaining the state of uninterrupted and unthinking readiness while providing the most natural hand position ideal for both running and self-defense.

(34) FIG. 4 shows the full view of the striker plate 462 being complete with finger holes 464 and the palm support appendage 460. The position of the finger holes 464 assist in keeping the finger digits in a loose fist position for readiness and provides support and stability of the fingers and joints during hand strikes. The loose fist position is the preferred hand position for running, the hand being relaxed, without tension.

(35) Finger holes 464, four holes for four finger digits, are correctly sized and for each finger. The finger hole pattern deliberately raises the first two digits for best striking points while allowing the last two digits to drop into a natural position. Although four finger holes are the preferred embodiment, it may be very useful to offer variations of finger hole FIG. 6 shapes 672, and patterns 674, as special needs may warrant.

(36) The palm support appendage 460, 660, is an important feature of the striker plate as it transfers physical shock from the fingers and joints, directly into the palm and could help prevent the fist from collapse during an attack when striking back in self-defense.

(37) In FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer top profile of the striker plate is shown as an intermittent contour, having raised surfaces 470, 570, above each finger joint to provide protection of finger and knuckle as well as outer sides of the hand. The full contour allows an effective and efficient striking ability from nearly all hand positions as well as providing hand protection. Other variations of the contour (FIG. 6) 678, can be used with same results. It is reasonable to extend these contact surfaces further by machining techniques, inserting, or bonding in place add-on striking points (FIG. 6) 676, which would could easily boost the level of injury one could inflict against a predator.

(38) FIG. 6 variation A and B show a variety of alternative finger holes 672, 674, and styles, allowing more or less room for each finger as needed, alternative patterns suited for special fittings. Other finger hole variations/modifications including number, size, shape, positioning, size of chamfer, or others can easily be integrated to accommodate the specific needs of those who would benefit most from a custom fit.

(39) The thickness or width of the striker plate, including appendage, can vary as it is fitted to the finger length from base of finger to first joint in closed position, nesting comfortably at the base of and around each finger digit. Correct thickness of the plate will provide finger protection and will retain full finger digit mobility, and will be comfortable to wear. Adding through-holes (FIG. 6) 690, slots, or perforations to the plate can aid in cooling or to reduce weight.

(40) Although the materials used for the striker plate may vary, it is best to use lightweight, non-corrosive metals or high-density plastics with smooth finishes.

(41) Generally, changing shapes, contours, blends, and other finger hole arrangements including size, location, number of holes, or other related details could be considered adequate as well and are recognized as part of the present invention.

(42) Having described many of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments, and that various modifications, including striker plate design, finger fit variations, striking points, and glove style and materials, and more, may be effective therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined.