SECURE GLOVES FOR CHILDREN

Abstract

Secure gloves for children are disclosed. A glove includes a base panel and an upper panel connected to the base panel to define a plurality of finger sections. The glove includes a lower panel connected to an edge of the base panel. The lower panel is configured to fold onto and securely couple to the upper panel via one or more lower fasteners and one or more upper fasteners. The glove includes one or more flaps extending from and connected to the lower panel. Each of the one or more flaps is configured to fold onto and securely couple to the base panel via a respective first flap fastener and a respective base fastener. The glove includes a wristband that is configured to securely couple to a second flap fastener when a first of the one or more flaps is folded onto and securely coupled to the base panel.

Claims

1. A glove for a hand, the glove comprising: an outer panel and an inner panel coupled together to form a thumb section and one or more other finger sections; wristband extending from and coupled to respective lower ends of the outer panel and the inner panel, wherein the wristband includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is proximate to the outer panel and the inner panel, and wherein the lower portion is spaced apart from the outer panel and the inner panel; and a plurality of wristband straps configured to secure the wristband around a wrist of a user, wherein the plurality of wristband straps include: a first upper strap configured to couple to the upper portion of the wristband; a second upper strap configured to wrap over the wristband and the first upper strap and couple to itself; and a lower strap configured to couple to the lower portion of the wristband.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the glove is a mitten.

3. The glove of claim 1, wherein each of the first upper strap and the second upper strap extend from the upper portion of the wristband along an outer edge of the glove.

4. The glove of claim 1, wherein the lower strap extends from the lower portion of the wristband along an inner edge of the glove.

5. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a loop coupled to the lower portion of the wristband along an outer edge of the glove, wherein the lower strap is configured to extend through the loop before coupling to the lower portion of the wristband.

6. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fasteners configured to secure the plurality of straps in place, wherein each of the plurality of fasteners forms a respective portion of a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener.

7. The glove of claim 1, further comprising: one or more first fasteners fixed to a first side of the first upper strap; and one or more second fasteners fixed to the upper portion of the wristband; wherein the one or more first fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more second fasteners to secure the first upper strap to the wristband.

8. The glove of claim 1, further comprising: one or more third fasteners fixed to a first side of the second upper strap on a distal end of the second upper strap; and one or more fourth fasteners fixed to a second side of the second upper strap on a proximal end of the second upper strap; wherein the one or more third fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more fourth fasteners to secure the second upper strap to itself.

9. The glove of claim 1, further comprising: one or more fifth fasteners fixed to the lower strap; and one or more sixth fasteners fixed to fixed to the lower portion of the wristband; wherein the one or more fifth fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more sixth fasteners to secure the lower strap to the lower portion of the wristband.

10. A glove for a hand, the glove comprising: an inner panel; an upper outer panel fixed to the inner panel to form a thumb section and one or more other finger sections; a lower outer panel extending from the inner panel, wherein the lower outer panel is configured to fold along an outer edge of the glove and couple to the upper outer panel to enclose the hand in the glove; a plurality of straps configured to secure the hand in the glove, wherein the plurality of straps include: a first lower strap extending from the inner panel along an inner edge of the glove and configured to couple to the lower outer panel; a middle strap extending from a distal end of the lower outer panel, wherein the middle strap is configured to wrap around the outer edge below the thumb section and couple to the inner panel; an upper strap extending from the distal end of the lower outer panel, wherein the upper strap is configured to wrap around the outer edge between the thumb section and the one or more other finger sections and couple at least one of the middle strap or the inner panel; and a second lower strap extending from the distal end of the lower outer panel, wherein the second lower strap is configured to wrap around the outer edge of the glove and couple to at least one of the upper strap or the inner panel.

11. The glove of claim 10, wherein the glove is a mitten.

12. The glove of claim 10, wherein at least one of the second lower strap or the lower outer panel defines a slot through which the strap first lower strap is configured to extend to couple to the lower outer panel.

13. The glove of claim 10, wherein the lower outer panel is integrally and monolithically formed with the inner panel.

14. The glove of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of fasteners configured to secure the plurality of straps in place, wherein each of the plurality of fasteners forms a respective portion of a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener.

15. The glove of claim 10, further comprising: one or more first fasteners fixed to a first side of the lower outer panel; and one or more second fasteners fixed to the upper outer panel; wherein the one or more first fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more second fasteners to secure the lower outer panel to the upper outer panel.

16. The glove of claim 10, further comprising: one or more third fasteners fixed to the first lower strap; and one or more fourth fasteners fixed to a second side of the lower outer panel; wherein the one or more third fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more fourth fasteners to secure the first lower strap to the lower outer panel.

17. The glove of claim 10, further comprising: one or more fifth fasteners fixed to a first side of the middle strap; and one or more sixth fasteners fixed to the inner panel; wherein the one or more fifth fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more sixth fasteners to secure the middle strap to the inner panel.

18. The glove of claim 10, further comprising: one or more seventh fasteners fixed to a middle portion of the upper strap; and one or more eighth fasteners fixed to a second side of the middle strap; wherein the one or more seventh fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more eighth fasteners to secure the upper strap to at least one of the middle strap or the inner panel.

19. The glove of claim 10, further comprising: one or more ninth fasteners fixed to a distal end of a first side of the upper strap; and one or more tenth fasteners fixed to the inner panel; wherein the one or more ninth fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more tenth fasteners to secure the upper strap to the inner panel.

20. The glove of claim 10, further comprising: one or more eleventh fasteners fixed to the second lower strap; and one or more twelfth fasteners fixed to a distal end of a second side of the upper strap; wherein the one or more eleventh fasteners are configured to couple to the one or more twelfth fasteners to secure the second lower strap to at least one of the upper strap or the inner panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made to embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and related elements may be omitted, or in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated, so as to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, system components can be variously arranged, as known in the art. Further, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example glove in a fully assembled state in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates the glove of FIG. 1 in a fully unassembled state.

[0010] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the glove of FIG. 1 in a first partially-assembled state.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates the glove of FIG. 1 in a second partially-assembled state.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates the glove of FIG. 1 in a third partially-assembled state.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates another example glove in a fully unassembled state in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0014] FIGS. 8-9 illustrate the glove of FIG. 7 in a first partially-assembled state.

[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates the glove of FIG. 7 in a second partially-assembled state.

[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates the glove of FIG. 7 in a third partially-assembled state.

[0017] FIG. 12A illustrates the glove of FIG. 7 in a fully assembled state.

[0018] FIG. 12B illustrates the glove of FIG. 7 without a tether and in the fully assembled state.

[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates an example mitten in a fully assembled state in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates the mitten of FIG. 13 in a fully unassembled state.

[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates the mitten of FIG. 13 in a first partially-assembled state.

[0022] FIG. 16 illustrates the mitten of FIG. 13 in a second partially-assembled state.

[0023] FIG. 17 illustrates the mitten of FIG. 13 in a third partially-assembled state.

[0024] FIG. 18 illustrates another example mitten in a fully unassembled state in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0025] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate the mitten of FIG. 18 in a first partially-assembled state.

[0026] FIG. 21 illustrates the mitten of FIG. 18 in a second partially-assembled state.

[0027] FIG. 22 illustrates the mitten of FIG. 18 in a third partially-assembled state.

[0028] FIG. 23A illustrates the mitten of FIG. 18 in a fully assembled state.

[0029] FIG. 23B illustrates the mitten of FIG. 18 without a tether and in the fully assembled state.

[0030] FIGS. 24-25 illustrate another example mitten in a fully assembled state in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0031] FIGS. 26-27 illustrate the mitten of FIGS. 24-25 in a fully unassembled state.

[0032] FIGS. 28-29 illustrate another example mitten in a fully assembled state in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0033] FIGS. 30-31 illustrate the mitten of FIGS. 28-29 in a fully unassembled state.

[0034] FIGS. 32-33 illustrate another example mitten in a fully assembled state in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0035] FIGS. 34-35 illustrate the mitten of FIGS. 32-33 in a fully unassembled state.

[0036] FIGS. 36-37 illustrate another example mitten in a fully assembled state in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0037] FIGS. 38-39 illustrate the mitten of FIGS. 36-37 in a fully unassembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] While the invention may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0039] Example gloves disclosed herein are configured to be securely and comfortably placed on the hands of young children, such as infants and toddlers. The gloves disclosed herein may also be sized to be worn by other people, such as older children and/or adults. In some examples, the gloves are formed of thin and/or warm material, such as wool, fleece, cotton, GORE-TEX, etc.

[0040] As used herein, a glove refers to an article of clothing that covers at least a portion of the hand. Gloves include sections or slots for fingers of the hand. An example glove includes five sections or slots with each section or slot configured to receive a respective finger (e.g., thumb, index, middle, ring, or pinkie finger) of the hand. As used herein, a mitten refers to a type of glove that includes two sections or slots for fingers. A first section or slot is configured to receive a thumb of a hand, and a second section or slot is configured to receive the other fingers (e.g., index, middle, ring, and pinkie fingers) of the hand.

[0041] Example gloves disclosed herein include a base panel, an upper panel, and a lower panel that are connected together, for example, via stitching. The base panel forms a first side of the glove, and the upper panel and the lower panel form an opposing second side of the glove. The upper panel is fixedly connected to the base panel (e.g., via stitching) to form one or more finger sections and/or panels for fingers of a hand. The lower panel is connected to the base panel (e.g., via stitching) along an outer edge of the glove. The lower panel is configured to fold onto the base panel and/or the upper panel to form a body of the glove. The lower panel includes one or more fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), to secure the lower panel to the base panel and/or the upper panel.

[0042] Further, the glove includes one or more flaps that are connected to and extend from the lower panel. Each flap is configured to fold onto and be secured to the base panel. For example, each flap includes one or more fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), for securing itself to the base panel. The flap(s) are arranged with respect to the finger sections and/or panels to fold onto and connect to the base panel in such a manner to secure the glove onto the hand in a manner that is difficult for a young child to undo.

[0043] The glove further includes a wristband. In some examples, the wristband is separated from the panels of the glove. In other examples, the wristband is integrally formed with and/or otherwise fixedly connected to the base panel and/or the lower panel of the glove. The wristband includes a fastener (e.g., a button), and another fastener (e.g., a loop, another button, etc.) is fixedly connected to a distal end of one of the flaps. When the flap is folded into place, the fastener of the wristband is configured to securely receive the corresponding fastener of the flap to further secure the glove to the hand in a manner that is difficult for a young child to undo.

[0044] In some examples, the gloves are formed of thin and/or warm material, such as wool, fleece, cotton, GORE-TEX, etc. For example, the panel(s), the flap(s), and/or the wristband is formed of thin and/or warm material to improve wearability of the glove.

[0045] Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example glove 100 in accordance with the teachings herein. More specifically, FIG. 1 depicts the glove 100 in a fully assembled state, FIG. 2 depicts the glove 100 in a fully unassembled state, FIGS. 3-4 depict the glove 100 in a first partially-assembled state, FIG. 5 depicts the glove 100 in a subsequent second partially-assembled state, and FIG. 6 depicts the glove 100 in a subsequent third partially-assembled state.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the glove 100 includes a plurality of finger sections, with each finger section defining a finger slot to receive finger(s) of a hand. In the illustrated example, the glove 100 includes a respective finger section and corresponding finger slot for each finger of the hand. A thumb section 190 (also referred to as a first finger section) defines a thumb slot that is configured to receive the thumb of the hand. Additionally, the glove 100 includes four other finger sections 195 (also referred to as a second finger sections), with each of the finger sections 195 defining a finger slot for one finger of the hand. For example, one of the finger sections 195 defines a finger slot configured to receive the index finger, another of the finger sections 195 defines a finger slot configured to receive the middle finger, another of the finger sections 195 defines a finger slot configured to receive the ring finger, and another of the finger sections 195 defines a finger slot configured to receive the pinkie finger.

[0047] Turning to FIG. 2, the glove 100 includes panels 110, 120, 130. As shown in FIG. 4, the panel 110 (also referred to as a base panel) is configured to form a first side of the glove 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the panel 120 (also referred to as a lower panel) and the panel 130 (also referred to as an upper panel) are configured to form an opposing second side of the glove 100. In some examples, the first side of the glove 100 is configured to be placed along the back of a hand, and the second side is configured to be placed along the palm of the hand. Additionally or alternatively, the first side is configured to be placed along the palm of the hand, and the second side is configured to be placed along the back of the hand.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 2, the panel 130 is fixedly coupled to the panel 110 (e.g., via stitching) to form the thumb section 190 and the finger sections 195. That is, the thumb section 190 and the finger sections 195 are formed by the panels 110, 130 in a manner to define the respective finger slots.

[0049] Additionally, the panel 120 is coupled to the panel 110 (e.g., via stitching along an outer edge of the panel 110. The panel 120 is coupled to the panel 110 in such a manner that the panel 120 is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position as shown in FIG. 2, the panel 120 is rotated away from the panel 130 to create a relatively large opening adjacent to the panel 130 to enable a user (e.g., a small child) to easily place their hand and/or have their hand placed in the glove 100. For example, the large opening is adjacent to the thumb section 190 and finger sections 195 to facilitate the fingers of the hand in being inserted into the respective finger slots. In the closed position as shown in FIG. 3, the panel 120 is subsequently rotated to engage the panel 130 to enclose the hand within the glove 100.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 2, the panel 120 includes one or more fasteners 125, and the panel 130 includes one or more fasteners 135. The fastener(s) 125 are positioned on an inner surface of the panel 120 along its outer edge, and the fastener(s) 135 are positioned on an outer surface of the panel 130 along its outer edge. In the illustrated example, there are three fastener(s) 125 and three fastener(s) 135. In other examples, there may be more or fewer fastener(s) 125 and/or fastener(s) 135. For example, each of the three fastener(s) 125 may be integrally formed together.

[0051] When the panel 120 is folded to its closed position, the fastener(s) 135 are configured to engage the fastener(s) 125 to securely couple the panel 120 to the panel 130. In some examples, the fastener(s) 125, 135 are hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO). In some such examples, the fastener(s) 125 are the hook side and the fastener(s) 135 are the loop side. In other such examples, the fastener(s) 125 are the loop side and the fastener(s) 135 are the hook side.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 2, the glove 100 includes one or more flaps (also referred to as securing flaps) that are configured to further secure the glove 100 onto the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, the glove 100 includes a flap 140 (also referred to as a first flap) and a flap 160 (also referred to as a second flap). That is, the glove 100 of the illustrated example includes two flaps. In other examples, the glove 100 may include more or fewer flaps configured to secure the glove 100 onto the hand of the user. Each of the flaps 140, 160 are connected to and extend from the panel 120, with a proximal end of the panel 120 coupled to the panel 110 and the flaps 140, 160 extending from an opposing distal end of the panel 120. In the illustrated example, each of the flaps 140, 160 is integrally formed with the panel 120 such that the flaps 140, 160 and the panel 120 are formed from a single piece of material. Additionally, each of the flaps 140, 160 includes one or more fasteners.

[0053] The flap 140 includes one or more fasteners 145 (also referred to as first fastener(s) and first flap fastener(s) of the flap 140) and another fastener 150 (also referred to as a second fastener and a second flap fastener of the flap 140). The fastener(s) 145 are positioned on an inner surface of the flap 140. In the illustrated example, the fastener(s) 145 form part of a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO). In some such examples, the fastener(s) 145 are the hook side. In other such examples, the fastener(s) 125 are the loop side. Further, the fastener 150 is positioned at a distal end of the flap 140. In the illustrated example, the fastener 150 is a loop that is securely connected to the flap 140.

[0054] The flap 160 includes one or more fasteners 165 (also referred to as first fastener(s) and first flap fastener(s) of the flap 160). The fastener(s) 165 are positioned on an inner surface of the flap 160 toward its distal end. In the illustrated example, the fastener(s) 165 form part of a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO). In some such examples, the fastener(s) 145 are the hook side.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the panel 110 includes fastener(s) positioned on its outer surface. For example, the panel 110 includes one or more fasteners 170 and one or more fasteners 175.

[0056] The fastener(s) 170 (also referred to as first fastener(s) or first base fastener(s) of the panel 110) are configured to engage the fastener(s) 145 of the flap 140 to securely couple the flap 140 to the panel 110. For example, the fastener(s) 170 and the fastener(s) 145 form hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO). In some such examples, the fastener(s) 170 are the loop side. In other such examples, the fastener(s) 170 are the hook side.

[0057] The fastener(s) 175 (also referred to as second fastener(s) or second base fastener(s) of the panel 110) are configured to engage the fastener(s) 165 of the flap 160 to securely couple the flap 160 to the panel 110. For example, the fastener(s) 175 and the fastener(s) 165 form hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO). In some such examples, the fastener(s) 175 are the loop side. In other such examples, the fastener(s) 170 are the hook side.

[0058] In the illustrated example, each of the fastener(s) 170 and the fastener(s) 175 is a single piece of fastener. In other examples, the fastener(s) 170 and/or the fastener(s) 175 may include additional pieces of fastener. In other examples, the fastener(s) 170 and the fastener(s) 175 are integrally formed together.

[0059] Turning to FIG. 6, the glove 100 also includes a wristband 180. The wristband 180 is configured to be placed around the wrist of the user. In some examples, the wristband 180 is made of flexible material that enables the wristband 180 to stretch and fit over any shirt and/or jacket worn by the user. In some examples, the wristband 180 is secured to the wrist of the user via a cinch and/or hook-and-loop fasteners. The wristband 180 includes a fastener 185 (e.g., a button) that is configured to receive the fastener 150 when the flap 140 is folded in place to secure the flap 140 to the wristband 180.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the wristband 180 is separated from the panels 110, 120, 130 of the glove 100. In other examples, the wristband 180 may be fixedly coupled to (e.g., via stitching and/or a tether) and/or integrally formed with one or more of the panels 110, 120, 130. In yet other examples, the glove 100 may not include the wristband 180 and its fastener 185.

[0061] In operation, to secure the glove 100 onto the hand, the glove 100 is opened as shown in FIG. 2. The hand is then placed into the glove such that the fingers are positioned in the finger slots. Once the hand is in place, the panel 120 is folded and/or rotated toward the panel 130 to engage the panel 130 and enclose the hand in the glove 100 (FIGS. 3-4). The fastener(s) 125 are received by and connected to the fastener(s) 135 to secure the panel 120 to the panel 130. The fastener(s) 125, 135 enable the positioning of the panel 120 to be adjusted relative to that of the panel 130 to adjust a tightness of the glove 100 about the hand and/or further secure the glove 100 onto the hand.

[0062] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5, the flap 140 is folded and/or rotated to extend between the thumb section 190 and an adjacent finger section 195 and to the fastener(s) 170 of the panel 110. The fastener(s) 145 of the flap 140 are received by and connected to the fastener(s) 170 to secure the flap 140 to the panel 110 and, in turn, further secure the glove 100 onto the hand. The fastener(s) 145, 170 enable the positioning of the flap 140 to be adjusted relative to that of the panel 110 to adjust a tightness of the glove 100 about the hand and/or further secure the glove 100 onto the hand.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the fastener 185 of the wristband 180 then receives the fastener 150 of the flap 140 to further secure the glove 100 onto the hand. Subsequently, the flap 160 is folded and/or rotated to extend between and/or around the thumb section 190 and to the fastener(s) 175 of the panel 110, as shown in FIG. 1. The fastener(s) 165 of the flap 160 are received by and connected to the fastener(s) 175 to secure the flap 160 to the panel 110 and, in turn, further secure the glove 100 onto the hand. In the illustrated example, the flap 160 overlaps with the flap 140 when the fastener(s) 165, 175 are connected together. The fastener(s) 165, 175 also enable the positioning of the flap 160 to be adjusted relative to that of the panel 110 to adjust a tightness of the glove 100 about the hand and/or further secure the glove 100 onto the hand.

[0064] FIGS. 7-12B illustrate another example glove 200 in accordance with the teachings herein. The glove 200 includes components that are identical or substantially similar to that of glove 100. For example, the glove 200 of the illustrated example includes the panels 110, 120, 130; the flaps 140, 160; the wristband 180; and the fasteners 125, 135, 145, 150, 165, 170, 175, 185. Because those components are disclosed in detail with respect to the glove 100 of FIGS. 1-6, some features of those components are not disclosed again in further detail below with respect to the glove 200.

[0065] In FIG. 12A, the glove 200 also includes a tether 182 (e.g., a lanyard) to fixedly connect the wristband 180 to one or more of the panels 110, 120, 130. In FIG. 12B, the glove 200 does not include a tether. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 7-12B, the wristband 180 is in the form of a strap. A loop 184 is positioned at a proximal end of the wristband 180, and one or more fasteners 186 are positioned toward a distal end of the wristband 180. Additionally, one or more fasteners 188 extend along a length of the wristband 180 between the fastener(s) 186 and the fastener 185. In the illustrated example, the fastener(s) 186, 188 are hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO). In some such examples, the fastener(s) 186 are the hook side and the fastener(s) 188 are the loop side. In other such examples, the fastener(s) 186 are the loop side and the fastener(s) 188 are the hook side. The wristband 180 of the illustrated example and its features can be implemented with any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0066] The wristband 180 of the illustrated example is configured to wrap around the wrist of the user. The loop 184 and the fasteners 186, 188 of the wristband 180 are configured to form a cinch. For example, to secure the wristband 180 in place, the distal end of the wristband 180 is placed through the loop 184. The fastener(s) 186 then securely connect to the fastener(s) 188.

[0067] A glove refers to an article of clothing that covers at least a portion of the hand. Gloves include sections or slots for fingers of the hand. An example glove includes five sections or slots with each section or slot configured to receive a respective finger (e.g., thumb, index, middle, ring, or pinkie finger) of the hand. A mitten refers to a type of glove that includes two sections or slots for fingers. A first section or slot is configured to receive a thumb of a hand, and a second section or slot is configured to receive the other fingers (e.g., index, middle, ring, and pinkie fingers) of the hand.

[0068] FIGS. 13-17 illustrate an example mitten 300 in accordance with the teachings herein. More specifically, FIG. 10 depicts the mitten 300 in a fully assembled state, FIG. 11 depicts the mitten 300 in a fully unassembled state, FIG. 12 depicts the mitten 300 in a first partially-assembled state, FIG. 13 depicts the mitten 300 in a subsequent second partially-assembled state, and FIG. 14 depicts the mitten 300 in a subsequent third partially-assembled state.

[0069] The mitten 300 includes components that are identical or substantially similar to that of glove 100. For example, the mitten 300 of the illustrated example includes the panels 110, 120, 130; the flaps 140, 160; the wristband 180; and the fasteners 125, 135, 145, 150, 165, 170, 175, 185. Because those components are disclosed in detail with respect to the glove 100 of FIGS. 1-6, some features of those components are not disclosed again in further detail below with respect to the mitten 300.

[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 13-17, the panels 110, 130 are shaped to form a mitten. For example, the panels 110, 130 are shaped and connected to each other (e.g., via stitching) to form two finger sections, which includes a thumb section 390 and a finger section 395. The thumb section 390 (also referred to as a first finger section) defines a thumb slot that is configured to receive the thumb of a hand. The finger section 395 (also referred to as a second finger section) defines a finger slot that is configured to receive all of the other fingers of a hand (e.g., the pointer finger, the middle finger, the index finger, and the pinkie finger). As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the flap 140 is configured to extend between the thumb section 390 and the finger section 395 when folded in place, and the flap 160 is configured to fold below and/or around the thumb section 390.

[0071] FIGS. 18-23B illustrate another example mitten 400 in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0072] The mitten 400 includes components that are identical or substantially similar to that of glove 100. For example, the mitten 400 of the illustrated example includes the panels 110, 120, 130; the flaps 140, 160; the wristband 180; and the fasteners 125, 135, 145, 150, 165, 170, 175, 185. Because those components are disclosed in detail with respect to the glove 100 of FIGS. 1-6, features of those components are not disclosed again with respect to the mitten 400.

[0073] Additionally, the wristband 180 of the mitten 400 includes components that are identical or substantially similar to that of the glove 200. For example, the wristband 180 of the illustrated example includes the loop 184 and the fastener 186, 188. FIG. 23A depicts the mitten 400 with the tether 182, and FIG. 23B depicts the mitten 400 without a tether. Because those components of the wristband 180 are disclosed in detail with respect to the glove 200 of FIGS. 7-12B, features of those components are not disclosed again with respect to the mitten 400.

[0074] FIGS. 24-27 illustrate another example mitten 500 in accordance with the teachings herein. More specifically, FIG. 24 depicts an outer side of the mitten 500 in a fully assembled state, FIG. 25 depicts an inner side of the mitten 500 in the fully assembled state, FIG. 26 depicts the outer side of the mitten 500 in a fully unassembled state, and FIG. 27 depicts the inner side of the mitten 500 in a the fully unassembled state.

[0075] The mitten 500 includes one or more panels that form two or more finger sections. In the illustrated example, the fingers sections include a thumb section 502 and a finger section 504. The thumb section 502 (also referred to as a first finger section) defines a thumb slot that is configured to receive the thumb of a hand. The finger section 504 (also referred to as a second finger section) defines a finger slot that is configured to receive all of the other fingers of a hand (e.g., the pointer finger, the middle finger, the index finger, and the pinkie finger).

[0076] In the illustrated example, the mitten 500 includes an outer panel 510 and an inner panel 520. The outer panel 510 forms the outer side of the mitten 500 that is to be placed along a back of a hand, and the inner panel 520 forms the inner side of the mitten 500 that is to be placed along a palm of the hand. The panels 510, 520 are coupled together (e.g., via stitching) to form a body of the mitten 500. For example, the outer panel 510 and the inner panel 520 form the thumb section 502 and the finger section 504. In some examples, the outer panel 510 includes a main outer panel that forms the finger section 504 with and the inner panel 520 and includes an outer thumb panel that forms the thumb section 502 with the inner panel 520. In the illustrated example, the mitten 500 includes an outer edge 506 along which the outer panel 510 and the inner panel 520 are coupled together. The mitten 500 also includes an inner edge 508 along which the outer panel 510 and the inner panel 520 are coupled together.

[0077] The mitten also includes a wristband 530 that is configured to be placed around a wrist of the user. In some examples, the wristband 530 is made of flexible material that enables the wristband 530 to stretch and fit over any shirt and/or jacket worn by the user. In the illustrated example, the wristband 530 is coupled to respective lower ends of the panels 510, 520 along the open end of the mitten 500.

[0078] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 26-27, the mitten 500 includes a plurality of straps configured to secure the mitten 500 to the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, the mitten 500 includes a strap 540 (also referred to as a first strap), a strap 580 (also referred to as a second strap, a first wristband strap, and an inner wristband strap), and a strap 590 (also referred to as a third strap, a second wristband strap, and an outer wristband strap).

[0079] The strap 540 extends from the outer edge 506 and includes a first side 542 (FIG. 26) and a second side 544 (FIG. 27). The strap 540 includes a panel strap 550, an extension strap 560 (also referred to as a first extension strap and an upper extension strap), and another extension strap 570 (also referred to as a second extension strap and a lower extension strap). In the illustrated example, the strap 540 is a single piece of fabric such that the panel strap 550 and the extension straps 560, 570 are integrally and monolithically formed together. As shown in FIGS. 26-27, the strap 540 is coupled to the outer panel 510 and/or the inner panel 520 along the outer edge 506. In the illustrated example, a proximal end the panel strap 550 is coupled to the outer panel 510 and/or the inner panel 520 along the outer edge 506. A proximal end of the extension strap 560 extends from an upper portion of a distal end of the panel strap 550, and a proximal end of the extension strap 570 extends from a lower portion of the distal end of the panel strap 550.

[0080] The strap 580 extends from the outer edge 506 and includes a first side and a second side 582. The strap 580 is coupled to the wristband 530 along the outer edge 506 of the mitten 500. The strap 590 is also coupled to the wristband 530 and extends from the outer edge 506 of the mitten 500. The strap 590 includes a first side 591 (FIG. 26) and an opposing second side 592 (FIG. 27). As illustrated in FIG. 27, the strap 590 is substantially longer than the strap 580.

[0081] The mitten 500 includes a plurality of fasteners that are configured to secure the straps 540, 580, 590 in place to secure the mitten 500 to the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, each fastener forms a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO). In other examples, one or more fastener(s) may form a portion of a different fastener type (e.g., a loop button, a press-fit button, etc.).

[0082] As shown in FIG. 26, one or more fasteners 552 (also referred to as one or more first fasteners) are located on and fixed to the panel strap 550 on the first side 542 of the strap 540. A corresponding one or more fasteners 512 (also referred to as one or more second fasteners) are located on and fixed to the outer panel 510.

[0083] One or more fasteners 562 (also referred to as one or more third fasteners) are located on and fixed to a middle portion the extension strap 560 on the first side 542 of the strap 540. Turning to FIG. 27, a corresponding one or more fasteners 522 (also referred to as one or more fourth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the inner panel 520 adjacent the thumb section 502.

[0084] Returning to FIG. 26, one or more fasteners 564 (also referred to as one or more fifth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal portion of the extension strap 560 on the first side 542 of the strap 540. Turning to FIG. 27, a corresponding one or more fasteners 532 (also referred to as one or more sixth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the wristband 530.

[0085] Returning to FIG. 26, one or more fasteners 572 (also referred to as one or more seventh fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal portion of the extension strap 570 on the first side 542 of the strap 540. Turning to FIG. 27, a corresponding one or more fasteners 524 (also referred to as one or more eighth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the inner panel 520 adjacent the outer edge 506.

[0086] As shown on FIG. 27, one or more fasteners one or more fasteners 566 (also referred to as one or more ninth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal portion of the extension strap 560 on the second side 544 of the strap 540. Further, one or more fasteners (also referred to as one or more tenth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the first side of the strap 580.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 26, one or more fasteners 594 (also referred to as one or more eleventh fasteners) are located on and fixed to a middle portion of the first side 591 of the strap 590. One or more fasteners 596 (also referred to as one or more twelfth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal portion of the first side 591 of the strap 590. Turning to FIG. 27 a corresponding one or more fasteners 598 (also referred to as one or more thirteenth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a proximal portion of the second side 592 of the strap 590.

[0088] To secure the mitten 500 onto the hand, the mitten 500 is opened as shown in FIGS. 26-27. The hand is then placed into the mitten 500 such that the thumb is placed in the thumb section 502 and the other fingers are placed in the finger section 504. Once the hand is in place in the mitten 500, the strap 540 is rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 506 and coupled to the outer panel 510. More specifically, the first side 542 of the panel strap 550 of the strap 540 engages and is coupled to the outer panel 510. The fastener(s) 552 of the panel strap 550 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 512 of the outer panel 510 to secure the panel strap 550 to the outer panel 510.

[0089] Subsequently, the extension strap 560 is folded over and/or rotated between the thumb section 502 and the finger section 504 and coupled to the inner panel 520 and the wristband 530. More specifically, the first side 542 of the extension strap 560 engages and is coupled to the inner panel 520 and the wristband 530. The fastener(s) 562 of the extension strap 560 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 522 of the inner panel 520 to secure the extension strap 560 to the inner panel 520, and the fastener(s) 564 of the extension strap 560 engage and couple to a portion of the fastener(s) 532 of the wristband 530 to secure the extension strap 560 to the wristband 530.

[0090] Additionally, the extension strap 570 is rotated about and/or folded along the inner edge 508 and coupled to the inner panel 520. More specifically, the first side 542 of the extension strap 570 engages and is coupled to the inner panel 520. The fastener(s) 572 of the extension strap 570 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 524 of the inner panel 520 to secure the extension strap 570 to the inner panel 520.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 25, the extension straps 560, 570 are configured to overlap with each other when secured to the inner panel 520. In the illustrated example, the extension strap 570 is secured in place before the extension strap 560 is secured in place such that the extension strap 560 extends over the extension strap 570. In other instances, the extension strap 560 may be secured in place before the extension strap 570 is secured in place such that the extension strap 570 extends over the extension strap 560.

[0092] Subsequently, the strap 580 is rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 506 in a first direction and coupled to the wristband 530. More specifically, the first side of the strap 580 engages and is coupled to the wristband 530. The fastener(s) the first side of the strap 580 engage and couple to a portion of the fastener(s) 532 of the wristband 530 to secure the strap 580 to the wristband 530.

[0093] The strap 590 is then rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 506 in an opposing second direction and coupled to itself. More specifically, the strap 590 wraps around the wristband 530 such that the first side 591 of the strap engages and is coupled to the second side 592 of the strap 590. The strap 590 extends over and overlaps the strap 580. The fastener(s) 594 on the first side 591 of the strap 590 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 566 of the extension strap 560 and/or a portion of the fastener(s) 532 of the wristband 530. Further, the fastener(s) 596 on the first side 591 of the strap 590 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 598 on the second side 592 of the strap 590.

[0094] FIGS. 28-31 illustrate another example mitten 600 in accordance with the teachings herein. More specifically, FIG. 28 depicts an outer side of the mitten 600 in a fully assembled state, FIG. 29 depicts an inner side of the mitten 600 in the fully assembled state, FIG. 30 depicts the outer side of the mitten 600 in a fully unassembled state, and FIG. 31 depicts the inner side of the mitten 600 in a the fully unassembled state.

[0095] The mitten 600 includes one or more panels that form two or more finger sections. In the illustrated example, the fingers sections include a thumb section 602 and a finger section 604. The thumb section 602 (also referred to as a first finger section) defines a thumb slot that is configured to receive the thumb of a hand. The finger section 604 (also referred to as a second finger section) defines a finger slot that is configured to receive all of the other fingers of a hand (e.g., the pointer finger, the middle finger, the index finger, and the pinkie finger).

[0096] In the illustrated example, the mitten 600 includes an outer panel 610 and an inner panel 620. The outer panel 610 forms the outer side of the mitten 600 that is to be placed along a back of a hand, and the inner panel 620 forms the inner side of the mitten 600 that is to be placed along a palm of the hand. The panels 610, 620 are coupled together (e.g., via stitching) to form a body of the mitten 600. For example, the outer panel 610 and the inner panel 620 form the thumb section 602 and the finger section 604. In some examples, the outer panel 610 includes a main outer panel that forms the finger section 604 with and the inner panel 620 and includes an outer thumb panel that forms the thumb section 602 with the inner panel 620. In the illustrated example, the mitten 600 includes an outer edge 606 along which the outer panel 610 and the inner panel 620 are coupled together. The mitten 600 also includes an inner edge 608 along which the outer panel 610 and the inner panel 620 are coupled together.

[0097] In the illustrated example, the mitten 600 includes a wristband 630 (also referred to as a first wristband and an upper wristband) that is configured to be placed around a wrist of the user. In some examples, the wristband 630 is made of flexible material that enables the wristband 630 to stretch and fit over any shirt and/or jacket worn by the user. In the illustrated example, the wristband 630 is coupled to the respective lower ends of panels 610, 620 along the open end of the mitten 600.

[0098] The mitten 600 also includes another wristband 640 (also referred to as a second wristband and a lower wristband) that is configured to be placed around a lower portion of the wrist of the user. In some examples, the wristband 640 is made of flexible material that enables the wristband 640 to stretch and fit over any shirt and/or jacket worn by the user. In the illustrated example, the wristband 640 is coupled to (e.g., via stitching), is positioned below, and extends parallel to the wristband 630. The wristband 640 includes a base 641 and a strap 642. The base 641 extends from and is coupled to the wristband 630, and the strap 642 extends from a first end of the base 641. The wristband 640 is a single piece of fabric such that the base 641 and the strap 642 are integrally and monolithically formed together. Further, the piece of fabric forming the wristband 640 includes a first side 643 (FIGS. 30-31) and an opposing second side 644 (FIG. 30). The wristband 640 also includes a loop 645 at a second end of the base 641 and through which the strap 642 is configured to extend.

[0099] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 30-31, the mitten 600 includes a plurality of straps configured to secure the mitten 600 to the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, the mitten 600 includes a strap 650 (also referred to as a first strap), a strap 690 (also referred to as a second strap, a first upper wristband strap, and an inner upper wristband strap), a strap 695 (also referred to as a third strap, a second upper wristband strap, and an outer upper wristband strap), and the strap 642 (also referred to as a fourth strap and a lower wristband strap).

[0100] The strap 650 extends from the outer edge 606 and includes a first side 652 (FIG. 30) and a second side 654 (FIG. 31). The strap 650 includes a panel strap 660, an extension strap 670 (also referred to as a first extension strap and an upper extension strap), and another extension strap 680 (also referred to as a second extension strap and a lower extension strap). In the illustrated example, the strap 650 is a single piece of fabric such that the panel strap 660 and the extension straps 670, 680 are integrally and monolithically formed together. As shown in FIGS. 30-31, the strap 650 is coupled to the outer panel 610 and/or the inner panel 620 along the outer edge 606. In the illustrated example, a proximal end the panel strap 660 is coupled to the outer panel 610 and/or the inner panel 620 along the outer edge 606. A proximal end of the extension strap 670 extends from an upper portion of a distal end of the panel strap 660, and a proximal end of the extension strap 680 extends from a lower portion of the distal end of the panel strap 660.

[0101] The strap 690 extends from the outer edge 606 and includes a first side 691 (FIG. 30) and a second side. The strap 690 is coupled to the wristband 630 along the outer edge 606 of the mitten 600. The strap 695 is also coupled to the wristband 630 and extends from the outer edge 606 of the mitten 600. The strap 695 includes a first side 696 (FIG. 30) and an opposing second side 697 (FIG. 31). As illustrated in FIG. 31, the strap 695 is substantially longer than the strap 690.

[0102] The mitten 600 includes a plurality of fasteners that are configured to secure the straps 642, 650, 690, 695 in place to secure the mitten 600 to the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, each fastener forms a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO). In other examples, one or more fastener(s) may form a portion of a different fastener type (e.g., a loop button, a press-fit button, etc.).

[0103] As shown in FIG. 30, one or more fasteners 662 (also referred to as one or more first fasteners) are located on and fixed to the panel strap 660 on the first side 652 of the strap 650. A corresponding one or more fasteners 612 (also referred to as one or more second fasteners) are located on and fixed to the outer panel 610.

[0104] Returning to FIG. 30, one or more fasteners 672 (also referred to as one or more third fasteners) are located on and fixed to a middle portion the extension strap 670 on the first side 652 of the strap 650. Turning to FIG. 31, a corresponding one or more fasteners 622 (also referred to as one or more fourth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the inner panel 620 adjacent the thumb section 602.

[0105] Returning to FIG. 30, one or more fasteners 674 (also referred to as one or more fifth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal portion of the extension strap 670 on the first side 652 of the strap 650. Turning to FIG. 31, a corresponding one or more fasteners 646 (also referred to as one or more sixth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the first side 643 of the wristband 640.

[0106] Returning to FIG. 30, one or more fasteners 682 (also referred to as one or more seventh fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal portion of the extension strap 680 on the first side 652 of the strap 650. Turning to FIG. 31, a corresponding one or more fasteners 624 (also referred to as one or more eighth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the inner panel 620 adjacent the outer edge 606.

[0107] Returning to FIG. 30, one or more fasteners 693 (also referred to as one or more ninth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the first side 691 of the strap 690. A corresponding one or more fasteners 632 (also referred to as one or more tenth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the wristband 630.

[0108] One or more fasteners 698 (also referred to as one or more eleventh fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal end on the first side 696 of the strap 695. Turning to FIG. 31, a corresponding one or more fasteners 699 (also referred to as one or more twelfth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a proximal end on the second side 697 of the strap 695. Further, one or more one or more fasteners 647 (also referred to as one or more thirteenth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal end of the strap 642 on the first side 643 of the wristband 640.

[0109] To secure the mitten 600 onto the hand, the mitten 600 is opened as shown in FIGS. 30-31. The hand is then placed into the mitten 600 such that the thumb is placed in the thumb section 602 and the other fingers are placed in the finger section 604. Once the hand is in place in the mitten 600, the strap 650 is rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 606 and coupled to the outer panel 610. More specifically, the first side 652 of the panel strap 660 of the strap 650 engages and is coupled to the outer panel 610. The fastener(s) 662 of the panel strap 660 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 612 of the outer panel 610 to secure the panel strap 660 to the outer panel 610.

[0110] Subsequently, the extension strap 670 is folded over and/or rotated between the thumb section 602 and the finger section 604 and coupled to the inner panel 620 and the wristband 630. More specifically, the first side 652 of the extension strap 670 engages and is coupled to the inner panel 620 and the wristband 640. The fastener(s) 672 of the extension strap 670 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 622 of the inner panel 620 to secure the extension strap 670 to the inner panel 620, and the fastener(s) 674 of the extension strap 670 engage and couple to a portion of the fastener(s) 646 of the wristband 640 to secure the extension strap 670 to the wristband 640.

[0111] Additionally, the extension strap 680 is rotated about and/or folded along the inner edge 608 and coupled to the inner panel 620. More specifically, the first side 652 of the extension strap 680 engages and is coupled to the inner panel 620. The fastener(s) 682 of the extension strap 680 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 624 of the inner panel 620 to secure the extension strap 680 to the inner panel 620.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 29, the extension straps 670, 680 are configured to overlap with each other when secured to the inner panel 620. In the illustrated example, the extension strap 680 is secured in place before the extension strap 670 is secured in place such that the extension strap 670 extends over the extension strap 680. In other instances, the extension strap 670 may be secured in place before the extension strap 680 is secured in place such that the extension strap 680 extends over the extension strap 670.

[0113] The strap 690 also is rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 606 in a first direction and coupled to the wristband 630. More specifically, the first side 691 of the strap 690 engages and is coupled to the wristband 630. The fastener(s) 693 on the first side 691 of the strap 690 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 632 of the wristband 630 to secure the strap 690 to the wristband 630.

[0114] Subsequently, the strap 695 is rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 606 in the same direction as that of the strap 690. More specifically, the strap 695 wraps around the wristband 630 such that the first side 696 of the strap 695 engages and is coupled to the second side 697 of the strap 695. The fastener(s) 698 on the first side 696 of the strap 695 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 699 on the second side 697 of the strap 695.

[0115] Further, the strap 642 of the wristband 640 is extended through the loop 645 and rotated back about and/or folded over the loop 645. Subsequently, the strap 642 is secured to the base 641 of the wristband 640. The fastener(s) 647 on distal end of the strap 642 engage and couple to a portion of the fastener(s) 646 on the base 641 of the wristband 640.

[0116] FIGS. 32-35 illustrate another example mitten 700 in accordance with the teachings herein. More specifically, FIG. 32 depicts an outer side of the mitten 700 in a fully assembled state, FIG. 33 depicts an inner side of the mitten 700 in the fully assembled state, FIG. 34 depicts the outer side of the mitten 700 in a fully unassembled state, and FIG. 35 depicts the inner side of the mitten 700 in a the fully unassembled state.

[0117] The mitten 700 includes one or more panels that form two or more finger sections. In the illustrated example, the fingers sections include a thumb section 702 and a finger section 704. The thumb section 702 (also referred to as a first finger section) defines a thumb slot that is configured to receive the thumb of a hand. The finger section 704 (also referred to as a second finger section) defines a finger slot that is configured to receive all of the other fingers of a hand (e.g., the pointer finger, the middle finger, the index finger, and the pinkie finger).

[0118] In the illustrated example, the mitten 700 includes an outer panel 710 and an inner panel 720. The outer panel 710 forms the outer side of the mitten 700 that is to be placed along a back of a hand, and the inner panel 720 forms the inner side of the mitten 700 that is to be placed along a palm of the hand. The panels 710, 720 are coupled together (e.g., via stitching) to form a body of the mitten 700. For example, the outer panel 710 and the inner panel 720 form the thumb section 702 and the finger section 704. In some examples, the outer panel 710 includes a main outer panel that forms the finger section 704 with and the inner panel 720 and includes an outer thumb panel that forms the thumb section 702 with the inner panel 720. In the illustrated example, the mitten 700 includes an outer edge 706 along which the outer panel 710 and the inner panel 720 are coupled together. The mitten 700 also includes an inner edge 708 along which the outer panel 710 and the inner panel 720 are coupled together.

[0119] In the illustrated example, the mitten 700 includes a wristband 730 that is configured to be placed around a wrist of the user. In some examples, the wristband 730 is made of flexible material that enables the wristband 730 to stretch and fit over any shirt and/or jacket worn by the user. In the illustrated example, the wristband 730 is coupled to respective lower ends of the panels 710, 720 along the open end of the mitten 700. In particular, the wristband 730 includes an upper portion that is proximate to and connects to the panels 710, 720. The wristband 730 also includes a lower portion that extends from the upper portion and is spaced apart from the panels 710, 720. Additionally, the wristband 730 includes a loop 732 extending from the outer edge 706 of the mitten 700 at a bottom portion of the wristband 730. In the illustrated example, the wristband 730 is formed from a single piece of fabric such that the upper portion and the lower portion are integrally and monolithically formed together.

[0120] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 34-35, the mitten 700 includes a plurality of straps configured to secure the mitten 700 to the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, the mitten 700 includes a strap 740 (also referred to as a first strap, a first wristband strap, a first upper strap, an inner upper strap, and an inner upper wristband strap), a strap 750 (also referred to as a second strap, a second wristband strap, a second upper strap, an outer upper strap, and an outer upper wristband strap), and a strap 760 (also referred to as a third strap, a third wristband strap, a lower strap, and an lower wristband strap).

[0121] The strap 740 extends from the upper portion of the wristband 730 along the outer edge 706 of the mitten 700. The strap 740 includes a first side 742 (FIG. 34) and a second side.

[0122] The strap 750 extends from the upper portion of the wristband 730 along the outer edge 706 of the mitten 700. The strap 750 includes a first side 752 (FIG. 34) and a second side 754 (FIG. 35). As illustrated in FIG. 31, the strap 750 is substantially longer than the strap 740.

[0123] The strap 760 extends from the lower portion of the wristband 730 along the inner edge 708 of the mitten 700. The strap 760 includes a first side 762 (FIG. 34) and a second side 764 (FIG. 35).

[0124] The mitten 700 includes a plurality of fasteners that are configured to secure the straps 740, 750, 760 in place to secure the mitten 700 to the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, each fastener forms a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO). In other examples, one or more fastener(s) may form a portion of a different fastener type (e.g., a loop button, a press-fit button, etc.).

[0125] As shown in FIG. 34, one or more fasteners 746 (also referred to as one or more first fasteners) are located on and fixed to the first side 742 of the strap 740. A corresponding one or more fasteners 734 (also referred to as one or more second fasteners) are located on the upper portion of the wristband 730 on the outer side of the mitten 700 adjacent the outer edge 706.

[0126] One or more fasteners 756 (also referred to as one or more third fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal end on the first side 752 of the strap 750. Turning to FIG. 35, a corresponding one or more fasteners 758 (also referred to as one or more fourth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a proximal end on the second side 754 of the strap 750.

[0127] Returning to FIG. 34, one or more fasteners 766 (also referred to as one or more fifth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the first side 762 of the strap 760. A corresponding one or more fasteners 736 (also referred to as one or more sixth fasteners) are located on the lower portion of the wristband 730 on the outer side of the mitten 700 adjacent the inner edge 708.

[0128] To secure the mitten 700 onto the hand, the mitten 700 is opened as shown in FIGS. 34-35. The hand is then placed into the mitten 700 such that the thumb is placed in the thumb section 702 and the other fingers are placed in the finger section 704.

[0129] Once the hand is in place in the mitten 700, the strap 740 is rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 706 in a first direction and coupled to the wristband 730 on the inner side of the mitten 700. More specifically, the first side 742 of the strap 740 engages and is coupled to the wristband 730 along the inner side of the mitten 700. The fastener(s) 746 on the first side 742 of the strap 740 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 734 of the wristband 730 to secure the strap 740 to the wristband 730.

[0130] Subsequently, the strap 750 is rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 706 in the same direction as that of the strap 740. More specifically, the strap 750 extends over the outer side of the wristband 730, wraps around the inner edge 708, extends over the inner side of the wristband 730, and wraps around the outer edge 706. The first side 752 of the strap 750 then engages and is coupled to the second side 754 of the strap. The fastener(s) 756 on the first side 752 of the strap 750 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 758 on the second side 754 of the strap 750.

[0131] Further, the strap 760 extends along the inner side of the wristband 730 and through the loop 732 on the outer edge 706, rotates back about and/or is folded over the loop 732, extends back along the inner side of the wristband 730, and wraps around the inner edge 708. The first side 762 of the strap 760 then engages and is coupled to wristband 730 on the outer side of the mitten 700. The fastener(s) 766 on the first side 762 of the strap 760 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 736 on the outer side of the mitten 700.

[0132] FIGS. 36-39 illustrate another example mitten 800 in accordance with the teachings herein. More specifically, FIG. 36 depicts an outer side of the mitten 800 in a fully assembled state, FIG. 37 depicts an inner side of the mitten 800 in the fully assembled state, FIG. 38 depicts the outer side of the mitten 800 in a fully unassembled state, and FIG. 39 depicts the inner side of the mitten 800 in a the fully unassembled state.

[0133] The mitten 800 includes one or more panels that form two or more finger sections. In the illustrated example, the fingers sections include a thumb section 802 and a finger section 804. The thumb section 802 (also referred to as a first finger section) defines a thumb slot that is configured to receive the thumb of a hand. The finger section 804 (also referred to as a second finger section) defines a finger slot that is configured to receive all of the other fingers of a hand (e.g., the pointer finger, the middle finger, the index finger, and the pinkie finger).

[0134] In the illustrated example, the mitten 800 includes an inner panel 810, an upper outer panel 820 (also referred to as a first outer panel), and a lower outer panel 830 (also referred to as a second outer panel). The inner panel 810 includes a side 812 (FIG. 38) (also referred to as a second side) and a side 814 (FIG. 39) (also referred to as a first side). The upper outer panel 820 includes a first side 822 (FIG. 39) and an opposing second side. The lower outer panel 830 includes a side 832 (FIG. 38) (also referred to as a second side) and a side 834 (FIG. 39) (also referred to as a first side).

[0135] The upper outer panel 820 and the lower outer panel 830 form the outer side of the mitten 800 that is to be placed along a back of a hand, and the inner panel 810 forms the inner side of the mitten 800 that is to be placed along a palm of the hand. The panels 810, 820, 830 are coupled together to form a body of the mitten 800. For example, the inner panel 810 and the upper outer panel 820 form the thumb section 802 and the finger section 804. Additionally, the mitten 800 includes an outer edge 806 along which a proximal end of the lower outer panel 830 extends from the inner panel 810. The mitten 800 includes an inner edge 808 adjacent to the thumb section 802.

[0136] In the illustrated example, the inner panel 810 and the lower outer panel 830 are integrally and monolithically formed as a single piece of fabric, and the upper outer panel 820 is coupled to the inner panel 810 (e.g., via stitching). In other examples, the lower outer panel 830 is coupled to the inner panel 810 (e.g., via stitching) and/or the upper outer panel 820 is integrally and monolithically formed with the inner panel 810.

[0137] The mitten 800 includes a plurality of straps configured to secure the mitten 800 to the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, the mitten 800 includes a strap 840 (also referred to as a first strap, a first lower strap, and a first wristband strap), a strap 850 (also referred to as a second strap and a middle strap), a strap 860 (also referred to as a third strap and an upper strap), and a strap 870 (also referred to as a fourth strap, a second lower strap, and a second wristband strap).

[0138] The strap 840 extends from a lower portion of the inner panel 810 along the inner edge 808 of the mitten 800. The strap 840 includes a side 841 (FIG. 38) (also referred to as a second side) and an opposing side 842 (FIG. 39) (also referred to as a first side). In the illustrated example, the strap 840 is integrally and monolithically formed with the lower outer panel 830. In other examples, the strap 840 is coupled to the lower outer panel 830 (e.g., via stitching).

[0139] The strap 850 extends from a middle portion of a distal end of the lower outer panel 830. The strap 850 includes a side 851 (FIG. 38) (also referred to as a second side) and an opposing side 852 (FIG. 39) (also referred to as a first side). In the illustrated example, the strap 850 is integrally and monolithically formed with the lower outer panel 830. In other examples, the strap 850 is coupled to the lower outer panel 830 (e.g., via stitching).

[0140] The strap 860 extends from an upper portion of the distal end of the lower outer panel 830. The strap 860 includes a side 861 (FIG. 38) (also referred to as a second side) and an opposing side 862 (FIG. 39) (also referred to as a first side). In the illustrated example, the strap 860 is integrally and monolithically formed with the lower outer panel 830. In other examples, the strap 860 is coupled to the lower outer panel 830 (e.g., via stitching).

[0141] The strap 870 extends from a lower portion of the distal end of the lower outer panel 830. The strap 870 includes a side 871 (FIG. 38) (also referred to as a second side) and an opposing side 872 (FIG. 39) (also referred to as a first side). In the illustrated example, the strap 870 is integrally and monolithically formed with the lower outer panel 830. In other examples, the strap 870 is coupled to the lower outer panel 830 (e.g., via stitching). Additionally the strap 870 and/or a portion of the lower outer panel 830 adjacent the strap 870 defines a slot 880 through which the strap 840 is to extend.

[0142] The mitten 800 includes a plurality of fasteners that are configured to secure the straps 840, 850, 860, 870 in place to secure the mitten 800 to the hand of the user. In the illustrated example, each fastener forms a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO). In other examples, one or more fastener(s) may form a portion of a different fastener type (e.g., a loop button, a press-fit button, etc.).

[0143] As shown in FIG. 39, one or more fasteners 836 (also referred to as one or more first fasteners) are located on and fixed to the side 834 of the lower outer panel 830. A corresponding one or more fasteners 826 (also referred to as one or more second fasteners) are located on and fixed to the second side 822 of the upper outer panel 820.

[0144] One or more fasteners 844 (also referred to as one or more third fasteners) are located on and fixed to the side 842 of the strap 840. Returning to FIG. 38, a corresponding one or more fasteners 838 (also referred to as one or more fourth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the side 832 of the lower outer panel 830.

[0145] Turning to FIG. 39, one or more fasteners 854 (also referred to as one or more fifth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal end of the side 852 of the strap 850. Returning to FIG. 38, a corresponding one or more fasteners 816 (also referred to as one or more sixth fasteners) are located on and fixed to the side 812 of the inner panel 810.

[0146] Turning to FIG. 39, one or more fasteners 864 (also referred to as one or more seventh fasteners) are located on and fixed to a middle portion of the side 862 of the strap 860. Returning to FIG. 38, a corresponding one or more fasteners 856 (also referred to as one or more eighth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal end of the side 851 of the strap 850.

[0147] Turning to FIG. 39, one or more fasteners 866 (also referred to as one or more ninth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a distal end of the side 862 of the strap 860. Returning to FIG. 38, a corresponding one or more fasteners 818 (also referred to as one or more tenth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a lower portion of the side 812 of the inner panel 810.

[0148] Turning to FIG. 39, one or more fasteners 874 (also referred to as one or more eleventh fasteners) are located on and fixed to the side 872 of the strap 870. Returning to FIG. 38, a corresponding one or more fasteners 868 (also referred to as one or more twelfth fasteners) are located on and fixed to a the distal end of the side 861 of the strap 860.

[0149] To secure the mitten 800 onto the hand, the mitten 800 is opened as shown in FIGS. 38-39. The hand is then placed into the mitten 800 such that the thumb is placed in the thumb section 802 and the other fingers are placed in the finger section 804.

[0150] Once the hand is in place in the mitten 800, the lower outer panel 830 is rotated about and/or folded along the outer edge 806 and coupled to the upper outer panel 820. More specifically, the side 834 of the lower outer panel 830 engages and is coupled to the second side 822 of the upper outer panel 820. The fastener(s) 836 of the lower outer panel 830 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 826 of the upper outer panel 820 to secure the lower outer panel 830 to the upper outer panel 820.

[0151] Subsequently, the strap 840 is extended through the slot 880 and rotated and/or folded onto the lower outer panel 830. More specifically, the side 842 of the strap 840 engages and is coupled to the side 832 of the lower outer panel 830. The fastener(s) 844 of the strap 840 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 838 of the lower outer panel 830 to secure the strap 840 to the lower outer panel 830.

[0152] The strap 850 is rotated about and/or folded along the inner edge 808 below the thumb section 802. Subsequently, the strap 850 is coupled to the inner panel 810. More specifically, the side 852 of the strap 850 engages and is coupled to the side 812 of the inner panel 810. The fastener(s) 854 of the strap 850 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 816 of the inner panel 810 to secure the strap 850 to the inner panel 810.

[0153] The strap 860 is folded over and/or rotated between the thumb section 802 and the finger section 804 and coupled to the inner panel 810. More specifically, the side 862 of the strap 860 engages and is coupled to the side 852 of the strap 850 and/or the side 812 of the inner panel 810. The fastener(s) 864 of the strap 860 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 856 on the side 851 of the strap 850. Additionally, the fastener(s) 866 of the strap 860 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 818 on the side 812 of the inner panel 810.

[0154] The strap 870 is rotated about and/or folded along the inner edge 808 below the thumb section 802. Subsequently, the strap 870 is coupled to the strap 860 and/or the inner panel 810. More specifically, the side 872 of the strap 870 engages and is coupled to the side 861 of the strap 860 and/or the side 812 of the inner panel 810. For example, the fastener(s) 874 of the strap 870 engage and couple to the fastener(s) 868 of the strap 860.

[0155] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any preferred embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the techniques described herein. All modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.