BOXING GLOVE WITH SHOCK-ABSORBING LATTICE

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a boxing glove that includes an interior liner. The interior liner comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface defines an interior pocket configured to receive a hand of a user. The boxing glove also includes a shock-absorption layer that is coupled with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the interior liner. The shock-absorption layer includes a lattice comprising a three-dimensional arrangement of at least one repeating pattern of interconnected cells.

Claims

1. A boxing glove, comprising: an interior liner, comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface defines an interior pocket configured to receive a hand of a user; and a shock-absorption layer, coupled with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the interior liner, wherein the shock-absorption layer comprises a lattice comprising a three-dimensional arrangement of at least one repeating pattern of interconnected cells.

2. The boxing glove according to claim 1, wherein each cell of the at least one repeating pattern of interconnected cells has a hexagonal shape.

3. The boxing glove according to claim 1, wherein each cell of the at least one repeating pattern of interconnected cells comprises a plurality of interconnected cylinders.

4. The boxing glove according to claim 1, wherein: the lattice comprises a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells; and each one of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells is different than at least one other of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells.

5. The boxing glove according to claim 4, wherein a shape of each cell of each one of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells is different than the shape of each cell of at least one other of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells.

6. The boxing glove according to claim 4, wherein a size of each cell of each one of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells is different than the size of each cell of at least one other of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells.

7. The boxing glove according to claim 4, wherein the lattice comprises a finger region, a thumb region, an arm region, and a back hand region.

8. The boxing glove according to claim 7, wherein: the finger region comprises a first repeating pattern of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells; the back hand region comprises a second repeating pattern of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells; and the first repeating pattern is different than the second repeating pattern.

9. The boxing glove according to claim 8, wherein: the first repeating pattern comprises a pattern of differently sized cells; and the second repeating pattern comprises a pattern of identically sized cells.

10. The boxing glove according to claim 8, wherein: a third repeating pattern of the multiple repeating patterns of interconnected cells is located at a transition region between the finger region and the back hand region; a shape of the interconnected cells of the second repeating pattern and the third repeating pattern are the same; and the interconnected cells of the third repeating pattern are smaller than the interconnected cells of the second repeating pattern.

11. The boxing glove according to claim 7, wherein: the lattice further comprises a face sheet defining an interior surface of the finger region, the thumb region, the arm region, and the back hand region of the lattice; and the interior liner is attached to the face sheet of the lattice.

12. The boxing glove according to claim 1, wherein: the lattice comprises a finger region, a thumb region, an arm region, and a back hand region; and at least the finger region, the arm region, and the back hand region have a one-piece, seamless, and monolithic construction.

13. The boxing glove according to claim 12, wherein: the thumb region has a one-piece, seamless, and monolithic construction; and the thumb region is attached to the back hand region at an interface.

14. The boxing glove according to claim 13, wherein: the thumb region comprises a series of protrusions and recesses; the back hand region comprises a series of protrusions and recesses; and the protrusions of the thumb region nestably engage the recesses of the back hand region and the recesses of the thumb region nestably engage the protrusions of the back hand region to form the interface.

15. The boxing glove according to claim 1, further comprising an outer cover coupled with the lattice so that the lattice is interposed between the outer cover and the interior liner.

16. The boxing glove according to claim 1, wherein: the lattice comprises a finger region, a thumb region, a back arm region, a back hand region, a front arm region, and a palm region; the lattice defines an interior cavity between the back arm region and the front arm region, and between the back hand region and the palm region; and the interior pocket comprises at least a portion of the interior cavity defined by the lattice.

17. The boxing glove according to claim 1, wherein the lattice comprises a tightening strap that is tightenable about the interior liner to reduce a size of the interior pocket.

18. The boxing glove according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the lattice varies.

19. A shock-absorption layer for a boxing glove, the shock-absorption layer comprising a lattice comprising a three-dimensional arrangement of at least one repeating pattern of interconnected cells.

20. A method of making a boxing glove, the method comprising: additively manufacturing a shock-absorption layer comprising a lattice having a three-dimensional arrangement of at least one repeating pattern of interconnected cells, the at least one repeating pattern of interconnected cells defining an arm region, a back hand region, a thumb region, and a curved finger region; and coupling an interior liner to the lattice so that the interior liner defines an interior pocket of the boxing glove.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict only certain examples of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear view of a boxing glove, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the boxing glove of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional, side view of the boxing glove of FIG. 1, taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional, side view of a boxing glove, taken along a line similar to the line 3-3 of FIG. 2, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a lattice of the boxing glove of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a lattice of the boxing glove of FIG. 1, shown with a thumb region removed for highlighting other features of the lattice, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the lattice of the boxing glove of FIG. 1, shown with a thumb region of the lattice removed for highlighting other features of the lattice, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of a portion of the lattice of the boxing glove of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a lattice of a boxing glove, shown with a thumb region of the lattice detached from the rest of the lattice, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a lattice of a boxing glove, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; and

[0037] FIG. 11 is a schematic flow chart of a method of making a boxing glove, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more examples.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, according to some examples, a rear view and a front view of a boxing glove 100 are shown. The boxing glove 100 includes a finger portion 102, a thumb portion 104, an arm portion 106, a back hand portion 108, and a palm portion 110. When worn by a user, the finger portion 102, the thumb portion 104, the arm portion 106, the back hand portion 108, and the palm portion 110 overlay the fingers, thumb, arm, back of the hand, and a palm of a given arm/hand of the user. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the boxing glove 100 is a left-hand boxing glove designed to be worn on the left hand of the user. Of course, the boxing glove 100 can be designed to be worn on the right hand of the user. The finger portion 102 is curled, relative to the palm portion 110, to receive and maintain a user's fingers in a curled position. The thumb portion 104 extends from the palm portion 110 laterally and uprightly away from palm portion 110. The arm portion 106 includes a tightening feature 112 that promotes tightening of the arm portion 106 around the arm of the user near the wrist of the user (e.g., reducing the size of the interior pocket 130). The tightening feature 112 can be any of various tightening features that facilitate selective tightening and untightening around the arm of the user. In the illustrated example, the tightening feature 112 is a strap that includes opposing hook and loop portions (e.g., Velcro®) which is selectively secured together to tightening the tightening features 112. In other examples, the tightening feature 112 includes eyelets and a lace threaded through the eyelets and knotted to tighten the tightening feature 112 around the user's arm.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, which is a cross-sectional side view of the boxing glove 100 taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2, the boxing glove 100 includes a shock-absorption layer in the form of a lattice 120. The lattice 120 is configured to provide rigidity and shape to the boxing glove 100, as well as to absorb forces generated by impacts of the boxing glove 100, when worn by a user, against an object or an opponent. Accordingly, the lattice 120 acts as a shock-absorber to reduce impact forces on the hand of the user wearing the boxing glove 100 and the object being impacted by the boxing glove 100. The lattice 120 extends along and helps provide structure to the finger portion 102, the thumb portion 104, the arm portion 106, and the back hand portion 108. As shown, the lattice 120 extends along only an exterior side of the finger portion 102 and the thumb portion 104.

[0041] The boxing glove 100 further includes an interior liner 164 that defines an interior pocket 130 of the boxing glove 100. The interior liner 164 has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the interior liner 164 is affixed to an inner surface of the lattice 120. Additionally, the interior liner 164 extends from the lattice 120 along an interior side of the finger portion 102 and the thumb portion 104, and extends along the palm portion 110, and a front side of the arm portion 106. Accordingly, the interior liner 164 overlaps with itself to define the interior pocket 130, which is designed to receive and retain the user's hand. In other words, the interior pocket 130 is sized and shaped to correspond with the size and shape of the user's hand.

[0042] Additionally, the boxing glove 100 further includes a grip bar 166 at the intersection of the finger portion 102 and the palm portion 110. The grip bar 166 can be a solid bar or material packed together to form a bar-like feature that is more rigid compared to the surrounding portions of the grip bar 166. The grip bar 166 provides a rigid structure about which the fingers of the user can grip (e.g., wrap around) during use.

[0043] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, an outer surface of the lattice 120, and the portion of the interior liner 164 that is not affixed to the lattice 120, are overlayed with an outer cover 162. The outer cover 162, which defines an outermost surface of the boxing glove 100, helps protect the lattice 120 in some examples. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer cover 162 promotes a relatively smooth outer surface of the boxing glove 100. The outer cover 162 can be any of various materials, such as leather or synthetic leather.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, in alternative examples, the boxing glove 100 does not include an outer cover 162. Rather, the lattice 120 defines an outermost surface of the boxing glove 100. For example, the lattice 120 helps form the back side and front side of the arm portion 106, including the tightening feature 112, helps form the back hand portion 108, helps form the palm portion 110, and overlaps itself to define the interior side of the finger portion 102 and the thumb portion 104. Accordingly, the lattice 120 itself has a glove-like shape having an interior cavity 131 that defines the interior pocket 130. A thickness of the lattice 120 defining the exterior side of the arm portion and the finger portion 102 can be less than the thickness of the lattice 120 defining the interior side of the arm portion and the finger portion 102. Accordingly, the thickness of the lattice 120 varies from portion to portion of the boxing glove 100 in some examples.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5-10, the lattice 120 provides a frame for defining the overall shape of the boxing glove 100. Therefore, in certain examples, the lattice 120 has a finger region 122 (i.e., knuckle region), a thumb region 124, an arm region 126, and a back hand region 128. The lattice 120 of FIG. 4 also has a front arm region, a palm region, and a front arm region. The lattice 120 has a thickness T that varies from region to region (see, e.g., FIG. 9). For example, the arm region 126 of the lattice 120 is thinner than the back hand region 128, which is thinner than the finger region 122. In some examples, the entirety of the lattice 120, including the thumb region 124, has a one-piece monolithic and seamless construction. Accordingly, in such examples, the lattice 120 has a seamless transition between all regions of the lattice 120.

[0046] However, in certain examples, as shown, the entirety of the lattice 120 does not have a one-piece monolithic construction. In these examples, for ease in manufacturing, the thumb region 124 is formed separately from and attached to the rest of the lattice 120. Therefore, the thumb region 124, while being separately formed, has a one-piece monolithic and seamless construction, and the finger region 122, the arm region 126, and the back hand region 128 together have a one-piece monolithic and seamless construction. The thumb region 124 is attached to the back hand region 128 via any of various attachment techniques, such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, fastening, and the like. To promote a strong joint between the thumb region 124 and the back hand region 128, the back hand region 128 includes a thumb engagement interface 130A and the thumb region 124 includes a back-hand engagement interface 130B. The thumb engagement interface 130A and the back-hand engagement interface 130B each includes a series of protrusions and recesses. The protrusions in the thumb engagement interface 130A nestably fit into the recesses of the back-hand engagement interface 130B, and vice versa. The nested engagement of multiple protrusions and recesses enforces the joint by providing increased bonding area and physical constraints to relative movement. In some examples, forming the thumb region 124 separately and attaching the thumb region 124 to the back hand region 128 promotes ease and reduces the complexity of making the lattice 120 via additive manufacturing techniques.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lattice 120 is made of a three-dimensional arrangement of a repeating (e.g., uniform) pattern of interconnected cells 150. The arrangement is three-dimensional because the repeating pattern of interconnected cells 150 extends in three-dimensions (e.g., along a first plane, such as across a width or length of the lattice 120, and along a second plane, angled with respect to the first plane, such as across a thickness of the lattice 120). Each cell includes multiple segments 152 (e.g., cylinders with substantially circular cross-sectional shapes) joined end-to-end to define an enclosed two-dimensional shape 154. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each cell of a plurality of the cells of the lattice 120 includes six linear segments that define a hexagonal shape. Moreover, each cell shares one segment from at least one adjacent cell. The segments of the lattice 120 are solid rods or cylinders that have a diameter (or corresponding cross-sectional dimension) substantially less than their lengths (e.g., the cylinders are elongated along their lengths). Accordingly, the segments are not thin walls as is the case with foam, but rather are solid cylinders. Moreover, because the segments are individually formed using additive manufacturing techniques, unlike foam cells, the size and shape of the cells of the lattice are predictably and precisely controlled. Although, in the illustrated examples, each cell 150 has a hexagonal shape, in other examples, the cells 150 can have any of various shapes, such as circular, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, octagonal, and the like. In fact, as disclosed herein, the lattice 120 can have some cells of one shape and other cells of another, different, shape. In the case of cells 150 that have a circular shape, each cell 150 would be defined by a single circular segment where at least a portion of the segment is shared with at least one adjacent cell.

[0048] The lattice 120 further comprises multiple stiffness regions in some examples. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lattice 120 includes a first stiffness region I, a second stiffness region II, a third stiffness region III, and a fourth stiffness region IV. The configuration of the repeating pattern of interconnected cells 150 within the stiffness regions differ. In other words, although the configuration of the repeating pattern within a given stiffness region is the same, the configuration of the repeating pattern can vary from one stiffness region to the next. Accordingly, the stiffness (or alternatively, the flex) of the lattice 120 can vary from region to region by varying the size and/or shape of the cells of the repeating pattern of interconnected cells 150 from region to region. As shown in FIG. 7, although the cells 150 within the first stiffness region I and the second stiffness region II have substantially the same shape (e.g., hexagonal), the size of the cells 150 in the second stiffness region II are greater than in the first stiffness region I, and thus the pitch, areal density, or frequency of the cells 150 in the second stiffness region II is greater than in the first stiffness region I. Accordingly, the overall stiffness of the lattice 120 in the second stiffness region II is greater than in the first stiffness region I. Such a configuration enables the second stiffness region II to act as a flex axis about which the finger region 122 can pivot relative to the back hand region 128. Additionally, the pattern of cells 150 within the stiffness region III and the stiffness region IV are different from each other because the size of the cells in the stiffness region III are the same size and the size of the cells in the stiffness region IV alternate or vary according to a repeating pattern.

[0049] Providing different cellular configurations or structures in different regions of the lattice 120 promotes desired performance characteristics in the different areas of the boxing glove 100. For example, in the illustrated examples, the cellular configuration of the finger region 122 promotes a softer feel, while the cellular configuration of the arm region 126 provides a stiffer feel for providing support to the user's arm and wrist. It is recognized that in other examples, the cellular configuration of the regions of the lattice 120 can be different than shown to provide any of various performance characteristics of the boxing glove 100 as desired. It is also recognized that the cellular configuration or structure within a given region can vary across a thickness of the region. For example, an interior portion of the finger region 122 can have a cellular structure that is different than an exterior portion of the finger region 122.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in some examples, the lattice 120 includes a face sheet or skin layer that defines an interior surface of the lattice 120. For example, the finger region 122, the arm region 126, and the back hand region 128 include a first face sheet 132A of the lattice 120 and the thumb region 124 includes a second face sheet 132B of the lattice 120. The face sheet is relative smooth compared to the overlaying cellular structure. Accordingly, the face sheet helps to reduce friction between the interior surface of the lattice 120 during impacts with objects. The face sheet also promotes further rigidity of the lattice 120 and provides a surface to which the interior liner 164 can be attached. The face sheet can include a plurality of spaced-apart through-apertures, as shown, which help promote flexibility of the face sheet. However, in some examples, the face sheet does not have through-apertures.

[0051] In some examples, such as shown, the thumb engagement interface 130A and the back-hand engagement interface 130B can be defined by corresponding solid layers to promote bonding by increasing bonding area. Although not shown, in some examples, the lattice 120 includes a face sheet or layer that defines an exterior surface of the lattice 120, such that a layer of repeating pattern of cells is sandwiched between two solid layers.

[0052] In some examples, the lattice 120 is made by an additive manufacturing technique. More specifically, an additive manufacturing machine builds up the lattice 120 by depositing flowable material (e.g., polymeric material) one layer at a time on top of each other. Because the material is flowable, the layers are thermally bonded together to create a seamless transition between the layers. Moreover, because all the segments of all the cells are manufactured together one layer at a time, the entirety of the lattice 120 (or each one of the thumb region 124 and a combination of the finger region 122, the arm region 126, and the back hand region 128) forms a one-piece monolithic and seamless construction. The polymeric material forming the lattice 120 can be any of various polymeric materials known in the art. Although the material of the lattice 120 has been described as a polymeric material, it is recognized that non-polymeric materials, conducive to additive manufacturing and having properties conducive to providing shock-absorbing functionality for a boxing glove, can be used to form the lattice 120.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 11, according to one example, a method 200 of making the boxing glove 100 includes (block 210) additively manufacturing the shock-absorption layer comprising the lattice 120 so that the at least one repeating pattern of interconnected cells of the lattice define an arm region, a back hand region, a thumb region, and a curved finger region. The method 200 also includes (block 220) coupling the interior liner 164 to the lattice 120 so that the interior liner 164 defines an interior pocket 130 of the boxing glove 100. Additive manufacturing of the lattice 120 can be accomplished using any of various additive manufacturing (i.e., 3-D printing) techniques, such as any of various techniques (e.g., fused filament fabrication, powder bed fusion, stereo lithography, and the like) in which material is deposited, joined, or solidified under computer control, with the material being added together layer by layer. The material can be any of various flowable materials, such as plastics, liquids, or powder grains.

[0054] In view of the foregoing, in some examples, the boxing glove 100 does not include any solid foam materials. Accordingly, the boxing glove 100 provides adequate shock-absorption capabilities without solid foam materials. However, if desired, some solid foam materials can be utilized in the boxing glove 100, for shock-absorption or for other reasons, such as user comfort and fit, and shaping of the boxing glove.

[0055] In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.” Moreover, unless otherwise noted, as defined herein a plurality of particular features does not necessarily mean every particular feature of an entire set or class of the particular features.

[0056] Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.

[0057] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

[0058] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

[0059] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function.

[0060] The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Examples of the scope of the present subject matter can be found in the following numbered paragraphs.