Introduction

The present invention relates to a hand protection device. In particular, the present invention relates to a device to be worn under a glove as a glove liner, the device providing additional protection to the upper palm region whilst playing golf, or engaging in any other activity in which the hand in this area may require protection over and above what might be given by a standard glove form alone.

Background and Prior Art

Golf is a popular and technical sport that requires a significant amount of practice to achieve a proficient level. Practice is an intrinsic part of the game, with its complex technical aspects requiring continuous refinement by even the best players. The action of swinging the golf club produces friction-related, rotational and shear forces that are felt most acutely through the hands at points where the golf club is gripped. This causes stress to the hands such that it necessary to wear a glove designed to protect the skin against callouses and blisters that may result from frequent play. Such callouses, blisters and abrasive injuries are only in part prevented by the gloves and hand protectors currently known in the art. Although the presence of a glove helps in part to prevent the hand abrading against the golf grip, this prevention is not comprehensive. Some modifications and enhancements have been attempted previously, however no previous design has been able to provide complete protection, particularly in the upper palm region of the hand, whilst maintaining a close, unobtrusive connection between the user's hand and the golf club which is important to maintain a good sense of 'feel' between the hand and the club.

Some devices known in the art which may provide protection other than that afforded by a golfing glove itself include gripping aids which are presented as alternatives to the golfing glove, or are fitted over the top of the glove. However, such devices are invariably obtrusive, clumsy to attach and restrict the movement of some regions the hand, such as the fingers or lower palm region, particularly as a result of the parts of such devices needed to anchor the device in a stationary position. Nor do they attenuate these friction-related forces which can be greatly reduced through the more effective layering of materials. Some recent golfing gloves incorporate extra layers of padding in areas of the hands that are particularly affected by wear, wherein the protection and the glove itself are incorporated as a single item, and hence one cannot be worn without the other. This means that a golfer cannot opt to wear the items separately if he or she chooses. Nor does padding in itself prove a good design for preventing friction-related injuries as the padding is not designed to reduce wear, abrasion and/or shear forces. There are other drawbacks in these designs, for example, such padded gloves are not allowed for competition, in which case the golfer would need a completely separate pair of gloves for playing in competitions with.

Summary of Invention The present invention addresses the above noted problems by providing a device that protects parts of the hand susceptible to irritation resulting from frequent golfing without obscuring the user's ability to play. The claimed invention provides a device that sits over the sensitive regions of the hand and enables the user to wear their usual golfing gloves over the top without distorting the fit of the gloves, whilst still maintaining the natural connection between the hand and the golf club. The glove liner itself may be single layered, or it may be multi- layered, providing multiple surfaces to reduce the frictional forces. The glove liner may also be worn without the user's usual golfing gloves over the top whilst still providing the user with the same level of protection to the sensitive regions of the hand. Using particular materials in this area may also act to reduce the frictional effects on the hands and skin by diverting these forces to the contacting surfaces of the glove and liner. The rubbing or wear that would otherwise take place through the contact of the club grip and/or the glove against the hand, even with the glove present, is reduced by the presence of the multiple layers formed by the glove and the hand by this glove liner. In using modern, stretchable materials, the device fits the hand more snugly than alternative designs and hence is anthropometrically more appropriate.

According to a first aspect of the claimed invention, there is provided a multi-layered hand protection device arranged to be worn underneath a glove, the device comprising at least a first and second layer of material, the second layer being arranged to fit over the first layer to reduce wear, abrasion and/or shear forces caused by the rubbing of the glove against the hand, wherein each layer of material comprises a palm portion for covering the upper palm region of a user's hand, a knuckle portion for covering the knuckle region of a user's hand, the palm portion and the knuckle portion being interconnected at a plurality of points to provide at least two apertures, each for receiving at least one finger of the user's hand when the user is wearing the device. The device is preferably configured to have a wrist-ward extent located between the knuckle and the base of the thumb and to preferably have an extent in the finger direction located between the knuckle and the proximal interphalangeal when the user is wearing the device.

The first layer may be formed of a material that exhibits a first level of friction against the skin of the user, and the second layer may be formed of a material that exhibits a second level of friction against the material of the glove, wherein the first level of friction is comparatively lower than the second level of friction.

At least one of the apertures may be configured to encircle a single digit of the user when worn. At least one layer may comprise at least three apertures, preferably four apertures, configured for receiving at least one finger of the user's hand when wearing the device.

Optionally, the extent in the finger direction may not extend beyond the base of the fingers when the user is wearing the device.

The palm portion and the knuckle portion of at least one layer may be interconnected at a plurality of points to provide at least two apertures, preferably such that at least one point of connection may be configured to sit securely between two adjacent fingers when the user is wearing the device. At least two, more preferably three, points of connection may each be configured to sit securely between adjacent fingers when the user is wearing the device.

At least one layer may be arranged to form to the shape of the user's upper palm region when the user is wearing the device, such that the user can wear the device and a glove on the same hand simultaneously. At least one layer may be formed of a material having elastic properties, wherein the material having elastic properties may include one or more of a cotton elastane, cabretta leather, bamboo or a wool-cotton weave, or any other suitable elastic material.

Optionally, the device may further comprise at least one fastener for securing the first layer around the user's hand when the user is wearing the device, wherein the at least one fastener may include one or more of a snap fastener, a button, or Velcro, or any other suitable fastening device.

The knuckle portion may comprise at least one opening located over at least one of the user's knuckles when wearing the device. The knuckle portion may also comprise a padded material.

The device may be arranged to be worn underneath a golfing glove.

At least one layer of the device may be provided with a treatment coating either to its surface or to the surface of a yarn used in its weaving or manufacture, referred to herein after as 'coating' or 'treatment coating' whichever method is used to apply the coating. Such coating may be provided between the first and second layers, wherein the treatment coating is selected and/or arranged to increase the amount of movement between the first and second layers. This helps to attenuate the level of friction exerted by the first layer on the skin of the user. In this respect, suitable treatment coatings include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a silicone lubricant. Alternative coatings or treatments may include surface treatment of the yarn, or the incorporation of nanoparticles into the fibres of the yarn forming the textile for the layer.

A treatment coating may additionally or alternatively be provided on the second layer. Such coating may be provided on the external surface of the second layer so as to increase the amount of grip between the second layer and the glove. In this respect, suitable treatment coatings include polyurethane, nitrile, latex, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or acrylonitrile- butadiene rubber (NBR).

A treatment coating may be provided on the first layer, wherein such coating is provided on the external surface of the first layer so as to increase the amount of grip between the first layer and the hand of the user. In this respect, suitable coatings include magnesium carbonate. Optionally, at least one layer is formed of wicking fabric so as to help draw moisture away from the skin of the user.

The first and second layers may be arranged such that movement between the first and second layers attenuates the level of friction exerted by the first layer on the skin of the user when worn by a user underneath a glove. According to a further aspect of the claimed invention, there is provided a method of forming a multi-layered hand protection device arranged to be worn underneath a glove, the device comprising at least a first and second layer to reduce shear forces caused by the rubbing of the glove against the hand, wherein the method of forming each layer comprises the steps of providing a palm portion for covering the upper palm region of a user's hand, and a knuckle portion for covering the knuckle region of a user's hand, forming at least two apertures, separated by at least one interconnecting member connecting the palm portion and knuckle portion, each aperture for receiving at least one finger of the user's hand when the user is wearing the device, and preferably forming the first palm portion and first knuckle portion to have a wrist- ward extent located between the knuckle and the base of the thumb and an extent in the finger direction preferably located between the knuckle and the proximal interphalangeal when the user is wearing the device.

The method may further comprise forming the palm portion and knuckle portion of at least the first layer from a single sheet of material, wherein the single sheet of material may be folded to locate the palm portion substantially opposite the knuckle portion.

Forming the palm portion and knuckle portion of at least the first layer may include connecting the sides of the sheet of material adjacent to the apertures, wherein the points at which the sides of the sheet of material are connected may be configured to sit against the sides of the upper palm region when the user is wearing the device, and wherein forming the at least two apertures may include punching at least one hole in the sheet of material.

Forming the palm portion and the knuckle portion of at least the first layer may include connecting the end regions of the sheet of material opposite to a point of folding, wherein the point of connection may be configured to sit against one side of the upper palm region when the user is wearing the device, and wherein forming the at least two apertures may include connecting the palm portion to the knuckle portion of at least the first layer at a plurality of points via the interconnecting member(s).

The method may further comprise forming the palm portion of at least the first layer from a first sheet of material and the knuckle portion of at least the first layer from a second sheet of material, wherein forming the at least two apertures may include connecting the first sheet of material and second sheet of material at a plurality of points via the interconnecting member(s).

Forming the at least two apertures of at least the first layer may include forming a plurality of separately formed interconnecting member(s), and connecting the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material at a plurality of points via the separately formed interconnecting member(s). Optionally, the interconnecting member(s) may be configured to sit between the fingers when the user is wearing the device.

In a further aspect of the claimed invention, there is provided a method of providing hand protection to a user of sports equipment, comprising the steps of, providing a device according to any of the devices described herein to a hand of a user, and providing a glove over the hand of the user and over the device, to protect the user's hand from injury by the glove in the upper palmar and knuckle region.

The glove may be a golfing glove, and the sports equipment may be a golf club.

The method may also comprise providing at least one layer of the device with a treatment coating. Such coating may be provided between the first and second layer, wherein the treatment coating is selected and/or arranged to increase the amount of movement between the first and second layer in use. This helps to attenuate the level of friction exerted by the first layer on the skin of the user. In this respect, suitable treatment coatings include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and/or a silicone lubricant. The method may also comprise providing a treatment coating on the second layer. Such coating may be provided on the external surface of the second layer so as to increase the amount of grip between the second layer and the glove. In this respect, suitable treatment coatings include polyurethane, nitrile, latex, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or acrylonitrile- butadiene rubber (NBR). The method may further comprise providing a treatment coating on the first layer, wherein such coating is provided on the external surface of the first layer so as to increase the amount of grip between the first layer and the hand of the user. In this respect, suitable coatings include magnesium carbonate. Optionally, the method may also comprise forming at least one layer from wicking fabric so as to help draw moisture away from the skin of the user.

The first and second layers may be formed such that movement between the first and second layers attenuates the level of friction exerted by the first layer on the skin of the user when worn by a user underneath a glove.

Brief Description of Drawings

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure la illustrates a hand protection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure lb illustrates a hand protection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure lc illustrates a hand protection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure Id illustrates a hand protection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention being used to hold a golf club;

Figure le illustrates a hand protection device according to a second further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2a illustrates a back view of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 2b illustrates a back view of an alternative hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 2c illustrates a back view of a further alternative hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 2d illustrates a back view of a further alternative hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 2e illustrates a back view of a further alternative hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 2f illustrates a back view of a further alternative hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 3a illustrates a first method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 3b illustrates a first method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 3c illustrates a first method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 3d illustrates a first method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 3e illustrates a first method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 3f illustrates a first method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 4a illustrates a second method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 4b illustrates a second method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 4c illustrates a second method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 4d illustrates a second method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 4e illustrates a second method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 4f illustrates a second method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 5a illustrates a third method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 5b illustrates a third method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 5c illustrates a third method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 5d illustrates a third method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 6a illustrates a fourth method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 6b illustrates a fourth method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 6c illustrates a fourth method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 6d illustrates a fourth method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 7a illustrates a fifth method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 7b illustrates a fifth method of construction of a hand protection device according to the present invention;

Figure 8a illustrates the construction of a dual-layered hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 8b illustrates the construction of a dual-layered hand protection device according to the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates the effects of layering in a hand protection device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Drawings

The device described herein provides hand protection for the upper palm region of the hand. Figures la-c provide an illustration of said hand protection device 100, which may be worn by itself, but is preferably intended to be worn underneath a glove so as to protect the upper palm region whilst playing golf, or engaging in any other activity that may cause stress to this part of the hand, for example, cycling, gymnastics, weight lifting, BMX or, in other areas not restricted to sports and leisure, for example, gardening, carrying heavy bags or to assist wheelchair mobility. The device 100 comprises a palm portion 101 for covering the upper palm region A of the hand, particularly the upper palm pads, that is, the region of the hand below the fingers and above the top of the thumb joint in the finger direction, and a knuckle portion 102 for covering the knuckle region of the back of the hand, that is, the upper region of the back of the hand. In this respect, the palm portion 101 and knuckle portion 102 do not extend beyond the region of the mid-line, or base of the thumb of the hand, sometimes known as the proximal palmar, and so do not cover the lower palm region B as shown in Figure 1. The wrist-ward extent of the palm portion 101 and knuckle portion 102 thus lies anywhere between the knuckle (as viewed from the outside or inside of the hand) and the base of the thumb joint in the finger direction, indicated at C. As such, the device 100 is arranged to wrap around the upper part A of the hand in which the head of the metacarpal bones are located. This arrangement is such that when the user is holding a golf club B, the position of the device 100 over the hand matches that of the club D as it is held, as illustrated by Figure Id.

The palm portion 101 and knuckle portion 102 are joined by a plurality of interconnecting members 103 that, when the user is wearing the device 100, sit securely between the fingers such that they form a plurality of apertures 104, that is, finger holes or sockets, through which the fingers protrude. For a secure and comfortable fit, the plurality of interconnecting members 103 are configured such that when the device 100 is worn, the plurality of interconnecting members 103 sit flush against the web spaces, that is, the region between the base of each finger. This arrangement of interconnecting members 103 and apertures 104 anchor the device 100 to the user's hand to prevent it slipping out of place during use. In some embodiments, as shown by Figure le, the apertures 104 may be configured such that the material of device 100 extends up the lower part of the user's fingers to provide protection for the lower finger pads E. The device 100 does not, however, extend beyond the first finger joint, otherwise known as the proximal interphalangeal joints. The device 101 may be made of any elastic, stretchable material, for example, cotton elastane, cabrettea leather, bamboo, a wool-cotton weave or any other material exhibiting elastic properties such that when the user is wearing the device 100 it fits closely to the hand, ideally taking the form and shape of the user's hand, as illustrated in Figures lb and lc, whilst remaining comfortable as the hand is flexed. This close fit means that the device 100 is minimal and unobtrusive to the user and their ability to play golf, that is, it does not obscure the close feel between the hand and the golf club, whilst providing an additional level of protection not afforded by a standard golf glove alone. The device 100 may consist of a single layer, dual-layer, or multi-layer configuration depending on the level of protection required, as will be described in more detail below. The knuckle portion 102 of the device 101 may be configured in a number of different ways, as exemplified by Figure 2a-f, primarily to improve ventilation or the freedom of movement that the hand has whilst wrapped in the device 100. The basic configuration of the knuckle portion 102 is a smooth band of material, as shown in Figure 1, which covers the back of the hand in an even sheath. Alternatively, the knuckle portion 102 may have cut outs to allow for breathing and freedom of movement when the hand is flexed in and out of a fist shape and to prevent the device creating an unnecessarily tight fit in regions where the fit between hand and glove is at its tightest. Figure 2b shows a device 100 in which circular cut outs 202a positioned over each of the knuckles have been provided, to further the comfort and freedom of movement of the individual knuckles inside the device 100. Figure 2c shows a similar configuration in which three smaller holes 202b arranged over each knuckle have been provided, and Figure 2d shows a knuckle portion 102 in which the entire knuckle region 202c has been cut out to provided total unencumbered movement of the knuckles. Openings may be provided over one or more knuckles or over all of the knuckles. The knuckle portion 102 may also be made of a different material to that of the palm portion 101, for example, in Figure 2e, the knuckle portion 202d has a mesh fabric inlaid to provide further aeration not provided by the elastic material used for the rest of the device 100. Conversely, the knuckle portion 102 may be provided with a thicker, more padded material (not shown) than the rest of the device 100 to provide extra comfort and protection for the knuckle region of the hand.

Whilst the elastic properties of the device 100 allow for the device 100 to be easily slipped on and off the hand without any fastening mechanism, the device 100 may be further provided with a fastener 202e such as a snap fastener, button, Velcro arrangement or any other fastening means.

Whilst gloves, particularly for sport, are intended to provide a level of protection, the gloves themselves can cause chaffing to certain parts of the hand, especially if the gloves are loose or ill fitting. Therefore, the present invention addresses these issues by providing localised protection to those problem regions. As such, it is particularly important that the device of the present invention has a tight fit to ensure that it does not increase the chaffing further. Whilst the use of glove liners is known, such liners do not have the tight fit needed to prevent further chaffing and are intended to cover the entire hand, and thus do not provide the benefit afforded by the present invention of focusing the protection provided to particular regions of the hand. In contrast, the present invention provides a tight fitting device that lines the glove, and provides protection specifically for the upper palm region, while permitting the glove to directly contact the hand in certain regions, to provide the necessary close fit, feel and control of the equipment being held by a wearer of the glove.

The device described herein may be constructed in a number of different ways, examples of which will now be described. A first method of construction is illustrated by Figures 3a-e, wherein a single rectangular sheet of material 300a is used to create a single-layer device 300 using a top down method. As shown in Figures 3a-b, the sheet of material 300a is first broadly folded at one point 303, preferably so that the material 300a is folded in half, whereby the material on one side of the fold 303 will provide the palm portion 301 and the material on the opposite side of the fold 303 will provide the knuckle portion 302. The sheet of material 300a is thus folded so that the palm portion 301 and the knuckle portion 302 are substantially parallel. Preferably, the fold 303 is offset slightly as shown in Figure 3c to form a shape that resembles the gentle slope at the point where the fingers connect to the back of the hand so as to ensure a close and comfortable fit. Apertures 304 for each of the fingers are then cut into the fold 303 as demonstrated by Figures 3d-e, the apertures preferably having an arch shape whereby the straight line of the apertures 304 will sit squarely along the fingers at the point where fingers meet the palm and the curved line of the apertures 304 will fit comfortably around the top of the knuckles when the device 300 is worn. The material remaining from the fold 303, that is, the members 303a interconnecting the palm portion 301 and the knuckle portion 302 will then sit between each of the fingers when the device 300 is worn, anchoring the device 300 to the hand, as shown in Figure 3f. In this respect, when the device 300 is worn, each of the connecting members 303a connect with the palm portion 301 at point at which the base of the fingers meet the palm, and connect with the knuckle portion 302 at the point where the base of two fingers meet, slightly above the knuckles. As a result of the gentle slope provided by the offset fold 303, the curved portions of the apertures 304 fit snugly around the base of the knuckle ward side of the fingers, and the interconnecting members 303a sit neatly against the portions of skin between the fingers when the device 300 is being worn by the user,. The palm portion 301 and the knuckle portion 302 are then connected, for example, by stitching, at the sides of the hand. In this respect, when the device 300 is worn, a first portion of stitching 305a is located on the inner or thumb side of the hand between the bottom of the index finger and the top of the thumb joint, and a second portion of stitching 305b is located on the outer side of the hand, adjacent the small finger, that is, the fifth digit.

A second method of construction is illustrated by Figures 4a-f, in which an elongated template 400a is used to create a single-layer device 400 using a wrapping method. Advantageously, two templates 400a may be produced from a single rectangle of material 400b as demonstrated by Figure 4a. The elongated template 400a further comprises a plurality of prongs 403 extending from one end which provide the interconnecting members 403 that sit between the fingers of the hand. Preferably, the interconnecting members 403 are configured to be broader at the base and narrower at the tip so that they are tailored to the shape of the hand to provide a close and comfortable fit. As shown step by step in Figures 4c- d, the elongated template 400a is then folded around to first form the knuckle portion 402, followed by an outer side portion 405 that will sit against the outer side of the hand when worn, followed by the palm portion 401 and finally an inner side portion 406 that will sit against the inner side of the hand between the bottom of the index finger and the top of the thumb joint. There may or may not be a section of overlap 407 remaining after this wrapping has been performed. Where a portion of overlap 407 is present, this overlap 407 is wrapped over the top of the knuckle portion 402 and secured at 407a, for example, by stitching or with a fastening mechanism, to the knuckle portion 402, as shown in Figure 4e. Alternatively, if there is no overlap 407, the end of the elongate template 400a is secured at 406a along the inner side portion 406, as shown in Figure 4f. Either way, the point at which the seam is formed is unobtrusive and situated so as to not affect the gripping surface of the palm itself. The interconnecting members 403 extending from the knuckle portion are then secured 403a to the palm portion 401 forming apertures 404 for each of the fingers. Preferably, each aperture is sized appropriately for each finger, for example, aperture 4 (Figure 4d) which is intended for the small finger will need to be relatively smaller than aperture 1 which is intended for the index finger. This will provide a tailored fit that helps to anchor the device 400 to the user' s hand.

Figures 5a-d show a third method of construction which provides a variation of the top-down method described in respect of Figures 3a-f. Here two separate sheets of material 500a-b are used to form a single-layer device 500, wherein a first sheet of material 500a forms the palm portion 501 and a second sheet of material 500b forms the knuckle portion 502. The palm portion 501 is provided with a first set of prongs 503a and the knuckle portion 502 is provided with a second set of prongs 503b. The first set of prongs 503a and the second set of prongs 503b are connected at one point 503c, for example, by stitching, to provide the interconnecting members that will sit between the user's fingers when the user is wearing the device 500 and to provide the apertures 504 through which the user's fingers will protrude. The device may then be folded around the point of connection 503c so that the palm portion 501 and knuckle portion 502 are substantially parallel. The palm portion 501 and the knuckle portion 502 may then be connected at both sides of the device 500 so that the seams of the device 500 lie against the inner and outer side of the hand, as described in relation to Figure 3f. Alternatively, the palm portion 501 may further comprise a portion of overlap 505, as shown in Figure 5d that wraps around the knuckle portion 502 to form a seam along the knuckle portion 501, as described in relation to Figure 4e.

Figures 6a-d show a fourth method of construction which provides a further variation of the methods previously described. Here two separate sheets of material 600a-b are used to form a single-layer device 600, wherein a first sheet of material 600a forms the palm portion 601 and a second sheet of material 600b forms the knuckle portion 602. The knuckle portion 602 is provided with a plurality of prongs 603 to provide the interconnecting members that will sit between the user's fingers when the user is wearing the device 600 and to provide the apertures 604 through which the user's fingers will protrude. The prongs 603 are connected, for example, by stitching, at one point 603a to the palm portion 601, whereby the point of connection 603a will preferably sit squarely along the points between where fingers meet the palm when the user is wearing the device 600. The device may then be folded over so that the palm portion 601 and knuckle portion 602 are substantially parallel. The palm portion 601 and the knuckle portion 602 may then be connected at both sides of the device 600 so that the seams of the device lie against the inner and outer side of the hand, as described in relation to Figure 3f. Alternatively, the palm portion 601 may further comprise a portion of overlap 605, as shown in Figure 6d that wraps around the knuckle portion 602 to form a seam along the knuckle portion 601, as described in relation to Figure 4e.

Figures 7a-b show a fifth method of construction which provides a further variation of the methods previously described. Here two separate sheets of material 700a-b are used to form the device 700, wherein a first sheet of material 700a forms the palm portion 701 and a second sheet of material 700b forms the knuckle portion 702. A plurality of separately formed prongs 703 are further provided to form the interconnecting members that will sit between the user's fingers when the user is wearing the device 700 and to provide the apertures 704 through which the user's fingers will protrude. The prongs 703 are connected, for example, by stitching, at a first point 703a to the palm portion 701 and at a second point 703b to the knuckle portion 702, whereby the first point of connection 703a will preferably sit squarely along the points between where fingers meet the palm and the second point of connection 703b will preferably will sit comfortably between the top of each knuckle when the user is wearing the device 700. The device may then be folded over so that the palm portion 701 and knuckle portion 702 are substantially parallel (not shown). The palm portion 701 and the knuckle portion 702 may then be connected by any way as described previously, for example, at both sides of the device 700 so that the seams of the device lie against the inner and outer side of the hand, as described in relation to Figure 3f.

The device described herein may comprise multiple layers, or an individual layer, the layers of which may be constructed according to any of the methods described herein. Figure 8a-b shows one embodiment wherein a dual-layered device 800 comprising a first layer 800a and a second layer 800b is provided. The first and second layers may be constructed by the same or different methods. In this example, the first layer 800a has been constructed using the wrapped method described by Figures 4a-f, and the second layer 800b has been constructed using the top-down method described by Figures 3a-f. The second layer 800b is placed over the top of the first layer 800a and secured together, for example, by stitching the two layers to each other, as shown in Figure 8b. In one arrangement, functionality of the device can be enhanced by constructing the first layer 800a with a fabric that exhibits low friction against the skin, for example, cotton elastane, and combining with a second layer 800b that may be constructed with a material having a higher friction against the material with which it comes into contact, for example,the golf grip itself or the golfer's normal glove. Such layering also allows special treatments to be injected into some layers of the device and not others, for example, treatments that help with absorbing moisture away from the skin in hot conditions. For ease of arrangement on the hand of a user, parts of the second layer 800b may not be fully constructed before it is positioned over the first layer 800a. This is illustrated by Figure 8a wherein the palm portion 301 and knuckle portion 302 of the second layer 800b have not yet been joined. The palm portion 301 and knuckle portion 302 may then be secured together when the second layer 800b is assembled over the first layer 800a.

The advantage of this multi-layered device 800 is that it helps to further reduce the friction on the hand caused when swinging a golf club, and is thus desirable for users who engage in frequent play. Using layers with different constructions, for example, a combination of the top-down and wrapped method, provides increased strength to the device thus providing further support to the user's hand. The multi-layered device 800 may also be constructed using a combination of materials depending on the requirements of the user. For example, user's playing in hot countries may require extra ventilation and therefore the use of breathable material such as the mesh fabric described with respect to Figure 2e may be desired. Alternatively, the user may be very sensitive hands and require a thicker material to afford them an extra degree of protection.

The mechanics of a swinging action of any sporting or manual activity, for example a golf swing in particular, are such that a complex interplaying set of forces apply to the interacting surfaces between the hands and the handle of the tool or item such as a golf club as it is swung and the motion of the item such as a club creates dynamic forces on the user's hand(s). For example, the golf swing is a rotational action around an axis, exerting a number of shear and blunt forces on the skin of the upper palm as the main gripping surface, which over time can lead to significant damage to the layers of the skin. Such shear forces are especially problematic for sensitive, injured or aged skin.

A number of different factors affect these forces including grip pressure, rotational forces, sliding velocity, the interacting surfaces themselves, as well as the size and weight of the golf club itself. In particular, the forces experienced as the golf club is swung are influenced by the material of the golf club handle, as well as the presence of any glove worn by the user and the material from which the glove is made. Another factor which can have a significant effect on the forces in play is the presence of moisture, whether this be due to environmental factors such as rain or wet weather, or physical factors such as sweating.

The level of friction exerted on the user's hand due to all of the above described factors can thus be reduced by the hand protection device described herein. The amount of protection afforded to the hand is particularly increased by the use of multiple layers, as illustrated by Figures 8a and 8b. Furthermore, the interaction between the skin of the user's hand and the surfaces in relative motion, for example, the handle of a golf glove, can also be controlled by the choice of material as well as the functional structure of the hand protection device [1].

The hand protection device described herein has been shown to reduce the amount of shear forces transferred onto the skin of the wearer. To measure the effectiveness of the device, tests were undertaken to replicate the types of forces experienced by the hand when playing golf.

To test the device, a transducer capable of measuring applied load and lateral load was used to measure how much stress is transferred to the skin when the contact spot between the hand and the material of a golfing glove moves a unit distance. This was measured as lateral stiffness of the contact, wherein the lower the lateral stiffness, the lower the amount of shear force transferred onto the skin. To do this, a support plate was placed over the load cell with a leather glove sample attached to the support plate, the interior of the glove facing upwards. Tests were then performed by placing an overstretched hand on to the glove sample so as to achieve contact between the sample and the metacarpal-proximal carpal joint of the index finger, the hand having been washed and dried before each experiment to maintain dry hand conditions. The hand then applied a load force of 20N, and then applied a lateral load to bring the hand to the point of sliding where the maximum of a coefficient of static friction is felt. It was at this point that the lateral stiffness was measured. This experimental set up was then used to test a hand wearing only a leather golf glove, a hand wearing the single layered hand protection device such as those shown in Figures la-e underneath the leather golf club, and a hand wearing a dual layered hand protection device such as those shown in Figures 8a-b underneath the leather golf glove. The results of these tests are shown in Table 1.

Table 1

From these results, it can be seen that a single layered hand protection device reduces the amount of shear force transferred to the skin by around 10%, whilst a dual layered hand protection devices reduces the shear load transferred to the skin by over 20%. Therefore, it is clear that the hand protection device helps to reduce the amount of friction on the hand. This is particularly the case for the dual layered hand protection device, as shown in Figures 8a-b, due to the relative motion between the two layers which acts to attenuate the friction-related forces further. A further way of enhancing the friction reducing properties of the hand protection device is the use of treatment coatings. Such treatments may be applied to the surface of the material used to construct the device or be added during the fabrication of the material itself, that is, the treatment is embedded in the material.

The choice of treatment coatings and the surface on which they are used depends on the desired effect of the coating. With reference to Figure 9, a friction reducing treatment coating, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a silicone lubricant, may be added between the inner and outer layers 900, 901 of the hand protection device itself to enhance the slipperiness that is, the amount of movement, by reducing an effective coefficient of friction, between the two layers 900, 901. This is particularly important for reducing the friction between the skin and the hand protection device caused by contact pressures and shear forces which can damage the skin over long periods of time. A treatment coating may also be used on the external surface of the outer layer 901 such that it forms a barrier between the outer layer 901 and the glove 902, wherein the treatment is used to enhance the grip by increasing the level of friction between the hand protection device and any glove worn over it. Similarly, if the user does not wear a glove over the top of the hand protection device, such treatments will help to enhance the grip directly on to a golf club 903. Grip enhancement can be achieved with any treatments and textiles that help to augment the surface properties to increase the roughness, for example, by the provision of discrete raised portions on its surface or the use of a material that is susceptible to napping. Examples of grip enhancing textiles and treatments include polyurethane, nitrile, latex, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR).

A treatment coating may also be used on the external surface of the inner layer 900 such that it forms a barrier between the inner layer 900 and the user's hand. Here, the treatment is used to enhance the grip when it is positioned against human skin, for example, by absorbing moisture from the skin or controlling the temperature of the skin. These and other approaches to the coatings described above can implemented in the yarn- making stage, as required, to form part of the composition of the textile itself of any of the layers. Further implementations of the coatings described above can be through the use of nanoparticles, either bonded to the fibre surfaces, or embedded in a coating applied as described above, whether to a yarn used in the spinning of a textile layer or to the textile layer's surface. Titanium oxide has been used effectively in moisture reduction; molybdenum disulfide, gold and silver have been used effectively in friction reduction. Aluminium oxide has been used in enhancing durability and any or all of these methods for improving the properties of the material can be used any of the layers in the device described herein.

Moisture is a significant factor in increasing coefficients of friction exercised against human skin. Moisture management is achieved through the layering of the device, but can be enhanced either by treating the layers 900, 901 with substances having a cellular structure which can accommodate water molecules, or by the use of wicking fabrics, all of which divert water away from the skin contacting surfaces. Traditionally, natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool are better for moisture management than synthetic fabrics as they are more breathable, however, such fabrics all retain the excessive moisture that doesn't evaporate from the skin. Many wicking fabrics, for example, Coolmax® may be used, as they are woven in such a way that moisture is forced into and through the gaps of the weave, away from the skin and out of the outer layer 901, wherein the weave itself makes the material highly permeable. Such materials may then also be chemically treated with substances that absorb the water within their inner molecular structure, for example, magnesium carbonate. With regard to the materials used to construct the hand protection device described herein, the surface characteristics of the material also influence the effectiveness as a friction reducing device. The surface of the material, particularly, at the interface between the two layers, needs to be relatively smooth, and not coarse or napped. Preferably, in a layered device such as those shown in Figures 8a-b, the materials of the two layers are of relatively similar weight, in order to avoid creep whereby the two layers begin to move out of alignment.

The specific weave characteristics of the materials used to construct the hand protection device must therefore be considered. In more detail, a course is a row of loops across the width of a fabric, that is, perpendicular to the machine direction. The face of a fabric is the side which is intended to be visible in an end product. The relationship of the courses to the face of the material all have an impact on the effectiveness of the device, either through aiding its ability to reduce friction or control moisture. For example, the type of weave used to create the material will have an impact on the smoothness, as well as the orientation of the weave of each layer with respect to one another. Therefore, it will be appreciated that specific weave characteristics of the materials used can be chosen to enhance the friction-reducing and grip-enhancing properties of the device, by means of their weave pattern and the orientation and grain of the resulting textile. For example, weave patterns with courses on side of adjacent layers which face one another may be arranged in the same orientation, to align the weave, which can reduce resistance to movement between the two layers in the direction of the courses, while increasing resistance to movement between the two layers in the direction perpendicular to the courses.

Therefore, the incorporation of materials that have friction reducing properties by virtue of their structure and orientation may also be a component to the functionality of the device.

Similarly, it is advantageous to use materials which have elastic properties so as to provide a compressive effect on the skin of the user. Studies have shown how the skin adapts to pressured contact by forming folds which alleviate direct and rubbing pressures against the epidermal layers [2]. Macroscopic strains are transmitted and modulated through the epidermis and dermis. The stratum corneum does not experience significant strains but rather folds and unfolds during skin extension and compression. Therefore, mildly elastic and compressive material play a critical role in conditioning the skin's mechanical response to macroscopic in-plane compression and extension. Topographical features of the skin surface such as furrows are also shown to act as an efficient means to deflect, convert and redistribute strain within the stratum corneum. Therefore, using materials that are thin, figure hugging such that they are closely aligned to the skin are the most effective as they respect the facility of the skin to perform this natural function.

Various modifications, whether by way of addition, deletion or substitution may be made to the above described embodiments to provide further embodiments, any and all of which are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

References

[1] Skin tribology: Science friction?, E. Van der Heide, X Zeng & M.A. Masen, 2013, Friction 1 (2): 130-142, Springerlink.com

[2] A mechanistic insight into the mechanical role of the stratum corneum during stretching and compression of the skin; M.F. Leyva-Mendivil, A.Page, N.W. Bressloff, G.Limbert, 2015, Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials 49: 197-219Claims