EP0749279B1 - Glove - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/DE94/00957 Sec. 371 Date May 20, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date May 20, 1996 PCT Filed Aug. 22, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO95/05758 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 2, 1995A glove, particularly a sports glove for motorcycling, skiing or surfing sports or the like, comprises at least one dorsal portion (4), at least one finger portion (6), at least one palm portion (8) and a thumb portion (10), with the at least one finger portion (6) being biasable by at least one spring element (26) toward the closed position of the finger portion (6). The spring element (26) has the form of a bistable spring element (28) which has two stable end positions, with the finger portion (6) being kept deflected toward its closed position in the one end position, and the finger portion (6) being held in a comparatively open position such as the extended position in the other end position. The bistable spring element (28) is a metal leaf spring which reverses under the influence of an external force between a substantially extended/rectilinear orientation corresponding to the extended position and an arcuately curved orientation corresponding to the closed position.

Description

The invention relates to a glove, in particular one Sports glove for motorcycle, skiing or surfing or Like., According to the preamble of claim 1.

Gloves are used in many sports in order to Hands and / or fingers from injuries, cold, wind, rain or the like to protect. To these protective functions or too to be able to fulfill only a few of them sufficiently well a certain minimum thickness when processing the gloves of the glove material are provided. Gloves for motorcyclists, for example, the hands and / or Fingers not only paired against the influence of the airstream with rain or cold, protect, but also in the event of a Avoid falling hand or finger injuries if possible. Motorcycle gloves are especially for this reason made of comparatively thick material to which the to meet the requirements as well as possible can.

Nevertheless, when manufacturing motorcycle gloves, for example, but also of gloves for others Sports, for example for skiing or surfing Compromise in that the material for the glove cannot be made arbitrarily thick. Though would be a particularly thick material specifically a motorcycle glove particularly resistant to abrasion in the event of falls make such a motorcycle glove resistant would ultimately be so stiff, however, that a curvature movement the individual fingers to the closed position of the hand, in order to be able to include the motorcycle handlebar or throttle grip would be exhausting. It would also be a motorcycle glove disadvantageous from such a thick material in that the required switch operations, for example for Turn signal, light or the like. Then no longer easily and could be carried out unerringly. The gloves, especially Motorcycle gloves, therefore, have to be made with thinner material thicknesses be made as this from security thinking is actually desired.

The problem is that gloves whenever their material thickness is chosen so that it has optimal protective functions have, but then become too chunky and immobile and here especially the curvature movements of the individual fingers in the closed position of the hand and especially holding this closed position over a longer period of time away too much effort also occurs with others Sports gloves, for example ski gloves.

In order to at least approach this problem, it is known to anatomically preform the glove. this happens usually in that the palm part of the glove a smaller length extension compared to the back of the hand has so that a glove made with it undergoes a pre-curvature which is approximately the curvature position the finger in the relaxed rest position of the hand corresponds.

Examples of such pre-curved gloves are in the AT-PS 170 496, DE-OS 23 08 245 and DE-PS 22 54 675 described.

Due to the anatomical adaptation of such a glove to the natural relaxed hand position the wearing comfort increases, nevertheless result still have problems wearing such a glove especially when wearing a gloved hand tubular component is to be encompassed, as is the case with Handlebar or throttle grip of a motorcycle, the grip part of a Ski poles or the boom of a surfboard is. Depending on the diameter of the tubular part here the fingers of the hand more or less strongly in Curved direction of the closed or fist position of the hand and be held in this position. The stronger the individual Fingers have to be bent or bent, so the greater the effort required, the individual Glove fingers overcoming the glove material inherent stiffness in the curved position to move and to hold there in particular In case of a motorcycle glove also over a longer one Period.

Also anatomically pre-curved gloves like the ones above The mentioned publications are hardly capable of this disadvantage change something because the pre-curvature of this known Gloves essentially those of the human hand in the relaxed rest position; a greater pre-curvature the individual finger is usually forbidden, because then the glove is initially a claw-shaped one Would look, which is visually unappealing is, and moreover, one that is so strongly pre-curved Glove would be difficult to put on and take off. Would continue then when the fingers move from a closed position corresponding curved position in one of the extended position corresponding approximately straight position also to overcome the stiffness of the glove material, which would make it more difficult that beyond the facilities (cutting or the like) overcome must be the strong pre-curvature of the glove fingers produce. It is also generally known that the human hand comparatively high forces in the Movement of the fingers from their extended position to the Can generate the closed position in the opposite direction forces to be applied by one hand, however, comparatively are low. Convincing a heavily pre-curved Glove from the closed to the extended position of the fingers would therefore be extremely tedious and exhausting.

DE-GM 79 12 393 is a generic glove known. This glove is characterized by it that he is equipped with one or more spring elements is which the glove fingers in a closed Preload the gripping position. According to DE-GM 79 12 393 these spring elements are preferably inflatable air cushions, which on the outside of the glove fingers and possibly also arranged on the outside of the glove thumb are. Through these air cushions - as far as the air to be able to hold at all over a longer period of time the individual glove fingers and, if applicable, the Thumb pressed into a closed position. The above Problems with a sports glove can always result when a strong turn or Curving the glove fingers to grasp an object necessary over a longer period of time overcome by the generic glove, but this advantage must be compared to that also described above Disadvantage to be bought that such a glove Gripping movements only take part against resistance and - if at all - only with great effort into one Stretching position of the glove fingers can be transferred. The generic glove is also liable according to the DE-GM 79 12 393 the disadvantage of the claw-like mentioned above Appearance, even when not in use.

In contrast, it is an object of the present invention, a To design glove according to the preamble of claim 1 so that with him a movement of the glove fingers from its extended to the closed position and back again is possible, but keeping the stretching and Closed position is supported.

This object is achieved according to the invention by features specified in claim 1.

A glove according to the invention, in particular a sports glove for motorcycle, skiing or surfing sports or the like accordingly comprises at least one part of the back of the hand, at least a finger part, at least a palm part and a thumb part, wherein the at least one finger part by at least a spring element in the direction of the closed position of the Finger part is biased. The invention is characterized Glove in that the spring element is a bistable Spring part with two stable end positions, being in one end position the finger part in the direction of it Closed position is kept deflected and in the other End position the finger part in a more open Position, such as the extended position, is held.

By using the spring element in the form of a bistable Spring part with two stable end positions are at the glove according to the invention both the closed position as well as the stretched position, the respective Movements from the extended to the closed position and remain unaffected again. It is therefore at the glove according to the invention possible, with reduced Exertion of force closes the glove fingers in the closed position hold, even over a long period of time, like this extremely desirable for a motorcycle glove, for example is. Due to the stable end position of the spring part become resetting forces inherent in the glove material due to the rigidity of the used Glove material lifted or at least considerably weakened, so the gloved hand is less force must apply to the glove fingers in the closed position to hold in which, for example, the handlebar or the throttle grip of a motorcycle, the grip part of a ski pole or the boom of a surfboard is held. When the gloved hand moves out of the lock the stretched position becomes the stable end position of the bistable Spring part, so the stable end position accordingly overcome the closed position and the bistable spring part can, if necessary with the help of the other hand, in its other stable end position, which is the extended position the glove finger corresponds to be transferred.

In the context of the invention, “stretched position” is understood to mean that the glove fingers or the fingers one with the invention Glove protected hand in said Stretch position not completely in an unnatural way are stretched out, i.e. the back of the hand and the level of the outstretched fingers are essentially in one plane, but that the glove fingers are still slightly curved Location due to the inherent glove material Have elasticity, so that the "stretched position" at least corresponds approximately to the relaxed rest position of one hand.

A hand protected with the glove according to the invention can thus from its closed to the extended position and be moved back to the closed position or in the closed or extended position remain, the holding the closed or extended position due to the spring support possible with little or no effort is.

A glove according to the invention or those according to the invention People wearing gloves can therefore use this glove or these gloves over a longer period of time carry away without causing significant fatigue the hand and / or finger muscles in the forearm comes because of the two stable end positions of the bistable Spring part both closed and extended positions are stabilized.

Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the subclaims.

The finger part preferably has individual glove fingers on, the glove according to the invention is thus in the manner of a so-called finger gloves. With certain Use cases, it may be sufficient or advantageous a bistable spring part in at least one glove finger to be arranged, i.e. in the glove finger for the index finger and / or that for the middle finger and / or that for the ring finger and / or for that little finger. For example, it can be advantageous only the glove finger for the little finger and / or the one for the ring finger with a bistable spring part to be provided, since experience has shown that these two fingers generate lower forces than the middle and index fingers can.

According to a further advantageous embodiment each glove finger of the finger part with a bistable Equipped spring part, so there is even support the entire protected with the glove of the invention Hand in either the closed or extended position.

The bistable spring part extends in the respective glove finger from the top there to almost the Support the area of the second finger joint the gloved hand in the area of the last Finger limb, which when moving out of the stretch the closed position and especially when holding the Closed position due to the anatomical conditions on least force - especially over a long period of time - can apply.

Another embodiment is that the bistable Spring part in the respective glove finger from the local one Point almost to the area of the first finger joint extends. Especially with very bulky gloves, or those made of particularly rigid material better support is provided of the gloved hand over the whole or in essentially the entire length of the finger.

Finally, the bistable spring part can be in the respective Glove fingers from the tip there over the two Finger joints and the ankle joint into the Extend the area of the back of the hand. In addition to one particularly pronounced support of the finger movement of the stretching into the closed position and a support with this design option, the hand is in the closed position a protection or a kind of armor of the entire fingers, limbs and joints including the Ankle joint, which in the event of a fall of a motorcycle or skier is very vulnerable to injury.

In this context, the "first" finger joint is said to be the one that defines the finger-ankle joint follows. The "second" finger joint is defined as the one to which the last phalanx with the fingertip connects.

As an alternative to the advantageous embodiment in which at least one or in each glove finger a bistable Spring part is arranged, the invention Glove can also be designed in an advantageous manner that two bistable spring parts are arranged in each glove finger are. Especially when the material is made of which the glove according to the invention is made of, particularly rigid due to the demands made or is inelastic, can be made by providing two bistable ones Spring parts per glove finger especially the Movement from the extended to the closed position is advantageous get supported.

In the design of the glove according to the invention there are two bistable spring parts per glove finger two bistable spring parts, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the glove finger arranged one behind the other. This extends according to one embodiment the first spring part from the tip of the glove finger to almost in the area between the second and the first Finger joint and the second spring part extends from an area approximately at the first finger joint the adjacent ankle joint in the area of the Back of the glove. By such in Longitudinal direction of the glove finger seen one behind the other An arrangement of the two spring parts takes place even support of the gloved fingers or the force to be applied to the gloved hand in particular when holding the closed position, for example when gripping a handlebar or a throttle grip one Motorcycle or the like. Furthermore remains with this arrangement of the two successive bistable Spring parts free the first finger joint, i.e. in the area of the first finger joint is none of the bistable spring parts, so that this first finger joint, which due to the anatomical conditions the movement into the closed position and while holding the Closing position must be angled the most, none at all Experienced restrictions in this angular movement.

Another design option of the invention Gloves with two bistable spring parts per glove finger would be the first spring part from the tip of the glove finger to almost in the area between the first Finger joint and the neighboring ankle joint run to let, and the second spring part over the ankle joint run out into the area of the back of the hand allow. This configuration takes place in particular effective protection of finger and ankle joints along with effective support from Hand moving from the extended to the closed position and especially when holding this closed position.

In one embodiment, the bistable are preferred Spring parts in the area of the back of the glove fingers arranged. Apart from the fact that this causes the inside of the fingers remain free in the sense that they are only from that Glove material are covered and so the sensor system Gripping is not affected by the Arrangement of the spring parts in the area of the back of the glove fingers still the advantage that this makes the glove fingers get additional protection. The finger joints and possibly also the ankle joints are, for example, in the event of a motorcycle rider falling additionally protected against injuries.

Nevertheless, the bistable spring parts can also be on the inside the glove fingers are arranged. Specifically for thick gloves made of leather, for example the sensors are severely restricted anyway the bistable spring parts also on the inside of the Arrange glove fingers without significant loss to have to accept comfort.

It can also be advantageous to use the bistable spring parts on the outside and inside of each glove finger to arrange. Here, for example, that on the Outside bistable spring part from the top of the Glove fingers up to the area between the first finger joint and neighboring ankle joint and that spring part lying on the inside of the glove finger from an area between the first finger joint and ankle joint run into the palm part. Hereby the spring part lying on the inside of a Posture of the hand in the closed position is not so strongly curved like the spring part lying on the outside, so that comfort does not deteriorate. Still remains the fingertip is free, d. H. not from a spring part covered, so that at least the fingertip sensors is not completely blocked.

The bistable spring parts are preferred in the individual Glove fingers of different lengths for optimal adjustment to the differently long glove fingers to obtain.

The bistable spring parts are preferably embedded between the outer material and the lining material of the glove fingers. As a result, the visual appearance of the glove on the one hand and the wearing comfort of the glove on the other hand are not influenced by the spring parts.
If at least one bistable spring part is also arranged in the thumb part of the glove, holding the thumb or thumb part of the glove in the closed position can also be supported.
As an alternative to the configuration of the glove according to the invention in the manner of a finger glove with four finger parts and a thumb part, the glove according to the invention can also be designed in the manner of a mitten in which the finger part is made in one piece. In this case, at least one, but preferably a plurality of bistable spring parts arranged in parallel can then be arranged in the finger part, so that the same advantages as with a finger glove can also be achieved with a mitten.

The bistable spring parts are preferably made of leaf springs Metal, which acts under force from the outside between an essentially straight-line orientation corresponding to the stretched position and an arcuate curve Bypass alignment according to the closed position. This has the advantage that initially such Leaf springs made of metal inexpensive and with little effort Can be made in practically any length and width are, with the thickness of the leaf springs also Spring characteristics or strength largely arbitrary can be adjusted. In addition, the design of the spring parts as leaf springs the advantage that in the arrangement these spring parts or leaf springs in the area of the back the glove finger - as already explained above - the back of the fingers and possibly also the fingers and / or Ankle joints thanks to the striped design the leaf springs get a kind of armor. Specifically for gloves for motorcyclists but also for Gloves for skiers can be such an additional Joint armor or such additional joint protection be very valuable.

Here, the leaf springs are preferably in the straight line Alignment in cross-section approximately gutter-shaped with raised edges on the side and arched curved alignment in cross section approximately flat educated. Both in the straight-lined orientation as well as in the arcuate curved orientation are the bistable leaf springs in a stable end position, which means that weak force or deformation movements the leaf springs in the respective end positions do not cause these end positions to be left immediately. Shocks, impacts or vibrations, such as those that occur when riding a motorcycle, but also when windsurfing or the like can therefore not have an immediate effect Jumping out of the spring parts from one of the end positions, see above that in particular keeping the closed position of the spring parts or leaf springs even with increased loads is supported effectively.

The force required for the leaf springs to move into the The closed position is preferred by one wearing the glove Person applied by appropriate finger movements. This means that the leaf springs are in their spring force or spring characteristic preferably set so should be that effective support the gloved hand especially when adhering to the The closed position occurs, however, that of the spring parts or leaf springs applied forces are not so high, that a glove or the invention Person wearing gloves not their hand more easily from the closed to the extended position can convince.

The leaf springs with a protective cover are preferred, especially made of elastic plastic. Hereby on the one hand, it ensures that the edges of leaf springs, which can also be rounded, the Lining material or the outer material of the glove or adjacent stitching or the like is not damaged or be severed and moreover represents such Plastic coating is an effective corrosion protection what is particularly advantageous if the invention Glove in an environment that is aggressive in terms of corrosion exposed, for example when windsurfing The case is where the leaf springs may be with salt water can come into contact.

Further details, aspects and advantages of the present Invention result from the following description with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1 eine Darstellung einer möglichen Ausgestaltungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Handschuhs im Gebrauch;

Fig. 2A einen Schnitt durch ein Fingerteil in der Schließstellung eines sich hierin befindlichen Fingers;

Fig. 2B eine perspektivische Ansicht eines bistabilen Federteils in einer der Schließstellung entsprechenden stabilen Endlage;

Fig. 2C einen Schnitt entlang Linie C-C in Fig. 2B;

Fig. 3A eine Fig. 2A entsprechende Darstellung in der Streckstellung;

Fig. 3B eine Fig. 2B entsprechende Darstellung des Federteils in der der Streckstellung entsprechenden stabilen Endlage;

Fig. 3C einen Schnitt entlang Linie C-C in Fig. 3B; und

Fig. 4A bis 4C Abwandlungsmöglichkeiten des erfindungsgemäßen Handschuhs.

It shows:

1 shows a representation of a possible embodiment of a glove according to the invention in use;

2A shows a section through a finger part in the closed position of a finger located therein;

2B shows a perspective view of a bistable spring part in a stable end position corresponding to the closed position;

FIG. 2C shows a section along line CC in FIG. 2B;

3A shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 2A in the extended position;

3B shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 2B of the spring part in the stable end position corresponding to the extended position;

3C shows a section along line CC in FIG. 3B; and

4A to 4C modification possibilities of the glove according to the invention.

In Fig. 1, the reference numeral 2 is an inventive Glove in its entirety. The glove 2 is designed as a glove and includes in known A back part of the hand 4, a finger part 6, one in FIG. 1 Invisible palm part 8, which the back of the hand 4 is essentially opposite, as well as a thumb part 10th

In Fig. 1 the glove 2 is shown for a left hand; it is understood that a glove for the right Hand is mirrored accordingly.

The finger part 6 has four individual glove fingers 12, 14, 16 and 18 for index, middle and ring fingers, as well as for the little finger.

The blanks for the individual parts 4 to 10, their connection among themselves, as well as attaching different ones Stretch, compression and stretch folds to increase mobility of the entire glove 2 are generally known and are here for simplicity of illustration not detailed.

As continues from the drawing and here in particular 2A to 4C, the invention is distinguished Glove 2 characterized in that bistable spring parts are provided with two stable end positions, whereby in one end position the finger part in the direction of it Closed position is kept deflected and in the other End position the finger part in a more open Position, such as the extended position, is held. In the Fig. 2A and 3A and FIGS. 4A to 4C are one of the glove fingers 12, 14, 16 or 18 picked out of the finger part 6, for example the glove finger 12 for the Index finger 20.

2A and 3A, and 4A to 4C are sectional views, respectively of the glove finger 12, wherein the Fig. 2A the index finger 20 in a bent or curved Position shows and FIGS. 3A and 4A to 4C the index finger Show 20 in a stretched position. The glove finger 12 of the finger part 6 has a glove outer material in a known manner 22, as well as an inner lining material 24 on. The outer material 22 consists of a material which the requirements placed on it, for example Wind and / or water resistance, abrasion resistance or the like. A typical material for the outer material 22 is leather. But it will come also other materials, for example synthetic leather, plastics, Linen or canvas - with leather reinforcement if necessary - and the like in question. The lining material 24 serves to improve wearing comfort in general, for Sweat absorption, as additional heat insulation etc. and is made from a skin-friendly, comfortable to wear Material, such as cotton, non-woven, breathable Synthetic fibers or the like.

2B and 3B show a spring element 26, which as bistable spring part 28 formed with two stable end positions is. 2B shows a stable end position of the spring part 28 in which it is curved in an arc 3B shows the other stable end position of the Spring part 28, in which this is essentially straight and straight is aligned. Here is according to the cross-sectional representations 2C and 3C, the spring part 28th approximately flat in the arcuate curved orientation trained, whereas the spring member 28 in its straight-stretched Alignment according to FIG. 3B approximately trough-shaped with raised edges 30 and 32 on the side and a bottom surface 34 is formed. In the transition between the bottom surface 34 and the edge 30 or the bottom surface 34 and the edge 32 has the spring part 28 in its straight-stretched Alignment according to FIG. 3B edges or Fold 36 and 38.

It should be noted here that the cross-sectional representation 3C the formation of the folds 36 and 38 and the Amount of kink between floor surface 34 and edge 30 or Bottom surface 34 and edge 32 for reasons of clarity Representation shows exaggeratedly.

By forming the spring part 28 in the longitudinal direction running folds 36 and 38 is the spring member 28 in its stretched-straight alignment according to FIG. 3B intrinsically stable, since the folds 36 and 38 the band-shaped material of the Spring part 28 in its straight-stretched orientation 3B stabilize in the manner of a corrugated iron effect. At the transition from the straight-line orientation 3B in the arcuate curved orientation 2B, a certain force must be exerted on the spring part 28 are applied, which the stabilizing effect of Folds 36 and 38 in the longitudinal direction of the spring part 28 exceeds so that the spring member 28 is curved into its arc Alignment snapped according to FIG. 2B. In this arcuate curved orientation is the spring member 28 according to Fig. 2C approximately flat. This means that the stabilizing effect due to the folds 36 and 38 in the longitudinal direction of the spring member 28 has been lifted that the spring member 28 but now due to its arcuate curved orientation has inherent stability because of a return movement for alignment according to FIG. 3B and for the maintenance of the Folds 36 and 38 also require some force power, namely the force that is necessary to restore the Fold 36 and 38 is necessary.

The arcuate curved orientation shown in FIG. 2B and the 3B are straight-line alignment according to FIG. 3B the stable end positions of the bistable spring part 28.

2A and 3A, is in the invention Glove 2, for example, such a bistable Spring part 28 in a glove finger, for example arranged in the glove finger 12. The arrangement of the spring part 28 takes place advantageously between the Inside of the outer glove material 22 and the outside of the lining material 24. This is the spring part 28 due to the outer material 22 not from the outside visible what the outer appearance of the glove 2 not affected and furthermore the spring member 28 is in front possible damage is protected and which is in the Gloves fingers, for example the index finger 20, is through the lining material 24 before a direct Protection against contact with the spring part 28. Because the spring part 28 according to the figures, a leaf spring, in particular is made of metal, is a direct contact between the spring part 28 and the finger 20 for the sake of Avoid wearing comfort.

In one embodiment, at least one glove finger has a bistable spring member 28, but preferred each glove finger 12, 14, 16 and 18 has a bistable Spring part 28 on. Furthermore, the thumb part 10 a bistable spring part 28 between the outer material there 22 and the feed material 24 there. Instead of the arrangement of a bistable spring part in each Glove fingers can also be two or, if necessary also more than two such spring parts in each glove finger to be ordered.

Figures 2A and 3A show how a single bistable spring member 28 between outer material 22 and lining material 24 can be embedded:

The spring part 28 extends in the longitudinal direction of the glove finger 12 (analogously to this also / or in the longitudinal direction of the Glove fingers 14 and / or 16 and / or 18) starting from a tip 40 of the glove finger there or one Fingertip 42 of the finger 20 to approximately in the area a first finger joint 44 or beyond. A variation option the arrangement of the spring part 28 in the 2A and 3A is apparent in each Glove fingers 12, 14, 16 and 18 two bistable spring parts 28 to arrange. The two spring parts 28 are then, for example running in the longitudinal direction of the glove finger arranged one behind the other.

FIGS. 4A to 4C show design options, in which two bistable spring elements in at least one Glove fingers 12, 14, 16 or 18 are arranged. According to 4A, the first spring part 28 extends here from the tip 40 of the glove finger to approximately the Area between the second finger joint 44 and the first finger joint 46 and the second spring part 28 'extends from an area approximately at the first finger joint 46 the neighboring ankle joint into the area of the Part of the back of the hand 4. Another possibility or variant would be the first spring member 28 from the top 40 of the glove finger 12 to approximately in the range between the first finger joint 46 and the adjacent ankle joint and the second spring part 28 'then beyond this ankle joint into the area of the back of the hand 4 to run into it.

4B shows the arrangement of the two bistable spring elements 28 and 28 'on the inside of the glove finger 12.

4C finally shows the arrangement of the bistable spring elements 28 and 28 'on both the outside and the Inside of the glove finger 12.

When only one bistable spring part 28 is arranged in one the glove fingers 12 to 18 can do this for as long be made that it is - unlike in the drawing and Fig. 2A shown - from the tip 40 over both Finger joints 44 and 46 and beyond the ankle joint extends to the back of the glove. It would also be conceivable with two bistable spring parts 28 and 28 'so long make them partially overlap, for example in the area between the finger joints 44 and 46.

Both in the arrangement of a single spring part 28 as also with the arrangement of two spring parts one behind the other 28 are in a glove finger or the spring parts 28 either in the area of the back of the Glove fingers 12, 14, 16 and 18 or on the inside of each glove finger or both on the outside or Back as well as on the inside.

The way of arranging the spring member 28 or the Spring parts 28 and 28 'in the individual glove fingers 12, 14, 16 and 18 depends on the respective glove requirements or purposes as well as by the Material from which the glove is made. As a general rule can be said that the more rigid the glove material is and the more curved the individual Glove fingers are in the closed position, for example with a motorcycle glove, the more spring parts 28 or 28 'to be arranged in the individual glove fingers are and vice versa. The support characteristics, which are compatible with the bistable spring parts 28 and 28 ' when moving the hand from the extended to the closed position and when holding the hand in the closed position achieve, depend on both the number and the Arrangement of the spring parts 28 and 28 '.

To better adapt the individual spring parts 28 and / or 28 'to the glove fingers 12, 14, 16 and 18 have, the spring parts are preferably of different lengths trained, that is to the respective length of the individual Glove fingers adjusted.

To use the glove 2 according to the invention, touches one person is wearing glove 2 or gloves 2 above, with the spring part or parts 28 in the glove fingers 12, 14, 16 and 18 in Figs. 3A and 3B, respectively stretched-straight alignment. Through the Fold 36 and 38, the spring parts 28 are stretched straight in this Alignment according to the stretched position held by hand. Because of the outer material 22 inherent elasticity allow the individual Glove fingers 12 to 18 despite the rail-like stiffening by the spring parts 28 slightly over the associated Fold your fingers. Furthermore, the spring parts 28 hinder not or only insignificantly the movement of the gloved Hand in a slightly curved position, which is the relaxed one Hand rest position corresponds, in particular then not if only a single one according to FIGS. 2A and 3A Spring part 28 in the area between the fingertip 42 and the first finger joint 44 is provided. Such Arrangement of the spring part 28 allows a slight angling of the second finger joint 46 and the adjoining one Ankle joint so that a hand position is possible is, which corresponds approximately to the representation according to FIG. 1. When gripping an object with the invention Glove 2 will be the gloved hand Finger from the position shown in FIG. 1 or the stretched position 3A in an increasingly curved position 2A transferred to from the extended position shown in FIG. 3A to reach a closed position in which the individual Glove fingers 12 to 18 together with the thumb part 10 an example of a tubular component, that is to say the handlebar or throttle grip of a motorcycle, the grip part of a ski pole, grasp the boom of a surfboard or the like. The one with this gripping movement from the fingers to the individual spring parts 28 applied forces cause the stiffening of the spring parts achieved by the folds 36 and 38 28 is overcome in the longitudinal direction and the individual spring parts 28 according to the second stable end position Fig. 2B snap with the arcuate orientation. After a snap movement of the spring parts 28, so that this the second stable end position according 2A and 2B have reached, the fingers of the gloved hand in the individual glove fingers 12 to 18 and possibly also in the thumb part 10 in their Closed position supported. Under "supports" understood here that the stable end positions of the spring parts 28, that is, the arcuately curved orientation thereof - depending on the spring strength more or less large - contribution does that, which is inherent in the outer glove material 22 Flexural rigidity, which in the sense of a restoring force acts in the extended position of the glove 2 to compensate. The gloved hand must also be added the actually required gripping forces on the handlebar, the Ski stick handle or the boom not even more or Apply less high additional forces to the reset movements to compensate for the individual glove fingers; these return movements become more or less completely caught by the spring parts 28 or compensated, which is in the stable end position according to FIG 2B. Due to the fact that of the gloved Hand practically only the actual gripping forces must be applied, whereas the restoring forces of the more or less stiff or inelastic outer material are absorbed by the spring parts a more tireless wearing of the glove according to the invention 2 also possible over longer periods.

The essentially same effects can be achieved if instead of the embodiment according to FIGS. 2A and 3A two spring parts 28 and 28 'in the longitudinal direction of the glove fingers 12 to 18 provided in a row are. Such a series arrangement of two spring parts is in a glove finger in particular of advantage if the outer material 22 of the glove is special tough and thick and therefore is particularly rigid and / or if the design of the Glove 2 with the provision of a single spring part 28 higher spring force and correspondingly greater thickness is not allows so that the transfer from the stretching into the Closed position and in particular keeping the closed position by two in a row if necessary supported correspondingly thinner spring parts becomes. As already mentioned, the arrangement of two Spring parts in a row in a glove finger Arrangement preferred so that the second finger joint 46 of none of the spring parts 28 or 28 'is covered, since at the curvature of the fingers to achieve the closed position this second finger joint 46 the strongest bend - partially up to 90 ° or more - must perform, one such a sharp bend from one over the second finger joint 46 extending spring part 28 or 28 'possibly would be hindered.

As has already been stated, there are that or the spring parts 28 (28 ') mostly in the area of Back of the glove fingers 12 to 18 and also the thumb part 10. One reason for this is that an arrangement of the as Leaf springs formed spring parts 28 in the region of the inside of the fingers would possibly hinder the sensors. A Another advantageous reason, the spring parts 28 in the area the back of the glove fingers is to be arranged so that the Finger joints 44 and 46 and also the adjoining ones Ankle joints thanks to the leaf spring design the spring parts 28 some protection or Experience "armor". This can be particularly advantageous for gloves for motorcycle and ski sports. However, the arrangement of the spring parts in the area of The back of the glove fingers is not mandatory, as is the case has already been carried out. Especially with very thick ones Gloves where the sensors are already limited anyway the spring parts can also be on the inside of the fingers attach. The arrangement can then be preferred be chosen from Fig. 4C, where the lower Spring part 28 'from an area between the first finger joint 46 and second finger joint 44 in the palm part extends into that which is primarily responsible for the sensor technology last phalange with the fingertip thus from the spring part 28 'is not covered. A power support from the last phalanx can then optionally by a the spring part located at the top, as shown in FIG. 4C.

The spring force or hardness of the spring members 28 (28 ') is preferred set so that in particular the closed position the gloved hand in which the spring parts are 28 in the stable end position shown in FIG. 2B are power-assisted, but a transfer or a return movement to the extended position of the hand, in which the spring parts 28 the other shown in Fig. 3B have a stable end position, solely through a corresponding one Stretching the fingers of the hand is possible. At a Arrangement of two spring parts 28 and 28 'one behind the other it can be advantageous here that in the area of Ankle-extending spring parts 28 harder or stiffer to design as the following, different from Finger joint 44 to fingertip 42 or glove tip 40 Extending spring part 28, since the Fingers can exert less force, ever further away from the ankle joint produces the force shall be.

Since the finger muscles only touch the individual fingers can bring the stretching position, but not significantly above it addition, is for the transfer of the spring parts 28 and 28 'from the closed position to the extended position in the Help is usually required. This help can be done simply by consist of that with the thumb of the other hand on the Outside of the spring parts 28 and 28 'is pressed to push them into the stretched position. The fingers can also by a corresponding wiping movement of the closed hand, for example on the handlebar of a motorcycle so far back that the spring parts 28 and 28 'in their straight, straight alignment be pushed. Since the hand is also in the The closed position of the glove is pulled out of the glove and can be reintroduced into it is one Transfer to the stretching position solely for the purpose of It is not necessary to put on and take off the gloves. Only when the glove is used in the stretched position such a transfer is required Spring members 28 and 28 'in the stretched-straight alignment.

The leaf springs or spring parts 28 are preferably on one End, especially at that adjacent to the fingertip 42 End with a rounding 48 to ensure comfort of the glove not to deteriorate and to damage the material to avoid. Furthermore, the spring parts 28 with a protective cover, especially made of elastic Provide plastic or sewn textile material. Such one Protective cover on the one hand prevents that from the spring parts 28 possibly still existing edges or stamping burrs the outer material 22 and / or the lining material 24 and / or any stitching or the like. Damaged or be severed. Furthermore, one such Protective coating a corrosion protection for the metallic Leaf springs or spring parts 28.

The present invention has been described with reference to a glove with the four glove fingers 12 to 18 and thumb portion 10. The present invention is the same can also be used with a so-called mittens, in which the finger part 6 in one piece for receiving Index, middle and ring finger and little finger trained is. In this one-piece finger part 6 can then one, preferably several, parallel to each other arranged bistable spring parts 28 are arranged, wherein essentially the same effects and benefits as can be achieved in the embodiment as a glove. Special forms of gloves, for example so-called Two- or three-finger gloves can of course be used also equip in the sense of the present invention.

The design of the spring parts 28 is not based on the described Embodiment with the two stable end positions captive metallic leaf spring limited. Will for example, only small forces to support in particular the closed position is required, for example at lightweight canvas or plastic gloves for the Surfing or sailing or the like, the bistable Leaf springs also made of a suitable plastic material be made. It might also be conceivable instead of metallic leaf springs with two stable ones End positions a metal strip made of a so-called shape-memory alloy to use which at certain Temperature changes - for example due to a battery-powered one Heating element creates - their shape suddenly changes, for example between a shape according to FIG. 3B and a shape according to FIG. 2B and vice versa.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the individual Spring parts from the respective glove fingers from the outside to be able to remove. You can do this, for example the glove fingers with Velcro or the like closable pockets can be formed, which between Glove outer material and lining material are and Take up the spring parts. This can, for example harder spring parts can be exchanged for softer ones or vice versa, to optimally adapt to each Circumstances or the personal desires of a enable the person using the gloves. Here it is also possible to achieve a particularly strong one Spring force or action two or more spring parts one above the other to layer.

The formation of lockable pockets to accommodate the spring parts is also advantageous in that the spring parts can be removed beforehand and recycled if the or the gloves are thrown away.

Claims (22)

1. A glove, particularly a sports glove for the motorcycling, skiing or surfing sports or the like, which comprises at least one dorsal portion (4), at least one finger portion (6), at least one palm portion (8) and a thumb portion (10), with the at least one finger portion (6) being biasable by at least one spring element (26) toward the closed position of said finger portion (6),
   characterised in that
   said spring element (26) has the form of a bistable spring element (28) which has two stable end portions, said finger portion (6) being kept deflected toward its closed position in the one end position, and said finger portion (6) being held in a comparatively open position such as the extended position in the other end position.
2. The glove according to claim 1, characterised in that said finger portion (6) comprises single glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18), with a bistable spring element (28) being disposed in at least one of said glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18).
3. The glove according to claim 1, characterised in that said finger portion (6) comprises single glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18), with one bistable spring element (28) being disposed in each one of said glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18).
4. The glove according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that said bistable spring element (28) inside said glove finger or glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18), respectively, extends from the tip (40) thereof approximately as far as into the region of the second finger joint (44).
5. The glove according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that said bistable spring element (28) inside said glove finger or glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18), respectively, extends from the tip (40) thereof approximately as far as into the region of the first finger joint (46).
6. The glove according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that said bistable spring element (28) inside said glove finger or glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18), respectively, extends from the tip (40) thereof beyond the two finger joints (44, 46) and the knuckle joint as far as into the region of said dorsal portion (4).
7. The glove according to claim 1, characterised in that said finger portion (6) comprises single glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18), with two bistable spring elements (28, 28') each being disposed in at least one glove finger (12, 14, 16, 18).
8. The glove according to claim 1, characterised in that said finger portion (6) comprises single glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18), with two bistable spring elements (28, 28') each being disposed in every glove finger (12, 14, 16, 18).
9. The glove according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that said two bistable spring elements (28, 28') are disposed consecutively in the longitudinal direction of said glove finger (12, 14, 16, 18).
10. The glove according to claim 9, characterised in that said first spring element (28) extends from the tip (40) of said glove finger (12, 14, 16, 18) approximately as far as into the region intermediate the second (44) and first (46) finger joints, and said second spring element (28') extends from a region approximately in the vicinity of the first finger joint (46) beyond the neighboring knuckle joint into the region of said dorsal portion (4).
11. The glove according to claim 9, characterised in that said first spring element (28) extends from the tip (40) of said glove finger (12, 14, 16, 18) approximately as far as into the region intermediate the first finger joint (46) and the neighboring knuckle joint, and said second spring element (28') extends beyond the knuckle joint into the region of said dorsal portion (4).
12. The glove according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterised in that said bistable spring elements (28) are disposed in the dorsal regions of said glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18).
13. The glove according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterised in that said bistable spring elements (28) are disposed on the insides of said glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18).
14. The glove according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that said bistable spring elements (28) are disposed on the outside and inside, respectively, of each glove finger (12, 14, 16, 18).
15. The glove according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterised in that said bistable spring elements (28) inside said single glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18) have different lengths.
16. The glove according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that said bistable spring elements (28) are embedded between exterior material (22) and lining material (24) of said glove fingers (12, 14, 16, 18).
17. The glove according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that at least one bistable spring element (28) is disposed in said thumb portion (10), too.
18. The glove according to claim 1, characterised in that said finger portion (6) is formed in one part like a mitten, with at least one, preferably several bistable spring elements (28) in parallel arrangement being disposed in said finger portion (6).
19. The glove according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that said bistable spring elements (28) are metal leaf springs which reverse under the influence of an external force between a substantially extended/rectilinear orientation corresponding to the extended position and an arcuately curved orientation corresponding to the closed position.
20. The glove according to claim 19, characterised in that said leaf springs are formed to have a troughlike cross-section comprising a substantially planar bottom surface (34) and laterally raised lateral portions (30, 32) when in the extended/rectilinear orientation, and to have an approximately level cross-section when in the arcuately curved orientation.
21. The glove according to claim 19 or 20, characterised in that the force for the reversing movements of said leaf springs is applied by means of corresponding finger movements of a person wearing the glove (2).
22. The glove according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterised in that said leaf springs are provided with a protective coating, in particular of elastic plastic material.

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