Glove Break-In Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/641,146, which was filed on May 1, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of sports glove break-in devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a specialized mallet designed to break in baseball and softball gloves in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in sports glove break-in devices. Generally, conventional softball mallets have a straight handle fastened to a softball or baseball or they are carved out of wood. These types of mallets are marginal at replicating catching a ball to form a pocket. In addition, the contact with the handle on each strike is painful. Further, the entire process tends to be laborious and time-consuming. Accordingly, the present invention provides the custom break-in without ever having to play one game of catch.

Furthermore, baseball and softball gloves are ordinarily made of leather which is initially rather stiff. During the break-in period for new gloves, each player attempts to develop a pocket in the glove which has a size and shape that meets the individual preference of the player. Often, linseed oil or neatsfoot oil is rubbed into the glove during the break-in period to condition the leather. Many players devote considerable time and effort to breaking the glove in properly. Even then, the pocket may not turn out exactly as desired. Even after the break-in period, the glove pocket may collapse or otherwise become misshapen due to careless handling or storage.

The present invention is directed to a device which can be applied to a ball glove in order to shape the glove and its pocket exactly as desired during the break-in period of the glove. The device is equally useful to maintain the shape of the glove after it has been broken in. Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved device for breaking-in a sports glove that allows a sports glove to be broken-in much quicker than traditional methods.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that provides a specialized mallet designed to break in baseball and softball gloves in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that features a curved handle design that eliminates discomfort and allows for a perfect strike every time. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that allows users to break-in their glove and obtain a custom fit to their hand without damaging the bottom or wrist of the glove. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that makes fielding balls easier and more efficient due to the optimal pocket created. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that offers a handle design that is interchangeable for baseball and softball. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that has ridges on the handle for easier handling and grip.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a sports glove break-in device. The device is a mallet with a curved handle designed to provide a more efficient strike when breaking-in a softball or baseball glove. The sports glove break-in device comprises a body component that is configured in a curved shape to be used as a handle and a ball portion sized to represent a standard baseball or softball, attached at one end of the curvature. The body component would be comprised of a lightweight metal or suitable material and has ridges on the end opposite the ball portion for easier handling and grip. Further, the ball portion can be easily switched between a softball and a baseball sized ball portion. The body component can also comprise a bungee strap which secures around the glove to keep the glove closed around the ball portion. Further, the body component and ball portion can be one solid mold design, where the ball portion is not removable.

In this manner, the sports glove break-in device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides a means for breaking-in a standard baseball or softball glove. The device is a curved handle with a ball attached. The device can be manufactured of a lightweight metal material or other suitable material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a sports glove break-in device. The device is a mallet with a curved handle designed to provide a more efficient strike when breaking-in a softball or baseball glove. The sports glove break-in device comprises a body component that is configured in a curved shape to be used as a handle and a ball portion sized to represent a standard baseball or softball, attached at one end of the curvature. Further, the ball portion can be easily switched between a softball and a baseball sized ball portion, as needed.

In one embodiment, the sports glove break-in device may be used to properly shape a sports glove, such as a baseball glove or a softball glove. The glove may be a fielder's glove and may have a conventional construction. Specifically, a palm area is formed on the front surface of the glove. Extending from the palm area are a thumb and a finger section which includes an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, and a little finger. A flexible webbing is located between the thumb and the index finger. The webbing is laced to the thumb by laces located near the tip of the thumb. The tips of the fingers are connected to one another by laces. Additional laces connect the index finger with the adjacent webbing. Further, any suitable sports glove construction can be utilized with the sports glove break-in device, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the sports glove break-in device comprises a body component configured in a curved shape for ergonomical purposes. Generally, the body component is an elongated, cylindrical-shaped component with a first and a second end. Further, the body component may be generally circular in cross-section and may have a radius of from about ½ inch to 1 and ½ inches. Typically, the first end comprises a curved handle shape for easily grasping and holding the device.

In one embodiment, the first end of the body component comprises ridges or other gripping textures for easier handling and grip when in use. Specifically, the first end can comprise gripping texture areas, coatings, or other suitable non-slip resistant areas, etc., as is known in the art, to provide a non-slip grip for a user.

In one embodiment, the second end would then comprise a ball portion. The ball portion would be sized and shaped to resemble a typical baseball or softball and can be interchanged, as needed. The ball portion is adapted to be pounded into the glove to improve the pocket and break the glove in. If the ball portion is a softball, it is enlarged and generally circular in cross-section and may have a radius of about 2 to 3 inches. If the ball portion is a baseball, it is somewhat smaller than the softball and generally circular in cross-section, and may have a radius of about 1 to 2 inches.

Generally, the baseball and the softball ball portions are manufactured as a typical baseball or softball with a wrapped cord core and a stitched leather outer covering. However, the ball portion, if not formed from typical baseball or softball materials, may be formed of a suitable plastic stiff enough, such that it is difficult for a user to push its wall inward, by the use of one's fingers. Specifically, the ball portion may be formed of a suitable polyurethane. The ball portion also may be formed of other stiff materials, such as wood, metals, etc.

In one embodiment, the device may be formed by casting, molding, or machining from a blank. The ball portion and body component may be separately formed and then assembled into a unitary tool via suitable securing means. Specifically, the ball portion would have a hole or depression that is sized and shaped to accept the second end of the body component. The ball portion would then be inserted onto the second end of the body component and secured via a taper lock, press fit, threaded fit, or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Thus, the user can interchange the baseball or softball ball portion, as needed.

In one embodiment, the body component and the ball portion are one single, solid molded design, such that the body component and the ball portion are an integral piece that are not separated. A user would then have to purchase either a baseball device, a softball device, or both, as the ball portions could not be interchanged.

The body component provides leverage or a moment arm whereby when the user grasps the handle part of the body component, there is a sufficient moment arm whereby when the ball portion is pounded into the pocket of the glove, a substantial amount of momentum is transferred into the pocket. To achieve this moment arm, the overall length of the device is preferable from about 10 to about 18 inches with the body component constituting about 6 to 14 inches.

In one embodiment, the body component comprises a bungee strap which secures around the glove to keep the glove closed around the ball portion, to further break-in the glove. Specifically, the body component comprises a loop component near the second end, and a bungee strap or other suitable elastic strap is threaded through the loop component and secured in a loop via adhesives, sewing, heatsinking, etc. The bungee strap is formed of a flexible elastic material of the type which may be stretched or expanded and when released it will resume its former shape. The strap may have a thickness of less than 1/16th of an inch and a width of about 2 inches. The bungee strap can then be secured around the glove, holding the glove closed around the ball portion, during use.

In one embodiment, the device may be made of any material which is relatively rigid, is non-corrosive to leather and leather substitutes used to make the sports glove, and which is generally inexpensive. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, wood, plastics, and metal. In addition, the device should be made of a material which is not too heavy. Thus, in considering metals, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and steel would be preferred over heavy metals, such as lead. Generally, the device is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the body component comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Further, the device can be made of antibacterial or antimicrobial material or the body component comprises a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.

In one embodiment, the sports glove break-in device can comprise various colors, patterns, designs, and logos to match sports teams or personal preferences, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, conventional glove dressing materials include, but are not limited to, linseed oil, Glovolium™ of Rawlings Inc., etc., which are applied prior to forming the pocket in order to soften and condition the leather of the sports glove.

In use, the body component is grasped by the user, and the ball portion is pounded into the sports glove to create a pocket while breaking the glove in. Specifically, the glove to be treated is placed in one hand, and the device is held by the user with his or her other hand grasping the handle of the body component, and rotating the device with the handle to repeatedly pound the ball portion into the glove pocket, until the pocket is formed into the desired contour.

After the break-in period, the device should be applied to the glove and secured with a bungee strap during times when the glove is not in use and is being stored. This helps to maintain the glove in shape even after the break-in period and prevents the pocket from collapsing or becoming unduly creased as time passes. Consequently, the useful life of the glove is prolonged. In this manner, each glove can be provided with a pocket that has a size and shape “custom-tailored” to the individual preference of each user.

In yet another embodiment, the sports glove break-in device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of breaking-in a softball or baseball glove is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a sports glove break-in device comprising a body component and ball portion. The method also comprises inserting either a softball or baseball sized ball portion on the body component. Further, the method comprises repeatedly positioning or pounding the ball portion of the device within a sports glove to create a pocket. Finally, the method comprises securing the bungee strap around the outside of the sports glove to keep the glove closed around the ball portion.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the sports glove break-in device of the present invention showing the device breaking-in a softball glove in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the sports glove break-in device of the present invention showing the device breaking-in a baseball glove in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the sports glove break-in device of the present invention showing how the softball is removed from the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the sports glove break-in device of the present invention showing how the baseball is removed and the bungee strap applied in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the sports glove break-in device of the present invention showing the interchangeable ball design and the solid molded design in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of breaking-in a softball or baseball glove in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that provides a specialized mallet designed to break in baseball and softball gloves in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that features a curved handle design that eliminates discomfort and allows for a perfect strike every time. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that allows users to break-in their glove and obtain a custom fit to their hand without damaging the bottom or wrist of the glove. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that makes fielding balls easier and more efficient due to the optimal pocket created. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that offers a handle design that is interchangeable for baseball and softball. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a sports glove break-in device that has ridges on the handle for easier handling and grip.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel sports glove break-in device. The device is a mallet with a curved handle designed to provide a more efficient strike when breaking-in a softball or baseball glove. The sports glove break-in device comprises a body component that is configured in a curved shape to be used as a handle and a ball portion sized to represent a standard baseball or softball, attached at one end of the curvature. The body component has ridges on the end opposite the ball portion for easier handling and grip. Further, the ball portion can be easily switched between a softball and a baseball sized ball portion. The body component can also comprise a bungee strap which secures around the glove to keep the glove closed around the ball portion. The present invention also includes a novel method of breaking-in a softball or baseball glove. The method includes the steps of providing a sports glove break-in device comprising a body component and ball portion. The method also comprises inserting either a softball or baseball sized ball portion on the body component. Further, the method comprises repeatedly positioning the ball portion of the device within a sports glove to create a pocket. Finally, the method comprises securing the bungee strap around the outside of the sports glove to keep the glove closed around the ball portion.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the sports glove break-in device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the sports glove break-in device 100 is an improved sports glove break-in device 100 that provides a user 116 with a specialized mallet with a curved handle designed to break-in baseball and softball gloves 114 quickly, by providing a more efficient strike. Specifically, the sports glove break-in device 100 comprises a body component 102 with a ball portion 104 secured to one end 108. The ball portion 104 is sized to represent a standard baseball 110 or softball 112. Further, the ball portion 104 can be easily interchanged between a softball 112 and a baseball 110 sized ball portion 104, as needed.

Generally, the sports glove break-in device 100 may be used to properly shape a sports glove 114, such as a baseball glove or a softball glove. The glove 114 may be a fielder's glove and may have a conventional construction. Specifically, a palm area 200 is formed on the front surface 202 of the glove 114. Extending from the palm area 200 are a thumb 204 and a finger 206 section which includes an index finger 208, a middle finger 210, a ring finger 212, and a little finger 214. A flexible webbing 216 is located between the thumb 204 and the index finger 208. The webbing 216 is laced to the thumb 204 by laces 218 located near the tip of the thumb 204. The tips of the fingers 208-214 are connected to one another by laces 218. Additional laces 218 connect the index finger 208 with the adjacent webbing 216. Further, any suitable sports glove 114 construction can be utilized with the sports glove break-in device 100, as is known in the art.

Furthermore, the sports glove break-in device 100 comprises a body component 102 configured in a curved shape for ergonomic purposes. Generally, the body component 102 is an elongated, cylindrical-shaped component with a first 106 and a second 108 end. Further, the body component 102 may be generally circular in cross-section and may have a radius of from about ½ inch to 1 and ½ inches. Typically, the first end 106 comprises a curved handle shape for easily grasping and holding the device 100.

In one embodiment, the first end 106 of the body component 102 comprises ridges 220 or other gripping textures for easier handling and grip when in use. Specifically, the first end 106 can comprise gripping texture areas, coatings, or other suitable non-slip resistant areas, etc., as is known in the art, to provide a non-slip grip for a user 116.

Additionally, the second end 108 would then comprise a ball portion 104. The ball portion 104 would be sized and shaped to resemble a typical baseball 110 or softball 112 and can be interchanged, as needed. The ball portion 104 is adapted to be pounded into the glove 114 to improve the pocket and break the glove 114 in. If the ball portion 104 is a softball 112, it is enlarged and generally circular in cross-section and may have a radius of from about 2 to 3 inches. If the ball portion 104 is a baseball 110, it is somewhat smaller than the softball 112 and generally circular in cross-section, and may have a radius of about 1 to 2 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-B, generally, the baseball 110 and the softball 112 ball portions 104 are manufactured as a typical baseball 110 or softball 112 with a wrapped cord core and a stitched leather outer covering. However, the ball portion 104, if not formed from typical baseball 110 or softball 112 materials, may be formed of a suitable plastic stiff enough, such that it is difficult for a user 116 to push its wall inward, by the use of one's fingers. Specifically, the ball portion 104 may be formed of a suitable polyurethane. The ball portion 104 also may be formed of other stiff materials, such as wood, metals, etc.

Further, the device 100 may be formed by casting, molding, or machining from a blank. The ball portion 104 and body component 102 may be separately formed and then assembled into a unitary tool via suitable securing means. Specifically, the ball portion 104 would have a hole or depression 300 that is sized and shaped to accept the second end 108 of the body component 102. The ball portion 104 would then be inserted onto the second end 108 of the body component 102 and secured via a taper lock, press fit, threaded fit, or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Thus, the user 116 can interchange the baseball 110 or softball 112 ball portion 104, as needed.

Generally, the body component 102 provides leverage or a moment arm whereby when the user 116 grasps the handle part of the body component 102, there is a sufficient moment arm whereby when the ball portion 104 is pounded into the pocket of the glove 114, a substantial amount of momentum is transferred into the pocket. To achieve this moment arm, the overall length of the device 100 is preferable from about 10 to about 18 inches with the body component 102 constituting about 6 to 14 inches.

Furthermore, the body component 102 comprises a bungee strap 302 which secures around the glove 114 to keep the glove 114 closed around the ball portion 104, to further break-in the glove 114. Specifically, the body component 102 comprises a loop component 304 near the second end 108, and a bungee strap 302 or other suitable elastic strap is threaded through the loop component 304 and secured in a loop via adhesives, sewing, heatsinking, etc. The bungee strap 302 is formed of a flexible elastic material of the type which may be stretched or expanded and when released it will resume its former shape. The strap 302 may have a thickness of less than 1/16th of an inch and a width of about 2 inches. The bungee strap 302 can then be secured around the glove 114, holding the glove 114 closed around the ball portion 104, during use.

Additionally, the device 100 may be made of any material which is relatively rigid, is non-corrosive to leather and leather substitutes used to make the sports glove 114, and which is generally inexpensive. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, wood, plastics, and metal. In addition, the device 100 should be made of a material which is not too heavy. Thus, in considering metals, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and steel would be preferred over heavy metals, such as lead. Generally, the device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the body component 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Further, the device 100 can be made of antibacterial or antimicrobial material or the body component 102 comprises a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.

In one embodiment, the sports glove break-in device 100 can comprise various colors, patterns, designs, and logos to match sports teams or personal preferences, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, conventional glove dressing materials 306 include, but are not limited to, linseed oil, Glovolium™ of Rawlings Inc., etc., which are applied prior to forming the pocket in order to soften and condition the leather of the sports glove 114.

In use, the body component 102 is grasped by the user 116, and the ball portion 104 is pounded into the sports glove 114 to create a pocket while breaking the glove 114 in. Specifically, the glove 114 to be treated is placed in one hand, and the device 100 is held by the user 116 with his or her other hand grasping the handle of the body component 102, and rotating the device 100 with the handle to repeatedly pound the ball portion 104 into the glove 114 pocket, until the pocket is formed into the desired contour.

After the break-in period, the device 100 should be applied to the glove 114 and secured with a bungee strap 302 during times when the glove 114 is not in use and is being stored. This helps to maintain the glove 114 in shape even after the break-in period and prevents the pocket from collapsing or becoming unduly creased as time passes. Consequently, the useful life of the glove 114 is prolonged. In this manner, each glove 114 can be provided with a pocket that has a size and shape “custom-tailored” to the individual preference of each user 116.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-B, the body component 102 and the ball portion 104 are one single, solid molded design, such that the body component 102 and the ball portion 104 are an integral piece that are not separated. A user 116 would then have to purchase either a baseball 110 device or a softball 112 device, or both, as the ball portions 104 could not be interchanged.

In yet another embodiment, the sports glove break-in device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be baseball, softball, or brand related.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of breaking-in a softball or baseball glove. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a sports glove break-in device comprising a body component and ball portion. The method also comprises at 602, inserting either a softball or baseball sized ball portion on the body component. Further, the method comprises at 604, repeatedly positioning or pounding the ball portion of the device within a sports glove to create a pocket. Finally, the method comprises at 606, securing the bungee strap around the outside of the sports glove to keep the glove closed around the ball portion.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “sports glove break-in device”, “sports glove device”, “break-in device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the sports glove break-in device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the sports glove break-in device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the sports glove break-in device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the sports glove break-in device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the sports glove break-in device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the sports glove break-in device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.